countyscore
40.1
County Score
Cost of Living 69.2Schools 61.9Disaster Risk 44.3

County Report Card

About Shelby County, Texas

Trailing the National Median Score

Shelby County carries a composite score of 40.1, which falls roughly 10 points below the national median of 50.0. This suggests there are areas for improvement compared to national benchmarks.

Matching the Texas Statewide Average

The county's score of 40.1 sits just below the Texas state average of 41.9. While it performs reasonably for the region, it struggles to break into the top tier of Texas counties.

Affordable Housing and Quality Schools

Shelby excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 69.2 and median home values of $111,700. Education is also a bright spot, earning a school score of 61.9.

Health and Income Gaps

The county faces hurdles in healthcare and earnings, with a low health score of 8.0 and an income score of 15.6. The median household income of $50,436 is notably lower than many neighboring areas.

A Good Fit for Educational Focus

Shelby County is best for residents who prioritize affordable homeownership and decent public schools. Families may need to travel for specialized healthcare or higher-paying career opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax36.4Cost69.2Safety33.1Health8Schools61.9Income15.6Risk44.3Water4.6Weather34
🏛36.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡44.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧4.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨18.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.3
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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Deep Dives

Shelby County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Shelby County

via TaxByCounty

Shelby taxes well below national median

Shelby County's effective tax rate of 1.023% produces a median annual property tax of just $1,143 on a median home value of $111,700, running well below the national median of $2,690. Homeowners here enjoy some of the lightest tax burdens relative to property values in the nation.

Below-average taxes for Texas

Shelby County's effective tax rate of 1.023% sits comfortably below the Texas state average of 1.276%. The county's median property tax of $1,143 runs approximately $1,050 lower than the state median of $2,193, making it one of Texas's more tax-friendly counties.

Lower taxes than most region peers

Shelby's 1.023% rate beats nearby San Jacinto County's 1.139% and trails only San Augustine's 0.816% in the piney woods region. Among its neighbors, Shelby offers favorable property tax rates for homeowners.

Median home costs $1,143 yearly in taxes

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $111,700 in Shelby County pays approximately $1,143 annually in property taxes. Including mortgage and debt service, that amount rises to $1,822, remaining among the lightest tax burdens in the region.

Verify assessments even in low-tax counties

Even in Shelby County's favorable tax environment, homeowners should periodically confirm their property's assessed value for accuracy. Appealing an overassessment, though less common in lower-tax areas, can still reduce your tax bill and is a straightforward process in Texas.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Shelby County

via CostByCounty

Shelby slightly above national affordability

Shelby County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% exceeds the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend nearly a fifth of their income on housing. This compares to households earning $50,436 annually—$24,319 below the national median of $74,755.

Mid-pack affordability in Texas

Shelby's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Texas's state average of 18.1%, placing it in the less affordable half of Texas counties. The county's median rent of $832 falls $131 below the state average of $963.

Cheaper than nearby Smith County

Shelby renters pay $832 monthly compared to $1,197 in neighboring Smith County—a difference of $365 per month or 44% more for Smith renters. Yet Shelby's median household income is also lower, at $50,436 versus Smith's $71,923.

Housing absorbs a fifth of income

Shelby renters dedicate 19.8% of their $50,436 median income to monthly rent, while homeowners spend $598 on ownership costs—about 14.2% of income. The median home value of $111,700 remains accessible for buyers with moderate down payments.

Affordable rents, stretched incomes

Shelby offers lower rents than much of Texas, but household incomes lag national averages significantly. Renters and homebuyers relocating here should expect to stretch their budgets further unless earning rural Texas wages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Shelby County

via IncomeByCounty

Median Income Trails National Average

Shelby County's median household income of $50,436 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $24,000, or 33%. This significant gap suggests households here face tighter financial constraints than the typical American family.

Among Lower-Income Texas Counties

At $50,436, Shelby ranks well below Texas's county average of $64,737, putting it in the lower quartile of Texas counties. The county's per capita income of $28,183 also trails the state average of $33,197 by roughly 15%.

Faces Steeper Challenges Than Peers

Shelby's income of $50,436 ranks among the lowest in the region, above only Starr County ($38,182) but significantly below Shackelford ($64,659) and Smith ($71,923). This positioning reflects economic headwinds that neighboring counties experience less acutely.

