countyscore
41.9
County Score
Schools 61.9Income & Jobs 60.2Cost of Living 46.3

County Report Card

About Rusk County, Texas

Rusk County Trails the National Median

Rusk County earns a composite score of 41.9, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a community that faces more livability hurdles than the average American county.

Perfectly Aligned with Texas Averages

The county's composite score of 41.9 exactly matches the Texas state average. It sits comfortably in the middle of the pack compared to its diverse neighbors across the Lone Star State.

Solid Schools and Strong Incomes

Education is a bright spot with a school score of 61.9. This is supported by a respectable median household income of $67,506, driving an income dimension score of 60.2.

Healthcare Access and Water Quality Concerns

The county struggles with a health score of 25.5 and a very low water quality score of 15.5. These environmental and infrastructure factors represent the most significant areas for future investment.

A Fit for Established Working Families

Rusk County suits families who prioritize local school quality and stable earnings. With median rents under $1,000, it offers a predictable lifestyle for those who can navigate its healthcare limitations.

204060801003846.337.425.561.960.24615.536.1Tax38Cost46.3Safety37.4Health25.5Schools61.9Income60.2Risk46Water15.5Weather36.141.9/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Rusk County DNA

Foverall

How Rusk County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Rusk County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (15.5/100), though Income (60.2/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
38-14
Cost
46.3
Safety
37.4-17.6
Health
25.5-24.5
Schools
61.9
Income
60.2+9.200000000000003
Risk
46
Water
15.5-42.5
Weather
36.1-19.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$166,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$997/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$166,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,506/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

3.8

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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Counties with similar scores

Autauga County
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Median income: $69,841
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Manistee County
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Middlesex County
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Roosevelt County
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Nearby counties

Panola County
Texas
40.1
Gregg County
Texas
28.2
Harrison County
Texas
34.5
Upshur County
Texas
40.8
Cherokee County
Texas
33.9
Smith County
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29.6
Shelby County
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40.1
Nacogdoches County
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38.9

Deep Dives

Rusk County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rusk County

via TaxByCounty

Rusk taxes run slightly below national average

Rusk County's effective tax rate of 1.001% sits comfortably below the national median of 1.276%, ranking among the nation's lower-taxed counties. The median annual tax of $1,670 on homes worth $166,900 remains just 62% of the national median tax of $2,690, thanks to significantly lower home values than the $281,900 national average.

Rusk ranks well below Texas average

At 1.001%, Rusk County's effective rate falls below the Texas state average of 1.276%, positioning it among the state's more tax-friendly counties. The $1,670 median tax also trails the state median of $2,193, reflecting both lower rates and lower valuations.

Rusk ties for lowest rate in region

Rusk County's 1.001% rate nearly matches Roberts County's 1.004%, making both regional leaders in tax relief. The county beats Runnels (1.464%), Refugio (1.404%), and Reeves (1.181%) decisively, delivering genuine savings to residents.

Median home costs about $1,670 yearly

On Rusk County's median home worth $166,900, you'll owe approximately $1,670 in annual property taxes—roughly $139 per month. Borrowers with mortgages may see that figure rise to $2,375 when lenders include taxes in escrow.

Low taxes don't eliminate assessment appeal value

Even Rusk County's favorable rate shouldn't discourage appraisal reviews; overvalued properties exist everywhere, and appeals require minimal effort. Trimming an inflated assessment could provide meaningful ongoing savings on an already-modest bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rusk County

via CostByCounty

Rusk rents align with state average

Rusk County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the Texas average of 18.1%, despite median rent of $997 that exceeds the state's $963 median. With median household income of $67,506—nearly 10% above state median—Rusk manages competitive housing affordability.

Rusk achieves solid state standing

Rusk County ranks in the middle-to-upper tier of Texas counties for rental affordability, with a 17.7% ratio that beats roughly 55% of the state's counties. This East Texas community delivers respectable housing balance within its state peers.

Rusk balances well among East Texas

Rusk's 17.7% rent burden beats Red River (23.1%) and Reeves (21.1%) but trails Refugio (17.4%), Robertson (14.0%), and Roberts (14.0%). The East Texas location provides stronger income than far-rural counties, improving its housing affordability standing.

Rusk's solid economic foundation

Rusk renters earning $67,506 annually spend $997 monthly in rent—about $11,964 per year—while homeowners average $739 in monthly costs. Housing consumes roughly 18% of household income, near state average, preserving earnings for other necessities and financial goals.

East Texas value with decent income

Rusk County offers respectable affordability with median home values of $166,900 and a relatively healthy local income base of $67,506. The East Texas location provides better employment diversity than remote rural areas, making it reasonable for workers seeking affordable housing without extreme geographic isolation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rusk County

via IncomeByCounty

Rusk earns above the national baseline

Rusk County's median household income of $67,506 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by about 10%, placing it below the U.S. middle mark. However, this gap is narrower than many rural Texas counties, reflecting a relatively stable local economy. The county ranks modestly among the nation's 3,140+ counties but holds ground in its regional peer group.

