countyscore
40.8
County Score
Schools 61.4Water Quality 58.5Safety 54.8

County Report Card

About Upshur County, Texas

Balanced Profile Below National Median

Upshur County earns a composite score of 40.8, which is approximately 10 points below the national median. While it doesn't lead the nation, it avoids the extreme lows seen in some neighboring regions.

Consistent with Texas Averages

A composite score of 40.8 places the county right in line with the Texas state average of 41.9. It offers a standard set of services and costs that will feel familiar to most Texans.

Quality Education and Solid Income

With a school score of 61.4 and an income score of 47.5, the county provides a good foundation for families. Median household incomes of $62,794 are relatively strong for the region's cost of living.

Health Access and Tax Pressure

The health score of 20.0 reflects a lack of local medical providers and wellness outcomes. A tax score of 24.3 also indicates that the 1.226% tax rate is a notable burden on local residents.

Suited for Young Growing Families

Upshur County is a solid choice for families looking for decent schools and mid-range incomes. The $171,200 median home value provides a suburban-rural mix that is increasingly hard to find at this price point.

Score breakdown

Tax24.3Cost35.8Safety54.8Health20Schools61.4Income47.5Risk33.1Water58.5Weather44.9
🏛24.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡33.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.8
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

Gregg County
Texas
28.2
Camp County
Texas
44.5
Wood County
Texas
50.8
Smith County
Texas
29.6
Harrison County
Texas
34.5
Marion County
Texas
45.1
Morris County
Texas
47.6
Titus County
Texas
40.7

Deep Dives

Upshur County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Upshur County

via TaxByCounty

Upshur's rate slightly above national

Upshur County's effective tax rate of 1.226% edges above the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,099 annually is about 78% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting moderate home values and slightly above-average rates.

Slightly below Texas state average

Upshur County's 1.226% effective rate sits just below the Texas state average of 1.276%, ranking it near the middle of Texas counties. The median tax bill of $2,099 is nearly identical to the state median of $2,193, making it a typical Texas county for tax purposes.

Mid-range for Northeast Texas

Upshur County's 1.226% rate falls between neighboring counties; Harrison County runs 1.18%, Rusk County around 1.24%, and Morris County near 1.32%. This positions Upshur as a moderate-tax option in the region.

A $171k home costs $2,099 yearly

With a median home value of $171,200 and an effective rate of 1.226%, the typical Upshur County homeowner pays $2,099 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages face combined annual costs of $2,710.

Appeals can reduce overassessments

Many Upshur County homeowners overpay due to inflated valuations on their assessments. A simple appeal to the county appraisal district can challenge questionable assessments and lower your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Upshur County

via CostByCounty

Upshur County keeps rent reasonable

Upshur County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Texas's state average (18.1%) and slightly below the national average (20%), offering balanced affordability for renters. With median household income of $62,794 and rent of $1,015, the county balances moderate earnings with manageable housing costs.

Better than average across Texas

Upshur County ranks among Texas's more affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio just 1.3 percentage points above the state average and rent running 5% above Texas's median. The county offers solid affordability relative to other Texas regions.

Moderately priced East Texas option

Upshur's $1,015 rent exceeds rural peers Trinity ($823) and Upton ($689) but stays well below Tom Green ($1,125) and far below Travis ($1,669). Its $171,200 median home value similarly positions it in the affordable middle tier among these eight counties.

Balanced housing burden in Upshur

Upshur renters pay $1,015 monthly while homeowners carry $868—both consuming roughly one-fifth of the county's $62,794 median income. This alignment between costs and earnings creates sustainable housing economics for both renter and owner households.

Upshur offers reliable affordability

Upshur County delivers solid housing affordability without sacrificing Texas's rural character, making it attractive for relocators seeking balance. If your expected salary aligns with or exceeds the $62,794 median, Upshur's moderate rents and home prices support stable long-term housing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Upshur County

via IncomeByCounty

Upshur County trails national earnings

Upshur County's median household income of $62,794 falls 16% short of the national median of $74,755. The county's economy blends manufacturing, agriculture, and small retail, limiting exposure to high-wage sectors.

Slightly under Texas state average

Upshur County's $62,794 median income sits just below Texas's state average of $64,737, ranking it in the middle-lower portion of the state's 254 counties. The county performs better than many rural neighbors but trails major Texas metros.

Regional leader despite modest earnings

Upshur County's $62,794 exceeds nearby Trinity County ($51,663) and Tyler County ($50,647), making it the most prosperous of this East Texas trio. The county's diversified economy provides stronger earnings stability than purely agricultural neighbors.

Housing costs remain reasonable

Upshur County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% signals healthy housing affordability, well below the 30% threshold of financial strain. A median home value of $171,200 remains accessible for residents earning the county median, preserving money for savings and other needs.

Leverage affordable housing for investing

Upshur County residents enjoy housing costs that free up significant income for savings and investment opportunities. Local families should prioritize homeownership as a wealth-building tool while using remaining disposable income for retirement accounts and diversified investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Upshur County

via CrimeByCounty

Upshur County Offers High National Safety

Upshur County maintains a safety score of 98.4, well above the national norm. Its total crime rate of 1027.6 per 100K is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Texas State Safety Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 98.4 surpasses the Texas average of 96.8. Law enforcement across eight agencies keeps the crime rate at 1027.6, which is far lower than the state average of 2052.5.

Competitive Safety Profile in the Region

Upshur County is notably safer than Titus County and mirrors the low-crime trends found in Tyler County. It remains one of the more secure options for residents in this part of Texas.

Strong Protection Against Violent Crime

The violent crime rate of 223.0 is much lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 804.6 per 100K, showing that most local incidents are non-violent in nature.

Focusing on Local Property Protection

While violent crime is low, property security remains important for residents. Simple neighborhood watch participation and home security audits can help maintain the county's excellent safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Upshur County

via HealthByCounty

Upshur County trails national health benchmarks

Upshur County's 73.4-year life expectancy falls 0.7 years short of the U.S. average of 74.1 years, and its 23.4% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 17.9%. These gaps signal persistent health challenges in this rural Northeast Texas county.

Below-average life expectancy, below-average coverage

Upshur County's 73.4-year life expectancy trails Texas's 74.3-year state average, while its 17.5% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 19.8%. The coverage advantage hasn't translated into life expectancy gains, suggesting non-insurance barriers to health—including provider scarcity—are at play.

Mid-tier rural health challenges in Northeast Texas

Upshur County's 73.4-year life expectancy sits between stronger performers like Tom Green (74.9) and weaker ones like Tyler (71.6). Its 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents slightly outpace Tyler County but fall far short of state adequacy, limiting residents' access to preventive care.

Limited providers despite moderate insurance rates

Upshur County's 17.5% uninsured rate is among the better rates in this group, yet only 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents remain available to serve the insured. Mental health providers (46 per 100K) offer minimal support for the county's behavioral health needs.

Protect your health coverage status

With 17.5% of Upshur County residents uninsured, verify your current coverage and explore options on healthcare.gov if needed. Ask your doctor about referrals to specialists and consider telehealth options to overcome provider limitations in your area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Upshur County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Thriving East Texas Education Scene

Upshur County manages 24 public schools and seven districts for its 8,012 students. The infrastructure is well-balanced with eight elementary, seven middle, and nine high schools. This layout ensures students have a clear pathway from early childhood through high school graduation.

Exceptional Graduation and Academic Success

Upshur County boasts an impressive 94.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both state and national benchmarks. A per-pupil expenditure of $7,107 fuels this success, resulting in a school score of 55.9. These metrics place the county among the more effective educational performers in the state.

Gilmer ISD Sets the Pace

Gilmer ISD is the largest district in the county, serving 2,825 students across four schools. Harmony ISD and Big Sandy ISD also represent significant portions of the student body. Charter schools are limited here, making up only 4.2% of the total school landscape.

Rural Focus with Large Campus Options

The county is primarily rural with 19 schools in countryside settings, yet it hosts some large campuses like Gilmer Elementary with 1,179 students. The average school size is a comfortable 334 students. This provides families with the benefits of a rural lifestyle without sacrificing modern school facilities.

Join a High-Achieving Community

The 94% graduation rate makes Upshur County a top destination for families focused on academic achievement. Homes in Gilmer and New Diana are particularly sought after for their school connections. Find your place in this high-performing district by exploring local listings today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Upshur County

via RiskByCounty

Upshur County Faces Elevated Risk

Upshur County scores 66.92 on the composite risk index, placing it above the national average and indicating meaningful exposure to multiple hazards. The relatively low risk rating reflects that threats are present but can be mitigated through smart preparation and adequate insurance.

Above-Average Risk Statewide

At 66.92, Upshur County substantially exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking among the riskier counties in the state. The elevation is driven primarily by exceptional tornado exposure (92.05), one of the highest in Texas, combined with significant wildfire and hurricane threats.

Riskier Than Most East Texas Peers

Upshur County's 66.92 score exceeds neighboring Titus County (46.82) and approaches Tyler County (61.01), making it one of the region's riskiest counties. The elevated tornado risk distinguishes Upshur from its coastal neighbors, positioning it at the intersection of Gulf Coast and Great Plains storm tracks.

Tornado Risk Is Exceptionally High

Tornado risk (92.05) dominates Upshur County's threat profile, ranking among the nation's highest-risk areas for tornado activity. Wildfire (77.32) and hurricane risk (61.33) add seasonal complexity, creating year-round hazard exposure that demands continuous preparedness.

Build Tornado Safety Into Your Home

A safe room or reinforced shelter is essential in Upshur County—standard basements may not provide adequate protection from violent tornadoes. Verify your homeowners policy covers tornado and wind damage with minimal deductibles, maintain an emergency kit with first aid and weather alerts, and participate in spring tornado drills so all household members know where to shelter.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Upshur County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate weather with southern warmth

Upshur County averages 63.1°F annually, placing it about 10 degrees above the national median temperature. With 47.9 inches of annual precipitation, it receives much more moisture than the average U.S. county.

Cooler than the average Texas county

At 63.1°F, Upshur County is notably cooler than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. However, it remains much wetter than the state as a whole, receiving 16 inches more rain than the Texas average of 31.9 inches.

Consistent rainfall in the northeast corner

The county's 47.9 inches of rain align with its East Texas neighbors, creating a lush environment. Its 88 extreme heat days per year are slightly lower than the triple-digit figures found in central and southern parts of the state.

Noticeable winter chill and hot summers

Winter temperatures average 45.8°F, and the county sees a modest 1.5 inches of annual snowfall. Summer brings significant heat with 88 days topping 90°F and a July average of 81.5°F.

Plan for heat and occasional ice

Heavy-duty air conditioning is a must for the 88 days of extreme summer heat. Because the county sees more snow and ice than many Texas neighbors, residents should also keep basic winter weather supplies on hand for January cold snaps.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Upshur County

via SoilByCounty

East Texas Soil Identity

Specific data for soil pH and taxonomic order are currently unavailable for Upshur County in the central registry. Local observers typically find the region follows the East Texas trend of slightly acidic, sandy profiles.

Awaiting Local Composition Data

While exact percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded here, the region is known for its workable, sandy loam textures. Gardeners should perform a private soil test to determine the exact drainage needs of their specific plot.

Fertility and Organic Potential

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently limited for this county. Despite the missing benchmarks, the surrounding region typically maintains organic levels that support robust timber and forage growth.

Regional Water Management Patterns

Hydrologic group and drainage class data are not currently specified for this area. Local land managers generally focus on preventing erosion, a common concern across the rolling hills of North East Texas.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 8b

Upshur County sits in hardiness zone 8b, providing a long growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and roses. Use this as an invitation to experiment with your own soil and discover what grows best in your backyard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Upshur County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Growing Conditions in Upshur

Upshur County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 40.8, making it one of the easiest places in Texas to maintain a lawn compared to the 31.7 state average. It sits closer to the national median of 50.0 than most of its Texas peers.

Moderate Heat and Perfect Rainfall

The county enjoys 47.9 inches of annual rain, hitting the sweet spot of the 30-50 inch ideal range. With only 88 extreme heat days—well below the state average of 105—lawns here face significantly less stress than in other parts of Texas.

Independent Soil Testing Recommended

Local soil data is unavailable in the current dataset, but the high lawn score suggests generally favorable conditions. Homeowners should test for pH and texture, as East Texas soils can vary significantly between fertile loams and stubborn clays.

Resilient Against Regional Drought

Upshur County has only seen 13 weeks of drought in the past year, far fewer than many neighboring counties. While 24.9% of the area is currently in severe drought, the overall moisture profile remains much stronger than the state-wide trend.

Prime Planting for Zone 8b

Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in these moderate East Texas conditions and benefit from the 5,554 growing degree days. Wait until the last frost passes on March 26 to begin seeding, ensuring your grass is established well before the November 8 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Upshur County's county score?
Upshur County, Texas has a composite county score of 40.8 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 Upshur County rank among counties in Texas?
Upshur County ranks #133 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 Upshur County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Upshur County is $2,099, with an effective tax rate of 1.23%. This earns Upshur County a tax score of 24.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Upshur County?
The median household income in Upshur County, Texas is $62,794 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Upshur County earns an income score of 47.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Upshur County, Texas a good place to live?
Upshur County scores 40.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #133 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Upshur 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 Upshur County with other counties side by side.

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