41.3
County Score
Safety 56.1Cost of Living 55.6Schools 48.8

County Report Card

About Tyler County, Texas

Competitive but Below National Median

Tyler County scores a 41.3 on the composite index, trailing the national median of 50.0. It remains a viable option for those prioritizing specific rural lifestyle factors over urban amenities.

Mirroring the Texas State Average

The county's score of 41.3 is nearly identical to the Texas state average of 41.9. It represents a typical East Texas experience with balanced taxes and community safety.

Safe Streets and Low Taxes

The county features a strong safety score of 56.1 and a respectable tax score of 35.7. With an effective tax rate of 1.032%, residents keep more of their earnings compared to many other Texas counties.

Healthcare and Economic Mobility

Economic growth is a challenge, as evidenced by an income score of 16.0 and a health score of 15.4. Limited healthcare facilities and a median household income of $50,647 suggest a need for external services.

Ideal for Quiet Rural Living

Tyler County is best for individuals who value safety and low taxes above all else. Its $138,400 median home value offers an affordable lifestyle for those not reliant on a local high-growth job market.

2040608010035.755.656.115.448.8163926.229.1Tax35.7Cost55.6Safety56.1Health15.4Schools48.8Income16Risk39Water26.2Weather29.141.3/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Tyler County DNA

Foverall

How Tyler County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Tyler County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Income (16/100), though Cost of Living (55.6/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
35.7-16.299999999999997
Cost
55.6
Safety
56.1
Health
15.4-34.6
Schools
48.8
Income
16-35
Risk
39-8
Water
26.2-31.8
Weather
29.1-26.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$138,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$951/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$138,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,647/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Tyler County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Tyler County

via TaxByCounty

Tyler taxes well below U.S. median

Tyler County's effective tax rate of 1.032% is significantly lower than the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties for tax burden. The median property tax of $1,428 annually is roughly half the national median of $2,690, reflecting both modest home values and restrained rates.

Among Texas's lowest-tax counties

Tyler County ranks in the bottom 10% of Texas counties by effective tax rate at 1.032%, well below the state average of 1.276%. With a median tax bill of just $1,428—about 65% of the state median—Tyler offers one of Texas's most affordable property tax environments.

Lowest in the East Texas region

Tyler County's 1.032% rate is the lowest among its East Texas neighbors; Hardin County runs 1.09%, Jasper County around 1.12%, and Newton County near 1.15%. This positions Tyler as the region's best option for tax-conscious property owners.

A $138k home costs $1,428 yearly

With a median home value of $138,400 and an effective rate of 1.032%, the typical Tyler County homeowner pays $1,428 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages see combined annual costs of $1,590.

Verify your assessment is fair

Even in low-tax areas, assessments can occasionally exceed fair market value. Tyler County residents should review their assessment notice and consider appealing if they believe the valuation is too high.

Cost of Living in Tyler County

via CostByCounty

Tyler County stretches pay thin

Tyler County's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks worst among these eight counties and significantly exceeds both the national average (20%) and Texas state average (18.1%). With median household income of just $50,647, renters here face the highest housing burden despite rural affordability markers.

Texas's tightest housing squeeze

Tyler County's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio places it among Texas's least affordable regions relative to local earnings, exceeding the state average by 4.4 percentage points. The mismatch between limited income ($50,647) and housing costs ($951 rent) creates outsized financial strain.

Surprisingly expensive for rural East Texas

Tyler's $951 monthly rent falls between Trinity's $823 and Tom Green's $1,125, yet the county's lower median income makes the burden feel heaviest here. Its $138,400 median home value exceeds Trinity's but lags Tom Green's, offering no advantage in affordability.

Rent consumes over one-fifth of income

Tyler County renters pay $951 monthly on a $50,647 annual income—consuming 22.5% before accounting for any other expenses, the worst ratio among peer counties. Homeowners fare slightly better at $651 monthly, but both groups struggle to balance housing against modest local earnings.

Tyler County demands income above local median

Tyler County's housing costs present challenges unless your expected income exceeds the county's $50,647 median substantially. If relocating for a job, negotiate the strongest salary possible—this county's rent-to-income ratio leaves minimal cushion for other living expenses.

Income & Jobs in Tyler County

via IncomeByCounty

Tyler County's earnings fall far behind

Tyler County's median household income of $50,647 sits 32% below the national median of $74,755, among the lowest-earning counties in the country. The county's economy relies heavily on forestry and small-scale agriculture, limiting higher-wage employment opportunities.

Bottom tier of Texas earning counties

Tyler County's $50,647 median income ranks substantially below Texas's state average of $64,737, placing it in the lowest tier of the state's 254 counties. Economic challenges persist despite proximity to larger Texas metros.

