countyscore
49.1
County Score
Cost of Living 86.3Schools 84.2Disaster Risk 82.4

County Report Card

About San Augustine County, Texas

Competitive with the National Average

San Augustine County scores a 49.1, landing just a fraction below the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that rivals many counties nationwide.

Exceeding Texas Standards

The county's composite score of 49.1 sits well above the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks as a top-tier option for residents seeking a high-performing rural environment in East Texas.

Premier Schooling and Low Costs

Education is the primary draw with an exceptional school score of 84.2. Residents also enjoy incredible affordability, with a cost score of 86.3 and a median home value of only $83,500.

Severe Challenges in Water and Health

The county faces a critical water score of 0.2 and a health score of 6.5, the lowest in this group. Furthermore, the income score of 8.8 reflects a median household income of only $46,338.

Great for Families Seeking Low Entry Costs

San Augustine is best for families who want high-quality schools without the high price tag of a suburb. It rewards those who are self-sufficient and can manage in a region with limited health services.

Score breakdown

Tax51.9Cost86.3Safety28.3Health6.5Schools84.2Income8.8Risk82.4Water0.2Weather34.9
🏛51.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤6.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓84.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡82.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28.1
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

Sabine County
Texas
56
Nacogdoches County
Texas
38.9
Angelina County
Texas
27.6
Shelby County
Texas
40.1
Sabine Parish
Louisiana
63.8
Tyler County
Texas
41.3
Jasper County
Texas
40.5
Newton County
Texas
47.7

Deep Dives

San Augustine County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in San Augustine County

via TaxByCounty

San Augustine taxes far below national average

With an effective tax rate of 0.816%, San Augustine County homeowners pay significantly less than the national median property tax of $2,690 annually. The county's median home value of $83,500 means a typical homeowner pays just $681 in yearly property taxes, placing the county well below national norms for tax burden.

Texas's lowest-taxing county

San Augustine County has the lowest effective tax rate in Texas at 0.816%, compared to the state average of 1.276%. This means the county collects significantly less in property taxes than the typical Texas county, giving homeowners here one of the lightest tax loads in the state.

Lowest taxes in the piney woods region

Compared to nearby counties, San Augustine stands out: San Jacinto County's rate is 1.139% and Shelby County's is 1.023%, both notably higher. San Augustine's 0.816% rate makes it the most tax-friendly choice in its region for homeowners seeking lower annual property tax bills.

Median home costs $681 yearly in taxes

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $83,500 in San Augustine County pays approximately $681 annually in property taxes. Including mortgage and debt service, that figure rises to $874, still remarkably low compared to national standards.

Many homeowners may be overassessed

Even with San Augustine's favorable tax rates, homeowners should verify their property's assessed value—overassessments happen regularly. Appealing an inflated assessment can reduce your tax burden further and is a straightforward process in most Texas counties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in San Augustine County

via CostByCounty

San Augustine renters feel the squeeze

With a 19.2% rent-to-income ratio, San Augustine County exceeds the national benchmark and sits above Texas's 18.1% state average. On a median household income of just $46,338—37% below the national median—renters pay $741 monthly, consuming a larger slice of earnings.

Below-average incomes, above-average strain

San Augustine ranks among Texas's least affordable counties, combining low median income ($46,338) with a rent burden that tops the state average. The 19.2% rent-to-income ratio signals housing stress that exceeds most Texas peers.

Cheapest rents, lowest incomes

San Augustine offers the lowest median rent ($741) in its immediate region, nearly matching Sabine County's ($738) while undercut by San Jacinto ($1,018). However, its median income ($46,338) trails all neighbors, making even affordable housing harder to access.

Rent consumes 19% of income here

San Augustine households devote 19.2% of their median $46,338 income to rent—a significant burden that limits flexibility for other expenses. Homeowners fare somewhat better at 12.7% of income spent on monthly owner costs ($492), reflecting lower-priced homes ($83,500).

Lowest home prices come with trade-offs

San Augustine's $83,500 median home value ranks lowest in the region, appealing to buyers on tight budgets. Factor in the county's lower income levels and rent burden when weighing relocation—affordability matters less if local job prospects lag.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in San Augustine County

via IncomeByCounty

San Augustine faces significant income gap

San Augustine County's median household income of $46,338 lags the national median of $74,755 by $28,417—a 38% shortfall that represents one of the most substantial income gaps in this county cluster. This gap reflects persistent rural poverty and limited job market diversity. Nationally, San Augustine ranks among the bottom 20% of counties by household income.

San Augustine is Texas's lower income tier

At $46,338, San Augustine County ranks in the lowest quartile of Texas's 254 counties, falling $18,399 below the state average of $64,737. The county's per capita income of $25,902 is the lowest in this group and nearly 22% below Texas's average of $33,197. These figures underscore structural economic challenges requiring targeted development and workforce investment.

