countyscore
56
County Score
Cost of Living 82.5Disaster Risk 77.9Schools 73.5

County Report Card

About Sabine County, Texas

Outperforming the National Median

Sabine County earns an impressive composite score of 56.0, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher overall quality of life than many of its peers across the country.

Leading the State Average

The county significantly outpaces the Texas state average composite score of 41.9. Its strong performance in safety and affordability makes it a standout choice within the state.

Maximum Affordability and High Safety

Affordability is the headline here with a cost score of 82.5, anchored by a low median rent of $738. The county also excels in safety and environmental risk, scoring 73.0 and 77.9 respectively.

Infrastructure and Health Infrastructure Gaps

Resource access is limited, evidenced by a very low water score of 6.9 and a health score of 12.6. Residents may find themselves traveling further for specialized medical care or modern utilities.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Retirees

With home values averaging just $131,900 and high safety ratings, Sabine is perfect for those on fixed incomes. It offers peace and quiet for people who prioritize low costs over urban amenities.

2040608010038.282.57312.673.538.777.96.934.3Tax38.2Cost82.5Safety73Health12.6Schools73.5Income38.7Risk77.9Water6.9Weather34.356/100
This county
National avg
4 above average5 below average

Sabine County DNA

Foverall

How Sabine County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Sabine County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (82.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (6.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
38.2-13.799999999999997
Cost
82.5+34.5
Safety
73+18
Health
12.6-37.4
Schools
73.5+19.5
Income
38.7-12.299999999999997
Risk
77.9+30.900000000000006
Water
6.9-51.1
Weather
34.3-21.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$131,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$738/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$131,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,924/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.0

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
Compare Sabine County with Chaffee County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Sabine Parish
Louisiana
63.8
San Augustine County
Texas
49.1
Shelby County
Texas
40.1
Vernon Parish
Louisiana
64.4
Newton County
Texas
47.7
Jasper County
Texas
40.5
Nacogdoches County
Texas
38.9
Natchitoches Parish
Louisiana
63.1

Deep Dives

Sabine County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Sabine County

via CrimeByCounty

Sabine County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Sabine County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.0, reflecting a total crime rate of just 641.3 per 100K. This rate is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in the Lone Star State

With a total crime rate of 641.3, Sabine County far outpaces the Texas state average of 2052.5 per 100K. It stands as one of the most secure regions compared to the state's safety score of 96.8.

Outpacing Neighbors in Public Safety

Sabine County is significantly safer than neighboring San Augustine, which has a crime rate of 1729.8 per 100K. The local community maintains a quiet environment with very low incident reports.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

The violent crime rate is only 190.4 per 100K, while property crime sits at 450.9. These numbers indicate that a resident's risk of facing any type of crime is remarkably low.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

While crime is rare, remaining vigilant is key to maintaining this high safety standard. Basic home security measures like deadbolts and alarm systems help keep Sabine County one of Texas's safest havens.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Sabine County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Educational Network in East Texas

Sabine County supports a focused education infrastructure consisting of seven total public schools across three districts. The system serves 1,789 students, divided among three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.

High Graduation Success Despite Lower Spending

The county boasts an impressive 94% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $8,104 is lower than the $13,000 national benchmark, the county’s school score of 58.0 remains above the Texas state average.

Hemphill ISD Leads the Local Districts

Hemphill ISD is the largest provider in the area, managing three schools and 840 students. West Sabine ISD follows with 608 students, while no charter schools currently operate within the county lines.

A Fully Rural Learning Experience

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating an intimate average school size of 256 students. Hemphill Elementary is the largest campus with 334 students, while Hemphill Middle offers a smaller environment with 252 students.

Find Your Home in a High-Achieving Community

Families looking for strong graduation outcomes and small-town values will find Sabine County’s rural schools appealing. Explore local real estate to settle near these high-performing, tight-knit East Texas districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Sabine County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Challenges Lead to Failing Grade

Sabine County holds an F grade for drinking water due to 99 health violations recorded in the last five years. At 517.1 violations per 100,000 people, the county's rate sits just below the Texas state average of 581.9.

Watershed Health Data Currently Unavailable

Local water bodies in Sabine County are currently not covered by federal §303(d) assessments. Because no data is available in the ATTAINS system, the overall health of the watershed remains unrated by federal standards.

Robust Monitoring with Thousands of Records

Four monitoring sites have produced a robust 7,779 records over the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical properties, major inorganics, and organic compounds to safeguard the area's water.

