countyscore
36.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.9Schools 54Lawn Care 50.2

County Report Card

About Wise County, Texas

Wise County Falls Below National Livability Median

Wise County earns a composite score of 36.7, trailing the national median of 50.0. This ranking places it in the lower tier of counties across the country for overall quality of life.

Lagging Behind the Texas State Average

The county's 36.7 score sits below the Texas state average of 41.9. It represents a more expensive pocket within the state that faces unique infrastructure challenges.

High Incomes and Solid Local Schools

Economic opportunity is a major draw, with an Income Score of 91.9 and a median household income of $89,897. Education also performs well, earning a School Score of 54.0.

Managing High Costs and Water Limits

Housing affordability is a struggle, as shown by a low Cost Score of 14.2 and rents averaging $1,239. The county also faces significant utility hurdles with a Water Score of only 12.7.

A Destination for High-Earning Families

This county suits professionals who prioritize high wages and school quality over housing affordability. It offers a robust local economy for those who can manage the higher cost of living.

2040608010026.114.247.8305491.94112.739.6Tax26.1Cost14.2Safety47.8Health30Schools54Income91.9Risk41Water12.7Weather39.636.7/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Wise County DNA

Foverall

How Wise County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wise County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (12.7/100), though Income (91.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
26.1-25.9
Cost
14.2-33.8
Safety
47.8
Health
30-20
Schools
54
Income
91.9+40.900000000000006
Risk
41
Water
12.7-45.3
Weather
39.6-16.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$277,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,239/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$277,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$49,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $89,897/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.4

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
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Nearby counties

Denton County
Texas
26.2
Jack County
Texas
49.9
Parker County
Texas
32.9
Tarrant County
Texas
31.5
Montague County
Texas
40.8
Cooke County
Texas
37.1
Love County
Oklahoma
44.1
Palo Pinto County
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31.7

Deep Dives

Wise County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Wise County

via CrimeByCounty

Wise County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Wise County earns a high safety score of 98.1, far exceeding national averages for community security. Its total crime rate of 1,171.8 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national rate of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Texas Safety

Wise County maintains a safety score above the Texas average of 96.8, marking it as a secure choice within the state. The local crime rate remains significantly lower than the Texas state average of 2,052.5 per 100,000 residents.

Comparing Wise to Regional Neighbors

While Wise County has a higher crime rate than Wood County, it stays well below the rates found in more urbanized North Texas neighbors. Eight reporting agencies provide the data that confirms Wise County’s reputation for public safety.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crimes make up 972.0 per 100,000 incidents, while violent crime is low at 199.8. Residents are much less likely to encounter violence here than the national average of 369.8 per 100,000.

Staying Secure in Wise County

Low crime rates stay low when residents remain proactive about their home security. Installing motion lights or joining a local watch group helps protect against property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Wise County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Rural Education in Wise

Wise County supports 12,253 students through 28 public schools across seven different districts. The landscape is well-equipped with 13 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 6 high schools. This broad network ensures that students across the county have access to local education near their homes.

Strong Graduation Rates and Steady Growth

The county maintains a high 93.7% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 91.6% and the national average of 87.0%. Spending is efficient at $6,612 per pupil, which is lower than the state average but produces competitive results. The county's school score of 54.6 closely mirrors the Texas state median.

Decatur ISD Anchors the School System

Decatur ISD is the largest district in the county, educating 3,838 students across six campuses. Other significant districts include Bridgeport ISD and Boyd ISD, which serve 2,058 and 1,266 students respectively. There are currently no charter schools in the county, emphasizing a strong traditional public school culture.

Predominantly Rural with Town Hubs

With 23 rural schools and 5 town-based campuses, Wise County offers a classic country-living educational experience. The average school size is 438 students, though Decatur High School serves as a larger hub with 1,140 students. This mix allows families to choose between small rural elementary schools and larger secondary campuses.

Find Your Future in a Growing District

Wise County is perfect for families seeking a balance between rural charm and proven academic success. The county’s high graduation rates make it an attractive spot for those working in the DFW area but wanting a quieter home life. Explore real estate in Decatur and Bridgeport to find a home near these reliable schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Wise County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Faces Grade F Challenges

Wise County receives an F grade for drinking water compliance, recording 103 health violations over the last five years. The county's violation rate of 248.7 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the Texas state average of 581.9. This signal highlights persistent issues within local water systems under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Watershed Assessments Currently Pending for Wise County

Water bodies in this county are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment process. As a result, no data is available regarding the share of impaired waters or specific causes of pollution. Public records currently provide no signal for Clean Water Act attainment.

Moderate Monitoring Activity Tracks Local Water Quality

The county maintains 18 monitoring sites which have recorded 3,754 measurements over the past five years. Technicians focus heavily on physical characteristics, inorganics, and nutrient groups to assess local environmental health. This data provides a baseline for tracking chemical and physical shifts in the region.