Housing Costs Strain Household Budgets

Shelby's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% approaches the affordability danger zone, consuming nearly one-fifth of median household income on rent alone. This leaves limited funds for other essentials like food, healthcare, and savings compared to counties with lower ratios.

Prioritize Debt Reduction and Budgeting

With tight household budgets, focus first on building an emergency fund and reducing high-interest debt. Even modest contributions to savings—even $25 per paycheck—compounds over time and creates financial resilience for Shelby families.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Shelby County

via CrimeByCounty

Shelby County Boasts Strong National Safety Standings

Shelby County maintains a total crime rate of 1,568.9 per 100K, notably lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance results in a high safety score of 97.5 out of 100.

Surpassing the Texas Safety Average

The county's safety score of 97.5 beats the state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,568.9 is also more favorable than the Texas average of 2,052.5 per 100K residents.

A Safer Alternative to Urban Neighbors

Shelby County is significantly safer than Smith County, which reports a higher crime rate of 1,932.1 per 100K. It also maintains a better safety profile than many larger neighboring jurisdictions.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crimes account for 1,337.1 incidents per 100K, while violent crimes occur at a rate of 231.8. This means residents are nearly six times more likely to encounter a property issue than a violent one.

Proactive Security for Property Owners

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on home security systems and neighborhood watch programs. Vigilance helps keep Shelby County safer than the national norm.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Shelby County

via HealthByCounty

Health challenges outpace national trends

Shelby County's life expectancy of 71.3 years falls nearly five years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, signaling serious population health concerns. Over one in four residents (26.4%) report poor or fair health, double the national average.

Struggling compared to Texas overall

Shelby County ranks among Texas's lowest performers, with life expectancy 3 years below the state average of 74.3 years. Its poor/fair health rate of 26.4% significantly exceeds the state typical experience.

Worst health outcomes in region

Shelby County faces steeper health challenges than surrounding counties, with the lowest life expectancy and highest poor/fair health rates among its neighbors. Even Starr County, the region's most challenged area, shows slightly better life expectancy (73.9 years vs. 71.3 years).

Limited primary care, uninsured residents

Shelby County has only 17 primary care providers per 100K—one of Texas's lowest levels—yet its 79 mental health providers per 100K shows strength in behavioral health. With 22.4% uninsured, nearly one in four residents lack access to preventive or routine care.

Coverage can change your health trajectory

Given Shelby County's health challenges, securing insurance is critical; 22.4% of residents remain uninsured. Visit Healthcare.gov during open enrollment or contact a local health department navigator to find plans you can afford.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Shelby County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Infrastructure in Shelby County

Six school districts manage 12 public schools serving 5,267 students across the county. The landscape includes four elementary, two middle, and three high schools to support the growing community.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county boasts a 93.5% graduation rate, which is higher than the state average of 91.6% and the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $7,238, reflecting efficient resource management compared to the $13,000 national average.

Center ISD Leads Local Education

Center ISD is the largest district, educating 2,491 students across five different campuses. Joaquin ISD follows with 711 students, while Excelsior ISD provides a more intimate setting with just 74 students.

Rural Roots and Personal School Sizes

Education here is primarily rural, with eight schools in rural settings and four in town locales. Shelbyville School is the largest campus with 831 students, contributing to an average school size of 439 students.

Find a Home in a Thriving School District

Families can find great value in Shelby County neighborhoods near top-performing rural schools. Consider exploring homes in the Center or Shelbyville areas to benefit from high graduation rates and a close-knit community feel.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Shelby County

via RiskByCounty

Shelby: Above-Average Risk Profile

Shelby County's composite risk score of 55.73 places it in the relatively low category, but above the national average. Your county faces moderate natural disaster exposure compared to the typical American county.

Mid-Range Risk Among Texas Counties

At 55.73, Shelby's risk score sits slightly above Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking it in the middle tier of Texas counties. This reflects exposure to multiple hazard types across the region.

Higher Risk Than Most Neighbors

Shelby County faces notably higher risk than Shackelford (1.43), Sterling (1.11), and Stephens (9.22) counties to the west. However, it shares similar hurricane and tornado vulnerability with other East Texas communities.

