countyscore
40.1
County Score
Cost of Living 66.7Schools 54.9Income & Jobs 46.9

County Report Card

About Panola County, Texas

A lower-than-average national composite

Panola County scores 40.1, placing it 10 points below the national median of 50.0. However, it offers significant advantages in cost and tax burden that aren't found elsewhere.

Nearly matching the Texas average

The composite score of 40.1 is very close to the Texas state average of 41.9. This indicates that Panola offers a quality of life typical of many established Texas rural counties.

Exceptional affordability and low taxes

With a cost score of 66.7 and a tax score of 45.2, Panola is highly affordable. Median rent is just $810, and the effective tax rate is a low 0.899%.

Struggling with water and healthcare

The county faces a very low water score of 4.8 and a health score of 17.3. These metrics suggest that utility infrastructure and medical access are the primary areas for improvement.

Ideal for retirees and budget-seekers

Panola County is a top-tier choice for retirees or anyone on a fixed income looking to maximize their purchasing power. Its low tax rates and high affordability make it a standout for financial peace of mind.

2040608010045.266.719.117.354.946.944.64.836.3Tax45.2Cost66.7Safety19.1Health17.3Schools54.9Income46.9Risk44.6Water4.8Weather36.340.1/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Panola County DNA

Foverall

How Panola County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Panola County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (4.8/100), though Cost of Living (66.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
45.2
Cost
66.7+18.700000000000003
Safety
19.1-35.9
Health
17.3-32.7
Schools
54.9
Income
46.9
Risk
44.6
Water
4.8-53.2
Weather
36.3-19.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$146,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$810/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$146,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,593/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.4

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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Deep Dives

Panola County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Panola County

via TaxByCounty

Panola County: Texas's tax bargain

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Panola County

via CostByCounty

Panola offers exceptional renter affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Panola County

via IncomeByCounty

Panola County significantly below national income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Panola County

via CrimeByCounty

Solid Safety Performance in Panola County

Panola County maintains a safety score of 96.7, placing it in a stable position relative to national trends. Its total crime rate of 2,120.7 per 100,000 residents is lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Meeting the Texas State Average

Panola County's safety score of 96.7 is nearly identical to the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 2,120.7 is also very close to the state average of 2,052.5.

Regional Context for East Texas Safety

Panola County experiences higher total crime than Parker County but remains safer than more urbanized Texas counties. Six reporting agencies work to keep these rates stable across the county's varied terrain.

Examining Local Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate stands at 310.6 per 100,000 residents, which is safer than the national average. Property crime is the main contributor to local stats, recorded at 1,810.1 per 100,000 people.

Securing Your East Texas Home

Residents are encouraged to use outdoor lighting and home alarms to discourage property crime. These active measures help maintain the county's reputation as a secure and reliable place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Panola County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Compact Panola Education System

Panola County maintains 10 public schools for its 3,883 students, overseen by four districts. The system includes three elementary, two middle, and four high schools, ensuring focused attention for students at every level.

Strong Success in East Texas

The county achieves a 92.8% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87.0% national average. This is accomplished with a per-pupil spend of $6,907, which is slightly lower than the state average but produces a competitive school score of 54.8.

Carthage ISD and Charter Choices

Carthage ISD is the area's largest district, enrolling 2,621 students across five schools. Notably, the county also hosts the Panola Charter School system, which accounts for 20% of the total schools in the county.

Balanced Town and Country Learning

The county is evenly split between town and rural locales, with five schools in each setting and an average size of 388 students. Carthage High School is the largest campus with 809 students, offering a mid-sized environment for local teens.

Find Your Home in Panola County

Panola County offers a unique blend of traditional public districts and charter school flexibility. Explore homes in the Carthage area to find a residence that puts you within reach of these high-performing schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Panola County

via RiskByCounty

Panola County exceeds national averages

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Panola County

via WaterByCounty

Violation Rate Exceeds Texas Average

Panola County holds a Grade F with 186 health violations recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 797.4 per 100K is significantly higher than the state average of 581.9, indicating serious systemic issues. This suggests that residents face a higher-than-average risk of water quality non-compliance.

Surface Water Assessments Pending

Local water bodies in Panola County have not yet been assessed under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) reporting cycle. No data exists for the percentage of impaired waters or the specific pollutants affecting the region. Official watershed health remains a data gap in the federal database.

Monitoring Focuses on Inorganics and Nutrients

Six active monitoring sites have collected 4,117 measurements over the past five years. These efforts primarily track physical, inorganic, and nutrient characteristics within the county's waters. While the number of sites is modest, the measurement frequency provides a steady stream of data.