Tied for regional economic struggle

Tyler County's $50,647 matches Trinity County ($51,663) as the lowest-earning counties in this analysis, underperforming Upshur County ($62,794) and Titus County ($59,220). Both counties face similar obstacles: limited diversification and population loss to larger urban centers.

Rent burden rising in Tyler County

Tyler County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% signals emerging housing affordability stress, approaching the 30% threshold where costs become unsustainable. A median home value of $138,400 stretches thin for households earning the county median of $50,647.

Start small, invest consistently

Tyler County residents face income constraints but can still build wealth through disciplined saving and low-cost investing. Starting with even small monthly contributions to retirement accounts and emergency savings can compound significantly over time, providing financial resilience.

Safety in Tyler County

via CrimeByCounty

Tyler County Securely Beats National Averages

With a safety score of 98.4, Tyler County provides a highly secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1006.9 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

High Marks for Texas Safety Rankings

The county's safety score of 98.4 exceeds the Texas state average of 96.8. Local crime rates are roughly half of the statewide average of 2052.5 per 100K, showing strong performance across five agencies.

A Regional Leader in Resident Safety

Tyler County maintains a lower crime rate than Titus County, though it is slightly higher than Trinity County. It offers a very stable safety profile compared to larger Texas counties like Tom Green.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

Property crimes account for 846.6 of the 1006.9 total crimes per 100K. Violent crime is rare at 160.3, which is less than half the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Securing Property in a Safe Area

Since property offenses are the most common type of crime, residents should focus on protecting their homes. Using motion-sensor lighting and deadbolt locks can further reduce local crime risks.

Schools in Tyler County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Compact and Focused Rural System

Tyler County features 15 public schools organized into five districts, serving 3,534 students. The network includes seven elementary and six high schools, focused largely on serving the county's rural population. This decentralized structure allows local communities to maintain control over their educational priorities.

Strong Outcomes and Efficient Investment

The county achieves a 91.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87.0% national average. Per-pupil spending of $7,047 supports these outcomes, keeping the county close to state averages. The resulting school score of 54.2 demonstrates a high level of academic effectiveness for the region.

Warren and Woodville Drive Enrollment

Warren ISD and Woodville ISD are the county's largest districts, serving 1,268 and 1,239 students respectively. These two districts account for the majority of the county's educational activity. Smaller districts like Chester ISD provide additional options for families in the more remote areas.

Traditional Values in Rural Schools

With 12 of its 15 schools classified as rural, Tyler County offers a classic small-town school experience. The average school enrollment is 236 students, ensuring high levels of teacher-student interaction. Warren Elementary is the largest single campus, though it still only serves 430 students.

Discover Rural Living Near Warren ISD

Tyler County offers a peaceful lifestyle with a school system that consistently delivers results. Families often look for homes near Warren or Woodville to take advantage of the local district leadership. Start your journey toward a new home in this stable East Texas community.

Disaster Risk in Tyler County

via RiskByCounty

Tyler County's Above-Average Risk

Tyler County scores 61.01 on the composite risk index, placing it above the national average for natural disaster exposure. The relatively low risk rating indicates that hazards are present but manageable with adequate preparation and insurance coverage.

Mid-Tier Risk in Texas Rankings

At 61.01, Tyler County exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00, positioning it among the state's moderate-to-higher-risk counties. This elevation reflects the county's location in the hurricane-prone Southeast Texas region and exposure to wildfire activity.

Comparable Risk to Trinity County

Tyler County's score of 61.01 closely mirrors neighboring Trinity County (60.62) and exceeds Upshur County slightly, reflecting shared Southeast Texas coastal exposure. The trio of eastern Texas counties faces similar hurricane and wildfire pressures that distinguish them from inland peers.

Hurricane and Wildfire Are Dominant

Hurricane risk (88.61) is your county's most significant threat, followed by substantial wildfire exposure (85.88) from surrounding timber and brush lands. Tornado activity (70.58) rounds out a trio of seasonal hazards that can occur with overlapping timing in late spring through early fall.

Prioritize Hurricane Coverage Now

Ensure your homeowners insurance includes comprehensive wind and hail protection with deductibles you can afford during claims season. Add flood insurance through the NFIP or private carriers, maintain 30 feet of defensible space around your home for wildfire protection, and keep a battery-powered weather radio and emergency supplies updated through hurricane season.

Water Quality in Tyler County

via WaterByCounty

Tyler County Faces Grade F Compliance Rating

Tyler County recorded 18 health violations over five years, leading to an F grade for drinking water quality. However, its violation rate of 83.7 per 100,000 residents is still much lower than the Texas average of 581.9.

Water Bodies Not Yet Federally Assessed

Tyler County's rivers and lakes are not currently listed in the federal §303(d) watershed health database. No official impairment data is available for this reporting cycle.

