Sabine
Texas

What stands out

Three things set Sabine County apart from the other 3,142 counties: home internet speed is among the slowest in America (34 Mbps), unemployment is among the highest in America (7.0%), and the average commute is in the top 3% of American counties (33 minutes). Within Texas it ranks 1st of 254 counties for home internet speed, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Sabine County, Texas. 9,980 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +190).

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 $47,061 a year, lower than 84% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,932. Unemployment runs 7.0%, higher than almost every county in America. 6% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 33 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $207K, cheaper than 60% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $754 a month. Property tax is 0.91% of home value, roughly $1,224 a year on that median home, higher than 54% of American counties. 85% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.3 per 1,000 residents, higher than 74% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 22 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 71.2 years, shorter than 92% of American counties. There are 7 active physicians in the county, about 7.0 per 10,000 people. 18.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.90 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 50% of American counties. 87% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 77 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 64% 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 80 and lows near 56, warmer than 93% of American counties. About 54 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 27 out of 100, safer than 73% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 34 Mbps down, slower than almost every county in America. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation.