countyscore
47.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 72.9Cost of Living 69.7Schools 64.5

County Report Card

About Newton County, Texas

Nearly meeting the national median

Newton County achieves a composite score of 47.7, just shy of the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high degree of safety and affordability despite economic challenges.

Exceeding the Texas state average

With a 47.7 score, Newton County outperforms the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks as a more livable option than many of its East Texas neighbors.

Great safety and low cost of living

The county excels with a risk score of 72.9 and a safety score of 61.3. A median home value of $83,100 drives a strong cost score of 69.7, making it highly affordable.

Severe income and health disparities

The income score is a critical low at 3.3, with median household incomes of only $41,044. Healthcare is also extremely limited, resulting in a health score of 8.4.

A sanctuary for budget-conscious safety

Newton County is ideal for retirees or people with fixed incomes who value peace and very low housing costs. It suits those who are comfortable living in an area with minimal local commercial development.

Score breakdown

Tax35.9Cost69.7Safety61.3Health8.4Schools64.5Income3.3Risk72.9Water37.8Weather33.6
🏛35.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼3.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤8.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡72.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧37.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Beauregard Parish
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57.1
Jasper County
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40.5
Vernon Parish
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Orange County
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Deep Dives

Newton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Newton County

via TaxByCounty

Newton offers below-average national rates

At 1.030%, Newton County's effective tax rate is 19% below the national median of 1.276%, placing it in the lower fourth nationally. This Southeast Texas county provides meaningful relief from typical U.S. property tax burdens.

Below Texas's state average

Newton County's 1.030% rate is 0.246 percentage points below Texas's 1.276% state average. Among Texas counties, Newton ranks among the lower-tax jurisdictions.

Newton among the region's most affordable

At 1.030%, Newton ranks below most peers: Morris (1.178%), Moore (1.526%), and Nolan (1.511%), though Motley (1.097%) and Nacogdoches (0.925%) tax slightly lower. Newton offers solid property tax affordability for Southeast Texas.

Median home tax bill is around $856

With a median home value of $83,100, Newton County homeowners pay roughly $856 annually in property taxes. This ranks among Texas's lowest overall tax burdens, blending low home values with favorable rates.

Review your assessment for potential reductions

Newton County residents with assessed values above market should file an appeal to potentially lower their taxes. Even small assessment reductions can yield meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Newton County

via CostByCounty

Newton County faces acute affordability crisis

Newton County renters spend 25.6% of income on housing—the region's worst affordability rate and far exceeding the Texas average of 18.1%. With a $41,044 median household income nearly 45% below the national average, Newton residents face genuine housing cost stress.

Texas's most strained housing market

Newton County's 25.6% rent-to-income ratio is among the state's highest, indicating significant affordability challenges for renters. The median home value of $83,100 offers cheap homeownership but requires navigating low-income constraints.

Newton's affordability crisis stands out

Newton County's 25.6% rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds every regional peer—the next-highest is Nacogdoches at 21.5%—despite relatively modest $877 monthly rents. The county's exceptionally low $41,044 median income is the core driver of this affordability crisis.

Newton's tight household budget reality

Renters allocate $877 monthly while homeowners pay just $508 against a $41,044 median household income. One-quarter of household budgets going to rent leaves minimal resources for food, transportation, healthcare, and savings.

Newton requires cautious consideration

Newton County's 25.6% rent-to-income ratio represents a housing affordability crisis; relocate here only with specific employment offers significantly exceeding the county's $41,044 median income. If you're currently spending over 25% on housing, Newton likely won't provide relief without substantial income improvement.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Newton County

via IncomeByCounty

Newton Faces Severe Income Challenges

Newton County's median household income of $41,044 falls a striking $33,700 short of the national median of $74,755—a 45% gap. This represents the most severe income shortfall among Texas counties, reflecting deep economic disadvantages.

Texas's Lowest-Income County Here

Newton County's $41,044 median household income ranks among the absolute lowest in Texas, trailing the state average of $64,737 by nearly $24,000. With per capita income of just $25,045 against a state average of $33,197, Newton County faces severe economic challenges.

Newton Significantly Lags All Peers

Newton County's median income falls dramatically below all comparable counties, including Nacogdoches ($51,528), Morris ($55,082), and Navarro ($59,310). The county's $41,044 is nearly $21,000 below the next-lowest peer county, signaling distinct economic isolation.

