countyscore
38.9
County Score
Cost of Living 53.5Water Quality 52.5Schools 51.6

County Report Card

About Nacogdoches County, Texas

Lagging behind the national median

Nacogdoches County scores 38.8, falling short of the national median score of 50.0. It faces uphill battles in economic development and infrastructure.

Trailing the Texas state average

The county's score of 38.8 is below the Texas average of 41.9. While it offers East Texas charm, it struggles to match the livability metrics of higher-growth Texas regions.

Low taxes and affordable living

A low effective tax rate of 0.925% gives the county a strong tax score of 43.4. Housing also remains accessible, reflected in a cost score of 53.5 and median rents of $923.

Economic and environmental risk hurdles

The income score of 17.7 highlights a median household income of just $51,528. Furthermore, a low risk score of 19.3 suggests vulnerability to natural disasters common in the region.

Best for students and low-tax seekers

Nacogdoches suits those who prioritize low property taxes and manageable housing costs over high-wage corporate jobs. It is a stable home for those who prefer small-town living with university amenities.

2040608010043.453.531.92251.617.719.352.533.3Tax43.4Cost53.5Safety31.9Health22Schools51.6Income17.7Risk19.3Water52.5Weather33.338.9/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Nacogdoches County DNA

Foverall

How Nacogdoches County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Nacogdoches County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Income (17.7/100), though Cost of Living (53.5/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
43.4-8.600000000000001
Cost
53.5
Safety
31.9-23.1
Health
22-28
Schools
51.6
Income
17.7-33.3
Risk
19.3-27.7
Water
52.5
Weather
33.3-22.700000000000003
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Many homeowners in Nacogdoches County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$158,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$923/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$158,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,528/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

37.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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Texas
27.6
San Augustine County
Texas
49.1
Shelby County
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40.1
Cherokee County
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Sabine County
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Deep Dives

Nacogdoches County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Nacogdoches County

via TaxByCounty

Nacogdoches offers the nation's lowest rates

At 0.925%, Nacogdoches County's effective tax rate is 27% below the national median of 1.276%, ranking in the very bottom tier nationally. This East Texas county provides exceptional property tax relief for homeowners.

Texas's most tax-friendly county

Nacogdoches County's 0.925% rate is 0.351 percentage points below Texas's 1.276% state average, making it one of the lowest-taxing counties in the state. Few Texas jurisdictions match Nacogdoches's favorable rate.

Nacogdoches leads regional property taxes

At 0.925%, Nacogdoches beats all regional neighbors: Morris (1.178%), Motley (1.097%), Moore (1.526%), and Nolan (1.511%). Only a handful of Texas counties offer lower effective rates.

Higher home values, moderate annual taxes

Though median home values reach $158,200—above several regional peers—Nacogdoches residents pay just $1,464 annually in taxes. The combination of low rates and reasonable home prices creates genuine affordability.

Double-check your assessment accuracy

Even with favorable tax rates, homeowners should ensure their assessed value reflects current market conditions. Disputing an overassessment in Nacogdoches could yield additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nacogdoches County

via CostByCounty

Nacogdoches struggles with affordability stress

Nacogdoches County renters spend 21.5% of income on housing, significantly exceeding both the Texas average (18.1%) and indicating affordability strain. The median household income of $51,528 is notably below the national average, creating genuine housing cost pressure for renters.

Above-average housing cost burden statewide

Nacogdoches County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks above the Texas state average, placing it among the state's less affordable counties. Despite modest home values of $158,200, renters here face disproportionate cost burdens relative to available incomes.

Nacogdoches faces affordability challenges

Nacogdoches County's $923 median rent falls between neighboring Navarro County ($1,039) and Morris County ($824), but its lower $51,528 median income results in the region's highest rent-to-income ratio at 21.5%. This disparity signals housing cost strain relative to economic capacity.

Nacogdoches budget constraint reality

Renters allocate $923 monthly while homeowners pay $699 against a $51,528 median household income. At 21.5% of income devoted to rent, Nacogdoches households face genuine affordability pressure, limiting savings and discretionary spending.

Nacogdoches requires income growth strategy

Nacogdoches County presents affordability challenges that demand careful financial planning; the 21.5% rent-to-income ratio suggests limited margin for error. Consider this location only if you have clear employment prospects exceeding the county's $51,528 median income, or if moving from an even more expensive market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nacogdoches County

via IncomeByCounty

Nacogdoches Significantly Below National Income

Nacogdoches County's median household income of $51,528 falls roughly $23,200 short of the national median of $74,755—a 31% gap. This substantial shortfall reflects structural economic challenges in this East Texas rural county.

Among Texas's Lowest-Income Counties

At $51,528, Nacogdoches County's median household income ranks among the lowest in Texas, trailing the state average of $64,737 by over $13,000. Per capita income of $28,856 also underperforms the state average of $33,197 by 13%.

