CountyScore

Wise County

Texas · TX

#170 in Texas
60.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Wise County, Texas

Wise County scores above national median

Wise County's composite score of 64.2 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties for livability. This means residents here enjoy better financial and housing conditions than the typical American county. The county's above-average performance reflects solid fundamentals in tax burden and housing affordability.

Slightly below Texas average overall

With a score of 64.2, Wise County ranks just under Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it in the middle range among the state's 254 counties. While not among the state's top performers, the county remains solidly livable compared to Texas's broader county landscape. This middle-ground positioning suggests stable but not exceptional conditions.

Tax efficiency and housing values shine

Wise County's tax score of 68.9 reflects an effective tax rate of just 1.188%, helping residents keep more of their earnings. Housing costs are reasonable with a median home value of $277,200 and median rent of $1,239 per month, supported by a cost score of 66.2. These two factors make the county attractive for budget-conscious families seeking stable neighborhoods.

Income growth lags behind state peers

The county's income score of 42.1 reveals a notable weakness: the median household income of $89,897 trails peers in higher-performing counties. Safety, health, school quality, and environmental data remain unavailable, limiting our full picture of what life here entails. More comprehensive data would help identify whether income challenges reflect broader economic constraints or specific industry limitations.

Good fit for value-seeking families

Wise County suits families and individuals prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over maximum earning potential or urban amenities. The county offers a practical balance of reasonable home prices and manageable tax burdens, making it appealing for retirees, remote workers, or those seeking small-town stability. It's less ideal for young professionals chasing career growth in high-wage sectors.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax68.9Cost66.2SafetyComing SoonHealth58.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome42.1Risk41WaterComing Soon
🏛68.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤58.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡41
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Wise County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pinellas County
Florida
60.8
Median income: $70,293
Washington County
New York
60.8
Median income: $72,342
Zavala County
Texas
60.8
Median income: $41,887
Imperial County
California
60.7
Median income: $56,393
Fulton County
Illinois
60.7
Median income: $58,617

Deep Dives

Wise County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wise County

via TaxByCounty

Wise taxes track well below national levels

Wise County's effective tax rate of 1.188% is 7% below the national median of 1.27%, placing it in the below-average tax tier nationally. The median annual tax of $3,293 exceeds the national median of $2,690 only because Wise County's median home value of $277,200 closely mirrors the national median.

Just below Texas statewide average

Wise County's 1.188% effective rate is 7% lower than Texas's state average of 1.276%, positioning the county slightly below the state midpoint. The median annual tax of $3,293 is 50% above the state average, reflecting property values near national norms.

Second-lowest rate in the eight-county group

Wise County's 1.188% rate is surpassed only by Winkler County (0.952%) and Wood County (0.932%), making it the third-most tax-friendly in the region. The rate undercuts Wichita County (1.766%) and Willacy County (1.915%) by substantial margins.

Median home costs $3,293 yearly

On a median-value home of $277,200, Wise County homeowners pay approximately $3,293 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related insurance, the effective total reaches $3,962, putting Wise in the affordable-to-moderate range for the region.

Lower rate amplifies overassessment impact

With a relatively low effective rate, any overassessment on your Wise County property is especially wasteful—a 10% overvaluation means paying roughly $329 more than necessary annually. Verify your assessment today and appeal if it exceeds recent market comparables.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wise County

via CostByCounty

Wise Balances Costs and Strong Incomes

Wise County renters spend 16.5% of their income on housing—below the Texas average of 18.1% and solidly in the affordable range. With a $89,897 median household income and $1,239 monthly rent, the county delivers comfortable housing economics.

Above-Average Affordability in Texas

Wise ranks in the upper affordability tier across Texas counties, with a 16.5% rent-to-income ratio that outperforms the state average of 18.1%. The county's strong income base supports its higher absolute housing costs.

Higher Rents, Higher Incomes

Wise's $1,239 monthly rent exceeds the Texas state average of $963 by $276, reflecting Dallas-Fort Worth suburban demand and proximity to job centers. The $89,897 median household income—20% above the national average—makes those premium rents manageable.