Housing Costs Strain Already Tight Budgets

Newton County's 25.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks highest among all peer counties, with housing costs consuming one-quarter of household income. Median home values of $83,100 strain households earning just $41,000, requiring subsidies or shared housing arrangements.

Prioritize Stability and Opportunity

Newton County households require immediate focus on income stability and growth before wealth building is possible. Connect with workforce development programs, community colleges, and social services to improve earning potential—the essential foundation for financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Newton County

via CrimeByCounty

Newton County is One of America's Safest

Newton County is exceptionally safe, boasting a safety score of 98.6 and a very low crime rate. At 891.9 total crimes per 100,000, it is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Pack in Texas

Newton is a standout in Texas, with a 98.6 safety score that far exceeds the state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate is less than half the statewide average of 2,052.5.

The Safest Option in the Region

Newton is significantly safer than many regional peers, with a crime rate much lower than Nacogdoches' 1,607.3. It is one of the most secure counties in the Deep East Texas region.

Impressively Low Crime Across Categories

Both violent crime (186.5) and property crime (705.4) are remarkably low here. Residents benefit from a violent crime rate that is nearly half the national average.

Keeping Newton County Safe

While Newton is one of the safest counties around, maintaining home security is always a wise investment. Simple measures like deadbolts and alarms help keep these impressive numbers where they are.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Newton County

via HealthByCounty

Health outcomes significantly challenged

Newton County residents have a life expectancy of 71.8 years, nearly 4.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Over one in four report poor or fair health, far exceeding the 18% national average.

Among Texas's lowest-performing counties

Newton County's 71.8-year life expectancy lags Texas's 74.3-year average by 2.5 years, and the 28.1% poor/fair health rate is among the worst in the state. Healthcare challenges here are severe.

Severe provider and health disparities

Newton County's critical provider shortage—just 8 primary care providers per 100,000—ranks last among all peers. Life expectancy of 71.8 nearly matches Montague and Morris counties, indicating shared regional health challenges.

Extreme healthcare access crisis

Newton County faces a dual crisis: 20.4% uninsured and only 8 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the lowest in this entire group. Mental health provider density of 25 per 100,000 means behavioral health care is critically scarce.

Getting coverage is urgent and doable

With one in five uninsured and extremely limited providers, securing coverage is critical. Visit healthcare.gov, call 1-800-318-2596, or contact your local community health center immediately—many Newton County residents qualify for Medicaid or subsidized ACA plans at zero cost.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Newton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Education in the Deep Woods

Newton County manages six public schools serving 1,745 students through three local districts. The school levels are split into two elementary, one middle, and two high schools, plus one alternative facility. This compact system is designed to serve a predominantly rural and spread-out population.

Higher Spending and Solid Scores

Newton County invests $7,679 per pupil, which exceeds the state average of $7,498. This investment pays off with a 92.6% graduation rate and a school score of 56.4, both of which are higher than the state averages. Families here benefit from a system that is well-funded relative to other Texas counties.

Three Districts Serving Local Families

Newton ISD is the largest district, educating 968 students across three schools. Deweyville ISD and Burkeville ISD manage the remaining students, with 548 and 229 enrolled respectively. The county has no charter schools, keeping the educational focus entirely on traditional local districts.

Small-Scale, Fully Rural Schools

All six schools in the county are classified as rural, offering a consistent educational environment for every student. The average school size is just 291 students, with Newton Elementary being the largest at 380. This small-scale setting ensures that students receive significant personal attention throughout their academic journey.

Quiet Living with Strong Academic Support

For those seeking a rural home with above-average school funding and graduation rates, Newton County is a prime choice. The high school score and graduation metrics reflect a community that values its public institutions. Explore homes in the Newton and Deweyville districts to enjoy a peaceful, supportive environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Newton County

via RiskByCounty

Newton: Very Low Risk Nationally

Newton County scores just 27.16 on the national composite risk scale, earning a "Very Low" rating and placing it well below Texas's state average of 49.00. This Southeast Texas county ranks among America's safer communities for natural disaster exposure despite its coastal proximity.

Lowest-Risk County in This Texas Sample

Newton ranks among the very safest counties in Texas by composite risk score, outperforming nearly all peers despite its location in Southeast Texas. The county's rural character and low population density contribute to its exceptional disaster safety profile.

