Panola's composite score of 73.7 crushes the national median of 50.0 by nearly 48%, ranking it in the top quartile of U.S. counties. This exceptional performance makes Panola one of the most livable counties in the nation by composite measure.
2 / 5
Texas's highest-scoring county in this group
At 73.7, Panola significantly exceeds Texas's state average of 66.8, ranking among the state's most livable counties. The county stands out as a genuine outlier in terms of overall livability within Texas.
3 / 5
Unbeatable tax rates and housing costs
Panola leads the entire cohort with the lowest effective tax rate at 0.899% (77.0 tax score) and exceptional housing affordability with $810 median rent and 83.6 cost score. These advantages create extraordinary purchasing power for residents.
4 / 5
Income potential modest, detailed data limited
While costs are rock-bottom, the median household income of $62,593 and income score of 24.2 indicate limited wage growth opportunities. Data on safety, health, schools, risk, and water remain unavailable for broader context.
5 / 5
Perfect for retirees and frugal families
Panola County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing ultra-low costs and minimal taxes over high incomes. This county offers unmatched financial advantage—your money stretches furthest here than almost anywhere else in the region.
Panola's composite score of 73.7 crushes the national median of 50.0 by nearly 48%, ranking it in the top quartile of U.S. counties. This exceptional performance makes Panola one of the most livable counties in the nation by composite measure.
Texas's highest-scoring county in this group
At 73.7, Panola significantly exceeds Texas's state average of 66.8, ranking among the state's most livable counties. The county stands out as a genuine outlier in terms of overall livability within Texas.
Unbeatable tax rates and housing costs
Panola leads the entire cohort with the lowest effective tax rate at 0.899% (77.0 tax score) and exceptional housing affordability with $810 median rent and 83.6 cost score. These advantages create extraordinary purchasing power for residents.
Income potential modest, detailed data limited
While costs are rock-bottom, the median household income of $62,593 and income score of 24.2 indicate limited wage growth opportunities. Data on safety, health, schools, risk, and water remain unavailable for broader context.
Perfect for retirees and frugal families
Panola County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing ultra-low costs and minimal taxes over high incomes. This county offers unmatched financial advantage—your money stretches furthest here than almost anywhere else in the region.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛77
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Panola County's remarkably low 0.899% effective rate produces a median property tax of just $1,313—less than half the national median of $2,690. This places Panola in the bottom 10% of U.S. counties by tax burden.
Lowest rate in this Texas sample
Panola's 0.899% effective rate significantly undercuts Texas's 1.276% state average, making it one of the most tax-friendly counties in the entire state. The $1,313 median tax is less than 60% of the state median of $2,193.
Exceptional value in East Texas
Panola County's 0.899% rate stands out sharply against neighboring counties like Orange (1.246%) and Pecos (1.034%), offering unmatched tax relief. The $1,313 median tax is the lowest among comparable regional properties.
Panola's exceptional tax advantage
On the county median home value of $146,000, owners pay approximately $1,313 in annual property taxes—among the lowest in the state. Without a mortgage, the tax bill is a mere $797.
Even at low rates, appeal if needed
Although Panola County boasts the lowest tax rate in this group, individual assessments can still be incorrect or inflated relative to true market value. Check your appraisal and file an appeal if your property is valued higher than similar homes nearby.
Panola County renters spend just 15.5% of income on housing—among the nation's best rates and well below the national median. This East Texas county delivers genuine affordability while residents earn modestly compared to national averages.
One of Texas's most affordable counties
Panola's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Texas's most renter-friendly counties, significantly below the state average of 18.1%. Median rent of $810 monthly is the lowest among these eight counties and 16% below the Texas median.
Cheapest rents in east-central region
Panola's $810 rent dramatically undercuts most peers, beaten only by Ochiltree's $905 panhandle market. The county delivers exceptional value for anyone flexible about location and willing to embrace small-town East Texas living.
Housing takes under 1/6 of income
Panola's median household income of $62,593 paired with just $810 rent means residents spend only $9,720 yearly on housing. Homeowners pay just $674 monthly in ownership costs—approximately 12.9% of income—among the state's best affordability rates.
Best value for budget-conscious movers
Panola County is ideal if maximizing discretionary income matters more than urban amenities; your housing savings here could exceed $3,000 annually compared to state averages. If you currently pay more than 16% of income on housing, this East Texas gem offers immediate financial relief.
Panola County's median household income of $62,593 falls 16% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting a smaller, rural economy. The county's agriculture and timber sectors provide employment but limit earning potential compared to larger metros.
Below Texas state median income
Panola County trails the Texas state median of $64,737 by $2,144, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The gap suggests economic challenges that more diversified Texas regions have managed to overcome.
Lower earner in the region
Panola County's $62,593 median ranks below Ochiltree ($64,988), Palo Pinto ($64,972), and Nueces ($66,021). The lower income reflects the county's rural character and reliance on agriculture relative to more industrialized neighbors.
Housing costs are lowest statewide
Panola County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 15.5%, meaning housing consumes just over 15% of household earnings—the best affordability in this county group. This advantage significantly enhances financial flexibility despite lower overall income.
Leverage housing cost advantage
Panola County's exceptional housing affordability creates opportunity—direct savings from low housing costs into retirement accounts and emergency funds to build resilience. Consider exploring local economic development programs or small business opportunities to supplement household income.
At 71.2 years, Panola County residents live the shortest average lifespan among these eight counties—7.7 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The 21.5% poor/fair health rate signals ongoing struggles with chronic disease and healthcare access.
Panola significantly trails Texas average
Panola's 71.2-year life expectancy is 3.1 years below Texas's 74.3-year average, making it one of the state's most challenged counties. This gap demands urgent investment in healthcare infrastructure and disease prevention.
Limited primary and mental health providers
Panola's 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is the lowest in this group, forcing residents to travel far for routine care. Mental health providers are equally scarce at 26 per 100K, leaving behavioral health needs unmet.
Uninsured rate slightly below state average
Panola's 18.2% uninsured rate runs marginally below Texas's 19.8%, but severe provider shortages mean coverage alone doesn't guarantee access. Many insured residents still struggle to find available appointments and providers.
Ensure your family has health coverage
Though Panola's uninsured rate is relatively low, nearly 1 in 5 residents still lack coverage—a gap that compounds health risks in this rural county. Visit healthcare.gov to verify your coverage or enroll in a plan that connects you to care.
With a composite risk score of 55.44 and a Relatively Low rating, Panola County runs 13% above the Texas state average of 49.00. The county's exposure mirrors moderate-risk regions nationally, reflecting its East Texas location within a tornado and hurricane-prone corridor.
Mid-range risk across Texas landscape
Panola ranks in the moderate tier of Texas counties, with above-average exposure driven primarily by tornado and hurricane threats. Its East Texas position places it in a natural disaster corridor that experiences seasonal storm activity more frequently than inland western counties.
Similar risk to Palo Pinto, higher than west
Panola (55.44) closely mirrors Palo Pinto County (55.22) but significantly exceeds western neighbors like Nolan (37.85) and Ochiltree (34.86). The county faces greater tornado and hurricane exposure than its inland peers, reflecting its proximity to Gulf Coast storm tracks.
Tornado and hurricane pose major threats
Tornado risk peaks at 81.55 in Panola County, while hurricane risk reaches 78.26, making both serious seasonal concerns. Wildfire (72.11) and earthquake (50.89) risks add further complexity, creating a four-hazard environment where residents face genuine multi-season disaster exposure.
Secure comprehensive storm coverage
Your homeowners policy must cover tornado and wind damage, which are Panola County's most frequent threats. Consider supplemental coverage for hurricane wind if you live within 100 miles of the coast, and verify your deductibles align with your financial capacity to absorb losses in a major storm event.