countyscore
50.3
County Score
Cost of Living 84.4Property Tax 83Weather & Climate 60.5

County Report Card

About Texas County, Missouri

Meeting the National Baseline

Texas County earns a composite score of 50.3, placing it almost exactly at the national median of 50.0. It offers a standard quality of life that mirrors the typical American experience.

Matching the Missouri Average

The county's score of 50.3 perfectly aligns with the Missouri state average. It represents a balanced middle-ground for the state, offering neither the highest nor lowest livability metrics.

Elite Affordability and Low Taxes

Texas County is a standout for cost of living, boasting a cost score of 84.4 and median rent of just $647. Its tax score of 83.0 further cements its status as one of the most affordable places to live in the region.

Economic and Healthcare Gaps

Income is a major challenge, with an income score of 11.2 and a median household income of $48,055. Health outcomes also lag behind, reflected in a low health score of 24.7.

A Value Play for Remote Workers

Texas County is an excellent fit for those with outside income who want to maximize their purchasing power. Its rock-bottom housing costs and low taxes are its most compelling features.

Score breakdown

Tax83Cost84.4Safety29.7Health24.7Schools44.5Income11.2Risk37.6Water25.4Weather60.5
🏛83
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡37.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧25.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.8
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

Pulaski County
Missouri
49.8
Dent County
Missouri
55.5
Wright County
Missouri
64.2
Laclede County
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Phelps County
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Shannon County
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Douglas County
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Deep Dives

Texas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Texas County

via TaxByCounty

Texas County among America's lowest tax

Texas County's effective tax rate of 0.529% places it in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties, offering substantial relief compared to national norms. The median annual tax of just $652 represents less than a quarter of the national median of $2,690.

Well below Missouri's average rate

At 0.529%, Texas County ranks in Missouri's lower quartile, well below the state average of 0.733%. The county's median tax of $652 is among the lowest in the state despite modest home values.

Lowest rate in the south-central region

Texas County's 0.529% rate is the lowest in its region, beating neighboring Washington County (0.576%), Stone County (0.493%), and Wayne County (0.500%). The county offers exceptional tax affordability for rural Ozark homeowners.

A $123,300 home costs $652 yearly

The median Texas County home valued at $123,300 generates an estimated annual property tax of just $652. With a mortgage, homeowners pay approximately $668, while outright owners pay around $635.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Even in Texas County's favorable tax environment, homeowners should verify their assessments match fair market value through the county assessor's office. A free appeal can further reduce already-low tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Texas County

via CostByCounty

Texas County's low incomes offset cheap rents

Texas County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio sits above the national average, yet its $647 median rent is among the lowest in the state. The challenge lies in the county's depressed median household income of just $48,055—the lowest among these eight counties—which narrows affordability despite bargain rents.

Affordable rents in an economically struggling county

Texas County offers below-average rents at $647, well below the state median of $768, but its 16.2% rent-to-income ratio still exceeds Missouri's 15.6% average. The county's economic challenges—reflected in its lowest median income—drive this paradox.

Second-cheapest rents regionally

Texas County's $647 rent trails only Wayne County ($632) in the region, making it among the most affordable for cost-conscious renters. However, the county's $48,055 median income—lowest here—means even cheap rents strain household budgets.

Minimal housing costs, minimal income

Renters in Texas County pay just $647 monthly and homeowners $658—the lowest costs in this group—but the median household income of $48,055 means housing still consumes 16.2% of gross income for renters and 16.4% for owners. The economic challenge isn't housing prices; it's earning power.

Cheapest housing, toughest job market

Texas County delivers the second-lowest rents in the region at $647 and home values under $125,000, ideal for those relocating on tight budgets. However, the county's median income of $48,055 signals a weaker job market—weigh housing savings against employment opportunities elsewhere.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Texas County

via IncomeByCounty

Texas County faces significant income gap

Texas County's median household income of $48,055 trails the national median of $74,755 by 36%, marking one of the largest disparities in the region. This substantial gap reflects limited job diversity and wage stagnation affecting county families.

Among Missouri's lowest-earning counties

Texas County ranks among the state's lowest with a median income $11,448 below Missouri's average of $59,503. Per capita income of $24,570 falls 21% short of the state average of $31,011.

