Wood County's composite score of 72.5 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it among the better-performing counties across the United States. This 22.5-point advantage signals that residents enjoy considerable financial and housing advantages compared to the typical American county. The county's strong positioning reflects exceptional cost efficiency and favorable tax conditions.
2 / 5
Beats Texas average by wide margin
At 72.5, Wood County scores 5.7 points above Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it comfortably in the top tier of the state's 254 counties. This above-average ranking reflects the county's particular strength in housing affordability and tax efficiency. Few Texas counties match Wood County's combined advantages in cost and tax burden.
3 / 5
Exceptionally affordable housing and taxes
Wood County shines with a cost score of 81.8—among the highest in the state—supported by a median home value of just $195,100 and median rent of $851 per month. The tax score of 76.1, reflecting an effective rate of 0.932%, is exceptional and means residents face one of Texas's lightest tax loads. Together, these advantages make Wood County one of Texas's most financially accessible counties.
4 / 5
Income levels significantly lag
The income score of 24.2 is the county's critical weakness, with a median household income of only $62,524—notably below both state and national averages. Safety, health, school quality, and environmental metrics are not yet available, leaving gaps in our understanding of quality-of-life factors beyond finances. Prospective residents should investigate whether lower incomes reflect limited economic opportunities or simply lower cost-of-living.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-minded families and retirees
Wood County is exceptionally well-suited for retirees, remote workers, or families with modest income needs seeking to maximize purchasing power and minimize expenses. The combination of rock-bottom housing costs and minimal tax burden makes it one of Texas's most economically efficient places to live. It may not appeal to those prioritizing high earning potential or career advancement in traditional job markets.
Wood County's composite score of 72.5 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it among the better-performing counties across the United States. This 22.5-point advantage signals that residents enjoy considerable financial and housing advantages compared to the typical American county. The county's strong positioning reflects exceptional cost efficiency and favorable tax conditions.
Beats Texas average by wide margin
At 72.5, Wood County scores 5.7 points above Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it comfortably in the top tier of the state's 254 counties. This above-average ranking reflects the county's particular strength in housing affordability and tax efficiency. Few Texas counties match Wood County's combined advantages in cost and tax burden.
Exceptionally affordable housing and taxes
Wood County shines with a cost score of 81.8—among the highest in the state—supported by a median home value of just $195,100 and median rent of $851 per month. The tax score of 76.1, reflecting an effective rate of 0.932%, is exceptional and means residents face one of Texas's lightest tax loads. Together, these advantages make Wood County one of Texas's most financially accessible counties.
Income levels significantly lag
The income score of 24.2 is the county's critical weakness, with a median household income of only $62,524—notably below both state and national averages. Safety, health, school quality, and environmental metrics are not yet available, leaving gaps in our understanding of quality-of-life factors beyond finances. Prospective residents should investigate whether lower incomes reflect limited economic opportunities or simply lower cost-of-living.
Ideal for budget-minded families and retirees
Wood County is exceptionally well-suited for retirees, remote workers, or families with modest income needs seeking to maximize purchasing power and minimize expenses. The combination of rock-bottom housing costs and minimal tax burden makes it one of Texas's most economically efficient places to live. It may not appeal to those prioritizing high earning potential or career advancement in traditional job markets.
Score breakdown
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🏛76.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Wood County's effective tax rate of 0.932% is 27% below the national median of 1.27%, making it among the most tax-friendly jurisdictions in the entire country. The median annual tax of $1,818 is 32% below the national median of $2,690, providing substantial savings even on modest properties.
Significantly below Texas state average
Wood County's 0.932% effective rate is 27% lower than Texas's state average of 1.276%, placing the county in the bottom 10% of tax burden statewide. The median annual tax of $1,818 is 17% below the state average of $2,193.
Shares lowest-rate honor in the region
Wood County's 0.932% rate is the lowest among all eight counties, tied with Winkler County for the most generous tax environment. Only Wise County (1.188%) comes close, and Wood substantially undercuts all other peers in the comparison.
Median home costs $1,818 yearly
On a median-value home of $195,100, Wood County homeowners pay approximately $1,818 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the total reaches $2,266, the second-lowest effective tax burden among the eight-county region.
Vigilance pays off in low-tax counties
Wood County's exceptionally low rate means property owners should be especially alert to overassessment—every percentage point of overvaluation is pure waste. Request a free appraisal review if your home was last assessed more than a year ago or if your assessed value seems out of line with recent sales.
At 16.3%, Wood County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. The county's median rent of $851 per month is substantially cheaper than the nation's housing squeeze, giving renters more breathing room in their budgets.
