countyscore
29.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 71.3Schools 46.4Lawn Care 39.2

County Report Card

About Smith County, Texas

Significant Room for National Improvement

Smith County scores 29.6 overall, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a combination of high costs and environmental vulnerabilities compared to the rest of the country.

Lagging Behind Texas Average Scores

With a score of 29.6, Smith County trails the Texas state average of 41.9. Despite its regional importance, the data shows the county faces more challenges than the typical Texas county.

Strong Incomes in East Texas

The county's primary strength is its economy, featuring an income score of 71.3. The median household income of $71,923 provides residents with significant purchasing power relative to the region.

Natural Risks and High Costs

Smith County struggles with a low risk score of 15.8 and a cost score of 19.6. Higher median rents of $1,197 and exposure to natural hazards weigh down the overall livability index.

Suited for High-Income Urban Professionals

This county is best for established professionals who can leverage the strong local economy to offset higher living costs. Residents should be mindful of the lower safety and high risk scores.

Score breakdown

Tax23.6Cost19.6Safety23.6Health31Schools46.4Income71.3Risk15.8Water24.7Weather30.6
🏛23.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠19.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡23.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡15.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧24.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤30.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨10.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.2
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

Wood County
Texas
50.8
Upshur County
Texas
40.8
Gregg County
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28.2
Van Zandt County
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Camp County
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Rusk County
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Rains County
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Henderson County
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Deep Dives

Smith County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Smith County

via TaxByCounty

Smith County taxes align with national norm

Smith County's 1.245% effective tax rate sits just below the U.S. median of 1.276%, placing it squarely in the middle of the national spectrum. Residents pay $2,749 annually on a median home worth $220,800—slightly above the national median tax of $2,690.

Smith ranks near Texas average

Smith County's 1.245% effective rate is nearly identical to Texas's 1.276% state average, making it a typical Texas county by tax burden. At $2,749, the median tax bill exceeds the state median by $556, reflecting Smith's higher home values relative to less-urbanized counties.

Smith taxes less than Somervell nearby

Smith County's 1.245% rate is higher than Starr County (1.122%) but lower than neighboring Somervell County (0.967%), putting it in the middle of the regional range. This reflects Smith's position as a more developed, urban county compared to surrounding rural areas.

Median Smith home costs $2,749 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $220,800 in Smith County pays approximately $2,749 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that amount climbs to $3,186 when mortgage-based assessments are factored in.

Smith homeowners should check assessments

Property overassessment affects thousands of Texas homeowners each year, and Smith County is no exception. A simple appeal to your county appraisal district—filed by the deadline, typically in May—can challenge inflated valuations and potentially save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Smith County

via CostByCounty

Smith rents creep above national norms

Smith County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.0% exceeds the national comfort zone, with renters spending one-fifth of their $71,923 income on housing. While the county's median household income hovers slightly below the national $74,755, rents have climbed considerably.

Among Texas's pricier counties

Smith's 20.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Texas's 18.1% state average, placing it among the less affordable counties statewide. At $1,197 monthly, Smith's median rent is 24% higher than the Texas average of $963.

Notably costlier than surrounding areas

Smith County renters pay $1,197 monthly—$365 more than Shelby County and $476 more than Stonewall—reflecting its larger urban hub (Tyler) and higher demand. Despite higher rents, median income is only $1,487 above Shelby's.

A fifth of income goes to rent

Smith renters allocate 20.0% of their median income to monthly rent, while homeowners spend $1,100 on ownership costs—15.3% of income. The median home value of $220,800 represents a significant jump from surrounding rural counties.

Urban amenities come at a cost

Smith County offers the region's most developed services and employment diversity, but housing costs have risen accordingly. Relocators should expect to pay premium regional prices for access to Tyler's job market and urban infrastructure.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Smith County

via IncomeByCounty

Slightly Below National Household Income

Smith County's median household income of $71,923 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about $2,800, or 4%. While below the national average, the gap is modest, indicating Smith households earn near-typical American levels.

Above Texas County Average

At $71,923, Smith ranks solidly above the Texas county average of $64,737, placing it in the upper-middle income tier statewide. The county's per capita income of $34,785 also exceeds Texas's $33,197 average, reflecting healthy earning across the population.

Mid-Range Performer Regionally

Smith's $71,923 income positions it above Shackelford ($64,659), Shelby ($50,436), and Stephens ($54,695), but below Somervell ($83,382) and Sterling ($78,750). The county offers competitive wages alongside proximity to larger regional employment centers.