Lowest earner in the Ozark cluster

Texas County's $48,055 median income trails all neighboring counties—Stone ($61,323), Taney ($58,258), and Sullivan ($55,500)—by significant margins. The gap reflects Texas County's reliance on lower-wage industries and smaller employment base.

Affordable housing offers relative relief

Texas County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% stays below the 30% affordability threshold, providing some household budget relief despite low incomes. The median home value of $123,300 remains accessible, though still represents a substantial commitment.

Strategic planning essential for stability

Texas County families face tighter financial margins and should prioritize building emergency savings and securing employer benefits. Consider financial literacy programs and low-cost investment education to maximize every dollar.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Texas County

via CrimeByCounty

Texas County remains safer than average

The county maintains a safety score of 97.4, outperforming the national safety profile. Its total crime rate of 1675.6 per 100K sits well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Texas County to Missouri averages

Texas County's total crime rate of 1675.6 is lower than the state average of 1926.2. Five reporting agencies work to keep the local safety score at a respectable 97.4.

Mixed results against regional neighbors

Texas County offers a safer total crime profile than Vernon County, which has a rate of 3175.4. However, its violent crime rate of 402.8 is higher than several surrounding rural counties.

Higher violent crime than state average

Violent crime in Texas County stands at 402.8 per 100K, exceeding both the state average of 371.6 and the national average of 369.8. Property crime remains the larger category at 1272.8 per 100K.

Focus on personal and home safety

Because violent crime rates are slightly elevated, personal awareness and home security are equally important. Well-lit entryways and reinforced door frames provide an added layer of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Texas County

via HealthByCounty

Texas County lags behind national health metrics

Texas County's life expectancy of 72.6 years falls 1.9 years short of the U.S. average of 74.5 years, and 21.7% of residents report poor or fair health. This combination marks Texas County as facing notably greater health challenges than the typical American.

Among Missouri's least healthy counties

Texas County's 72.6-year life expectancy falls 1.7 years below Missouri's 74.3 average, ranking it in the lower half of state counties. The 21.7% poor/fair health rate further signals that Texas County residents face above-average health burdens.

Struggling in a challenging region

Texas County's 72.6-year life expectancy trails not only Stone County (76.0) but also Sullivan County (74.7) and Taney County (74.9). At 21.7%, the county's poor/fair health rate exceeds most neighbors, making it one of the region's most health-challenged communities.

Moderate access, significant uninsured rate

Texas County has 40 primary care providers and 39 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—moderate for the region. However, 14.0% of residents are uninsured, above Missouri's 12.5%, meaning many residents struggle to access even available providers.

Insurance matters more here

With both lower-than-average life expectancy and 14% uninsured, Texas County residents should prioritize getting coverage through the Missouri marketplace or Medicaid. Early access to primary and preventive care can help address the health challenges facing the county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Texas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Sixteen Schools Across the Rural Heartland

Texas County provides 16 public schools across six districts to support a total enrollment of 3,712 students. The system includes six elementary and seven high schools, plus dedicated alternative and special education facilities.

Exceeding National Academic Benchmarks

The 93.9% graduation rate in Texas County comfortably beats the 87% national average. The county achieves a school score of 52.8, matching the Missouri state average despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,694.

Houston R-I Leads the District Rankings

Houston R-I is the largest district with 1,053 students, followed closely by the Licking and Cabool districts. All 16 schools are traditional public institutions, as there is no charter school presence in the county.

Small-Scale Learning in Rural Locales

Every campus in the county is classified as rural, providing a consistent small-town feel for all 3,712 students. School sizes are modest, averaging 247 students, with Houston Elementary being the largest at 432.

Discover Rural Living with Great Schools

Families looking for a stable, high-performing rural environment will find plenty to love in Texas County. Searching for homes in the Houston or Licking districts ensures your children attend schools with a proven 93.9% graduation rate.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Texas County

via RiskByCounty

Texas County faces moderate national risk

Texas County's composite risk score of 62.44 earns a Relatively Low rating but sits above the national average, placing it in the moderate-to-higher tier of U.S. counties. The county's exposure is driven primarily by earthquake and wildfire threats rather than the tornadic and flood risks typical of the Great Plains.

Mid-range risk within Missouri

Texas County's 62.44 score exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of county risk statewide. This above-average exposure, while notable, is substantially lower than the state's most vulnerable counties like Taney.