No Active Streamgages in Sabine County

There is currently no active USGS streamgage recording live flow data within Sabine County. Without a representative gauge, residents must rely on drinking water compliance records as the primary indicator of water system health.

Staying Vigilant about Water Safety

Because the county faces a failing grade for drinking water compliance, residents should monitor their water provider's annual reports for specific violation types. Consider using certified home filtration systems to address potential health concerns while watershed assessments are pending.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sabine County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Wettest in the Nation

While specific temperature data is limited, Sabine County is defined by its 55.8 inches of annual rain. This is drastically higher than the national median and the Texas average of 31.9 inches.

Deep East Texas Rainfall Leader

Sabine County receives 55.8 inches of precipitation, making it one of the wettest counties in Texas. This exceeds the state average of 31.9 inches by more than 23 inches annually.

A Lush Border Climate

Sharing a border with Louisiana, Sabine matches the high-humidity and high-rainfall profile of Newton and Jasper counties. It records almost no snow, averaging just 0.1 inches per year.

Constant Moisture and Mild Winters

Snow is a rare event in Sabine County, which averages only 0.1 inches per year. The high annual rainfall of 55.8 inches ensures that every season is defined by significant moisture.

Water Management is Essential

With nearly 56 inches of rain, residents should prioritize flood insurance and high-capacity gutter systems. Breathable, moisture-wicking clothing is a must for navigating the intense humidity of the Piney Woods.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sabine County

via SoilByCounty

The Hidden Soils of the Border

Sabine County lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in current federal soil surveys. Like much of the Sabine River basin, the area likely features the acidic, sandy loams common to the Pineywoods region.

Texture Data Currently Limited

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable for this county. Local observations typically suggest a sandy-to-loamy surface that is characteristic of the deep East Texas timberlands.

East Texas Fertility Patterns

While specific organic matter data is N/A, the region's high rainfall typically supports dense forest growth. Gardeners usually find that adding compost helps boost the water capacity in these naturally porous soils.

Navigating Forest Hydrology

Hydrologic group data is not currently recorded for Sabine County in this dataset. Given the proximity to the reservoir and river, local drainage is highly dependent on elevation and proximity to the water table.

Subtropical Gardening in Zone 9a

Sabine County sits in the warm USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, allowing for a long and productive growing season. It is an excellent place to grow heat-tolerant fruits and lush ornamental gardens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sabine County

via LawnByCounty

A Moderately Easier Start in Sabine County

Sabine County's lawn difficulty score of 41.1 makes it one of the more manageable areas in Texas for growing grass. Although this is below the national average of 50.0, it is notably better than the state average of 31.7. Being in Zone 9a allows for a longer growing window, though humidity remains a constant factor.

Abundant Rainfall Fuels Forested Landscapes

With 55.8 inches of annual precipitation, Sabine County exceeds the national ideal range of 30-50 inches. This high rainfall helps combat the Texas heat, though it can lead to fungal issues if drainage is poor. While specific heat day data is limited, the high moisture levels suggest a very active growing season for local turf.

Local Knowledge Drives Soil Success

While specific county-wide soil pH and texture data are limited, local observation remains your best tool for success. Most East Texas soils tend toward acidity, so a professional soil test is the best first step before applying amendments. Focus on ensuring your site is clear of debris to capitalize on the high annual rainfall.

Widespread Severe Drought Challenges Growers

The county has endured 22 weeks of drought over the last year, and currently, 100% of the area is in severe drought. This universal dry spell means strictly following local water restrictions is vital for community resilience. Even with high annual rain, these intense dry periods can quickly brown out a lawn without supplemental irrigation.

Selecting Turf for the Piney Woods

St. Augustine and Zoysia are excellent choices for Zone 9a, as they handle the high rainfall and occasional shade from local pines well. Since frost dates are not strictly recorded, aim for late March to begin your planting projects. Consistent watering during the first six weeks will help your new sod survive the transition to the Texas heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sabine County's county score?
Sabine County, Texas has a composite county score of 56 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 Sabine County rank among counties in Texas?
Sabine County ranks #28 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 Sabine County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Sabine County is $1,315, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Sabine County a tax score of 38.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sabine County?
The median household income in Sabine County, Texas is $59,924 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sabine County earns an income score of 38.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sabine County, Texas a good place to live?
Sabine County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Sabine 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 Sabine 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.