countyscore
50.8
County Score
Schools 71.8Safety 57.7Cost of Living 56.9

County Report Card

About Wood County, Texas

Wood County Exceeds the National Median

Wood County scores a 50.8 composite, narrowly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This indicates a balanced quality of life that competes well on a national scale.

Leading the Texas State Livability Average

At 50.8, the county significantly beats the Texas state average score of 41.9. It stands out as a high-performing rural option within the state's diverse landscape.

Strong Schools and Lower Tax Burdens

Education is the county's crown jewel, boasting a strong School Score of 71.8. Residents also benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.932%, which eases the cost of homeownership.

Addressing Health Care and Environmental Risks

Health outcomes are a primary area for growth, with a score of 26.8 indicating limited medical access. Additionally, the Risk Score of 36.8 suggests vulnerability to natural or economic shifts.

Ideal for Families Seeking Stable Communities

Wood County is a great fit for families who value quality education and predictable tax costs. It provides a reliable rural lifestyle with amenities that exceed state norms.

Score breakdown

Tax43Cost56.9Safety57.7Health26.8Schools71.8Income46.7Risk36.8Water56.8Weather38.3
🏛43
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓71.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧56.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨17.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.9
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

Camp County
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44.5
Smith County
Texas
29.6
Upshur County
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40.8
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Hopkins County
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Deep Dives

Wood County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wood County

via TaxByCounty

Wood offers one of Texas's lowest rates

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wood County

via CostByCounty

Wood County Rents Beat National Average

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wood County

via IncomeByCounty

Wood County Income Trails National Average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wood County

via CrimeByCounty

Wood County Boasts Exceptional Safety Score

With a safety score of 98.5, Wood County is significantly safer than the average American community. Its total crime rate of 972.6 per 100,000 is a fraction of the 2,385.5 national average.

Exceeding the Texas Safety Average

Wood County ranks high in the state, beating the average Texas safety score of 96.8. Its crime rate of 972.6 is less than half the state average of 2,052.5 per 100,000 residents.

Strong Safety Profile Among Neighbors

Wood County reports lower crime figures than Wise County, highlighting its position as a regional leader in safety. Nine local agencies contribute data to ensure transparent and reliable public safety tracking.

Violent vs Property Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate stands at just 174.2 per 100,000, while property crime is 798.4. Both metrics are substantially lower than the national rates for violent and property crimes.

Maintaining a Safe Home Environment

Residents contribute to Wood County's safety by practicing consistent home security habits. Simple measures like locking entry points and using smart cameras effectively deter property theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wood County

via HealthByCounty

Wood County falls slightly below U.S. average

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wood County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Network in Wood County

Wood County operates a robust network of 18 public schools across six school districts, serving a total of 6,377 students. The infrastructure includes eight elementary, three middle, and seven high schools to support a growing student population. This diverse setup ensures that every community from Quitman to Mineola has dedicated local facilities.

Wood County Surpasses State Graduation Averages

Students here achieve an impressive 96.3% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 91.6% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $7,430 remains slightly below the state average, the county's composite school score of 57.8 exceeds the Texas benchmark of 55.3. These metrics suggest the county is delivering strong academic outcomes with efficient resource management.

Leading Districts and Enrollment Powerhouses

Mineola ISD stands as the largest provider in the county, educating 1,643 students across four distinct campuses. Winnsboro ISD follows closely with 1,539 students, while Alba-Golden ISD serves 823 children. Currently, there are no charter schools in the county, meaning traditional public districts manage 100% of the local student population.

Small-Town Feel with Significant Scale

The county features a mix of 11 town-based and seven rural schools, with an average enrollment of 354 students per campus. Quitman Elementary is the largest single facility with 581 students, while high schools like Winnsboro and Mineola maintain enrollments near 500. This balance provides a tight-knit learning environment without sacrificing the resources of larger institutions.

