CountyScore

Rusk County

Texas · TX

#78 in Texas
65.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Rusk County, Texas

Rusk scores 41% above national median

With a composite score of 70.8, Rusk County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of American counties for livability. This gap reflects the county's strong tax efficiency and housing affordability, which together create measurable economic advantage for residents.

A Texas livability leader

Rusk County ranks above the Texas state average of 66.8, making it one of the stronger-performing counties in the state. Its 70.8 composite score positions it solidly in the competitive Texas county landscape.

Tax and affordability stand out

Rusk County excels at keeping costs down for residents: a tax score of 74.1 reflects an effective tax rate of just 1.001%, and a cost score of 79.1 corresponds to a median home value of $166,900 and rent averaging $997 monthly. These competitive numbers make Rusk an attractive option for budget-conscious families.

Income growth potential remains limited

With a median household income of $67,506 and an income score of just 27.5, earnings power lags behind other livable regions. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet available, which limits the full picture of county livability.

Best for budget-minded families

Rusk County suits families and workers prioritizing affordable housing and low tax burden over high income potential. The strong tax-to-cost ratio makes it ideal for retirees, remote workers, and anyone seeking a lower cost of living in a stable economic environment.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax74.1Cost79.1SafetyComing SoonHealth56.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.5Risk46WaterComing Soon
🏛74.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤56.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡46
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Rusk County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Garfield County
Colorado
65.2
Median income: $86,172
Effingham County
Georgia
65.2
Median income: $85,465
Kauai County
Hawaii
65.2
Median income: $93,612
Alexander County
Illinois
65.2
Median income: $43,523
Christian County
Illinois
65.2
Median income: $59,253

Deep Dives

Rusk County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Rusk County

via HealthByCounty

Rusk County lives slightly shorter than America

At 73.6 years, Rusk County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by about 2.8 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, slightly above national norms, signaling persistent health challenges across the population.

Below Texas average, but not the worst

Rusk County's 73.6-year life expectancy falls 0.7 years short of Texas's 74.3-year state average. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide, where nearly one in five Texans are uninsured compared to Rusk's 19.0% rate.

Mixed outcomes among East Texas peers

Rusk County outpaces neighboring Sabine (70.3 years) and San Augustine (70.6 years) counties on life expectancy, yet trails San Jacinto (73.6 years). Primary care access is solid at 23 per 100,000, matching or exceeding most nearby counties.

Healthcare access adequate, insurance gaps remain

Rusk County has 23 primary care providers and 30 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, reasonable coverage for a rural county. However, 19.0% of residents lack health insurance, leaving nearly 1 in 5 vulnerable to unexpected medical costs.

Check your coverage options today

With nearly one-fifth of Rusk County uninsured, exploring marketplace plans or Medicaid eligibility could protect your family's health and finances. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local community health center to understand what coverage options are available to you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.