countyscore
41.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 60.7Safety 60Schools 51.1

County Report Card

About Van Zandt County, Texas

Approaching the National Benchmark

With a composite score of 41.4, Van Zandt County performs slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a more balanced profile than many of its regional counterparts.

Consistent with State Performance

The county’s score of 41.4 aligns closely with the Texas state average of 41.9. This makes it a representative example of typical livability standards found across the Lone Star State.

High Incomes and Community Safety

The county shines with an Income Score of 62.4 and a Safety Score of 60.0. Median household incomes reach $68,274, providing residents with strong purchasing power in a secure environment.

Improving Healthcare and Infrastructure

Van Zandt’s Health Score of 23.9 remains a primary area for development. Residents also navigate a Tax Score of 30.7, indicating a moderate property tax burden compared to the state's top performers.

The Sweet Spot for Safety

Van Zandt is an excellent choice for families seeking a safe, middle-class lifestyle with solid earning potential. It suits those who want a classic Texas feel without the instability of higher-risk counties.

204060801003331.16023.951.160.741.238.937.5Tax33Cost31.1Safety60Health23.9Schools51.1Income60.7Risk41.2Water38.9Weather37.541.4/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Van Zandt County DNA

Foverall

How Van Zandt County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Van Zandt County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Health (23.9/100), though Income (60.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
33-19
Cost
31.1-16.9
Safety
60
Health
23.9-26.1
Schools
51.1
Income
60.7+9.700000000000003
Risk
41.2
Water
38.9-19.1
Weather
37.5-18.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Van Zandt County

Whether buying or refinancing in Van Zandt County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$222,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,066/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$222,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,475/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.7

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Van Zandt County with St. Clair County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Rains County
Texas
46.9
Wood County
Texas
50.5
Hunt County
Texas
31.6
Smith County
Texas
29.7
Henderson County
Texas
37.6
Kaufman County
Texas
29.1
Hopkins County
Texas
46.5
Rockwall County
Texas
41.5

Deep Dives

Van Zandt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Van Zandt County

via TaxByCounty

Van Zandt taxes below national median

Van Zandt County's effective tax rate of 1.105% sits just slightly below the national median of 1.1%, placing it nearly at the U.S. average. The median property tax of $2,204 annually is about 82% of the national median of $2,690, making it a moderate-tax county nationally.

Slightly below Texas average

Van Zandt County's 1.105% effective rate falls just below the Texas state average of 1.276%, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of Texas counties. The median tax bill of $2,204 nearly matches the state median of $2,193, making it a typical Texas county for property tax purposes.

Moderate rates for North Texas

Van Zandt County's 1.105% rate is competitive in North Texas; Collin County averages 1.09%, Kaufman County around 1.12%, and Hunt County near 1.18%. This makes Van Zandt an attractive option for those seeking moderate taxes in the region.

A $199k home costs $2,204 yearly

With a median home value of $199,500 and an effective rate of 1.105%, the typical Van Zandt County homeowner pays $2,204 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages face combined annual costs of $2,833.

Review assessments for accuracy

Van Zandt County homeowners should ensure their property assessments reflect fair market value. A formal appeal with the county appraisal district can identify inflated valuations and lower your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Van Zandt County

via IncomeByCounty

Van Zandt tracks near national median

Van Zandt County's median household income of $68,274 sits about $6,500 below the national median of $74,755, representing a modest 9% shortfall. This positions the county as closer to typical American household earning than many rural peers.

Above Texas average

Van Zandt exceeds Texas's state average median household income of $64,737 by roughly $3,500, ranking it in the upper half of the state's counties. The county's per capita income of $34,078 also surpasses the state average of $33,197, signaling relatively balanced earning distribution.

Strong performer among regional peers

Van Zandt's $68,274 median income outpaces most neighboring counties, including Val Verde ($59,673) and Webb County ($62,506). Only Waller ($76,135) and Washington ($75,085) counties significantly exceed Van Zandt's earnings profile in the broader region.

Housing costs lean favorable

Van Zandt's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio falls comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating healthy housing cost burden. With a median home value of $199,500 and median income of $68,274, households here retain purchasing power for both renting and homeownership.

Van Zandt: time to invest strategically

With incomes above state average and favorable housing ratios, Van Zandt residents have capacity to direct additional funds toward wealth-building tools like index funds, retirement accounts, and real estate equity. Consulting a financial advisor to diversify beyond homeownership can accelerate long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Van Zandt County

via CrimeByCounty

Van Zandt Boasts Exceptional National Safety Rankings

Van Zandt County features a total crime rate of only 917.5 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to an elite safety score of 98.6. It is statistically one of the safest regions in the country based on 2022 data.

Top-Tier Safety Performance in Texas

The county’s safety score of 98.6 far exceeds the Texas average of 96.8. Its total crime rate is dramatically lower than the state average of 2,052.5 per 100K. Seven reporting agencies work together to maintain this high standard of public security.