Rusk outpaces most Texas counties

At $67,506, Rusk County's median income exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by $2,769, placing it in the upper half of the state's 254 counties. This positioning reflects Rusk's diversified economy and established workforce. The county's per capita income of $33,420 also slightly surpasses the state average of $33,197.

Rusk leads its East Texas peer group

Rusk County ($67,506) outearns adjacent San Jacinto County ($59,526) and San Augustine County ($46,338), demonstrating stronger economic fundamentals in the region. Compared to Scurry County ($62,689) to the west, Rusk maintains a $4,817 income advantage. This leadership position reflects Rusk's industrial base and larger job market diversity.

Rent remains affordable for most households

Rusk County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs consume less than one-fifth of median earnings. A typical household earning $67,506 can allocate about $11,950 annually to rent while staying fiscally healthy. This favorable ratio suggests housing stress is manageable for renters across the county.

Build on Rusk's income stability

With median household income above the state average and housing affordability on your side, Rusk County residents have breathing room to invest in retirement and education. Consider directing the income surplus beyond housing costs—typically $10,000+ annually per household—into a 401(k), IRA, or emergency fund. Even modest, consistent contributions compound significantly over time and strengthen financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rusk County

via CrimeByCounty

Rusk County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Rusk County reports a total crime rate of 1442.5 per 100K, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This strong performance earns the county an impressive safety score of 97.7 out of 100.

Siding with Safety Above State Averages

The county's safety score of 97.7 sits comfortably above the Texas state average of 96.8. Local crime rates remain nearly 30% lower than the state's average total crime rate of 2052.5 per 100K.

Rusk County Leads Regional Safety Efforts

Compared to nearby San Augustine County at 1729.8 per 100K, Rusk County maintains a lower crime profile. Residents enjoy a more secure environment than many neighboring jurisdictions across East Texas.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

Property crime accounts for 1222.6 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 219.9. Both metrics are substantially better than national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8, respectively.

Secure Your Property in Rusk County

With property crime as the primary local concern, homeowners should prioritize physical security. Installing smart cameras and motion-sensor lights provides a proven deterrent against opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Rusk County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Twenty-Eight Public Schools

Rusk County supports a large student population of 10,774 across 28 public schools. The infrastructure is robust, featuring 13 elementary, 5 middle, and 7 high schools, along with three specialized campuses. Nine different school districts operate within the county, offering families a wide variety of educational settings.

Outstanding Graduation Rates and School Scores

With a graduation rate of 96.1%, Rusk County far exceeds the national average of 87.0%. Despite spending $6,707 per pupil—which is lower than the Texas average—the county maintains a school score of 56.1. This suggests high efficiency and strong academic outcomes from the local districts.

Kilgore and Henderson Lead a Multi-District System

Kilgore ISD and Henderson ISD are the largest districts, serving 3,821 and 3,400 students respectively. West Rusk County Consolidated ISD also provides a significant footprint with 1,048 students across five schools. The county includes one charter school, providing a small but alternative option for local families.

Rural Schooling with Diverse Campus Sizes

The county is predominantly rural, with 23 schools in rural settings and five in town environments. Average school size is 385 students, though campuses range from small rural sites to Henderson High School, which enrolls ,1042 students. This mix provides both small-town intimacy and larger-scale high school opportunities.

Search for Houses Near Top Rusk County Schools

Rusk County's 96.1% graduation rate is a powerful draw for families moving to East Texas. Whether you are looking for a home in the Kilgore area or near the Henderson campuses, there are many options within these successful districts. Explore the market today to find a property in one of the state's high-performing rural areas.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rusk County

via RiskByCounty

Rusk County's risk outpaces the nation

With a composite risk score of 54.01, Rusk County faces above-average natural disaster risk compared to the U.S. average of 44.0. The county's "Relatively Low" rating means it experiences moderate exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly tornados and wildfires.

Above average for Texas counties

Rusk County ranks higher than Texas's state average composite score of 49.00, placing it in the upper-middle range of risk among the state's 254 counties. This elevation is driven primarily by tornado and wildfire exposure rather than coastal hazards.

Riskier than most nearby counties

Neighboring Sabine County (22.11) and San Augustine County (17.62) carry significantly lower risk profiles, while San Jacinto County (58.87) presents a comparable threat level. Rusk County's 54.01 score reflects its position at the intersection of Texas's tornado alley and pine forest wildfire zones.

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate

Tornado risk scores highest at 74.90, making severe spring storms a serious concern for residents, while wildfire risk reaches 73.00 in this heavily forested region. Hurricane risk (71.63) remains substantial despite the county's inland location, as tropical systems can track inland and produce damaging winds and rainfall.

Prepare for severe weather impacts

Given Rusk County's tornado and wildfire exposure, homeowners should ensure comprehensive coverage including wind and hail protection in their policies. Consider a safe room or shelter for tornado events, and maintain defensible space around your home to reduce wildfire risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Rusk County

via WaterByCounty

Rusk County Faces Failing Drinking Water Grade

Rusk County earns an F grade for drinking water compliance after recording 105 health violations over the last five years. Despite the failing grade, the county's violation rate of 188.8 per 100,000 residents remains well below the Texas state average of 581.9.

