countyscore
61.1
County Score
Safety 92.7Disaster Risk 92.3Income & Jobs 71.3

County Report Card

About Archer County, Texas

Outperforming the National Median

Archer County shines with a composite score of 61.1, significantly exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places the county in the upper echelon of American counties for overall quality of life. It serves as a model for rural livability on a national scale.

A Top-Tier Texas Performer

Archer's score of 61.1 far surpasses the Texas state average of 41.9. It stands out as one of the premier locations in the state, offering a balance of safety and economic prosperity that is rare in the region. The county is a clear leader among its neighbors in North Texas.

Elite Safety and Economic Stability

Safety and environmental security are the county's hallmarks, with scores of 92.7 and 92.3 respectively. A strong Income Score of 71.3 and very affordable rent at $766 a month further enhance its appeal. This combination provides residents with peace of mind and financial flexibility.

Managing the Local Tax Burden

The primary drawback is the Tax Score of 20.0, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.322%. While home values are modest at $175,300, the tax burden is high relative to the national average. Continued focus on health access, currently at 49.1, would also help solidify its high ranking.

The Gold Standard for Families

Archer County is an exceptional choice for families and retirees seeking a safe, secure, and affordable lifestyle. It offers the best of North Texas living with high incomes and nearly unrivaled safety metrics. It is arguably one of the most balanced and desirable counties in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax20Cost59.2Safety92.7Health49.1Schools68.8Income71.3Risk92.3Water55Weather36.8
🏛20
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧55
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨40.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Compare Archer County with Copper River Census Area →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Young County
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46.2
Wichita County
Texas
44.3
Baylor County
Texas
57.7
Clay County
Texas
39.4
Jack County
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Throckmorton County
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Cotton County
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Tillman County
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Deep Dives

Archer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Archer County

via TaxByCounty

Archer County taxes: Slightly above national average

Archer County's effective tax rate of 1.322% exceeds the national median of 1.03%, placing it in roughly the 60th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,317 remains below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Archer County's more modest home values.

Rank among Texas counties: Above state average

Archer County's 1.322% effective rate ranks above Texas's state average of 1.276% by about half a percentage point. At $2,317 in median annual taxes, Archer County homeowners pay roughly $125 more than the state median.

How Archer County compares to surrounding areas

Archer County's 1.322% rate is among the highest in this North Texas cluster, exceeded only by Armstrong County (1.443%). Nearby Anderson County (0.974%) and Aransas County (1.014%) offer noticeably lower tax rates.

What an Archer County homeowner pays annually

On the median home value of $175,300, Archer County property owners owe approximately $2,317 in annual property taxes at the 1.322% effective rate. Including mortgage-related taxes, the annual obligation reaches about $2,972.

High rates make appeals especially worthwhile

In above-average tax counties, even small assessment reductions yield substantial savings—a 10% reduction in Archer County would save roughly $230 annually. Request your property's appraisal details and compare them to recent comparable sales in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Archer County

via CostByCounty

Archer County beats national affordability

Archer County stands out with a 12.8% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest among all peers and well below the national average—thanks to modest rent of just $766 monthly. With median income of $71,958 (near the national $74,755), Archer offers genuine affordability for renters seeking value.

Texas's most affordable rental county

Archer County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio dramatically undercuts Texas's 18.1% state average, making it one of the state's most affordable places to rent. At $766 monthly, Archer's median rent is $197 below the state average, a 20% savings that reshapes housing budgets.

Rural advantage delivers real savings

Archer County's $766 rent is less than half what Andrews County renters pay ($1,364), and its 12.8% affordability ratio beats every comparison county by a wide margin. This rural North Texas location delivers exceptional value compared to its more developed neighbors.

Renters keep more income in pocket

Archer renters spend just $766 monthly (12.8% of income), while homeowners with mortgages pay $859 (14.9% of income)—a rare scenario where renting is cheaper. Median household income of $71,958 combined with low rents creates the best affordability balance in this county group.

Archer County: Texas's rental bargain

If affordability is your priority, Archer County delivers: $766 monthly rent on a $71,958 median income leaves maximum resources for other needs. Even renters with below-average income will find this rural North Texas location far more accessible than urban or coastal alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Archer County

via IncomeByCounty

Archer matches national household earnings

Archer County's median household income of $71,958 approaches the national median of $74,755, trailing by just $2,797. The county sits solidly in the middle-income range compared to American counties overall.

Above-average Texas earnings

At $71,958, Archer County exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by $7,221, placing it in the upper-middle income tier statewide. The county ranks in the upper third of Texas counties by household earnings.