Sabine River Flow Critically Low

The Sabine River near Beckville is currently flowing at 294 cfs, which is only 12% of its long-term mean of 2,513 cfs. Such a drastic reduction in flow typically indicates prolonged dry periods in the upper basin. This low discharge can lead to increased water temperatures and reduced oxygen levels in the river.

High Risk During Low Flow Periods

Panola's violation rate is among the highest in the region, making robust home filtration essential for residents. The critically low flow of the Sabine River further complicates water safety by concentrating pollutants. Residents should monitor utility updates closely and consider testing private sources regularly.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Panola County

via WeatherByCounty

High Humidity and Warm Southern Temps

Panola County averages 65.4°F annually, making it much warmer than the typical U.S. county. Its 52.3 inches of rain indicates a lush, humid environment compared to the national median.

An Exceptionally Wet East Texas Climate

The county's average temperature of 65.4°F matches the state average almost perfectly. However, its 52.3 inches of rain is nearly 65% higher than the Texas average of 31.9 inches.

Soggy Skies Compared to West Texas

While sharing a similar 65°F temperature with many central counties, Panola is far wetter than neighbors like Palo Pinto. This high rainfall supports the thick piney woods characteristic of the region.

Sweltering Summers and Damp Winters

The county endures 89 extreme heat days where temperatures top 90°F, peaking with a July average of 82.8°F. Winter is mild at 48.5°F, though residents occasionally see 0.8 inches of snow.

Invest in Humidity Control and Rain Gear

Dehumidifiers and moisture-resistant building materials are vital for managing 52.3 inches of rain. Expect to use air conditioning frequently during the three months of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Panola County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Piney Woods Soil

Panola County soil is significantly acidic, with an average pH of 5.41. This is much lower than the national median of 6.5 and the Texas average of 7.09. These conditions are classic for East Texas, where acidic soils define the local ecology.

Sand-Heavy East Texas Mix

Sand dominates the landscape at 60.2%, with silt at 27.2% and clay at a low 12.7%. This high sand content creates a very loose, well-aerated structure that allows roots to spread easily. However, it can also lead to faster nutrient leaching compared to clay-heavy soils.

Lean Organic Levels

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.40%, trailing the state average of 1.66%. Despite the low organic matter, the available water capacity of 0.140 in/in is actually better than the state average of 0.133. The soil score of 23.0 reflects these fertility challenges.

High Runoff Potential

The land is classified under Hydrologic Group D, indicating high runoff potential despite the high sand content. This typically occurs when a sandy surface sits over a restrictive layer that blocks deep drainage. Managing surface water is key for both agricultural and residential development.

Blueberries and Pine Paradise

In Zone 8b, the acidic soil is a perfect match for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. Timber production also thrives here, as loblolly pines love this specific chemistry. Consider adding lime if you wish to grow traditional garden vegetables that prefer more neutral conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Panola County

via LawnByCounty

East Texas Pineywoods Challenges

Panola County scores a 32.1 for lawn difficulty, which is very typical for the Texas state average. In hardiness zone 8b, you face a mix of high rainfall and intense heat that requires specific turf management strategies.

High Humidity and Heavy Rains

The county averages 52.3 inches of rain a year, which is on the high end of the ideal range and can lead to fungal diseases. With 89 days over 90°F and 6,160 growing degree days, your mowing schedule will be very busy from spring through fall.

Acidic Soil Needs Lime Treatments

A soil pH of 5.41 is quite acidic, falling well below the preferred 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. Because the soil is 60.2% sand, you should apply lime to raise the pH and keep nutrients from leaching away during heavy rains.

Navigating Severe Summer Droughts

Despite the high annual rain, 74.1% of the county is currently in severe drought after 17 weeks of dry conditions last year. To protect your lawn, avoid over-fertilizing during these periods, as excess nitrogen can burn grass that is already water-stressed.

Acid-Tolerant Grasses Work Best

Centipede grass is a great choice for Panola County because it thrives in acidic, sandy soils with high rainfall. Your growing season begins after the last frost on March 8, allowing for an early start on your lawn goals.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Panola County's county score?
Panola County, Texas has a composite county score of 40.1 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 Panola County rank among counties in Texas?
Panola County ranks #140 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 Panola County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Panola County is $1,313, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Panola County a tax score of 45.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Panola County?
The median household income in Panola County, Texas is $62,593 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Panola County earns an income score of 46.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Panola County, Texas a good place to live?
Panola County scores 40.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #140 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Panola 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 Panola 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.