Trinity River Flow Drops to One-Third Normal

The primary USGS gauge on the West Fork Trinity River near Boyd currently records a discharge of 83 cfs. This volume represents only 33% of the long-term mean for this site. Such low flow indicates significant hydrologic stress across the 1,725 square mile drainage area.

Focus on Filtration and Drought Awareness

Residents should prioritize in-home water filtration due to the F compliance grade and 103 health violations. Additionally, with river flows at just 33% of their typical volume, staying informed about local drought restrictions is essential. Monitoring your water utility's annual report can help identify specific contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wise County

via WeatherByCounty

A mild continental-subtropical blend

Wise County reports an annual average temperature of 64.2°F, which is warm by national standards but moderate for Texas. It receives 35.3 inches of rain, slightly exceeding the state average of 31.9 inches.

Cooler than the Texas median

At 64.2°F, the county is roughly one degree cooler than the Texas state average. Its location north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex provides a slightly more temperate profile than southern counties.

North Texas weather patterns

Wise County experiences similar rainfall to its neighbor Denton County but sees fewer extreme heat days than counties in South Texas. Its 95 days over 90°F is relatively low for the region.

Distinct seasons and light snow

The county averages 1.3 inches of snow per year, a rarity for the state. Summer highs peak at 84.0°F in July, while winter lows bring the January average to 43.5°F.

Prepare for variable weather

Residents should maintain both heating and cooling systems to handle the 40-degree swing between summer and winter averages. Sturdy storm shelters are also advisable given the regional precipitation patterns.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wise County

via SoilByCounty

Prairie-Rich Mollisols of Wise County

Wise County is characterized by Mollisols, which are among the most fertile soils in the world, typically formed under grasslands. The average pH of 7.16 is nearly neutral, standing slightly above the national median of 6.5. This provides a versatile environment for both native grasses and garden vegetables.

The Ideal Texture of Loam

The soil features a dominant loam texture, consisting of 45.7% sand, 28.5% silt, and 24.8% clay. Loam is often considered the gold standard for gardening because it balances drainage and nutrient storage perfectly. This composition makes the soil relatively easy to work and highly productive.

Strong Organic Matter and Water Storage

At 1.71%, the organic matter content is higher than the Texas average of 1.66%. This is complemented by an available water capacity of 0.136 in/in, which also beats the state average. These metrics support the county's respectable soil score of 34.4.

Well-Drained Soil for Healthy Roots

The county's soils are classified as well-drained, ensuring that plant roots stay oxygenated even after heavy rains. Falling into Hydrologic Group C, the soil has a somewhat slow infiltration rate when saturated, but generally manages water effectively. This makes the land suitable for a wide variety of land uses.

Start Your Loamy Garden in Zone 8a

Living in Zone 8a with loam soil is a gardener's dream for growing staples like tomatoes, corn, and beans. The neutral pH and above-average organic matter mean you have a head start on fertility. Take advantage of your well-drained soil by planting a mix of perennials and seasonal vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wise County

via LawnByCounty

Wise County beats the national lawn average

With a lawn difficulty score of 50.2, Wise County is slightly easier to manage than the national median and far simpler than the Texas state average of 31.7. This Zone 8a region provides a stable environment for suburban lawns to thrive. Most homeowners find the conditions here balanceable with standard maintenance routines.

Balanced precipitation supports steady grass growth

The county receives 35.3 inches of annual rain, which falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for turf. While residents face 95 extreme heat days, the 5973 growing degree days ensure a robust and long mowing season. Mowing schedules typically ramp up quickly after the last spring frost on March 29.

Loamy soil offers a well-drained foundation

The soil is characterized as a well-drained loam with a nearly neutral pH of 7.16. This 45.7% sand and 24.8% clay mix provides excellent structure for root development and water infiltration. Very little amendment is needed compared to the heavy clay found in neighboring regions.

Manageable dry spells require watchful eyes

The county has only seen two weeks of drought over the past year, though 100% of the area currently qualifies as abnormally dry. Because severe drought remains at 0%, simple deep-watering techniques once a week are usually sufficient. Early intervention keeps the turf resilient during typical North Texas summer stretches.

Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in Zone 8a

Heat-tolerant grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are the top choices for this climate. For the best results, start seeding or sodding in early April once the risk of frost passes. This ensures your lawn is well-established before the July heat peaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wise County's county score?
Wise County, Texas has a composite county score of 36.7 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 Wise County rank among counties in Texas?
Wise County ranks #171 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 Wise County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Wise County is $3,293, with an effective tax rate of 1.19%. This earns Wise County a tax score of 26.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wise County?
The median household income in Wise County, Texas is $89,897 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wise County earns an income score of 91.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wise County, Texas a good place to live?
Wise County scores 36.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #171 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Wise 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 Wise County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.