46.1
County Score
Cost of Living 69.3Safety 64.5Schools 55.7

County Report Card

About Trinity County, Texas

Approaching the National Median

Trinity County earns a composite score of 46.0, putting it within reach of the national median of 50.0. It offers a more balanced livability profile than many of its Texas peers.

Outperforming the Texas Average

At 46.0, Trinity County sits comfortably above the Texas state average of 41.9. Its blend of affordability and safety makes it a standout choice within the state's rural landscape.

Affordable Living and Safe Communities

A cost score of 69.3 and a safety score of 64.5 define this county as a secure and budget-friendly haven. Median home values are exceptionally low at $110,100, making ownership highly attainable.

Infrastructure and Income Limitations

The water score of 4.0 is a major point of concern for future residents. Additionally, an income score of 17.9 reflects a lower median household income of $51,663 compared to state and national figures.

A Haven for Retirees and Savers

Trinity County is an excellent fit for those with fixed incomes or remote workers looking to maximize their purchasing power. Its safety and low entry costs compensate for the limited local infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax30.7Cost69.3Safety64.5Health20.2Schools55.7Income17.9Risk39.4Water4Weather23.7
🏛30.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠69.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼17.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡64.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
20.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓55.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
39.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤23.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨23.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱26
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

Trinity County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Trinity County

via TaxByCounty

Trinity's taxes rank well below national

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.

Cost of Living in Trinity County

via CostByCounty

Trinity County: East Texas affordability

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.

Income & Jobs in Trinity County

via IncomeByCounty

Trinity's income lags significantly nationwide

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.

Safety in Trinity County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Trinity County

Trinity County earns a safety score of 98.7, placing it well above the national safety baseline. Its total crime rate of 830.0 per 100K is nearly a third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming Texas State Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 98.7 easily clears the Texas state average of 96.8. With a total crime rate of just 830.0, it remains one of the safer regions compared to the state average of 2052.5.

Leading Its Neighbors in Public Safety

Trinity County is significantly safer than nearby Titus or Tyler counties. Its total crime rate of 830.0 is roughly half the rate found in Titus County, making it a regional standout for low crime.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

Both violent crime (160.2) and property crime (669.8) are exceptionally low in Trinity County. These figures are much lower than national benchmarks, reflecting a peaceful environment across the four reporting agencies.

Proactive Security for a Quiet Community

In a low-crime area, community awareness is the best defense. Maintaining home security systems ensures that Trinity County stays safe and continues to outperform national averages.

Health in Trinity County

via HealthByCounty

Trinity County faces significant health gaps

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.

Schools in Trinity County

via SchoolsByCounty

Personalized Education in a Rural Setting

Trinity County operates eight public schools across four districts, providing for 2,322 total students. The system consists of three elementary, one middle, and three high schools. This small-scale infrastructure ensures that students remain a priority in a tight-knit community.

Competitive Graduation in the Piney Woods

The graduation rate stands at 91.3%, nearly matching the Texas state average and comfortably beating the national rate. Per-pupil expenditure of $7,472 aligns closely with state spending levels. These investments help maintain a composite school score of 55.2, reflecting a solid quality of life.

Trinity and Groveton Lead the Way

Trinity ISD is the largest district, educating 1,200 students across three campuses. Groveton ISD follows with 768 students, while Apple Springs ISD serves a smaller cohort of 207. No charter schools operate in the county, leaving education primarily in the hands of traditional local districts.

Small Classes and Rural Roots

Seven of the county's eight schools are in rural locales, creating an intimate educational atmosphere. The average school size is just 290 students, far below the Texas average. Lansberry Elementary is the county's largest campus with 570 students, while most others are much smaller.

A Quiet Home Near Dedicated Schools

If you are looking for a community where teachers know every student by name, Trinity County is an ideal choice. Small school sizes and strong graduation rates make this a hidden gem for families. Explore local real estate to find a home in these supportive districts.