Elevated compared to surrounding areas

Texas County (62.44) faces higher cumulative risk than neighboring Wright and Dent counties to the north and west, though less than southern Ozark hotspots. The county's earthquake exposure particularly distinguishes it from the lower-risk Ozark fringe counties.

Earthquakes pose outsized threat

Earthquake risk reaches 80.09 in Texas County, the county's dominant hazard and well above state averages, reflecting proximity to the Ozark seismic zone. Wildfire (64.95) and tornado (63.07) risks round out a moderately diverse hazard profile requiring year-round vigilance.

Add earthquake coverage to standard policy

Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage, making a separate endorsement or policy critical given Texas County's 80.09 earthquake risk score. Review flood and wildfire coverage as well, since multiple perils demand a layered insurance approach across the county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Texas County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and Rainy Missouri Highland

Texas County averages 55.6°F, placing it slightly above the national median for temperature. The climate remains consistently humid throughout the year.

A Typical Missouri Profile

The county's 55.6°F annual average sits just above the state average of 54.9°F. It represents the central temperature profile of the Missouri Ozarks.

High Rainfall in the Plateau

At 46.7 inches of annual precipitation, Texas County is wetter than the state average of 43.8 inches. It faces 31 extreme heat days, putting it in line with many central Missouri neighbors.

Balanced Seasonal Extremes

The area sees a January average of 32.5°F and a July peak of 77.1°F. Annual snowfall is modest at 7.3 inches, while summer brings a solid month of 90°F days.

Manage the Ozark Moisture

Prepare for 46.7 inches of rain by ensuring proper home drainage and moisture barriers. A standard HVAC system can handle the 31 extreme heat days and mild winter lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Texas County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Terrain in Texas County

Texas County presents an acidic profile with a pH of 5.67, notably lower than the 6.5 national median. While specific taxonomic data for the area is limited, the acidity level suggests a need for targeted soil amendments.

Silt-Heavy Soils with Fine Texture

The composition is silt-heavy at 55.0%, supported by 27.3% sand and 13.0% clay. This high silt ratio creates a smooth texture that can become easily compacted if worked while the ground is wet.

Strong Organic Matter Content

At 4.34%, the organic matter content is very close to Missouri's state average of 4.74%. The available water capacity of 0.156 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.183 but still provides decent storage for crops.

Subaqueous Challenges for Land Prep

The dominant drainage class is recorded as subaqueous, which often indicates areas influenced by shallow water tables or seasonal ponding. Local growers should prioritize raised beds or drainage improvements for typical garden plants.

Heat-Loving Plants for Zone 7a

Hardiness zone 7a allows for a wide variety of heat-loving plants like melons and squash to thrive. Start your growing journey by testing your specific plot to manage that acidity effectively.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Texas County

via LawnByCounty

A Middle-Ground for Lawns

With a score of 55.8, Texas County is slightly more difficult for lawns than the average Missouri county but easier than the national median. This Zone 7a region offers a moderate experience for homeowners looking to cultivate green space.

Mild Summers and High Rain

Residents enjoy 46.7 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably within the ideal range for healthy turf. Despite high growing degree days, the 31 extreme heat days are actually fewer than the state average of 37.

Addressing Soil Acidity

The soil pH of 5.67 is quite acidic, suggesting a regular need for lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. Because drainage data is classified as subaqueous and specific texture is limited, local testing is essential to understand your specific plot.

Mitigating Dry Spells

Texas County has faced 28 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100.0% of the area currently labeled as abnormally dry. Focus on mulching clippings back into the lawn to provide a natural barrier against moisture loss.

Reliable Zoysia for Texas County

Zoysiagrass is a durable choice for this climate, offering a dense carpet that survives the transition between spring and summer heat. Start your project after April 20th to avoid late-season frost damage to new growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Texas County's county score?
Texas County, Missouri has a composite county score of 50.3 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 Texas County rank among counties in Missouri?
Texas County ranks #60 among all counties in Missouri 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 Texas County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Texas County is $652, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Texas County a tax score of 83/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Texas County?
The median household income in Texas County, Missouri is $48,055 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Texas County earns an income score of 11.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Texas County, Missouri a good place to live?
Texas County scores 50.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Texas 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 Texas 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.