Seven Sites Monitor Local Water Quality

A total of 1,650 measurements have been taken across seven monitoring sites over the last five years. The most frequently measured groups include microbiological markers and inorganic non-metals.

Neches River Running Below Half of Typical

The Neches River near Rockland is flowing at 1,010 cfs, which is 41% of its long-term mean of 2,490 cfs. While significantly below average, it remains more stable than many other rivers in the state.

Practice Awareness During Low River Flows

Because the Neches River is flowing at less than half its normal rate, source water quality may fluctuate. Residents should stay alert to microbiological results given the F-grade compliance history.

Weather & Climate in Tyler County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm and humid humid-subtropical climate

Tyler County maintains an annual average temperature of 67.2°F, which is significantly warmer than the national median of approximately 53°F. Its humid-subtropical profile also includes a high annual precipitation of 57.2 inches, far outpacing the typical American county.

Wetter and warmer than the Texas average

The county's average temperature of 67.2°F sits nearly two degrees above the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Its rainfall is even more distinct, as the 57.2 inches of annual precipitation is nearly double the state average of 31.9 inches.

Deep East Texas moisture levels

While neighbors to the west see drier conditions, Tyler County is one of the wettest spots in the region with 57.2 inches of rain. Its July average of 82.4°F is typical for the Piney Woods, maintaining high humidity compared to the arid plains of West Texas.

Long summers and nearly nonexistent snow

Summer dominates the calendar with 98 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 82.4°F. Winters are mild with a December through February average of 51.5°F and a negligible 0.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for humidity and high rainfall

Residents should prioritize high-capacity HVAC systems and dehumidifiers to handle the nearly 100 days of extreme heat. Given the 57.2 inches of annual rain, maintaining clear gutters and robust drainage systems is essential for local property owners.

Soil Quality in Tyler County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic East Texas Soils

With an average pH of 5.12, Tyler County possesses some of the most acidic soil in the state. This measurement is drastically lower than the Texas average of 7.09 and the national median of 6.5.

Sandy Texture Dominates the Land

A dominant 56.2% sand content creates a loose soil structure that resists packing but drains rapidly. Because clay only makes up 14.9% of the profile, the soil may require frequent organic amendments to boost its nutrient-holding capacity.

Top-Tier Available Water Capacity

Tyler County boasts 1.75% organic matter, which is higher than the Texas state average. This fuels an available water capacity of 0.138 in/in, providing plants with more reliable hydration than the state average of 0.133 in/in.

Hydrologic Group D Runoff Risks

The soil belongs to Hydrologic Group D, indicating a high runoff potential during heavy East Texas storms. While specific drainage classes are unlisted, this group typically signifies restricted water movement in the deeper subsoil layers.

Abundance in the 9a Zone

This county is a paradise for camellias and gardenias that love the acidic 5.12 pH and the warm 9a climate. Grab a shovel and start a garden, as your soil's water capacity provides a significant edge over other Texas regions.

Lawn Care in Tyler County

via LawnByCounty

High Rainfall Meets Low Growth Scores

Tyler County has a lawn difficulty score of 21.4, making it one of the more challenging counties in the state compared to the 31.7 average. Despite having plenty of water, this Zone 9a area requires specialized care to manage its unique soil and climate conditions.

The Wettest Landscapes in the Region

The county receives a massive 57.2 inches of annual rainfall, which is significantly higher than the national ideal of 30-50 inches. This abundance of water, paired with 6,611 growing degree days, can lead to rapid growth and potential fungal issues if not managed properly.

Extremely Acidic and Sandy Soil

The soil pH is very low at 5.12, which can be toxic to many common turfgrasses without significant lime treatment. Because the soil is 56.2% sand, heavy rains can quickly leach nutrients away, requiring a diligent fertilization and amendment schedule.

Managing Drought Despite Heavy Rainfall

Despite high annual averages, 100% of Tyler County is currently in severe drought, having faced 23 weeks of dry conditions this year. This paradox means homeowners must be prepared for both excessive flooding and intense dry spells that drain through sandy soils quickly.

Acid-Tolerant Grasses for Tyler County

Centipedegrass and Carpetgrass are the best bets for the naturally acidic and wet conditions of this region. The spring window opens early on March 9, providing ample time to settle your lawn before the frost returns on November 22.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tyler County's county score?
Tyler County, Texas has a composite county score of 41.3 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 Tyler County rank among counties in Texas?
Tyler County ranks #129 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 Tyler County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Tyler County is $1,428, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Tyler County a tax score of 35.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tyler County?
The median household income in Tyler County, Texas is $50,647 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tyler County earns an income score of 16/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tyler County, Texas a good place to live?
Tyler County scores 41.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #129 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Tyler 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 Tyler County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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