Silsbee
RANK #38 / 996 NAT · #3 / 69 TX · POP 56,576
1YR FORECAST: +1.9%
5YR OUTLOOK: +40%
Hardin County, Texas, is defined by its location within the Big Thicket, a dense forest region in Southeast Texas. Kountze serves as the county seat, and Lumberton is the largest city. The county is situated about 23 miles northwest of Beaumont and 68 miles northeast of Houston, with commutes averaging around 30 minutes. This proximity allows for access to larger cities while maintaining a distinct, quieter community atmosphere. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with the Big Thicket National Preserve, Village Creek State Park, and Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary offering opportunities for canoeing, bird watching, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Life in Hardin County often appeals to families and those seeking a more conservative, small-community environment. The public schools in Hardin County are generally above average, with districts like Lumberton ISD and Hardin-Jefferson ISD serving local students. The local economy has historical ties to the timber industry and oil production, with these resources shaping its development. While many residents own their homes, the cost of living is lower than the national average. Rural transit services are available for residents, including those needing transportation for healthcare, shopping, and employment.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 6.9x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Hardin County ranks #38 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 96/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $70,164 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
By national standards, Hardin County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $175,800, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.40 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $955/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Hardin County's population is growing — up +0.8% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.2%). Home values shifted +0.2% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
In significant numbers — 5.26% of Hardin County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.