Local Watersheds Await Federal Assessment

Federal authorities have not yet assessed Rusk County's water bodies under the Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. This means the county currently lacks a comprehensive watershed health score in the national ATTAINS database.

Five Sites Track Local Water Quality

Five monitoring sites across the county have generated 1,837 measurements in the past five years. Researchers focus primarily on physical characteristics and inorganic non-metals to track water quality trends in the region.

Angelina River Flow Drops Significantly

The East Fork Angelina River near Cushing currently flows at 23 cfs, which is only 19% of its long-term mean. This significantly low discharge indicates drier-than-normal conditions for the local waterway.

Protecting Your Home's Water Supply

With drinking water compliance failing and streamflow levels dropping, residents should stay informed about local utility alerts. Low river levels can sometimes concentrate contaminants, making filtration awareness more important for those on sensitive systems.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rusk County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Rainy Piney Woods

Rusk County matches the Texas average temperature of 65.5°F almost exactly at 65.4°F. This is significantly warmer than the national median, supported by the humid air of East Texas.

Abundant East Texas Rainfall

Rusk County is far wetter than the average Texas county, receiving 50.3 inches of rain compared to the state average of 31.9. Its temperature is perfectly aligned with the statewide average of 65.5°F.

High Humidity and Deep Greenery

Like its neighbors Smith and Gregg, Rusk thrives on heavy precipitation and high humidity. It sees very little winter weather, averaging only 0.5 inches of snow per year.

Eighty-Nine Days of Intense Heat

Summers are long and humid with 89 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 82.7°F. Winters are mild and rainy, with temperatures averaging 48.7°F from December to February.

Prepare for Heavy Precipitation

Residents must maintain robust drainage systems to handle over 50 inches of annual rain. Dehumidifiers are often necessary to combat the high moisture levels that persist through 89 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rusk County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Pineywoods Soil Profile

Rusk County has significantly acidic soil with a pH of 5.58, far below the Texas average of 7.09. This low pH is characteristic of East Texas and is ideal for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas.

Sandy Terrain for Fast Drainage

With 62.0% sand and only 12.2% clay, this soil is light and very easy to dig. The high sand content allows for great aeration but can lead to rapid nutrient leaching during heavy rains.

Lower Retention and Organic Matter

The organic matter is 1.34%, falling below the state average of 1.66%. Similarly, the water capacity of 0.124 in/in is lower than the state benchmark of 0.133, meaning soil dries out quickly.

Infiltration Blocks in Group D

Despite the sandy surface, the soil belongs to Hydrologic Group D, indicating restrictive subsurface layers. This can cause unexpected surface saturation even though the topsoil feels sandy and dry.

Lush Growth in Zone 8b

The 8b hardiness zone and acidic soil make Rusk County a paradise for East Texas specialty crops. If you're starting a garden, focus on plants that thrive in low pH for the best results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rusk County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming the Texas Heat in Rusk County

Rusk County earns a lawn difficulty score of 35.3, which is slightly better than the Texas state average of 31.7 but remains significantly tougher than the national median of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 8b, gardeners face the challenge of keeping turf alive through long, hot summers. Maintaining a lush green space here requires more persistence than in the cooler regions of the country.

Plentiful Rain Meets Intense Summer Sun

The county receives 50.3 inches of annual precipitation, which sits at the high end of the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. However, 89 extreme heat days above 90°F and 6,187 growing degree days mean your grass works overtime to stay hydrated. This high moisture combined with heat necessitates a rigorous mowing schedule to manage rapid growth.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soil Layers

Your soil is predominantly sandy at 62.0%, which provides excellent drainage but may lose nutrients quickly. With a pH of 5.58, the ground is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrass. You will likely need to add lime to raise the pH and ensure your lawn can properly absorb fertilizer.

Navigating Persistent Severe Drought Conditions

Over the past year, the county spent 18 weeks in drought, and currently, 50.9% of the area faces severe conditions or worse. While 100% of the county is at least abnormally dry, proper mulching and deep, infrequent watering can help roots reach deeper into the soil. Conservation is key as the regional water table faces these recurring dry spells.

Start Your Lawn After the Spring Frost

Bermuda and St. Augustine are the top picks for this 8b zone because they thrive in the 65.4°F average annual temperature. Plan to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 15 to give your lawn time to establish before the July peak. With the right warm-season grass, you can build a resilient landscape that handles the Texas sun.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rusk County's county score?
Rusk County, Texas has a composite county score of 41.9 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 Rusk County rank among counties in Texas?
Rusk County ranks #120 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 Rusk County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Rusk County is $1,670, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Rusk County a tax score of 38/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rusk County?
The median household income in Rusk County, Texas is $67,506 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rusk County earns an income score of 60.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rusk County, Texas a good place to live?
Rusk County scores 41.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #120 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Rusk 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 Rusk County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.