More Affordable Than Most Texas Counties
Wood County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio beats Texas's state average of 18.1%, placing it in the more affordable half of the state's 254 counties. Renters here pay $112 less per month than the Texas median, making this county a relative affordability bright spot.
Wood County's Competitive Housing Market
Compared to neighboring Young County ($849 rent) and Yoakum County ($931 rent), Wood County's $851 median rent keeps pace with similar rural Texas markets. The county's $62,524 median household income is slightly lower than Yoakum County ($82,261) but competitive with Young County ($63,723).
Rent Eats 16% of Income Here
Wood County renters allocate about 16% of their $62,524 annual income to rent, while homeowners dedicate roughly 14% to monthly owner costs of $745. Together, housing consumes roughly 30% of household income for most families—above the recommended 28% threshold but manageable compared to many Texas metros.
Rural Texas Option Worth Exploring
If you're priced out of urban Texas markets, Wood County offers solid affordability without sacrificing stability—rents are low, incomes are steady, and homeownership is accessible at a median value of $195,100. Compare this option to neighboring counties and see if small-town Texas living fits your budget.
Wood County's median household income of $62,524 falls about 16% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it below the national standard. This gap suggests Wood County households have less purchasing power than the typical American family.
Below Texas State Average
At $62,524, Wood County earns slightly below Texas's state median of $64,737, indicating a county economy that's performing close to—but not ahead of—statewide norms. The modest shortfall reflects regional economic challenges that affect household earning potential.
Wood County Middle-Income Tier
Wood County's $62,524 median income sits between Yoakum County's $82,261 at the high end and Zapata County's $36,527 at the low end. This positions Wood as a middle-income county within its broader regional context.
Housing Costs Remain Fair
Wood County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing affordable, with families spending just over one-sixth of earnings on rent—below the 30% threshold. At a median home value of $195,100, homeownership remains accessible for many local households.
Strategic Savings Build Security
With median incomes near $62,500, Wood County households have room to save by budgeting carefully around current income levels. Even modest monthly contributions to emergency funds or retirement accounts can compound into meaningful wealth over time.
At 73.6 years, Wood County's life expectancy lags the national average of 73.5 years by just one month. However, 19.8% reporting poor or fair health beats the national rate of 23.4%, suggesting residents enjoy moderate health despite a shorter lifespan.
Below Texas average in life expectancy
Wood County ranks at 73.6 years compared to Texas's 74.3-year average, placing it in the lower half of state counties. Its 19.8% uninsured rate matches the state average exactly, meaning Wood County residents face typical coverage challenges statewide.
Healthier than Yoakum, lagging Wise County
Wood County's 73.6-year life expectancy exceeds Yoakum County's 72.1 years but trails Wise County's 75.1 years by 1.5 years. Primary care providers at 33 per 100K and mental health providers at 58 per 100K are available but stretched thin.
Fewer doctors, same insurance challenges
Nearly 1 in 5 Wood County residents—19.8%—lack health insurance, matching statewide patterns and creating barriers to preventive care. With only 33 primary care providers per 100K, residents often face long waits; mental health support at 58 per 100K is similarly limited.
Explore coverage to avoid care gaps
Wood County's 19.8% uninsured rate means thousands go without access to routine checkups and emergency care. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to learn about plans available during open enrollment.
Wood County's composite risk score of 63.23 places it in the relatively low category nationally, though it ranks above average in the spectrum of American natural hazard exposure. The county's risk profile reflects a balanced mix of flood, wildfire, and hurricane vulnerabilities typical of northeastern Texas.
Above Texas average for disaster risk
Wood County scores 63.23 against the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it in the upper-middle range of risk across the state. This elevation reflects both elevated wildfire and hurricane threats alongside moderate flood exposure.
Highest risk among nearby North Texas counties
Wood County (63.23) carries notably higher risk than Young County (36.35) and Wise County (58.97), making it the riskiest in its immediate peer group. Its hurricane risk of 66.08 particularly distinguishes it from inland neighbors like Young County (41.93).
Hurricane and wildfire create dual threats
Hurricane risk reaches 66.08 in Wood County—substantially higher than most inland Texas counties—while wildfire risk of 73.19 reflects the county's position in the state's fire-prone zone. Flood risk (59.29) and earthquake risk (45.77) present tertiary but significant concerns for long-term planning.
Get hurricane and wind coverage today
Wood County homeowners must secure comprehensive coverage for hurricane and severe wind damage, which drive the county's elevated composite risk. Review your policy annually to ensure adequate replacement cost coverage, and invest in structural reinforcements like roof straps and impact-resistant windows given the dual hurricane and wildfire exposure.