16.5% to Housing, Strong Budgets

Renters in Wise spend $1,239 monthly from an $89,897 household income—16.5%—leaving $6,202 monthly for other priorities and savings. Homeowners invest $1,285 monthly in median-valued homes at $277,200, typical for suburban Dallas County communities.

Suburban Comfort With Solid Affordability

Wise County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio and $89,897 median income make it an attractive option for relocators seeking Dallas-area proximity with manageable housing costs. If your job move keeps you near the county median, you'll enjoy excellent suburban affordability and substantial lifestyle flexibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wise County

via IncomeByCounty

Wise County Outpaces National Income

Wise County's median household income of $89,897 runs 20% ahead of the national median of $74,755, positioning it well above the U.S. average. This strong performance reflects a county economy that's generating higher earnings across the board than most American households.

Top-Earning County in Texas

At $89,897, Wise County's median household income beats Texas's state average by $25,160, placing it among the state's higher-income counties. This advantage gives Wise County households significantly more purchasing power than typical Texas families.

Wise Leads Its Regional Peers

Wise County's $89,897 median income towers over neighboring Young County ($63,723) and Wood County ($62,524), reflecting stronger local job markets and wages. The gap of $26,000+ between Wise and its neighbors shows how much regional economic conditions shape household finances.

Rents Stay Manageable Here

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 16.5%, Wise County households spend less than one-sixth of earnings on rent—well below the national 30% affordability threshold. Combined with a median home value of $277,200, the county offers reasonable housing costs relative to local incomes.

Build Wealth With Smart Planning

Wise County's strong median income of nearly $90,000 creates a solid foundation for building savings and investments. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize retirement accounts and explore real estate opportunities in a market where homes are affordable relative to earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Wise County

via HealthByCounty

Wise County lives longer than most Americans

At 75.1 years, Wise County residents live about 1.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.5 years. Just 21.2% report poor or fair health, outperforming the national rate of 23.4%, signaling a healthier-than-average population.

Leading the state in life expectancy

Wise County's 75.1-year life expectancy ranks above Texas's 74.3-year average, placing it in the healthier half of the state's 254 counties. The county also beats Texas's uninsured rate of 19.8%, with only 17.9% of residents lacking coverage.

Healthier than Wood County, stronger than Young

Wise County residents live 1.5 years longer than Wood County (73.6 years) and 3.9 years longer than Young County (71.2 years). Its primary care provider rate of 38 per 100K trails Young's 83 per 100K, but mental health services at 73 per 100K exceed most neighbors.

Good coverage, but gaps in mental health

With 17.9% uninsured, Wise County fares better than the state average, meaning most residents have pathways to care. Primary care providers number 38 per 100K—a lean ratio suggesting wait times for appointments—while mental health providers at 73 per 100K are more accessible.

Nearly 1 in 5 still needs coverage options

If you're among Wise County's 17.9% uninsured residents, enrollment periods and marketplace plans await. Check Healthcare.gov or local enrollment assistance programs to find coverage that fits your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wise County

via RiskByCounty

Wise County's natural disaster risk: relatively low nationally

Wise County scores 58.97 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low risk category compared to the national average. While the county faces elevated wildfire and tornado threats, its overall risk profile is manageable when viewed against the full spectrum of American hazard exposure.

Above Texas average, but safer than many peers

Wise County's composite score of 58.97 exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of risk across the state's 254 counties. This elevation is driven primarily by wildfire and tornado vulnerabilities in North Texas.

Riskier than Young County, safer than Wood County

Wise County ranks between its nearby peers, with a higher composite score than Young County (36.35) but lower than Wood County (63.23). Its 93.73 wildfire risk stands out as significantly elevated compared to neighboring Zapata County (70.87) and Yoakum County (86.48).

Wildfire and tornado dominate Wise County threats

Wildfire risk reaches 93.73 in Wise County—among the state's most significant—while tornado risk of 75.86 poses a secondary but serious threat to residents and infrastructure. Flood risk (60.02) and earthquake risk (39.66) remain manageable by comparison, though they warrant local preparedness planning.

Prioritize wildfire and storm coverage now

Wise County residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes wildfire coverage and verify it covers tornado and wind damage, which carry real costs in this region. Consider additional living expense coverage given the county's elevated risk profile, and maintain defensible space around your property by clearing vegetation at least 30 feet from structures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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