Nacogdoches Struggles Against Peers

Only Newton County ($41,044) earns less among comparable rural Texas counties; Nacogdoches trails Morris ($55,082), Navarro ($59,310), and Montague ($62,818). The county's income challenges reflect limited job diversity and lower wage employment.

Housing Costs Stretch Limited Incomes

Nacogdoches County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among its peer group, indicating housing costs consume a significant portion of household budgets. With median home values of $158,200 against median incomes of just $51,528, housing affordability requires careful financial planning.

Strategic Saving in Challenging Times

Nacogdoches households face tighter budgets due to higher housing costs relative to income. Prioritize financial literacy, explore grant and assistance programs, and seek employer benefits like retirement matching to build wealth despite economic constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nacogdoches County

via CrimeByCounty

Secure Living in Nacogdoches County

Nacogdoches County earns a 97.5 safety score, placing it well above the national safety baseline. The total crime rate of 1,607.3 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Beating State Averages in East Texas

The county outperforms the Texas state average safety score of 96.8. Local law enforcement maintains a total crime rate that is over 400 points better than the state average of 2,052.5.

Nacogdoches Safer than Neighboring Navarro

Nacogdoches is safer than its neighbor Navarro County, which reports a total crime rate of 1,924.9. It provides a secure environment compared to many other East Texas jurisdictions.

Violent Crime Remains Exceptionally Low

Violent crime is exceptionally low at 186.8 per 100,000, which is about half the national average. Property crime at 1,420.5 represents the majority of local offenses.

Simple Steps for Home Security

Lower violent crime rates make this a welcoming area, but property protection is still key. Simple habits like locking all entry points can deter the most common local offenses.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Nacogdoches County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Deep Network of East Texas Schools

Nacogdoches County operates 26 public schools, including 11 elementary, 4 middle, and 7 high schools. These campuses serve 10,604 students across nine different school districts. This variety of districts provides families with multiple options for their children's education.

Strong Graduation Rates in the Piney Woods

The county maintains a graduation rate of 92.2%, surpassing both the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 91.6%. While per-pupil spending of $6,781 is lower than the state benchmark, the school score of 54.2 reflects steady performance. These metrics indicate that the local districts prioritize student success and completion.

Nacogdoches ISD Leads a Diverse Field

Nacogdoches ISD is the county's largest district, managing nine schools and 5,943 students. Central Heights ISD and Garrison ISD also serve significant populations, with over 1,800 students between them. One charter school adds a specialized option, representing nearly 4% of the county's total school count.

Rural Roots with a Large Town Hub

The county features 16 rural schools and 10 town schools, with an average enrollment of 408 students. Nacogdoches High School is the largest campus, serving 1,772 students in a traditional town setting. The smaller rural schools provide a contrast, offering more intimate learning environments for the surrounding communities.

Settling Down Near Historic Schools

Families moving to Nacogdoches County can choose between large town districts and small, rural school environments. With graduation rates beating state averages, the area is a reliable choice for education-minded homebuyers. Explore the different districts to find the specific community that fits your lifestyle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nacogdoches County

via RiskByCounty

Nacogdoches: Elevated National Risk Level

Nacogdoches County scores 80.73 on the national composite risk scale, ranking as "Relatively Low" but exceeding Texas's state average of 49.00 by a significant margin. This East Texas county faces above-average disaster exposure, particularly from flood, tornado, and hurricane hazards.

High-Risk East Texas County

Nacogdoches ranks in the upper-middle tier of Texas counties for natural disaster risk, driven by its position in an active tornado corridor and exposure to tropical weather systems. The county's composite score places it among the state's more hazardous communities outside of coastal zones.

Riskier Than Most East Texas Peers

Nacogdoches's score of 80.73 exceeds surrounding rural East Texas counties like Morris (34.54) and Newton (27.16), reflecting its greater exposure to tornado and hurricane pathways. The county's risk profile more closely resembles central Texas communities than its immediate geographic neighbors.

Tornado and Hurricane Threats Dominate

Nacogdoches faces exceptional tornado risk at 94.94 and hurricane risk at 83.40, making severe convective and tropical storms the county's primary threats. Flood risk reaches 75.57, while wildfire (78.82) and earthquake (48.98) risks remain secondary concerns.

Multi-Hazard Protection Essential

Nacogdoches residents should carry comprehensive homeowners insurance with windstorm coverage and consider a separate flood policy given the county's flood exposure. Develop a tornado safety plan with a designated shelter, maintain landscaping to reduce wildfire risk, and keep emergency supplies stocked year-round.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Nacogdoches County

via WaterByCounty

Consistent Compliance with Moderate Violation Rate

Nacogdoches County earned a C grade for drinking water quality, with 11 health violations recorded over a five-year lookback. Its violation rate of 13.0 per 100,000 residents is significantly better than the Texas state average of 581.9. Most local water systems are meeting the health standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Watershed Impairment Data Not Yet Available

The water bodies within Nacogdoches County have not yet been included in the federal §303(d) assessment cycle. Consequently, there is no official data on the percentage of impaired water bodies or primary contaminant causes in the EPA ATTAINS database. Local environmental health for these streams remains unclassified by federal standards.

