countyscore
44.7
County Score
Safety 94.2Schools 46.1Lawn Care 45.1

County Report Card

About San Jacinto County, Texas

Below the National Livability Median

San Jacinto County scores a 44.7, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. While it lags nationally, it maintains specific localized strengths.

Better Than the Texas Average

The county's 44.7 score beats the state average of 41.9. It offers a competitive alternative to higher-stress urban areas elsewhere in Texas.

Top-Tier Public Safety

The county's standout feature is its safety score of 94.2, indicating very low crime rates. This makes it one of the most secure-feeling environments in the entire region.

Infrastructure and Tax Burdens

Development lags in water quality with a score of 7.1 and health at 20.4. Additionally, a tax score of 28.7 reflects a relatively high effective tax rate of 1.139% for the area.

A Haven for Safety-Conscious Households

San Jacinto is the premier choice for those where peace of mind and safety are the top priorities. It suits families who don't mind paying slightly higher taxes for a secure, low-crime community.

Score breakdown

Tax28.7Cost35.9Safety94.2Health20.4Schools46.1Income37.6Risk41.1Water7.1Weather23.3
🏛28.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡94.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡41.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧7.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤23.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.1
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

Polk County
Texas
32.8
Walker County
Texas
25.1
Trinity County
Texas
46.1
Montgomery County
Texas
29.3
Liberty County
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30.4
Madison County
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Houston County
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Tyler County
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41.3

Deep Dives

San Jacinto County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in San Jacinto County

via TaxByCounty

San Jacinto taxes slightly below national median

San Jacinto County's effective tax rate of 1.139% produces a median annual property tax of $2,086, nearly matching the national median of $2,690. Though the county's median home value of $183,100 is lower than the national average of $281,900, homeowners here pay taxes at a comparable rate to much of America.

Mid-range taxes within Texas

San Jacinto County ranks below the Texas state average effective tax rate of 1.276%, with its rate of 1.139%. The county's median tax of $2,086 runs about $100 below the state's typical property tax of $2,193.

Moderate taxes in the piney woods

San Jacinto's 1.139% rate sits between San Augustine County's 0.816% and Shelby County's 1.023%, making it a mid-tier option regionally. The county charges slightly more in effective rate than most immediate neighbors, though still below state average.

Median home costs $2,086 yearly in taxes

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $183,100 in San Jacinto County pays approximately $2,086 annually in property taxes. With mortgage and debt service included, that amount rises to $2,567, reflecting moderate tax burden for a median-priced home.

Review assessments to potentially lower bills

San Jacinto homeowners should confirm their property's assessed value matches market reality—overassessed properties are common statewide. A successful appeal can reduce your tax obligation and is worth investigating if you believe your valuation is inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in San Jacinto County

via CostByCounty

San Jacinto's housing hits hard on income

San Jacinto County's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio tops the national average and exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average by a significant margin. Renters here pay $1,018 monthly—55% above the state average—on a median income of $59,526.

Among Texas's priciest rental markets

San Jacinto ranks near the bottom of Texas's affordability ladder, with renters shouldering a 20.5% housing burden and a median rent well above state norms. This county represents one of the state's less affordable options for renters despite moderate incomes.

Rents outpace nearby counties

San Jacinto's $1,018 median rent substantially exceeds Sabine ($738) and San Augustine ($741), while home values ($183,100) rank second-highest in the region. The combination pushes both renters and homeowners toward steeper housing costs than immediate neighbors.

Housing dominates household budgets

San Jacinto renters spend 20.5% of their $59,526 income on rent, while homeowners dedicate 17.4% to monthly owner costs of $865. Together, these figures show housing consuming a larger-than-ideal share of household resources.

Higher costs require higher income

San Jacinto's elevated rents and home values make it best suited for relocators with incomes above the county median. Compare its $1,018 rent and $183,100 home values to neighboring counties if you're budget-conscious.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in San Jacinto County

via IncomeByCounty

San Jacinto falls below U.S. income norms

San Jacinto County's median household income of $59,526 sits $15,229 below the national median of $74,755, a gap of about 20%. This below-average positioning reflects common rural economic constraints, including limited job diversity and smaller employer bases. The county ranks in the lower half nationally but maintains income levels sufficient for many households in lower-cost areas.

San Jacinto ranks below state average

At $59,526, San Jacinto County trails Texas's state average of $64,737 by $5,211, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 254 counties. The per capita income of $30,234 falls notably below the state average of $33,197, suggesting a younger, less experienced workforce or higher unemployment. This gap signals economic headwinds for the county.

San Jacinto mirrors Sabine's income level

San Jacinto County ($59,526) nearly matches Sabine County ($59,924) in median income, creating an East Texas income band $7,982 below Rusk County ($67,506). Both counties exceed San Augustine County ($46,338) by significant margins, positioning them as moderately stable regional actors. The similarity suggests shared economic drivers across neighboring counties.