San Augustine struggles versus all peers

San Augustine County ($46,338) trails every other county in this comparison, sitting $13,586 behind Sabine County, the next lowest earner. Even San Saba County ($54,855), among the region's lower-income areas, outearns San Augustine by $8,517. This positioning reflects limited manufacturing, agricultural challenges, and out-migration of working-age populations.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

San Augustine County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% exceeds the comfort zone, consuming nearly one-fifth of median household earnings on housing alone. A household earning $46,338 faces roughly $8,900 in annual rent costs, leaving minimal cushion for healthcare, transportation, and savings. This pressure point identifies housing affordability as a critical policy concern for the county.

Build wealth despite income constraints

San Augustine households earning below the state average must prioritize intentional saving, even in small amounts. Open a high-yield savings account and automate transfers of just $50 monthly—$600 yearly—to establish an emergency fund, your first wealth-building step. Consider free or low-cost financial literacy programs through local nonprofits to maximize every dollar earned.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in San Augustine County

via CrimeByCounty

San Augustine Beats National Crime Averages

San Augustine County maintains a safety score of 97.3, supported by a total crime rate of 1729.8 per 100K. This rate is well below the national average of 2,385.5 per 100K.

Strong Safety Standing Within Texas

The county's safety score of 97.3 exceeds the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1729.8 is also lower than the statewide average of 2052.5 per 100K.

Higher Activity Than Nearest Neighbors

While safe compared to the state, San Augustine faces more activity than neighboring Sabine County at 641.3 per 100K. Local law enforcement manages a higher volume of cases than more rural adjacent areas.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1376.3 per 100K, while the violent crime rate of 353.5 mirrors the national average of 369.8. Most reports involve non-violent property disputes or thefts.

Enhance Your Residential Security

Property crime remains the primary concern for local residents. Monitoring entrances with video doorbells can effectively deter the property crimes that make up the bulk of local incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in San Augustine County

via HealthByCounty

San Augustine faces steep health disadvantage

San Augustine County's 70.6-year life expectancy falls 5.8 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, among the shortest in the nation for rural counties. Nearly 28% of residents report poor or fair health—one of the highest rates statewide—reflecting serious chronic disease burden.

One of Texas's lowest-health counties

San Augustine County ranks near the bottom statewide at 70.6 years, nearly 4 years below Texas's 74.3-year average. With 27.8% of residents in poor or fair health, the county faces one of the state's most challenging health profiles.

San Augustine's health crisis stands out

San Augustine's 70.6-year life expectancy barely edges Sabine (70.3), and lags Rusk (73.6) and San Jacinto (73.6) significantly. Its 27.8% poor/fair health rate is the worst among regional peers, suggesting concentrated poverty and health disparities.

Limited providers, 1 in 5 without insurance

San Augustine has 25 primary care providers and 26 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—below many neighboring counties. With 19.6% uninsured and sparse provider networks, residents struggle to access preventive and chronic disease management.

Coverage first step toward better health

One in five San Augustine County residents lack health insurance, compounding the county's severe health challenges. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid expansion, marketplace plans, and local community health center services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in San Augustine County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Schooling in Deep East Texas

San Augustine County manages a streamlined education system with just four public schools serving 1,040 students. The infrastructure is split evenly between two elementary and two high schools, managed by two local districts.

Top-Tier Graduation and Efficient Investment

With a 95% graduation rate, the county exceeds both state and national benchmarks for student success. The local investment of $9,321 per pupil helps drive a school score of 61.2, which is notably higher than the Texas state average of 55.3.

San Augustine ISD Anchors the County

San Augustine ISD is the primary district, enrolling 657 students across two campuses. Broaddus ISD serves the remaining 383 students, and there are currently no charter school alternatives in the county.

Traditional Rural Campus Life

All four county schools are rural, maintaining an average size of 260 students per campus. San Augustine High School is the largest facility with 353 students, while Broaddus Elementary provides a small-scale start for 184 young learners.

Settle Near High-Performing Rural Schools

For families prioritizing academic results and high graduation rates, San Augustine County offers a compelling case for relocation. Consider local homes to join a community that consistently outperforms state academic averages.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in San Augustine County

via RiskByCounty

San Augustine among safest in nation

With a composite risk score of just 17.62, San Augustine County ranks in the "Very Low" category, placing it well below the U.S. average of 44.0. The county faces minimal cumulative natural disaster exposure compared to most American counties.

Texas's most protected counties

San Augustine County's 17.62 score sits 31 points below Texas's 49.00 state average, making it one of the safest counties in the state. This low-risk profile reflects its distance from major seismic zones, tornado corridors, and coastal hurricane tracks.