Strong regional income leader

Archer County residents earn $10,111 more than Anderson County ($58,846) and nearly $13,000 more than Angelina County ($58,847). Only Andrews County ($76,902) and Austin County ($75,994) outpace Archer's solid income performance.

Exceptional rental affordability

Archer County's rent-to-income ratio of just 12.8% is the lowest among all eight counties, meaning households spend less than 13% of earnings on rent. This exceptional affordability provides substantial breathing room in household budgets for savings and investment.

Capitalize on strong financial position

With median household income of $71,958 and the region's lowest housing costs, Archer County residents are well-positioned to invest aggressively. Focus on diversified retirement portfolios, real estate investment, and wealth transfer planning to maximize long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Archer County

via CrimeByCounty

Archer County is remarkably safe

Archer County boasts an elite safety score of 99.8, making it one of the safest places in the country. Its total crime rate of 104.1 per 100,000 residents is a tiny fraction of the 2,385.5 national average.

Leading the state in security

Archer County significantly outperforms the Texas state average safety score of 96.8. Its reporting from four agencies confirms a exceptionally low-crime environment compared to the rest of the state.

Safety that neighbors can't match

While the Texas average crime rate is 2,052.5, Archer County reports just 104.1. This makes it a standout for safety even when compared to its most secure regional neighbors.

Minimal violent and property crime

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at 11.6 per 100,000 people, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is similarly low at 92.5, compared to the national 2,015.7.

Maintaining Archer County's high standards

Even in an exceptionally safe county, maintaining basic awareness helps preserve this peaceful environment. Good lighting and locked doors remain the simplest ways to keep these numbers low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Archer County

via HealthByCounty

Archer leads with exceptional life expectancy

At 77.7 years, Archer County residents live 3.2 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years—a significant advantage. Just 17.6% report poor or fair health, well below national norms, reflecting a healthier overall population.

Texas's longevity standout

Archer County's 77.7-year life expectancy exceeds Texas's 74.3-year average by 3.4 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. At 16.7% uninsured, Archer also beats the state average of 19.8%, indicating stronger health security.

Outperforms all neighbors on longevity and coverage

Archer's 77.7-year life expectancy surpasses every comparable county in this region—Anderson (72.0), Andrews (74.6), and Armstrong (69.7). Its 16.7% uninsured rate is the lowest among peers, signaling superior health access.

Limited data on primary care, strong uninsured advantage

While primary care provider data is unavailable, Archer's 16.7% uninsured rate and 11 mental health providers per 100,000 suggest a smaller, stable population with good baseline coverage. The county's exceptional life expectancy indicates accessible care, though limited mental health infrastructure.

Archer's coverage rate is a regional model

With 16.7% uninsured—the best rate in this region—Archer County demonstrates what strong health access can achieve. If you're in the remaining uninsured 16.7%, explore Healthcare.gov marketplace plans and local health initiatives.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Archer County

via SchoolsByCounty

High-Performing Schools in Rural Archer

Archer County educates 2,157 students across 8 public schools within three separate districts. This small but efficient system consists of three elementary, two middle, and three high schools.

Exceptional Graduation and School Scores

The county boasts a 95.1% graduation rate, far surpassing both state and national averages. Archer County’s school score of 57.0 is also well above the Texas average, supported by a $7,358 per-pupil investment.

Holliday ISD Leads the Region

Holliday ISD is the largest district in the county, serving 1,137 students across three campuses. Archer City and Windthorst ISDs also play vital roles, and no charter schools compete for local enrollment.

A Truly Rural Learning Experience

Every school in Archer County is located in a rural setting, offering an intimate average enrollment of 270 students per campus. Holliday Elementary is the largest school with 512 students, while others maintain a smaller, tight-knit feel.

Secure a Future in Archer County

Elite graduation rates and high-performing rural schools make Archer County a top destination for families. Explore homes in Holliday or Archer City to join these high-achieving school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Archer County

via RiskByCounty

Archer County sits very low

With a composite risk score of just 7.70, Archer County ranks in the very low risk category and sits far below the national average. This North Texas location enjoys substantially reduced natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties.

Among Texas's lowest-risk counties

Archer County's 7.70 score places it well below Texas's state average of 49.00, making it one of North Texas's safest communities for natural hazard exposure. Residents face significantly lower risk than most Texas peers.

Lowest risk in surrounding region

Archer County's 7.70 composite score is substantially lower than most neighboring counties across North Texas, making it one of the region's safest locations. The county enjoys notably reduced disaster risk compared to surrounding areas.

