countyscore
30.3
County Score
Schools 57.6Lawn Care 50.4Soil Quality 39.6

County Report Card

About Navarro County, Texas

Navarro County trails national benchmarks

A composite score of 30.3 places Navarro County significantly below the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the lower third of counties nationwide for overall quality of life.

Significant gap from the state average

The county's score of 30.3 is well behind the Texas state average of 41.9. It struggles with a combination of low health access and higher-than-average safety risks.

Competitive schools and local income

Public education is the county's strongest suit with a school score of 57.6. The income score of 36.8 is also a relative strength compared to its other lower-performing dimensions.

Healthcare and safety concerns

The county faces dual challenges with a health score of 19.8 and a safety score of 23.7. These metrics suggest residents have less access to medical care and face higher crime rates than neighbors.

Suited for those prioritizing schools

Navarro County is a viable option for families focused on local education who are comfortable with $1,039 average rents. It appeals most to those who don't mind traveling for higher-tier healthcare services.

2040608010019.832.223.719.857.636.824.825.130.9Tax19.8Cost32.2Safety23.7Health19.8Schools57.6Income36.8Risk24.8Water25.1Weather30.930.3/100
This county
National avg
8 below average

Navarro County DNA

Foverall

How Navarro County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Navarro County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (25.1/100), though Schools (57.6/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
19.8-32.2
Cost
32.2-15.799999999999997
Safety
23.7-31.3
Health
19.8-30.2
Schools
57.6
Income
36.8-14.200000000000003
Risk
24.8-22.2
Water
25.1-32.9
Weather
30.9-25.1
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Think property taxes are too high in Navarro County?

Many homeowners in Navarro 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

$159,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,039/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$159,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,310/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.6

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Henderson County
Texas
38.8
Freestone County
Texas
39.4
Ellis County
Texas
30.8
Limestone County
Texas
32.7
Kaufman County
Texas
29.4
Hill County
Texas
38.4
Anderson County
Texas
41
Van Zandt County
Texas
41.4

Deep Dives

Navarro County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Navarro County

via TaxByCounty

Navarro's rate exceeds the national norm

At 1.325%, Navarro County's effective tax rate is 4% above the national median of 1.276%, placing it in the upper half nationally. Homeowners here shoulder a slightly heavier property tax burden than average Americans.

Above average for Texas

Navarro County's 1.325% rate exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276% by 0.049 percentage points. Among Texas counties, Navarro is a moderate-to-high tax jurisdiction.

Navarro ranks mid-range regionally

At 1.325%, Navarro sits between its regional peers: higher than Motley (1.097%), Morris (1.178%), and Nacogdoches (0.925%), but lower than Moore (1.526%) and Nolan (1.511%). It represents a middle-ground tax burden for the region.

Expect about $2,119 yearly in property taxes

With a median home value of $159,900, Navarro County homeowners pay approximately $2,119 in annual property taxes. This is $571 less than the national median, despite a slightly above-average tax rate.

Assessment challenges could lower your bill

Navarro County homeowners whose assessed values exceed fair market value may appeal to reduce their tax liability. Many successful appeals have saved residents hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Navarro County

via CostByCounty

Navarro renters face affordability headwinds

Navarro County renters spend 21.0% of income on housing, exceeding the Texas average of 18.1% and signaling affordability challenges. The $59,310 median household income falls below the national average, squeezing housing affordability for working families.

Above-average cost burden in Texas

Navarro County's 21.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks above the state average, placing it among Texas counties where housing costs create real financial pressure. The median home value of $159,900 remains modest but less accessible given lower household incomes.

Navarro's higher rents strain budgets

Navarro County's $1,039 median rent is the region's highest, exceeding Morris County ($824) and nearly matching Montgomery County ($1,471), yet its $59,310 median income is substantially lower than most peers. This mismatch creates the second-highest rent burden in the region.

Navarro's housing cost squeeze

Renters dedicate $1,039 monthly while homeowners pay $911 against a $59,310 median household income, consuming one-fifth or more of budgets. This tight allocation limits financial flexibility for emergency savings and other essential expenses.

Navarro demands strong job prospects

Navarro County's 21.0% rent-to-income ratio signals affordability constraints; consider relocation here only with documented employment offers above the county median. If your current housing burden exceeds 20%, Navarro likely won't improve your situation without significant income growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Navarro County

via IncomeByCounty

Navarro Trails National Earning Standards

Navarro County's median household income of $59,310 falls about $15,400 below the national median of $74,755—a 21% shortfall. This gap reflects the economic pressures facing rural and small-town Texas communities.

Below Texas State Average

At $59,310, Navarro County's median household income underperforms the Texas state average of $64,737 by roughly $5,400. Per capita income of $27,846 also trails the state average of $33,197, indicating limited individual earning opportunities.

