countyscore
49.7
County Score
Schools 75.6Safety 71.7Cost of Living 62.2

County Report Card

About Red River County, Texas

Nearly Hitting the National Mark

Red River County posts a composite score of 49.7, which is virtually tied with the national median of 50.0. This suggests a lifestyle that is very typical of the American experience across most livability dimensions.

Outperforming the Texas Average

With a score of 49.7, the county outperforms the Texas state average of 41.9. This strong showing indicates it provides better overall value and stability than many of its neighbors across the Lone Star State.

Strong Schools and Safe Streets

The county shines in education and public safety, boasting a school score of 75.6 and a safety score of 71.7. Residents also benefit from an affordable housing market with a cost score of 62.2.

Economic Growth and Health Limits

Earning potential is a limitation, as evidenced by a low income score of 9.3 and a median household income of $46,912. Healthcare access also lags behind, with a score of 10.1 that indicates a need for more local medical resources.

Family-Focused Living in Rural Texas

Red River County is an excellent fit for families who value safety and quality education in a cost-effective environment. It suits those with remote work or stable local jobs who don't mind a longer drive for specialized healthcare.

Score breakdown

Tax39.1Cost62.2Safety71.7Health10.1Schools75.6Income9.3Risk35.3Water26Weather50
🏛39.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤10.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓75.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡35.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨46.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.3
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

McCurtain County
Oklahoma
41.7
Titus County
Texas
40.7
Lamar County
Texas
36.5
Franklin County
Texas
44
Choctaw County
Oklahoma
46.2
Bowie County
Texas
34.5
Delta County
Texas
47.4
Morris County
Texas
47.6

Deep Dives

Red River County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Red River County

via TaxByCounty

Red River's rate is Texas's lowest

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Red River County

via CostByCounty

Red River rents stretch paychecks

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?

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Red River County

via IncomeByCounty

Red River County falls short of national median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Red River County

via CrimeByCounty

A National Leader in Safety

Red River County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.9, far surpassing many other regions across the country. Its total crime rate of 679.4 per 100K is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers highlight one of the more secure environments in the United States.

Outperforming Texas Safety Averages

While the Texas average total crime rate is 2,052.5 per 100K, Red River County reports just 679.4. Its safety score of 98.9 comfortably exceeds the state average of 96.8. Local law enforcement across seven reporting agencies keeps crime significantly lower than the state norm.

Regional Safety in East Texas

With seven different agencies contributing data, Red River County provides a comprehensive and reliable safety profile. Its crime rates are remarkably lower than many neighboring counties in the Northeast Texas region. This creates a peaceful buffer compared to nearby commercial hubs.

Low Risk Across All Categories

The violent crime rate of 146.2 per 100K is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 369.8. Property crime is also minimal at 533.2 per 100K, compared to 2,015.7 nationally. Residents enjoy a high degree of protection from both personal and property-related offenses.

Maintaining a Secure Community

High safety scores are best maintained through proactive community awareness and simple home security measures. Even in low-crime areas, keeping doors locked and recording serial numbers on valuables provides essential peace of mind. Neighbors looking out for one another remains the county's best defense.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Red River County

via HealthByCounty

Red River County faces steep health gap

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Red River County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of Ten Public Schools

Red River County maintains an education infrastructure of 10 public schools serving 2,047 students across four districts. The landscape includes four elementary schools, two middle schools, and four high schools. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county borders.

Graduation Rates Surpass State and National Averages

The county boasts a 92.8% graduation rate, which exceeds both the Texas average of 91.6% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Local districts spend $8,935 per pupil, outperforming the state average of $7,498 in educational investment. These efforts result in a composite school score of 59.2, notably higher than the state average of 55.3.

Rivercrest and Detroit Lead Local Education

Rivercrest ISD is the county's largest provider, educating 700 students across three different campuses. Detroit ISD follows closely with 490 students, while Avery ISD serves a smaller student body of 335. All local districts remain traditional public entities without any charter school presence.

Small-Town Learning in a Rural Setting

With an average school size of only 205 students, the county offers a highly personalized learning environment across its eight rural and two town-based schools. Rivercrest EL is the largest campus with 334 students, while many other facilities maintain even smaller class sizes. This rural character defines the educational experience for the majority of local families.