Safest in its region

San Augustine County (17.62) outperforms neighboring Rusk County (54.01), San Jacinto County (58.87), and Sabine County (22.11) in overall safety. It represents the lowest-risk anchor point in this cluster of east Texas counties.

Hurricane risk highest despite distance

Hurricane risk reaches 73.47, the county's most significant hazard despite being roughly 150 miles inland, as tropical systems regularly influence weather patterns. Wildfire risk scores 56.42 in this forested region, requiring seasonal fire awareness.

Minimal insurance needs, basic coverage works

San Augustine County's very low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically covers most natural disaster scenarios adequately. Verify wind and hail protection is included, maintain gutters and drainage systems, and keep insurance current as a basic precaution.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in San Augustine County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Exceptionally Wet

San Augustine County averages 65.4°F annually, nearly identical to the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It is much warmer than the national median and significantly wetter than most U.S. counties.

Rainfall Far Above State Norms

The county receives 53.9 inches of rain, which is 22 inches more than the Texas average of 31.9. Its temperature profile is standard for the state, ranking right in the middle at 65.4°F.

Classic East Texas Humidity

Like neighboring Sabine and Shelby counties, San Augustine experiences a humid subtropical climate. It sees negligible snowfall, averaging only 0.2 inches per year.

Ninety-Six Days of High Heat

Summer temperatures peak with a July average of 82.0°F and 96 days of extreme heat. Winters are short and mild, with a December to February average of 49.1°F.

Combat Humidity and Heat

Residents should prepare for nearly 100 days of temperatures above 90°F with efficient cooling systems. The 53.9 inches of annual rain also requires regular home maintenance to prevent mold and water damage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in San Augustine County

via SoilByCounty

Deep Woods and Hidden Earth

While specific taxonomic data for San Augustine is currently limited in federal records, most East Texas counties feature acidic profiles compared to the 6.5 national median. Local land remains a cornerstone of the Piney Woods ecosystem despite missing specific pH benchmarks.

Compositional Balance in East Texas

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable in the current dataset for this region. However, the surrounding landscape typically demands attentive management of mineral ratios to ensure proper aeration for timber and agriculture.

Organic Potential and Water Storage

Current data does not specify the organic matter content or available water capacity for San Augustine. Without these local figures, growers look to the state average of 1.66% organic matter as a baseline for soil health and productivity.

Hydrological Movement in the Pines

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unspecified in the current survey. Proper site assessment is critical for building projects and irrigation planning to avoid runoff issues common in the region.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 9a

San Augustine falls into Zone 9a, offering a long growing season for heat-tolerant favorites like okra and southern peas. You can start your garden today by focusing on native plants that thrive in the humid, warm East Texas climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in San Augustine County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Growing Conditions in San Augustine

San Augustine County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 28.1, falling below the state average of 31.7. Residents in Zone 9a must contend with high heat and a climate that is much more demanding than the national average. Success here requires a specialized approach to lawn care and species selection.

Intense Heat and High Humidity Balance

The county experiences 96 extreme heat days annually, which is slightly less than the state average of 105 but still very taxing for grass. Thankfully, 53.9 inches of annual precipitation provides more moisture than the state average of 31.9 inches. This creates a humid environment where warm-season grasses can grow aggressively during the long summer.

Prepare for Local Soil Variations

Specific data on soil pH and clay content is limited for this county, but East Texas regions often feature heavy clays or sandy loams. Conduct a home soil test to determine if your lawn needs lime to balance acidity or organic matter to improve drainage. Proper soil preparation is the only way to ensure your grass survives the 96 days of extreme heat.

A Year of Severe Drought Stress

Current conditions show that 100% of the county is in severe drought, part of a 19-week trend of dry weather over the past year. Even with high annual rain totals, these concentrated dry periods can be devastating to shallow-rooted turf. Prioritize water conservation by only irrigating in the early morning to minimize evaporation.

Warm-Season Grass for Zone 9a

Bermuda and Centipede grass are ideal for the 9a climate because they handle the 6,121 growing degree days with ease. Wait until after the last spring frost on March 18 to seed your lawn to ensure the soil is sufficiently warm. Starting in late March gives your grass a head start before the extreme heat of July arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Augustine County's county score?
San Augustine County, Texas has a composite county score of 49.1 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 San Augustine County rank among counties in Texas?
San Augustine County ranks #70 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 San Augustine County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in San Augustine County is $681, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns San Augustine County a tax score of 51.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in San Augustine County?
The median household income in San Augustine County, Texas is $46,338 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. San Augustine County earns an income score of 8.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is San Augustine County, Texas a good place to live?
San Augustine County scores 49.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Texas. The best way to evaluate San Augustine 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 San Augustine County with other counties side by side.

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