Safer Than Surrounding Counties

Newton's score of 27.16 places it as one of the safest counties in Southeast Texas, substantially lower than nearby more urbanized or flood-prone counties. The county's isolated location and modest development limit exposure to compound hazards that plague more densely populated neighbors.

Hurricane Risk Stands Out Despite Low Overall Score

Newton County faces hurricane risk at 82.35, surprisingly high despite its very low composite score, reflecting its Gulf proximity and tropical storm exposure. Wildfire (75.00) and flood (38.20) risks are moderate, while tornado (45.48) and earthquake (26.62) risks remain minimal.

Hurricane Coverage Important Despite Low Risk

Newton residents should maintain homeowners insurance with windstorm and flood coverage as precautions against hurricane impacts and coastal weather, though overall risk remains very low. Consider the unique hurricane threat when evaluating your coverage, and maintain a basic emergency preparedness plan for tropical systems.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Newton County

via WeatherByCounty

A Humid and Hot National Outlier

Newton County is much warmer and wetter than the national median, with an annual average temperature of 66.0°F. It represents the classic humid subtropical climate found along the Gulf Coast border.

Texas Humidity at its Peak

While the temperature of 66.0°F is close to the state average of 65.5°F, the rainfall is another story. Newton receives 56.2 inches of rain, far exceeding the state average of 31.9 inches.

One of the Wettest in Texas

With 56.2 inches of annual precipitation, Newton is significantly wetter than its central and western Texas counterparts. It sees zero inches of snowfall on average, which is rare even for many other Texas counties.

Sweltering Summers and Wet Winters

The county faces 93 days above 90°F, with a summer average of 81.6°F. Winters remain very mild, with a January average of 48.3°F and frequent heavy rainfall.

Gear Up for Heavy Rain

Waterproofing and mold prevention are essential with 56.2 inches of annual rain. Residents should also invest in durable summer cooling to manage 93 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Newton County

via SoilByCounty

Mystery soils in the Piney Woods

The dominant soil taxonomic order and specific pH data are not currently available for Newton County. Local gardeners should rely on regional trends that often favor acidic conditions.

Undocumented texture awaits local testing

Sand, silt, and clay percentages remain unrecorded for this area. In this part of East Texas, soils are frequently sandy or loamy, providing a light texture for roots.

Unknown fertility in a humid climate

Data for organic matter and water capacity is missing from current surveys. Despite the lack of numbers, the high regional humidity and rainfall typically support a very lush ecosystem.

Hydrologic data is currently unlisted

No official drainage class or hydrologic group is assigned in this dataset. We recommend observing water runoff on your property to determine how to best manage your landscape.

Tropical vibes in zone 9a

Newton County sits in zone 9a, which features a nearly year-round growing season. This climate is ideal for citrus trees and tropical ornamentals that thrive in the heat.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Newton County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High-Water Lawn Care

Newton County has a lawn difficulty score of 26.1, which is significantly more challenging than both state and national averages. Homeowners in this Zone 9a region deal with intense moisture and heat.

Excessive Rain and Rapid Growth

With 56.2 inches of annual rainfall, Newton is one of the wettest counties in Texas. This abundance, combined with 93 heat days and 6,290 growing degree days, leads to explosive grass growth and potential drainage issues.

Managing Soils in High-Rain Areas

Specific soil data is limited for Newton County, but high rainfall typically leads to nutrient leaching. Frequent soil testing is recommended to monitor nutrient levels and ensure your lawn isn't becoming too acidic.

Sudden Drought in a Wet Climate

Despite the 56.2 inches of annual rain, 73.8% of the county is currently in severe drought. After 20 weeks of drought this past year, even these wet-climate lawns need a backup irrigation plan for dry spells.

Resilient Options for Southeast Texas

St. Augustine grass is the standard for Zone 9a, as it handles the heat and heavy rainfall well. Wait until after March 9 to plant, ensuring the soil is warm enough for new roots to take hold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Newton County's county score?
Newton County, Texas has a composite county score of 47.7 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 Newton County rank among counties in Texas?
Newton County ranks #82 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 Newton County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Newton County is $856, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Newton County a tax score of 35.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Newton County?
The median household income in Newton County, Texas is $41,044 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Newton County earns an income score of 3.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Newton County, Texas a good place to live?
Newton County scores 47.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Newton 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 Newton County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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