CountyScore

San Augustine County

Texas · TX

#33 in Texas
68.9
County Score

County Report Card

About San Augustine County, Texas

San Augustine ranks in top tier nationally

San Augustine County's composite score of 75.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 51%, making it one of the most livable counties in America. This exceptional ranking is driven primarily by its ultra-low tax burden and exceptionally affordable housing.

Texas's most livable county in this set

San Augustine County scores 75.3, the highest among these eight counties and well above the Texas state average of 66.8. It stands as a standout performer for livability in the state.

Lowest taxes, most affordable homes

San Augustine shines with a tax score of 79.3 (effective rate of just 0.816%—the lowest in this group) and a cost score of 87.7 (median home value $83,500, rent $741 monthly). These metrics make it the most economically accessible county profiled here.

Income levels are significantly lower

The median household income of $46,338 and income score of 13.6 reflect limited earning opportunities—the lowest in this set. Comprehensive data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions is not yet available.

Perfect for ultra-budget living

San Augustine County is best suited for individuals and families with modest incomes seeking maximum housing affordability and minimal tax obligations. It appeals strongly to retirees, those working remotely, and anyone willing to trade higher earnings for minimal cost of living.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.3Cost87.7SafetyComing SoonHealth47.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome13.6Risk82.4WaterComing Soon
🏛79.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤47.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡82.4
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 San Augustine County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coffee County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $64,672
Walker County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $54,509
Arkansas County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $60,831
Jackson County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $41,215
Sevier County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $51,641

Deep Dives

San Augustine County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.