Disaster Risk in Trinity County

via RiskByCounty

Trinity County's Moderate Risk Profile

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.

Weather & Climate in Trinity County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Days in the Piney Woods

Trinity County’s 68.2°F annual average is significantly higher than the national median. The region's dense forests trap humidity, making the 115 extreme heat days feel even more intense.

Above the Texas Temperature Mean

At 68.2°F, Trinity County is nearly three degrees warmer than the Texas state average. While local precipitation data is limited, the county is part of a high-rainfall eastern corridor.

Consistent East Texas Warmth

Trinity shares the high-heat profile of neighboring Houston and Walker counties. Its 115 extreme heat days are typical for the low-lying, humid timberlands of the region.

Steamy Summers and Soft Winters

Summer averages 83.2°F, but the 115 days over 90°F define the climate. Winters remain quite warm, with a December-February average of 52.2°F and no significant recorded snowfall.

Combat Humidity and Heat

With 115 days of extreme heat, residents should ensure HVAC systems are rated for high-humidity environments. Shade-heavy landscaping is particularly effective in the Piney Woods to lower cooling costs.

Soil Quality in Trinity County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in the Piney Woods

Trinity County's soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.55, falling well below the Texas average of 7.09. This level is also significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, making it ideal for acid-loving forest species.

High Sand for Easy Workability

The ground is highly sandy, composed of 55.1% sand and only 14.4% clay. While this mixture offers easy workability and excellent aeration, the low clay levels mean the soil has a harder time holding onto essential plant nutrients.

Water Storage Beats State Benchmarks

Despite having lower organic matter at 1.34% compared to the state's 1.66%, Trinity County excels in water storage. Its available water capacity of 0.135 in/in is higher than the Texas average, helping plants survive dry spells.

Managing Water in Slow-Draining Soils

The county is categorized in Hydrologic Group D, suggesting slow water movement through the soil profile despite the high sand content. This paradox requires gardeners to monitor for standing water during the wet season.

Garden Success in Zone 9a

Trinity County’s 9a hardiness zone is perfect for blueberries and azaleas that thrive in acidic, sandy environments. Although the soil score is 23.7, targeted composting can quickly turn these forest soils into a productive home garden.

Lawn Care in Trinity County

via LawnByCounty

Acidic Sands Define Trinity County Growing

Trinity County's lawn difficulty score of 26.0 reflects a challenging environment that is tougher than the Texas state average of 31.7. This Zone 9a region presents unique hurdles for those accustomed to the national median of 50.0.

Long Growing Cycles in Intense Heat

With 115 extreme heat days annually, Trinity County exceeds the state average for thermal stress on turf. A massive 6,936 growing degree days ensures a very long season, though the lack of localized precipitation data makes careful monitoring of soil moisture essential.

Sandy Ground Requires pH Correction

The soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.55, well below the 6.0 ideal, requiring lime applications to unlock nutrients. A high 55.1% sand content means the soil drains rapidly, making it difficult to keep lawns hydrated during the hot summer months.

Total Coverage of Severe Drought

Currently, 100% of the county is experiencing severe drought conditions, and residents have dealt with 23 weeks of drought over the past year. Because sandy soils lose water quickly, you should prioritize organic matter additions to improve the lawn's water-holding capacity.

Start Early for Sandy Success

Bahiagrass and Centipedegrass are well-suited for acidic, sandy soils and can handle the Zone 9a heat. With a very early last frost date of March 2, you have a long window to establish your lawn before the first frost arrives in late November.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Trinity County's county score?
Trinity County, Texas has a composite county score of 46.1 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 Trinity County rank among counties in Texas?
Trinity County ranks #96 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 Trinity County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Trinity County is $1,219, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Trinity County a tax score of 30.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Trinity County?
The median household income in Trinity County, Texas is $51,663 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Trinity County earns an income score of 17.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Trinity County, Texas a good place to live?
Trinity County scores 46.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #96 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Trinity 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 Trinity County with other counties side by side.