RANK #729 / 996 · POP 56,576 · TX
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.1%
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.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Hardin County has a Boom Town Index score of 27/100, ranking #729 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.2% and a median household income of $70,164, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Hardin County is $175,800 with median rent at $955/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3991, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.8% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.2%. Home values changed +0.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.26% of Hardin County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.