Ellis
Texas

What stands out

If you had to describe Ellis County in numbers, start here: population growth is among the fastest growing in America (+5.0% a year), the median household income is in the top 5% of American counties ($93,248), and the average temperature is in the top 9% of American counties (68°F). Within Texas it ranks 7th of 254 counties for population growth.

Where you are

You live in Ellis County, Texas. 195,509 people live here with you. The population grew 5.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +9,247).

Texas has no income tax and no estate tax, and its constitution prohibits an income tax without a statewide vote. Property taxes are among the highest in the country and are the main source of local school funding; the 2023 legislature raised the homestead exemption to $100,000 to offset that. Homeowner insurance costs are high along the Gulf coast and rising statewide after hail and freeze events. The grid is independent of the rest of the country.

Money

The typical household here brings in $93,248 a year, higher than 95% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $57,911. Unemployment runs 3.5%, higher than 53% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Texas has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $375K, pricier than 83% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,254 a month. Property tax is 1.50% of home value, roughly $4,125 a year on that median home, higher than 85% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.4 per 1,000 residents, lower than 75% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.1 years, longer than 65% of American counties. There are 206 active physicians in the county, about 10.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 16.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.02 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 67% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 26 points. 69% of eligible voters turned out. Under Texas law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 68°F, highs near 78 and lows near 57, warmer than 91% of American counties. About 41 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 77 out of 100, riskier than 77% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 233 Mbps down, faster than 65% of American counties. There are 15 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.