Van Zandt Leads Its Regional Peers

Van Zandt’s crime rate of 917.5 per 100K is significantly lower than other rural Texas neighbors like Waller County. The county's safety score of 98.6 provides a substantial margin of security compared to most Texas jurisdictions. This reflects a remarkably low-risk environment for residents.

Incredibly Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime in Van Zandt is just 104.9 per 100K, nearly four times lower than the national rate of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of activity at 812.6 per 100K. These numbers represent some of the lowest crime frequencies in the state.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

Low crime rates don't mean you should ignore basic security measures for your property. Secure your perimeter and ensure your home is well-lit at night to prevent property crimes. Community awareness remains the best tool for keeping Van Zandt safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Van Zandt County

via WeatherByCounty

A humid and warm subtropical climate

Van Zandt County averages 65.2°F annually, which is roughly 12 degrees warmer than the national median. Its 44.6 inches of rainfall ensures a much wetter environment than the average American county.

Mirroring the typical Texas climate

The county's average temperature of 65.2°F is nearly identical to the Texas state average of 65.5°F. However, it is significantly wetter than the state median, receiving 44.6 inches of rain compared to the state's 31.9 inches.

Moderate heat compared to southern neighbors

With 86 days of extreme heat, Van Zandt is slightly more temperate than counties further south in the state. Its 44.6 inches of rainfall is consistent with its neighbors in the humid East Texas region.

Steamy summers and cool winters

July temperatures average 83.9°F, and the county faces 86 days of temperatures above 90°F. Winters are relatively cool but mild, with a December through February average of 47.2°F.

Ready for rain and summer sun

Infrastructure should be prepared for 44.6 inches of annual rain, focusing on proper foundation drainage and roof maintenance. Residents will also need robust cooling for the nearly three months of extreme heat every year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Van Zandt County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Versatile Soils

Soil in Van Zandt County leans acidic with a pH of 6.00, placing it below the Texas average of 7.09. This measurement is closer to the national median of 6.5, creating a versatile environment for many garden favorites.

Sandy Ground for High Aeration

The profile is dominated by sand at 55.5%, while clay accounts for just 13.8%. This high sand percentage ensures the soil remains easy to work and provides excellent aeration for root systems.

Efficient Water Storage Potential

The organic matter content sits at 1.37%, slightly below the state average of 1.66%. Despite this, the available water capacity is a solid 0.131 in/in, which is nearly identical to the Texas state benchmark of 0.133 in/in.

Slow Subsurface Water Movement

Falling under Hydrologic Group D, the county's soil typically exhibits slow water infiltration deeper in the profile. Gardeners should consider raised beds to bypass any potential drainage issues during heavy rainfall.

Endless Growth in Zone 8b

Van Zandt County's 8b hardiness zone and acidic pH are tailor-made for growing world-class blueberries and sweet potatoes. Your soil score of 30.6 is better than the state average, so start your planting season with confidence.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Van Zandt County

via LawnByCounty

Van Zandt Nears National Norms

Van Zandt County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 48.7, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the easiest places in Texas to grow a lawn, far outperforming the state average of 31.7. In this Zone 8b climate, homeowners enjoy a much more forgiving environment than their neighbors to the west.

Generous Rainfall Supports Growth

The county receives 44.6 inches of annual precipitation, placing it right in the sweet spot of the 30-50 inch ideal range. While you face 86 extreme heat days, this is lower than the state average of 105. This moisture-rich climate supports a vigorous growing season with 6,204 growing degree days, reducing the need for constant supplemental irrigation.

Perfectly Balanced Acidic Soil

The soil pH in Van Zandt is a solid 6.00, hitting the exact bottom edge of the ideal range for grass growth. The high sand content of 55.5% ensures excellent aeration, though it may require organic amendments to help hold onto water. While specific drainage data is limited, the high sand percentage generally prevents the waterlogged roots common in clay-heavy regions.

Managing Sudden Dry Spells

Despite 11 weeks of drought over the past year, 75.6% of the county currently faces severe drought conditions. While the annual rainfall is high, these intense dry periods can stress your turf quickly. Utilizing mulch and maintaining a taller grass height will help protect the soil surface and preserve moisture during these fluctuations.

Optimal Conditions for Southern Grasses

Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in this 8b hardiness zone, especially with the reliable spring rains. Plan your seeding or sodding projects after the last frost on March 11 to avoid late-season cold snaps. With a first frost arriving around November 21, you have a long window to establish a lush, healthy lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Van Zandt County's county score?
Van Zandt County, Texas has a composite county score of 41.4 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 Van Zandt County rank among counties in Texas?
Van Zandt County ranks #137 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 Van Zandt County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Van Zandt County is $2,298, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Van Zandt County a tax score of 33/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Van Zandt County?
The median household income in Van Zandt County, Texas is $69,475 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Van Zandt County earns an income score of 60.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Van Zandt County, Texas a good place to live?
Van Zandt County scores 41.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #137 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Van Zandt 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 Van Zandt County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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