High housing costs create affordability stress

San Jacinto County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% approaches the danger zone, consuming more than one-fifth of median earnings on housing, compared to the healthy 30% threshold. With median income of $59,526, a typical household allocates roughly $12,200 annually to rent, leaving constrained resources for other essentials. This pressure point reflects housing supply challenges or rising property costs in the county.

Address housing costs to enable savings

Your rent burden of 20.5% leaves limited room for wealth-building, making housing decisions critical to financial health. Explore first-time homebuyer programs or down payment assistance available in Texas to transition from renting to building home equity. Even a modest monthly home payment that builds ownership can free up savings capacity over time compared to rising rents.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in San Jacinto County

via CrimeByCounty

San Jacinto Achieves Rare Safety Rating

San Jacinto County earns a perfect safety score of 100.0, reporting a total crime rate of only 28.9 per 100K. This is an extreme outlier compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

Far Below Typical Texas Crime Levels

The county's total crime rate of 28.9 per 100K is a fraction of the Texas average of 2052.5. It ranks among the absolute safest counties in the state based on 2022 reporting data.

Incomparable Safety Relative to Peers

Compared to nearby San Patricio at 1222.8 per 100K, San Jacinto County's numbers are exceptionally low. Local law enforcement from six agencies reports very few incidents per capita.

Minimal Violent and Property Incidents

The data shows a violent crime rate of 21.7 and a property crime rate of just 7.2 per 100K. These figures suggest an incredibly low risk for any criminal activity in the area.

Stay Proactive in a Safe Community

Despite the near-zero crime statistics, residents should still practice standard home safety habits. Keeping doors locked and being neighborly helps maintain this high standard of community security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in San Jacinto County

via HealthByCounty

San Jacinto lifespans lag national norms

San Jacinto County's 73.6-year life expectancy falls 2.8 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Over one in five residents report poor or fair health, suggesting high rates of chronic disease despite the county's slight advantage on life expectancy.

Middle of the Texas health pack

San Jacinto County matches Rusk at 73.6 years—nearly 0.7 years below Texas's 74.3-year average—placing it in the lower-middle tier of Texas counties. The 20.2% uninsured rate edges slightly above the state average, adding financial risk for many households.

Provider shortage relative to peers

San Jacinto County's 73.6-year life expectancy ranks middle among East Texas neighbors, but its primary care provider count of just 7 per 100,000 is the lowest in the region by far. Residents likely rely on distant medical centers for routine and specialty care.

Critical shortage of primary care providers

San Jacinto County has just 7 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a severe shortage compared to the state and neighboring counties—and only 17 mental health providers. Combined with 20.2% uninsured, this shortage forces residents into delayed care and emergency department visits.

Health coverage closes the access gap

One in five San Jacinto County residents are uninsured, and with few local providers, insurance becomes critical to traveling for care. Explore marketplace options at healthcare.gov or contact your county health department for Medicaid information and transportation assistance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in San Jacinto County

via SchoolsByCounty

An Expanding Rural Educational Framework

San Jacinto County operates eight public schools that provide a foundation for 3,580 students. The landscape features four elementary campuses, two middle schools, and two high schools distributed across two main districts.

Solid Outcomes on Leaner Budgets

The county maintains a 92% graduation rate, which sits just above the state average of 91.6%. Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $6,460—lower than both state and national levels—the county manages a school score of 53.4.

Shepherd ISD and Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD

Shepherd ISD is the larger of the two districts, serving 1,958 students, while Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD supports 1,622 learners. There are no charter schools in the county, leaving education entirely to these two traditional districts.

Large-Scale Rural Education

While all eight schools are rural, they are larger than neighboring counties with an average enrollment of 448 students. Shepherd High School is the most populous campus with 601 students, while Coldspring-Oakhurst High School follows with 496.

Build a Future in San Jacinto County

San Jacinto County offers a classic rural Texas lifestyle with school districts that focus on graduation success. Explore homes in the area to find a community that balances natural beauty with a dedicated public school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in San Jacinto County

via RiskByCounty

San Jacinto County exceeds national risk

San Jacinto County's composite risk score of 58.87 places it in the "Relatively Low" category, exceeding the national average of 44.0 by nearly 35 percent. The county faces above-average exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly tornados and hurricanes.

Higher than typical Texas county

At 58.87, San Jacinto County scores 10 points above Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking in the upper-middle tier of statewide risk. This elevation reflects the county's position in a tornado-prone region combined with substantial hurricane vulnerability.

Higher risk than most surrounding areas

San Jacinto County (58.87) carries significantly greater risk than neighboring San Augustine County (17.62) and Sabine County (22.11), though Rusk County (54.01) presents comparable threats. The county faces notably higher tornado risk than its immediate peers.

