Kent
Texas

What stands out

Three things set Kent County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the home price against local income is among the most affordable in America (0.9 years of income), natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 3% of American counties (3 of 100), and the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000). Within Texas it ranks 5th of 252 counties for the home price against local income, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Kent County, Texas. 635 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1).

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 $68,553 a year, higher than 71% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $37,332. Unemployment runs 2.1%, lower than 94% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

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

Home

A two-bedroom rents for around $1,015 a month. Property tax is 1.08% of home value, roughly $825 a year on that median home, higher than 65% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.4 per 1,000 residents, lower than 76% of American counties.

There are 0 active physicians in the county, about 0.0 per 10,000 people; the nearest doctor is in another county. 12.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 73 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 93% 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 66°F, highs near 80 and lows near 52, warmer than 85% of American counties. About 19 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 3 out of 100, safer than 97% of American counties; the county has had 15 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 103 Mbps down, slower than 86% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation.