Trinity County's composite score of 71.0 ranks 42% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper quartile of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects exceptional affordability and low tax burden offsetting modest incomes.
2 / 5
Strong performer across Texas
At 71.0, Trinity County exceeds the Texas state average of 66.8, ranking solidly in the upper tier statewide. The county punches above its weight among Texas's 254 counties for livability fundamentals.
3 / 5
Unbeatable affordability and low taxes
Trinity County delivers a cost score of 84.3 with median home values at $110,100 and rent at $823 monthly—among the lowest in this group. A tax score of 71.1 backed by a 1.107% effective rate provides exceptional financial breathing room.
4 / 5
Income growth remains constrained
The income score of 17.1 reflects a median household income of just $51,663, significantly below state and national medians. Limited data on safety, health, and schools leaves other livability dimensions unmeasured.
5 / 5
Retirees and budget seekers thrive here
Trinity County is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and anyone prioritizing maximum affordability and minimal taxes. The county delivers exceptional cost-of-living value for those not dependent on high local wages.
Trinity County's composite score of 71.0 ranks 42% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper quartile of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects exceptional affordability and low tax burden offsetting modest incomes.
Strong performer across Texas
At 71.0, Trinity County exceeds the Texas state average of 66.8, ranking solidly in the upper tier statewide. The county punches above its weight among Texas's 254 counties for livability fundamentals.
Unbeatable affordability and low taxes
Trinity County delivers a cost score of 84.3 with median home values at $110,100 and rent at $823 monthly—among the lowest in this group. A tax score of 71.1 backed by a 1.107% effective rate provides exceptional financial breathing room.
Income growth remains constrained
The income score of 17.1 reflects a median household income of just $51,663, significantly below state and national medians. Limited data on safety, health, and schools leaves other livability dimensions unmeasured.
Retirees and budget seekers thrive here
Trinity County is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and anyone prioritizing maximum affordability and minimal taxes. The county delivers exceptional cost-of-living value for those not dependent on high local wages.
Score breakdown
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🏛71.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Trinity County's effective tax rate of 1.107% sits comfortably below the national median of 1.1%, placing it near the middle of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,219 annually is less than half the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values in this rural area.
Below average for Texas counties
Trinity County's 1.107% effective rate falls slightly below the Texas state average of 1.276%, ranking it in the lower half of Texas counties. The median tax bill of $1,219 is well below the state median of $2,193, making it one of Texas's more affordable counties for property owners.
Among the region's lowest rates
Trinity County's 1.107% rate is among the lowest in its region; nearby Polk County averages 1.15%, while Liberty County runs closer to 1.18%. This makes Trinity an attractive option for those prioritizing lower property tax burdens in East Texas.
A $110k home costs $1,219 yearly
With a median home value of $110,100 and an effective rate of 1.107%, the typical Trinity County homeowner pays $1,219 in annual property taxes. For those with mortgages, total annual obligations reach $1,713.
Challenge your assessment if overvalued
Even in lower-tax counties, some homeowners are assessed above fair market value. Filing a formal appeal with Trinity County's appraisal district costs nothing and could further reduce your annual bill.
Trinity County residents spend 19.1% of income on rent—a healthy margin below both the national average (20%) and Texas's state average (18.1%), despite earning just $51,663 in median household income. This county represents one of the most affordable housing markets among the eight studied.
Among Texas's more affordable counties
Trinity County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio places it in the lower-cost tier for Texas, with median rent of $823 running 15% below the state average of $963. Low housing costs partially offset the county's below-average income, creating relative affordability.
Rural affordability at its best
Trinity's $823 rent and $110,100 median home value make it more affordable than Tom Green and Travis, and comparable to fellow rural counties Upton and Tyler. Among these eight counties, only Upton's $689 rent beats Trinity's pricing.
Low costs, modest income balance
The typical Trinity renter pays $823 monthly while an owner carries $609—both modest figures that together represent roughly one-fifth of the county's $51,663 median income. This tight alignment between low costs and lower earnings makes Trinity unusually balanced for affordability.
Trinity appeals to budget-conscious relocators
If you're seeking genuine housing affordability without sacrificing much, Trinity's combination of sub-$1,000 rent and $110,000-range home prices delivers value. Compare your expected salary against the $51,663 median—if you match or exceed it, Trinity offers sustainable housing costs.
Trinity County's median household income of $51,663 falls 31% below the national median of $74,755, ranking it among the nation's lower-earning counties. This gap reflects limited job diversification in this rural East Texas community.
Among Texas's lowest-earning counties
Trinity County's $51,663 median income ranks well below Texas's state average of $64,737, placing it in the bottom quartile of the state's 254 counties. The county faces significant economic headwinds compared to urban and suburban Texas regions.
Trinity struggles even locally
Trinity County's $51,663 ties with Tyler County as the two lowest-earning counties in this analysis, trailing Titus County ($59,220) and Upshur County ($62,794). Limited employment opportunities and population decline make Trinity one of the region's most economically challenged areas.
Housing remains affordable anchor
Trinity County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% and median home value of $110,100 provide rare bright spots in the county's economic picture. Low housing costs offer relief for residents navigating limited earnings, preserving modest disposable income for other essentials.
Affordable housing as wealth foundation
Trinity County residents benefit from housing costs that free up money for savings and investment despite modest incomes. Local residents should prioritize low-cost investing through employer 401(k)s and index funds to build long-term wealth despite earnings constraints.
Trinity County's 72.1-year life expectancy falls 2 years short of the U.S. average of 74.1 years, and its 21.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 17.9%. These metrics point to persistent health challenges in this rural East Texas community.
Below Texas average on life expectancy
Trinity County ranks among Texas's lower-performing counties with 72.1 years life expectancy—1.2 years below the state average of 74.3 years. Its 17.6% uninsured rate sits slightly below the state average, suggesting coverage gaps aren't the only driver of health disparities.
Rural health crisis deepens in Trinity
Trinity County's 72.1-year life expectancy matches Tyler County (71.6) as the lowest among these eight counties, reflecting rural healthcare scarcity. With just 15 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this group—Trinity residents struggle to access basic preventive and chronic care.
Severe provider shortage limits healthcare access
Trinity County's 15 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represents a critical access gap compared to state and national averages around 70-80 per 100K. Mental health providers (42 per 100K) are similarly sparse, forcing residents to travel long distances for behavioral health support.
Ensure coverage despite access challenges
Trinity County's 17.6% uninsured rate means nearly one in five residents lack coverage for necessary care. Visit healthcare.gov to review your options, and consider asking your doctor about telehealth services to overcome geographic barriers to regular care.
Trinity County scores 60.62 on the composite risk index, placing it above the national average and indicating meaningful disaster exposure. The relatively low risk rating reflects manageable but present threats, particularly from hurricanes and wildfire, that residents should prepare for actively.
Above-Average Risk in Texas
At 60.62, Trinity County exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking in the mid-upper tier of riskiest counties statewide. This elevation is driven primarily by extreme hurricane exposure (83.69) due to the county's proximity to the Texas Gulf Coast and vulnerable topography.
Similar Risk to East Texas Peers
Trinity County's score of 60.62 aligns closely with neighboring Tyler County (61.01) and Upshur County (66.92), reflecting a shared East Texas corridor of moderate-to-elevated disaster risk. All three counties face significant hurricane exposure that distinguishes them from inland West Texas counties.
Hurricane Tops Your Threat List
Hurricane risk (83.69) dominates Trinity County's hazard profile, reflecting the county's location in Southeast Texas's storm surge and wind corridor. Wildfire (69.97) and tornado risk (63.39) add secondary threats, creating a multi-season cycle of preparation needs.
Hurricane Preparedness is Critical
Verify that your homeowners insurance includes wind and hail coverage with manageable deductibles, as hurricane damage often exceeds standard policy limits. Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows, reinforce your roof, and maintain a hurricane emergency kit with water, medication, and critical documents; evacuation routes may be congested during major storms.