Hurricanes and Tornadoes Lead

Hurricane risk (83.23) and tornado risk (75.13) drive Shelby's elevated profile, reflecting its position in hurricane-vulnerable East Texas. Flood risk (45.10) also poses meaningful exposure, particularly in spring months.

Hurricane and Wind Coverage Essential

Shelby residents should prioritize hurricane and wind damage coverage as primary protections. Standard homeowners policies cover wind, but consider flood insurance separately, especially if you live near streams or drainage areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Shelby County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Humid East Texas Hub

Shelby County averages 65.6°F annually, placing it more than 10 degrees above the national median. This Piney Woods region is characterized by high humidity and abundant rainfall.

An Exceptionally Wet Texas County

Shelby County's 56.5 inches of annual rain is nearly double the Texas state average of 31.9 inches. Its 65.6°F average temperature almost perfectly aligns with the state's 65.5°F median.

Rainfall Leader in the Region

The county receives significantly more precipitation than most of its Texas neighbors. Despite the heavy rain, it still records 97 extreme heat days annually.

Wet Summers and Mild Winters

Summer averages 81.9°F, while July peaks at 83.0°F. Winters are mild and wet, averaging 48.9°F with only 0.6 inches of annual snowfall.

Managing High Rainfall and Humidity

The 56.5 inches of rain requires excellent home drainage and roof maintenance. Residents must also prepare for 97 days of extreme heat where humidity can make temperatures feel much higher.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Shelby County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sands of East Texas

Shelby County features a very acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.41. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and the Texas average of 7.09, making it ideal for acid-loving plants like blueberries.

High Sand and Low Clay

The soil is dominated by 59.5% sand and only 11.7% clay, with 28.8% silt. This high sand content ensures easy digging but means nutrients and water can leach away quickly if not managed well.

Water Retention Meets State Standards

Organic matter is somewhat low at 1.22% compared to the 1.66% state average. Despite this, the available water capacity is exactly 0.133 in/in, which aligns perfectly with the Texas benchmark for moisture storage.

High Runoff in Group D

Shelby County soils are placed in hydrologic group D, which surprisingly suggests high runoff potential despite the sandy texture. This is often due to restrictive layers deeper in the profile that prevent deep water penetration.

Azaleas and Blueberries in Zone 8b

The acidic soil and Zone 8b climate are a dream for growing azaleas, camellias, and blueberries. Start your garden today by embracing the natural acidity and focusing on plants that love East Texas's unique earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Shelby County

via LawnByCounty

The Shelby Lawn Challenge

A 26.3 difficulty score makes Shelby County one of the more challenging places in Texas for traditional lawns. This Zone 8b region sits well below the national median of 50.0, demanding extra soil management to succeed.

Ample Rainfall and Humidity

Annual precipitation of 56.5 inches exceeds the ideal lawn range, meaning you will likely spend more time mowing than watering. High humidity and 6,229 growing degree days push grass to grow rapidly throughout a very long season.

Managing Acidic Sandy Soils

The soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.41, sitting well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrasses. Since the ground is nearly 60% sand, you will likely need lime applications and frequent organic matter to hold nutrients.

Surviving Severe Drought Surges

Despite high rainfall, 84.3% of the county is currently in severe drought after facing 22 dry weeks this past year. Mulching clippings back into the lawn is a vital step to help retain soil moisture when the rains stop.

Humid-Climate Grass Choices

St. Augustine or Centipedegrass thrive in these humid, acidic conditions if established after the March 13th spring frost. These varieties handle the 97 days of extreme heat much better than cooler-season alternatives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shelby County's county score?
Shelby County, Texas has a composite county score of 40.1 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 Shelby County rank among counties in Texas?
Shelby County ranks #141 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 Shelby County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Shelby County is $1,143, with an effective tax rate of 1.02%. This earns Shelby County a tax score of 36.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shelby County?
The median household income in Shelby County, Texas is $50,436 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shelby County earns an income score of 15.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shelby County, Texas a good place to live?
Shelby County scores 40.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #141 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Shelby 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 Shelby County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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