Navarro Mid-Range Among Peers

Navarro County earns more than Morris ($55,082), Nacogdoches ($51,528), and Newton ($41,044) counties, but less than Montague ($62,818) and Motley ($62,857). The county's income position reflects a typical small-town Texas economy.

Housing Costs Create Budget Pressure

Navarro County's 21.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in its peer group, with median home values of $159,900 stretching household budgets. Housing costs consume one-fifth of income, leaving limited discretionary funds for other needs.

Build Wealth Through Careful Planning

Navarro households need intentional financial strategies to save and invest within tight budgets. Explore employer retirement plans, low-cost investment options, and local economic development initiatives that could improve earning potential over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Navarro County

via CrimeByCounty

Navarro County Holds National Safety Standard

Navarro County holds a safety score of 97.0, reflecting a secure community by national standards. Its total crime rate of 1,924.9 per 100,000 is safely below the national average of 2,385.5.

Alignment with Texas Safety Benchmarks

Navarro aligns closely with the Texas safety landscape, with a score of 97.0 compared to the state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate also stays below the state average of 2,052.5.

Navarro Compared to Montgomery County

Navarro's crime rate of 1,924.9 is slightly higher than Montgomery County's rate of 1,624.3. It remains a safer alternative to many neighboring counties closer to the Dallas metroplex.

Monitoring Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime stands at 424.0 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the rest of the total at 1,500.9 per 100,000.

Visible Deterrents for Navarro Homes

Because property crime is the most frequent issue, homeowners should focus on visible deterrents. Security cameras and well-lit entryways can significantly reduce the risk of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Navarro County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Wide Range of Educational Options

Navarro County hosts 24 public schools serving a total of 10,547 students across seven distinct districts. The infrastructure includes 11 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 6 high schools. This distributed network ensures that both town and rural residents have local access to public education.

Outperforming State Graduation Benchmarks

With a graduation rate of 94.8%, Navarro County significantly exceeds the state average of 91.6% and the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,698, which is slightly lower than the state average, yet the county maintains a school score of 55.4. This high success rate points to a strong culture of academic completion.

Corsicana ISD at the Center

Corsicana ISD is the primary district, operating eight schools and educating 6,096 students. Blooming Grove ISD and Dawson ISD also play key roles, serving nearly 1,500 students in the county's more rural areas. One charter school is available, making up roughly 4% of the local educational options.

From Rural Campuses to Town Centers

The average school in Navarro County enrolls 459 students, with a mix of 14 rural and 10 town locales. Corsicana High School is the largest with 1,805 students, providing a large-scale secondary education experience. In contrast, schools like Kerens offer a PK-12 environment for 570 students, blending levels on a single campus.

Choose Excellence Near Corsicana

The high graduation rates in Navarro County make it a compelling choice for families researching their next move. Whether you prefer the scale of Corsicana ISD or the quiet of a rural district, the academic data is encouraging. Look for homes in these districts to secure a strong educational future for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Navarro County

via RiskByCounty

Navarro: Above-Average National Risk

Navarro County scores 75.25 on the national composite risk scale, ranking as "Relatively Low" but exceeding Texas's state average of 49.00 by over 50 percent. This north-central Texas county faces above-average exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and wildfires.

Upper-Range Risk Among Texas Counties

Navarro ranks in the upper-middle tier of Texas's 254 counties for natural disaster risk, positioned in an active tornado corridor between Dallas and central Texas. The county's risk profile places it among the state's more hazardous areas outside coastal and metropolitan zones.

Notably Riskier Than Regional Peers

Navarro's score of 75.25 exceeds most neighboring north-central Texas counties, reflecting its position in a particularly active tornado belt. The county faces higher multi-hazard exposure than adjacent rural counties, driven by its tornado corridor location.

Tornado and Wildfire Lead Threat List

Navarro County faces exceptional tornado risk at 94.05 and significant wildfire risk at 82.28, creating a dangerous spring and summer threat profile. Flood risk reaches 68.29, while hurricane risk (61.45) and earthquake risk (47.33) present secondary concerns.

Storm and Fire Coverage Paramount

Navarro residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with windstorm coverage and consider separate wildfire protection for properties in rural or forested areas. Create a household emergency plan with a tornado shelter or safe room, clear defensible space around your home, and maintain flood insurance if in a high-risk zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Navarro County

via WaterByCounty

Frequent Violations Lead to Failing Grade

Navarro County has received an F grade for water quality, driven by 61 health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 89.4 per 100,000 residents is lower than the Texas average of 581.9 but reflects widespread issues in local system management. The frequency of violations indicates that infrastructure improvements may be necessary to meet safety standards.