Plan Your Move Near High-Performing Schools

Families looking for strong graduation outcomes and small class sizes should explore homes in the Rivercrest or Detroit school districts. The county's impressive academic scores make it a compelling choice for buyers prioritizing education quality. Contact a local real estate expert to find the right property near your preferred campus.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Red River County

via RiskByCounty

Red River County exceeds national risk average

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Red River County

via WeatherByCounty

Humid Continental Edge in North Texas

Red River County’s 63.0°F annual average is warmer than the U.S. median but cooler than most of the state. It sits in a transitional zone that experiences significant seasonal variety.

Among the Wettest Counties in Texas

The county receives a substantial 49.7 inches of rain annually, which is over 50% more than the Texas average of 31.9 inches. This high rainfall makes it one of the most humid and lush areas in the state.

A Northern Border Rainfall Leader

With nearly 50 inches of annual precipitation, Red River is far wetter than its neighbors to the west. While it stays cooler than South Texas, it still reaches a July average of 82.1°F.

Frequent Rain and Moderate Heat

The county records 72 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than many other Texas regions. Winters are cool and wet, averaging 44.8°F with a modest 2.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Damp and Rainy Conditions

With 49.7 inches of rain, robust drainage and moisture control for homes are essential. Residents should keep umbrellas and waterproof gear ready year-round to handle the frequent precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Red River County

via SoilByCounty

The sweet spot of soil acidity

Red River County features a pH of 6.69, which is very close to the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity is more balanced than the typical Texas average of 7.09, making it highly versatile for gardening.

A sturdy mix rich in clay

The soil is a heavy mix containing 31.6% clay, 39.7% sand, and 28.7% silt. This high clay content provides excellent nutrient retention but can make the ground heavy and harder to till when wet.

Exceptional resilience against drought

The soil holds 1.57% organic matter, slightly below the state average of 1.66%. However, its available water capacity of 0.155 in/in is significantly higher than the state average, offering great drought resilience.

Managing slow-draining clay soils

Categorized in Hydrologic Group D, this soil has a high runoff potential and may drain slowly. This is an important consideration for choosing plants that don't like sitting in water for long periods.

Agricultural powerhouse in Zone 8a

Red River County's Zone 8a climate and high soil score of 46.7 make it an agricultural leader. This environment is ideal for everything from large-scale corn production to lush, ornamental home gardens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Red River County

via LawnByCounty

A Gardener's Advantage in Red River

With a difficulty score of 46.3, Red River County is one of the most lawn-friendly areas in Texas, far outperforming the state average of 31.7. This Zone 8a region offers conditions that nearly mirror the national median for ease of maintenance.

Abundant Rain and Moderate Heat

The county receives a generous 49.7 inches of annual precipitation, hitting the top end of the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. This moisture, paired with only 72 extreme heat days, creates a robust growing environment compared to the Texas state average of 105 heat days.

Near-Perfect Soil Composition

The soil pH of 6.69 is virtually ideal for most grass species, which prefer a range between 6.0 and 7.0. With a balanced mix of 31.6% clay and 39.7% sand, the ground holds moisture well while providing enough structure for deep root systems.

Managing Severe Drought Periods

Despite high annual rainfall, the county is currently experiencing severe drought across 100% of its area, having seen 21 dry weeks this year. Supplemental irrigation is essential during these stretches to maintain lawn health and prevent the clay-heavy soil from cracking.

Ready for Spring Planting

Bermuda and St. Augustine thrive in Zone 8a and should be established after the final frost around March 20th. This early start date gives your lawn a head start on the growing season before the 5,547 growing degree days kick into high gear.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red River County's county score?
Red River County, Texas has a composite county score of 49.7 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 Red River County rank among counties in Texas?
Red River County ranks #63 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 Red River County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Red River County is $1,317, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Red River County a tax score of 39.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Red River County?
The median household income in Red River County, Texas is $46,912 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Red River County earns an income score of 9.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Red River County, Texas a good place to live?
Red River County scores 49.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Red River 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 Red River County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.