CountyScore

Sabine County

Texas · TX

#35 in Texas
68.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Sabine County, Texas

Sabine outpaces national livability norm

Sabine County's composite score of 73.9 is 48% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it among the most livable counties nationwide. This strong performance reflects exceptional housing affordability paired with favorable tax treatment.

Above-average performer in Texas

With a score of 73.9, Sabine County exceeds the Texas state average of 66.8 and ranks competitively among the state's most livable counties. This puts residents in a county that outperforms most of its neighbors.

Exceptional housing and tax values

Sabine County's standout strength is housing affordability: a cost score of 86.5 pairs with a median home value of just $131,900 and rent at $738 monthly—among the lowest in the state. The tax score of 74.2 (reflecting a 0.997% effective rate) further enhances the economic value proposition.

Income levels pull scores lower

A median household income of $59,924 and income score of 22.5 indicate that wage growth and earning potential are modest compared to more prosperous Texas counties. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remains incomplete, leaving some dimensions of livability unmeasured.

Ideal for rural, cost-conscious living

Sabine County appeals to those seeking deeply affordable housing, minimal tax burden, and a rural lifestyle. It's particularly suited for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers seeking low overhead, or families prioritizing housing savings over urban amenities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.2Cost86.5SafetyComing SoonHealth51.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.5Risk77.9WaterComing Soon
🏛74.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤51.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡77.9
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 Sabine County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

La Plata County
Colorado
68.7
Median income: $85,296
Butts County
Georgia
68.7
Median income: $59,221
Adams County
Indiana
68.7
Median income: $63,128
Emmet County
Iowa
68.7
Median income: $65,181
Wichita County
Kansas
68.7
Median income: $71,282

Deep Dives

Sabine County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sabine County

via TaxByCounty

Sabine offers among the nation's lowest rates

Sabine County's effective tax rate of 0.997% ranks among America's very lowest, falling well below the national median of 1.276%. The median annual tax of $1,315 on a median home value of $131,900 represents less than half the national median tax of $2,690, delivering substantial relief to residents.

Sabine ranks among Texas's most tax-friendly

At 0.997%, Sabine County's effective rate sits below the Texas state average of 1.276%, placing it in the lower third of state counties. The $1,315 median tax also trails the state median of $2,193, giving residents meaningful advantages statewide.

Sabine ties with region's most favorable rates

Sabine's 0.997% rate nearly matches Roberts (1.004%) and Rusk (1.001%), making all three regional leaders in tax relief. The county beats every other nearby peer, offering genuine savings compared to Runnels, Refugio, and Reeves.

Median home costs about $1,315 yearly

On Sabine County's median home valued at $131,900, you'll pay roughly $1,315 annually in property taxes—approximately $110 per month. With a mortgage, lenders may collect closer to $2,022 through escrow.

Appeal assessments for extra savings potential

Sabine County's excellent rate provides a strong foundation, but appraisal reviews still matter; overassessments happen in every county. Even modest reductions on an already-low bill add up over time and justify the minimal appeal effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sabine County

via CostByCounty

Sabine's rent burden beats the nation

At 14.8%, Sabine County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national norm, making it one of Texas's most affordable rental markets. Renters here spend roughly $738 monthly—nearly $225 less than the state average—on a median household income of $59,924.

Among Texas's most affordable counties

Sabine ranks in the upper tier of affordable Texas counties, with its 14.8% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average of 18.1%. This puts the county in a strong position for both renters and buyers seeking to stretch their housing dollars further than statewide peers.

Quieter than nearby San Augustine

Sabine's median rent of $738 undercuts neighboring San Augustine County ($741) and San Jacinto County ($1,018) by a meaningful margin. Home values here ($131,900) fall between its neighbors, offering renters and buyers a moderate-cost option in the region.

Rent and mortgages share the load

Sabine renters dedicate 14.8% of their $59,924 median income to rent, while homeowners spend roughly 11.4% on monthly owner costs of $572. Together, housing absorbs a manageable share of household budgets, leaving room for other priorities.