Tornados pose extreme threat

Tornado risk dominates at 90.01—among the highest in the state—making spring severe weather a critical safety concern for San Jacinto County residents. Hurricane risk scores 74.51, and combined with wildfire risk of 68.35, the county faces a diverse hazard landscape.

Invest in tornado and wind protection

San Jacinto County's extremely high tornado risk demands that homeowners prioritize wind and hail coverage in their insurance policies. Install or designate a safe room for severe weather, maintain emergency supplies, and ensure your policy clearly covers tornado damage, hail, and high winds.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in San Jacinto County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical and Snow-Free

San Jacinto County averages 52.1 inches of rain per year, far exceeding the national median. While specific temperature data is limited, the zero-inch snowfall average indicates a very warm climate.

Lush and Rainy East Texas

With 52.1 inches of annual precipitation, San Jacinto County is much wetter than the Texas average of 31.9 inches. This abundance of rain supports the dense forests found throughout the county.

A Coastal Plain Influence

Located near Walker and Liberty counties, San Jacinto shares a profile of high rainfall and no snow. It follows the same humid, moisture-heavy pattern found across the Southeast Texas region.

Year-Round Rain and No Snow

San Jacinto County sees 0.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather almost non-existent. The seasons are instead defined by 52.1 inches of rain and typical Texas humidity.

Focus on Rain Protection

Rain gear and waterproof footwear are essentials for residents dealing with 52.1 inches of annual precipitation. Because snowfall is non-existent, residents can focus their home maintenance on hurricane and storm preparedness.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in San Jacinto County

via SoilByCounty

The Foundation of the Sam Houston Forest

Specific pH and taxonomic data for San Jacinto are currently unavailable, though the region is known for its diverse woodland soils. Local land managers often work with profiles that differ significantly from the 7.09 state average pH.

Textural Trends in San Jacinto

The specific mix of sand, silt, and clay for this county is not currently recorded in the primary dataset. Understanding these ratios is vital for local developers to ensure stable foundations and efficient water movement.

Monitoring Soil Life and Capacity

San Jacinto lacks specific organic matter and available water capacity (AWC) metrics in recent surveys. Local gardeners typically aim to exceed the state average of 1.66% organic matter to maximize their growing potential.

Water Flow and Land Management

Current records do not classify the dominant drainage or hydrologic groups for the county. Evaluating individual sites remains the best way to determine how the land handles rainfall and supports structures.

Nurturing Growth in Zone 9a

With a Hardiness Zone of 9a, San Jacinto supports a wide variety of perennials and citrus in sheltered spots. Grab your shovel and start a backyard plot to take advantage of the generous Texas sunshine.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in San Jacinto County

via LawnByCounty

San Jacinto's Favorable Texas Climate

With a score of 45.1, San Jacinto County is one of the easier places in Texas to maintain a lawn, though it still trails the national average of 50.0. This score is significantly higher than the state average of 31.7, suggesting a more forgiving environment for gardeners. In Zone 9a, you have a long growing window to perfect your landscape.

Ample Rain Supports Lush Greenery

The county receives 52.1 inches of rain annually, well above the state average of 31.9 inches and perfectly suited for lush lawn growth. While specific heat day data is unavailable, the high precipitation generally helps buffer against the typical Texas summer. This climate supports a very active mowing schedule throughout the long warm season.

Tailoring Your Soil Strategy

While specific soil data is not recorded for this area, the region typically features soils that benefit from regular aeration. Improving the soil's ability to absorb the 52 inches of annual rain will prevent standing water and root rot. Test your soil for nutrient deficiencies to keep your lawn thriving despite the high humidity.

Managing Through Total Severe Drought

Despite the high rainfall, 100% of the county is currently experiencing severe drought, having faced 23 weeks of dry conditions this year. This paradox makes water storage and efficient irrigation systems essential for any serious lawn enthusiast. Use drought-tolerant species to ensure your lawn survives these intense periods without constant watering.

Planting for Success in Zone 9a

Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine are the most reliable choices for this warm and wet region. Without a recorded frost date, locals typically aim for mid-to-late March to begin seeding or laying sod. Getting your grass established early in the spring will help it withstand the 100% drought coverage currently affecting the county.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Jacinto County's county score?
San Jacinto County, Texas has a composite county score of 44.7 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 Jacinto County rank among counties in Texas?
San Jacinto County ranks #104 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 Jacinto County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in San Jacinto County is $2,086, with an effective tax rate of 1.14%. This earns San Jacinto County a tax score of 28.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in San Jacinto County?
The median household income in San Jacinto County, Texas is $59,526 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. San Jacinto County earns an income score of 37.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is San Jacinto County, Texas a good place to live?
San Jacinto County scores 44.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #104 in Texas. The best way to evaluate San Jacinto 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 Jacinto 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.