Wildfire is the only concern

Wildfire risk reaches 84.35 in Archer County, making it the only hazard above the state average despite the county's overall very low composite score. All other hazards—tornado (31.74), hurricane (28.83), earthquake (20.52), and flood (8.62)—remain minimal.

Prepare for wildfire season

Although Archer County faces very low overall risk, wildfire exposure at 84.35 warrants creating defensible space around your home and clearing gutters of debris. Standard homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in most cases, but verify your coverage limits match your property value.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Archer County

via WeatherByCounty

High heat and moderate plains rainfall

Archer County averages 64.5°F annually, which is about 10 degrees warmer than the national median. It receives 31.4 inches of annual precipitation, aligning closely with the national average for the American plains.

Typical Texas temperatures with standard rain

The county's 64.5°F annual average is just slightly below the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Its 31.4 inches of rainfall almost perfectly matches the statewide average of 31.9 inches.

A transitional climate for North Texas

Archer County sees 107 extreme heat days, which is higher than some of its northern neighbors closer to the Oklahoma border. The July average of 85.0°F is among the highest in the immediate region.

Extreme summer peaks and chilly winters

July is intense with an 85.0°F average, contributing to 107 days above 90°F annually. Winters are colder than south Texas, featuring a January average of 43.0°F and 2.5 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for temperature swings and snow

Residents must maintain both powerful cooling systems for 107 heat days and winterized plumbing for the 2.5 inches of snow. Seasonal planning should prioritize shade in the summer and windbreaks for the cold winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Archer County

via SoilByCounty

Perfectly Neutral Archer Soil

Archer County boasts a near-neutral pH of 6.95, which is almost identical to the state average of 7.09. This is an ideal range for nutrient availability, making it more balanced than the national median of 6.5. This chemical stability contributes to its impressive overall soil score of 40.8.

A Balanced Silt and Clay Mix

The soil texture is variable, consisting of 31.4% sand, 36.7% silt, and 26.7% clay. This balanced composition provides a good mix of drainage and moisture retention. It offers better structural integrity and workability than the sandier counties to the west.

High Water Storage Potential

The available water capacity is 0.150 in/in, significantly higher than the Texas average of 0.133. Organic matter sits at 1.60%, which is very close to the state benchmark of 1.66%. These numbers indicate a strong potential for sustained plant growth even between rain events.

Well-Drained but Slow Infiltration

The area is classified as 'Well drained,' which is excellent for most garden crops and building foundations. However, it belongs to Hydrologic Group D, suggesting that the deeper subsoil may still limit the rate of water movement. Careful irrigation management can prevent surface runoff and maximize deep watering.

Versatile Growing in Zone 8a

In Hardiness Zone 8a, Archer County supports a wide array of vegetables and native grasses. The high water capacity and neutral pH make this an excellent location for traditional row crops and fruit trees. Your garden has a great head start thanks to these superior soil metrics.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Archer County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Growing Potential in North Texas

Archer County earns a lawn difficulty score of 37.9, outperforming the state average of 31.7 by a healthy margin. This Zone 8a county provides a balanced environment that is more manageable than many of its neighbors.

Moderate Rainfall Meets Typical Texas Heat

The area receives 31.4 inches of rain annually, just meeting the 30-inch threshold for ideal lawn growth. Homeowners must navigate 107 extreme heat days, which is slightly above the state average of 105.

Well-Drained Soil with Perfect Acidity

At 6.95, the soil pH is nearly perfect for turf, falling right at the top of the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. The well-drained soil texture, composed of 26.7% clay and 31.4% sand, prevents waterlogging and supports healthy roots.

Managing Abnormally Dry Conditions

Archer County faced 23 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the region is currently abnormally dry. However, only 0.2% is in severe drought, making current water conservation a proactive measure rather than an emergency.

Spring Seeding for Archer County

Wait until the last frost on March 25 before seeding hardy Bermuda or Zoysia varieties. These grasses are well-suited to handle the 6087 growing degree days and the occasional North Texas heat spikes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Archer County's county score?
Archer County, Texas has a composite county score of 61.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Archer County rank among counties in Texas?
Archer County ranks #12 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Archer County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Archer County is $2,317, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Archer County a tax score of 20/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Archer County?
The median household income in Archer County, Texas is $71,958 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Archer County earns an income score of 71.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Archer County, Texas a good place to live?
Archer County scores 61.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Archer County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Archer County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.