Secure Your Future Near Wood County Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates and stable town environments should explore the vibrant residential options within the Mineola and Winnsboro districts. With academic performance consistently beating state averages, purchasing a home here is an investment in both property and education. Research local listings today to find your place in this high-achieving community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wood County

via RiskByCounty

Wood County faces moderate natural disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wood County

via WeatherByCounty

Humid and lush East Texas climate

Wood County averages 64.5°F annually with a heavy 45.4 inches of rain, making it much wetter than the national average. This high precipitation supports the dense pine forests characteristic of the region.

Lower temperatures with higher humidity

The county is a degree cooler than the Texas average of 65.5°F but significantly wetter than the state average of 31.9 inches. The moisture levels often make the 95 extreme heat days feel more intense.

Wettest in the region

Wood County receives nearly 14 inches more rain annually than the average Texas county. This separates it from the drier central and western parts of the state.

Rainy springs and humid summers

Summers average 81.5°F, staying slightly cooler than the Texas interior due to cloud cover and rain. Winters are mild with a 47.1°F average and only trace amounts of snow.

Manage moisture and humidity

Dehumidifiers and moisture-resistant building materials are essential for Wood County homes. Residents should also prepare for frequent rain, as the county exceeds the state precipitation average by over 40%.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wood County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Sandy Lands of East Texas

Wood County features significantly acidic soil with an average pH of 5.51, much lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical for the Piney Woods region, where rainfall leaches basic minerals away. Taxonomic data is limited, but the chemistry is ideal for acid-loving plants.

High Sand and Low Clay Content

The soil is 64.7% sand, 20.9% silt, and only 11.6% clay. This high sand percentage makes the soil very light and easy to till, but it lacks the structural stability of heavier soils. Nutrients can wash away quickly through this porous medium.

Lower Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter is low at 1.21%, falling well below the Texas average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is also lower than the state benchmark at 0.115 in/in. These factors contribute to a soil score of 17.3, indicating that significant amendments may be needed for intensive gardening.

Slow Infiltration in Group D

The soil belongs to Hydrologic Group D, which is surprising given the high sand content; this suggests restrictive layers beneath the surface. These layers can lead to high runoff despite the sandy topsoil. Proper site preparation is important for building or establishing permanent orchards.

Thriving with Blueberries in Zone 8b

In Zone 8b, your acidic soil is perfect for blueberries, azaleas, and pine trees. Since the soil is sandy and has low organic matter, regular applications of compost and fertilizer are necessary for vegetables. Embrace the unique East Texas chemistry to grow beautiful, acid-loving specialty crops.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wood County

via LawnByCounty

Abundant rain meets sandy East Texas soil

Wood County holds a difficulty score of 39.9, making it tougher than the national average but easier than much of the state. This Zone 8b region benefits from high humidity and long warm seasons. Success depends heavily on managing soil acidity and drainage.

High rainfall keeps the landscape green

Annual precipitation reaches 45.4 inches, putting Wood County at the high end of the ideal range for grass. Despite 95 extreme heat days, the consistent moisture supports a productive 5930 growing degree day cycle. Be prepared for a long mowing season that starts early in March.

Acidic and sandy soils need balance

With a 5.51 pH, the soil here is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The high 64.7% sand content means nutrients leach away quickly, requiring regular fertilization. Adding lime is a common necessity to raise the pH for healthy turf development.

Severe drought demands water conservation

Currently, 94.7% of the county is in severe drought, following 16 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. Maintaining a lawn under these stresses requires prioritizing early morning watering to minimize evaporation. Mulching grass clippings helps retain what little moisture the sandy soil holds.

St. Augustine loves the Wood County humidity

St. Augustine and Centipede grass are excellent choices for these acidic, sandy East Texas conditions. Aim to plant after the March 20 frost date to give the roots time to settle. These varieties will flourish under the high annual rainfall and Zone 8b temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wood County's county score?
Wood County, Texas has a composite county score of 50.8 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 Wood County rank among counties in Texas?
Wood County ranks #58 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 Wood County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Wood County is $1,818, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Wood County a tax score of 43/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wood County?
The median household income in Wood County, Texas is $62,524 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wood County earns an income score of 46.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wood County, Texas a good place to live?
Wood County scores 50.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Wood 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 Wood County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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