RANK #24 / 996 NAT · #2 / 69 TX · POP 64,768
1YR FORECAST: +4.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +42%
Nacogdoches, known as "The Oldest Town in Texas," offers a distinctive blend of history and natural beauty. Located in East Texas, it sits about 140 miles northeast of Houston and 58 miles southeast of Tyler. The community maintains a relaxed atmosphere, with a typical commute time around 17 minutes. The area is heavily forested with pine, cypress, and oak, contributing to its high natural amenity rating. Residents and visitors can explore the 7-mile Lanana Creek Trail, enjoy Lake Nacogdoches for fishing and boating, or visit the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, which boasts one of the most diverse azalea collections in the United States.
Life in Nacogdoches County is characterized by a close-knit community feel and a lower cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Public schools in the county are generally above average, with several independent school districts serving the area, including Nacogdoches ISD and Central Heights ISD. The local economy is significantly influenced by Stephen F. Austin State University, which contributes to local economic activity and employment. Beyond the university, the economy is supported by sectors such as agriculture, particularly blueberry production, and manufacturing. Recent economic developments show continued investment in these established industries.
Above national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.4x — home prices are low 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 →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Middlebrook Creek Solar and BESS
Solar Proponent LLC
|
$912M | Planned |
|
Spindletop (Banita Creek) Solar Farm with Battery Storage
Parliament Energy
|
$429M | Planned |
|
Sunlit Pines BESS SLF
Undisclosed
|
$208M | Planned |
|
Timberline Storage
Undisclosed
|
$101M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Nacogdoches County ranks #24 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 98/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $51,153 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
Housing in Nacogdoches County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $150,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.34, with rents averaging $863/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Nacogdoches County are both close to flat — population -0.1% YoY and jobs +0.1%. Home values shifted +1.7% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
In significant numbers — 7.12% of Nacogdoches 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.