Consider Sabine for rural affordability

If you're exploring Texas relocations, Sabine County delivers below-average housing costs without sacrificing access to small-town community. Compare its $738 median rent and $131,900 home values to nearby counties—you may find meaningful savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sabine County

via IncomeByCounty

Sabine trails the national income standard

Sabine County's median household income of $59,924 sits $14,831 below the U.S. median of $74,755, a gap of nearly 20%. This shortfall reflects broader rural economic challenges across East Texas. Nationally, Sabine ranks in the lower quartile, though its income level remains viable for many households seeking lower costs of living.

Sabine falls below Texas averages

At $59,924, Sabine County's median income falls $4,813 short of Texas's state average of $64,737, placing it in the lower third of the state's counties. The county's per capita income of $38,367, however, exceeds the state's $33,197 average, suggesting more uneven income distribution. This gap hints at a bifurcated economy where some earn substantially while others struggle.

Sabine outearns struggling neighbors

Sabine County ($59,924) exceeds San Augustine County ($46,338) by $13,586 and edges below Rusk County ($67,506) by $7,582 in median income. San Jacinto County ($59,526) nearly mirrors Sabine's earnings, suggesting a regional income plateau in East Texas. Sabine's position reflects moderate economic stability compared to its lowest-income neighbors.

Housing affordability remains a bright spot

Sabine County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% is exceptionally favorable, among the best in this group, meaning renters spend only about one-seventh of earnings on housing. A household earning $59,924 can comfortably allocate roughly $8,900 annually to rent while maintaining financial flexibility. This low ratio provides substantial cushion for other essential expenses and savings.

Maximize Sabine's affordability advantage

Your low housing costs—14.8% of income—unlock an opportunity many Americans lack: the ability to save aggressively despite modest earnings. Redirect the $10,000+ you save annually on housing into a dedicated investment account or employer retirement plan. Over a career, this disciplined approach turns Sabine's affordability advantage into meaningful wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Sabine County

via HealthByCounty

Sabine County faces significant health gap

Sabine County's 70.3-year life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 6.1 years, among the lowest in Texas. Over one in five residents report poor or fair health, indicating widespread chronic conditions and limited wellness opportunities.

Texas's lower-health cluster

At 70.3 years, Sabine County ranks among the lowest life expectancy counties in Texas, trailing the state average of 74.3 years by nearly 4 years. The uninsured rate of 19.3% mirrors the state average, but health outcomes suggest deeper access or quality barriers.

Sabine struggles among regional peers

Sabine County's 70.3-year life expectancy is the lowest among its East Texas neighbors, including Rusk (73.6), San Augustine (70.6), and San Jacinto (73.6). Primary care access at 20 per 100,000 is modest, suggesting residents may travel for specialists.

Sparse provider network for rural county

Sabine County has just 20 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 30 mental health providers, limiting daily healthcare access for its population. Combined with a 19.3% uninsured rate, residents face both distance and cost barriers to preventive care.

Insurance can bridge the care gap

Nearly 1 in 5 Sabine County residents are uninsured, making it critical to explore coverage options before health crises hit. Contact your county health department or visit healthcare.gov to learn about Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sabine County

via RiskByCounty

Sabine County well below U.S. risk

Sabine County's composite risk score of 22.11 places it in the "Very Low" category, significantly safer than the national average of 44.0. This below-average profile means residents face fewer cumulative natural disaster threats than most of the country.

Among Texas's safest counties

At 22.11, Sabine County scores well below the Texas state average of 49.00, ranking it among the lower-risk counties statewide. The county benefits from its inland, forested location away from major seismic or tornado corridors.

Safer than surrounding counties

Sabine County (22.11) offers better natural disaster risk protection than its immediate neighbors Rusk County (54.01) and San Jacinto County (58.87). San Augustine County (17.62) is the only adjacent county with notably lower risk, making Sabine a relatively stable area in east Texas.

Hurricane and wildfire concerns persist

Hurricane risk reaches 73.76 despite the county's inland position, as tropical moisture and wind can travel inland during storm season. Wildfire risk scores 58.62, reflecting the piney woods environment that requires careful fire management.

Standard coverage sufficient for most

Sabine County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. Still verify your policy includes wind and hail coverage given seasonal hurricane impacts, and maintain clear vegetation around your home during fire season.

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.