Red River County scores 71.2 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. Its ranking reflects a balanced profile of low taxes, affordable housing, and reasonable living costs.
2 / 5
A solid performer in Texas
Red River County's composite score of 71.2 exceeds Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it in the top tier of Texas counties. The county's tax and housing affordability distinguish it from statewide peers.
3 / 5
Low taxes and affordable homes
Red River County combines a tax score of 74.6 (effective rate of 0.984%) with strong housing affordability (cost score 83.0, median home value $133,800). Median rent is $902 monthly, making it one of Texas's most tax-efficient and affordable counties.
4 / 5
Income levels and other data limited
With an income score of 14.0 and median household income of $46,912, earnings are below state averages. Safety, health, schools, and environmental metrics remain unmeasured, limiting the full picture of livability.
5 / 5
Ideal for retirees and cost seekers
Red River County appeals to retirees and working families seeking low taxes and affordable housing without high income requirements. The county offers genuine fiscal advantages but requires independent research on healthcare, schools, and community services.
Red River County scores 71.2 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. Its ranking reflects a balanced profile of low taxes, affordable housing, and reasonable living costs.
A solid performer in Texas
Red River County's composite score of 71.2 exceeds Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it in the top tier of Texas counties. The county's tax and housing affordability distinguish it from statewide peers.
Low taxes and affordable homes
Red River County combines a tax score of 74.6 (effective rate of 0.984%) with strong housing affordability (cost score 83.0, median home value $133,800). Median rent is $902 monthly, making it one of Texas's most tax-efficient and affordable counties.
Income levels and other data limited
With an income score of 14.0 and median household income of $46,912, earnings are below state averages. Safety, health, schools, and environmental metrics remain unmeasured, limiting the full picture of livability.
Ideal for retirees and cost seekers
Red River County appeals to retirees and working families seeking low taxes and affordable housing without high income requirements. The county offers genuine fiscal advantages but requires independent research on healthcare, schools, and community services.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛74.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.984%, Red River County's effective tax rate ranks among the very lowest in Texas—23% below the state average of 1.276%. The median property tax of $1,317 runs just 51% of the national median of $2,690, offering exceptional affordability for Northeast Texas residents.
Red River ranks as most tax-friendly
Red River County sits at the absolute bottom of Texas counties by effective tax rate, delivering the lowest tax burden in this entire dataset. At $1,317 median annual tax, Red River residents pay 40% less than the Texas state average of $2,193.
Lowest taxes in Northeast Texas
Red River County's 0.984% rate significantly undercuts neighboring Morris, Titus, and Franklin counties, making it the region's most tax-friendly jurisdiction. The median home value of $133,800 reflects rural Arkansas-border property values.
What a $134K home costs yearly
The median Red River County homeowner pays just $1,317 per year in property taxes on a $133,800 home—the lowest median tax in this entire analysis. Even with mortgage-related exemptions applied, bills typically run around $1,768, providing genuine affordability.
Even low bills deserve a review
Red River County homeowners should still verify assessments annually—even in low-tax counties, errors and outdated valuations happen. A free appraisal appeal could potentially lower your already-modest bill further.
Red River County residents spend 23.1% of their income on rent, well above the national average and exceeding Texas's 18.1% state average. With a median household income of $46,912—37% below the U.S. median of $74,755—renters here face tighter budgets than most Americans.
Among Texas's least affordable
Red River County ranks as one of Texas's least affordable counties for renters, with a rent-to-income ratio that outpaces 18 of every 20 Texas counties. The median rent of $902 may be slightly lower than the state average of $963, but local incomes are significantly depressed, making affordability a real challenge.
Tighter squeeze than nearby areas
Red River's 23.1% rent burden is notably higher than Robertson County (14.0%) just to the south and Rusk County (17.7%) to the east. These neighboring counties offer more income-to-rent balance, even as rents remain modest across this rural corner of Texas.
Where Red River dollars go
A typical Red River household earning $46,912 annually pays $902 monthly in rent—about $10,824 per year—while homeowners spend $599 on mortgage and ownership costs. Housing absorbs roughly one-fifth of gross income, leaving less for food, utilities, and savings than state and national averages.
Considering a move? Know your odds
If you're priced out of urban Texas, Red River's low rents and $133,800 median home values may seem attractive—but income levels here are also lower. Compare carefully: can your income match local job opportunities, or would relocation mean a pay cut that offsets the housing savings?
Red River County's median household income of $46,912 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by more than $27,000, placing it in the lower quartile nationally. Despite rural challenges, the county's per capita income of $28,337 suggests some households earn solid wages.
Among Texas's lower-income counties
Red River ranks near the bottom of Texas counties with a median household income 28% below the state average of $64,737. However, its per capita income of $28,337 is closer to the state mean, indicating income inequality within the county.
Red River slightly ahead of Real County
Red River County's $46,912 median income edges out Real County at $45,417, but lags Reeves and other nearby counties in the region. The difference underscores geographic wage variation across rural Texas.
Rental affordability holds steady here
Red River County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.1% keeps housing costs manageable, with residents spending roughly a quarter of income on rent. The median home value of $133,800 is accessible for many families, making homeownership viable for stable earners.
Homeownership accelerates wealth building
With median home values at $133,800 and reasonable rent ratios, Red River County residents should explore first-time homebuyer programs to build equity. Fixed monthly mortgage payments create forced savings that outpace inflation over decades—consult a mortgage lender about your options.
Red River County residents live an average of 68.2 years—more than 8 years shorter than the U.S. average of 77.0 years. At 23.1%, the poor or fair health rate indicates substantial chronic disease burden.
Lowest life expectancy in Texas sample
Red River County's 68.2-year life expectancy is 6.1 years below Texas's state average of 74.3 years, representing one of the poorest health outcomes in the state. This gap signals urgent need for targeted health interventions.
Severe provider shortage in Red River
Red River County has only 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—one-third the state adequacy threshold and far below neighbors like Real County at 71 per 100K. Mental health access is similarly limited at 34 per 100K.
High uninsured rate worsens access gaps
At 19.1% uninsured, Red River County slightly exceeds the state average of 19.8%, compounding challenges from provider shortages. Healthcare delays are common when residents lack both coverage and accessible providers.
Don't delay—get insured today
Red River County residents facing a provider shortage need health coverage more than ever to access distant specialists. Check Healthcare.gov immediately to qualify for plans with telehealth options and subsidies.
Red River County scores 64.73 for composite disaster risk, earning a Relatively Low rating but running substantially above the national average. This score reflects a county where multiple hazards converge, creating above-typical exposure.
Higher risk than most Texas counties
At 64.73, Red River County ranks notably above Texas's 49.00 state average, placing it in the upper tier of risk across the state. This elevation stems from a particularly dangerous tornado and earthquake hazard combination.
Stands out for tornado and earthquake risk
Red River County faces a tornado risk of 72.74—among the state's highest—and an earthquake risk of 37.44 that far exceeds neighboring Bowie and Morris counties. These dual threats create a distinctive risk profile in northeast Texas.
Tornadoes pose the greatest threat here
Tornado risk dominates at 72.74, making Red River County part of Texas's tornado-prone north, with severe storm season bringing genuine danger each spring. Earthquake risk at 37.44 adds a secondary concern unusual for this region, linked to distant Caddo Parish activity.
Secure your home against severe wind
Red River County residents need robust homeowners coverage that explicitly includes tornado and hail damage, as standard policies may cap or exclude these losses. Reinforce your safe room or shelter area before severe weather season arrives each spring.