Housing Costs Squeeze Some Households

Smith's rent-to-income ratio of 20.0% sits elevated compared to national affordability standards, indicating housing claims one-fifth of median household income. The median home value of $220,800 reflects a competitive real estate market that strains less-affluent residents.

Balance Housing with Savings Goals

While housing costs are notable, Smith households can still allocate meaningful funds toward retirement and investment vehicles. Review your mortgage terms and consider refinancing opportunities or home equity strategies to free up capital for wealth-building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Smith County

via CrimeByCounty

Smith County Remains Safer Than National Average

Smith County reports 1,932.1 total crimes per 100K, which is safer than the national average of 2,385.5. This data gives the county a respectable safety score of 96.9.

Consistent with Texas Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 96.9 sits just above the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,932.1 also stays slightly below the state average of 2,052.5.

Higher Activity than Rural Neighbors

Smith County has a higher crime rate at 1,932.1 compared to nearby Shelby County's 1,568.9. As a more populated hub with 15 reporting agencies, more recorded activity is expected.

Property Offenses Predominate Local Reports

Property crimes occur at a rate of 1,540.5 per 100K, while violent crimes are reported at 391.6. Violent crime here is slightly higher than the national average of 369.8, requiring more attention.

Focusing on Domestic Security Measures

Given that property crime is the most frequent issue, home alarm systems are a wise investment for Smith County residents. Secure windows and doors remain the first line of defense.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Smith County

via HealthByCounty

Solid health outcomes above average

Smith County's life expectancy of 75.4 years slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years, with 21.1% reporting poor or fair health. This suggests a population with generally good longevity, though room exists for health status improvement.

Outperforming Texas statewide

Smith County's 75.4-year life expectancy tops the Texas average of 74.3 years, ranking it among the state's healthier counties. Its 21.1% poor/fair health rate aligns near state norms, indicating balanced health outcomes.

Strong regional health provider access

Smith County boasts the region's strongest healthcare infrastructure, with 99 primary care providers per 100K and 185 mental health providers per 100K—far exceeding nearby counties. This concentration of providers positions it as a regional health hub.

Best-resourced county with good insurance

Smith County combines excellent provider availability (99 primary care, 185 mental health providers per 100K) with a below-average uninsured rate of 18.6%—lower than Texas's 19.8%. This means residents enjoy both access to care and financial protection for treatment.

Leverage abundant resources nearby

Smith County's strong healthcare infrastructure makes finding and accessing coverage easier than many areas. If you're uninsured, contact a local health department or navigate Healthcare.gov to join the 81.4% of county residents with insurance protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Smith County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Diverse School Hub

Smith County features an extensive network of 62 public schools serving 37,283 students across nine districts. The system includes 31 elementary schools, 15 middle schools, and 12 high schools to accommodate its large population.

Strong Graduation Rates in East Texas

Students here achieve a 92.5% graduation rate, exceeding both the state average of 91.6% and the national 87.0% benchmark. However, per-pupil spending of $6,278 remains well below the national average of $13,000.

Tyler ISD and Charter Options

Tyler ISD is the major education provider, managing 25 schools and 18,328 students. Charter schools also play a significant role here, with nine campuses representing 14.5% of all schools in the county.

From Urban Centers to Rural Classrooms

The locale mix is highly diverse, with 32 schools in city settings and 18 in rural areas. Large campuses like Tyler Legacy High School serve 2,594 students, while the average school size is a substantial 611 students.

Move Near Premier Educational Centers

With a variety of urban and suburban school options, Smith County offers a perfect fit for any family preference. High-demand areas like Tyler and Whitehouse provide access to the county's most prominent high schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Smith County

via RiskByCounty

Smith: Elevated Risk Profile

Smith County's composite risk score of 84.16 places it well above the national average, ranking as relatively moderate risk. Your county faces one of the higher natural disaster exposure levels in the nation.

Among Texas's Riskiest Counties

At 84.16, Smith County far exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking in the upper tier of risky Texas counties. Only counties like Starr (84.80) and a handful of others show comparable elevation.

Significantly Riskier Than Neighbors

Smith County's risk is dramatically higher than nearby Shelby (55.73), Somervell (10.81), or Stephens (9.22). Your position in East Texas exposes you to multiple converging hazards that nearby western counties largely avoid.