Watershed Health Assessment Data Currently N/A

Federal assessments under §303(d) of the Clean Water Act have not yet covered Navarro County's water bodies. No data on impaired percentages or top pollutant causes exists in the EPA ATTAINS system for the current reporting cycle. The environmental health of local basins has not been officially graded by federal agencies.

Substantial Monitoring Network Covers Local Water

Navarro County features 16 monitoring sites that have recorded 6,983 measurements over the past five years. Monitoring priorities include physical characteristics, inorganics, and nutrients to track the chemical health of the water. This dataset provides a solid foundation for understanding inorganic and non-metal trends across the county.

Chambers Creek Flows Near Record Lows

The current discharge at Chambers Creek near Rice is only 11 cfs, which is a staggering 3% of its long-term mean. Compared to the 453 cfs historical mean, the creek is experiencing extreme drought conditions over its 807 square mile drainage area. This minimal flow represents a critical lack of surface water movement in the region.

High Risk During Severe Low-Flow Conditions

The combination of a failing water grade and Chambers Creek flowing at 3% of its mean creates a high-risk environment for water quality. Residents should be vigilant, as low water volumes often lead to higher concentrations of pollutants and nutrients. Using a certified water filter is highly recommended for anyone in Navarro County until flow levels and compliance improve.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Navarro County

via WeatherByCounty

Hotter than the National Norm

Navarro County averages 66.2°F annually, making it significantly warmer than the average U.S. county. Its climate is characterized by long, hot summers and relatively short, mild winters.

Slightly Warmer than Texas Average

The county's 66.2°F average temperature is just above the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It experiences more intense heat than the state's northern panhandle but avoids the extreme tropical heat of the south.

Plenty of Rainfall for North Texas

Navarro receives 41.1 inches of rain annually, which is nearly 10 inches more than the Texas average. This makes it much lusher than the arid counties to the west.

A Century of Extreme Heat Days

Residents endure 105 days of extreme heat per year, with July temperatures averaging a sweltering 84.3°F. Winters are manageable, featuring a January average of 46.7°F and only 0.2 inches of snow.

Summer Cooling is Top Priority

The 105 days above 90°F demand efficient air conditioning and well-insulated homes. Given the 41.1 inches of rain, residents should also plan for heavy spring storms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Navarro County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Vertisols of the Blackland Prairie

Navarro's soils are primarily Vertisols, known for their high clay content and shrinking-swelling nature. The pH of 7.01 is near neutral and sits very close to the state average of 7.09.

Heavy clay defines the land

With 29.8% clay and 43.2% sand, the soil is physically heavy and holds its shape. This texture provides excellent support for plant roots but can be difficult to work when too wet or dry.

Superior organic matter and water storage

At 1.74%, organic matter exceeds the Texas state average of 1.66%. The soil's water capacity of 0.143 in/in also beats the state benchmark, making it very productive for farming.

Slow drainage requires careful planning

The soil is moderately well-drained but falls into hydrologic group D. Water moves slowly through the clay layers, which can lead to standing water after intense rainfall.

Cotton and corn excel in 8b

Zone 8b combined with fertile Vertisols makes this a powerhouse for cotton, corn, and sunflowers. Get your garden started and take advantage of this naturally rich soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Navarro County

via LawnByCounty

Navarro Leads the Way in Texas

Navarro County earns an impressive 50.4 difficulty score, making it one of the easiest places in Texas to maintain a lawn. It actually beats the national median, offering an ideal environment for Zone 8b turf.

Perfect Precipitation for Green Lawns

The county receives 41.1 inches of rain annually, landing right in the middle of the ideal 30-50 inch range. While there are 105 extreme heat days, the consistent rainfall helps the grass recover quickly from high temperatures.

Ideal Neutral Clay Soils

The soil pH is a near-perfect 7.01, and the texture is classified as clay. While it is moderately well-drained, the 29.8% clay content helps hold moisture during the hot Texas summer.

Resilient Against Prolonged Drought

Only 35.3% of the county is currently in severe drought, a much better status than its neighbors. With only 11 weeks of drought over the past year, Navarro lawns have had a relatively easy time staying healthy.

Thriving in the Blackland Prairie

Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in these neutral clay soils and warm 8b climate. Start your lawn projects after the last frost on March 13 to take full advantage of the long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Navarro County's county score?
Navarro County, Texas has a composite county score of 30.3 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 Navarro County rank among counties in Texas?
Navarro County ranks #214 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 Navarro County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Navarro County is $2,119, with an effective tax rate of 1.33%. This earns Navarro County a tax score of 19.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Navarro County?
The median household income in Navarro County, Texas is $59,310 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Navarro County earns an income score of 36.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Navarro County, Texas a good place to live?
Navarro County scores 30.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #214 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Navarro 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 Navarro 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.