Active Monitoring Tracks Core Quality Groups

The county maintains 18 monitoring sites that have logged 4,981 measurements over the past five years. These efforts focus on physical attributes, inorganics, nutrients, and major non-metals across the 1,617 square mile drainage area. This consistent data stream allows for better tracking of local nutrient loading and water chemistry.

Angelina River Flows Far Below Normal

The Angelina River near Lufkin is currently flowing at 241 cfs, a mere 17% of its typical long-term mean. This discharge is far lower than the historical mean of 1,414 cfs, indicating significant drought stress on the watershed. Such low volumes can negatively impact the habitat and quality of the surface water source.

Monitor Surface Water Sources During Low Flow

The extreme low flow in the Angelina River suggests that residents should be cautious about potential increases in contaminant concentration. While the C grade is respectable, the reduction in river volume to 17% of normal can stress treatment systems. Consider routine water testing if your supply comes from surface water during these dry periods.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nacogdoches County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep East Texas Heat and Humidity

Nacogdoches County averages 65.8°F annually, placing it among the warmer regions in the United States. This climate is defined by high moisture levels and temperatures that regularly exceed the national median.

Right at the Texas Temperature Mean

The county's average temperature of 65.8°F almost perfectly matches the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It serves as a thermal benchmark for the state's typical weather patterns.

Abundant Rain in the Pineywoods

With 54.3 inches of annual precipitation, this county is much wetter than the state average of 31.9 inches. It receives more than double the rainfall of its western neighbors in the Rolling Plains.

Persistent Humidity and Rare Snow

Summer dominates with 98 days over 90°F and a July average of 83.2°F. Snow is nearly non-existent, averaging just 0.1 inches per year, while winters stay mild at 48.9°F.

Managing the East Texas Moisture

With 54.3 inches of rain, residents should prioritize high-capacity gutters and dehumidification systems. Cooling is critical to surviving the 98 days of extreme heat each year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nacogdoches County

via SoilByCounty

Distinctly acidic East Texas soil

Nacogdoches features a very acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.36. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.09.

Sandy profiles dominate the area

The soil is composed of 57.1% sand and 14.3% clay. This high sand content typically allows for easy root penetration but may lead to rapid nutrient leaching.

Low organic matter requires amendments

Fertility levels are low, with organic matter at 1.10% and water capacity at 0.115 in/in. Both figures sit below the Texas state averages, suggesting a need for compost and mulch.

Slow infiltration despite sandy texture

The soil belongs to hydrologic group D, which indicates a very slow infiltration rate. This often results in high runoff during heavy rains, requiring careful management of slopes and garden beds.

Blueberries love the acid in 8b

Zone 8b is perfect for acid-loving crops like blueberries, camellias, and pine trees. Boost your soil's organic content and enjoy one of the longest growing seasons in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nacogdoches County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the High-Humidity Challenge

Nacogdoches County scores 27.3 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it harder than the state average. This Zone 8b county requires a specialized approach to handle high rainfall and sandy, acidic conditions.

Abundant Water and High Disease Risk

The area receives a massive 54.3 inches of rain annually, which exceeds the ideal range for many grasses. This high moisture, paired with 98 days of extreme heat, creates the perfect environment for fungal diseases.

Correcting Acidic, Sandy Soils

With a pH of 5.36 and 57.1% sand, the soil is much more acidic than the 6.0-7.0 range that lawns prefer. Adding lime is usually necessary to ensure your grass can properly absorb nutrients from the soil.

Severe Drought Despite High Rainfall

Even with 54.3 inches of rain annually, 91.2% of the county is currently in severe drought. After 21 weeks of drought in the past year, homeowners should prioritize rain barrels and smart irrigation to manage water.

Top Grass Choices for East Texas

Centipede and St. Augustine grasses thrive in the acidic, sandy conditions of Zone 8b. The growing season kicks off in earnest after the final frost date of March 13.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nacogdoches County's county score?
Nacogdoches County, Texas has a composite county score of 38.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Nacogdoches County rank among counties in Texas?
Nacogdoches County ranks #151 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Nacogdoches County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Nacogdoches County is $1,464, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Nacogdoches County a tax score of 43.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nacogdoches County?
The median household income in Nacogdoches County, Texas is $51,528 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nacogdoches County earns an income score of 17.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nacogdoches County, Texas a good place to live?
Nacogdoches County scores 38.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #151 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Nacogdoches County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Nacogdoches County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.