Flooding and Fire Are Critical

Flood risk (84.92) is Smith's most pressing hazard, with wildfire (80.34) and hurricane (75.09) also significant threats. Earthquake risk (69.66) adds another layer of concern rarely seen in other Texas counties.

Comprehensive Coverage Is Vital

Smith County residents should carry both standard homeowners insurance and separate flood insurance—flooding alone affects nearly 85% of risk exposure. Consider reviewing windstorm coverage and earthquake insurance depending on your property location and value.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Smith County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Warmth in East Texas

Smith County maintains an annual average of 66.5°F, staying well above the national median. This area enjoys the lush, green environment typical of the humid subtropical South.

Above Average Heat and Rain

The county is 1 degree warmer and 13 inches wetter than the Texas state averages. Its 44.9 inches of annual precipitation makes it one of the more hydrated regions in the state.

Standard Heat with Abundant Water

Smith County shares the high humidity of its East Texas neighbors, recording 97 extreme heat days. Its 44.9 inches of rain keeps the landscape significantly greener than central or west Texas.

Warm Summers and Soft Winters

Summer averages reach 82.8°F, while winter stays mild at 49.8°F. While specific snowfall data is unavailable, the region is known for its humid summers and temperate, wet winters.

Planning for Humidity and Heat

With 97 extreme heat days and high rainfall, humidity control in homes is essential. Residents should prepare for heavy rain events given the 44.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Smith County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Character of East Texas

Smith County soils are distinctly acidic with an average pH of 5.31, falling far below the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.09. This low pH defines the region's agricultural identity and determines which specialty crops thrive. These conditions are typical for the Piney Woods region where leaching is more frequent.

Dominated by Course Sandy Grains

The soil is overwhelmingly sandy at 63.8%, paired with a low clay content of only 10.7%. This coarse mix ensures excellent aeration but often leads to rapid nutrient leaching and fast drainage. Gardeners will notice the soil is easy to till but dries out quickly during the summer heat.

Low Organic Matter Challenges

Organic matter levels average 1.08%, which is significantly lower than the Texas average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is also low at 0.105 in/in, falling short of the state benchmark of 0.133 in/in. These numbers suggest that frequent composting and mulching are essential to maintain soil productivity.

Low Infiltration in Group D

Despite the sandy texture, the soil is classified in Hydrologic Group D, suggesting restricted water movement through the deeper layers. This can lead to surprising surface saturation despite the fast-draining surface sand. Site planning for buildings and gardens must account for this complex water behavior.

A Paradise for Acid-Loving Plants

Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, Smith County is famous for its roses and blueberries which love the naturally acidic soil. Azaleas and camellias also thrive here, making it a dream for ornamental gardeners. With proper irrigation and organic additions, your East Texas garden can be incredibly lush.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Smith County

via LawnByCounty

Thriving in Smith County

Smith County’s 39.2 score suggests a moderate challenge, comfortably outperforming the state average of 31.7. This Zone 8b region provides better growing conditions than many western neighbors, though it remains tougher than the national median.

Optimal Rainfall Patterns

You benefit from 44.9 inches of annual rain, which falls perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for turf. Even with 97 extreme heat days, the consistent moisture supports a robust growing season of 6,514 degree days.

Sandy Soil Nutrient Needs

Local soil is quite acidic at 5.31 pH, requiring lime treatments to reach the preferred 6.0-7.0 levels. With a high sand content of 63.8%, your lawn will need consistent fertilization as nutrients leach through the porous ground.

Drought-Resistant Practices

The county has managed only 12 weeks in drought over the last year, though 16.6% currently faces severe conditions. Use your rain barrel during these periods to supplement the 44.9 inches of natural annual precipitation.

Timing Your Smith Lawn

Zoysia or Bermuda are top performers that can handle the early March 8th spring frost. These varieties are resilient enough to survive the summer heat while capitalizing on the county’s abundant seasonal rainfall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smith County's county score?
Smith County, Texas has a composite county score of 29.6 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 Smith County rank among counties in Texas?
Smith County ranks #218 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 Smith County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Smith County is $2,749, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Smith County a tax score of 23.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Smith County?
The median household income in Smith County, Texas is $71,923 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Smith County earns an income score of 71.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Smith County, Texas a good place to live?
Smith County scores 29.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #218 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Smith 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 Smith 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.