countyscore
37.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 80Income & Jobs 63Weather & Climate 55.5

County Report Card

About Armstrong County, Texas

Trailing the National Quality Index

Armstrong County earns a composite score of 37.1, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This suggests that residents experience fewer amenities and higher tax burdens than the average American. The score reflects the challenges often faced by smaller, rural Panhandle counties.

Below the Texas Average Score

The county's score of 37.1 sits below the Texas state average of 41.9. Despite a high median household income of $68,462, overall livability is weighed down by high tax rates. It remains a competitive option for the region but falls behind the state's top-performing counties.

Low Risk and High Incomes

A Risk Score of 80.0 indicates that Armstrong is exceptionally safe from natural disasters and environmental hazards. The county also boasts a strong Income Score of 63.0, supported by solid local earnings. These strengths provide a very secure foundation for established households.

High Taxes and School Gaps

The Tax Score of 15.4 is quite low, resulting from an effective tax rate of 1.443% that exceeds state norms. Additionally, the School Score of 42.6 and Water Score of 29.7 point to areas where local infrastructure lags. Addressing these service gaps could significantly elevate the county's standing.

Best for Secure Rural Professionals

Armstrong County is well-suited for high-earning individuals who value environmental security and a quiet, rural lifestyle. While taxes are higher than average, the income potential and low risk profile offer a compelling trade-off. It is a solid choice for those who don't rely heavily on local school systems.

Score breakdown

Tax15.4Cost34.1Safety38.3Health33.7Schools42.6Income63Risk80Water29.7Weather55.5
🏛15.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡38.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.8
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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Deep Dives

Armstrong County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Armstrong County

via TaxByCounty

Armstrong County taxes: Well above national average

Armstrong County's effective tax rate of 1.443% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.03%, placing it in approximately the 75th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,679 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, despite lower median home values.

Rank among Texas counties: Notably above state average

Armstrong County's 1.443% effective rate ranks among the highest in Texas, running 13% above the state average of 1.276%. At $2,679 in median annual taxes, Armstrong County homeowners pay about 22% more than the state median of $2,193.

Armstrong County has the highest rates in this region

Armstrong County's 1.443% rate is the highest among all eight counties in this sample, exceeding Archer County (1.322%) and far surpassing Anderson County (0.974%). Panhandle residents here face notably steeper tax bills than nearby counties.

What Armstrong County homeowners owe annually

On the median home value of $185,700, Armstrong County property owners pay approximately $2,679 in annual property taxes at the 1.443% effective rate. With mortgage-related taxes included, the total climbs to about $3,317.

High rates make assessment appeals critical

In Armstrong County's high-rate environment, challenging an overassessment is especially valuable—even a 5% reduction saves over $130 annually. Review your appraisal carefully and file an appeal if comparable properties in your area sold for less.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Armstrong County

via CostByCounty

Armstrong beats national affordability norms

Armstrong County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio sits below the national average, with renters spending $1,010 monthly on median income of $68,462. This favorable combination places Armstrong among the nation's more affordable housing markets, despite West Texas location.

Slightly below Texas average affordability

Armstrong County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio edges just below Texas's 18.1% state average, offering renters marginally better affordability than the typical Texas county. At $1,010 monthly, Armstrong's median rent is $47 above the state average but supported by income levels that make it manageable.

West Texas sweet spot for value

Armstrong County's $1,010 rent and 17.7% affordability ratio position it between Andrews County's pricier market ($1,364) and Archer County's rural bargain ($766). Among West Texas options, Armstrong offers moderate rents with stronger income support than many rural alternatives.

Rents and mortgages stay balanced

Armstrong renters spend $1,010 monthly (17.7% of income), while homeowners with mortgages spend $897 (15.6% of income), a modest $113 monthly gap. Median household income of $68,462 and home values of $185,700 create workable affordability for both renters and buyers.

Armstrong offers solid West Texas value

Armstrong County appeals to relocating professionals seeking West Texas living with genuine affordability: median rent of $1,010 on $68,462 income leaves breathing room. Home values at $185,700 make ownership accessible, and the county's balanced affordability works for both renters and buyers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Armstrong County

via IncomeByCounty

Armstrong earns modestly below U.S. average

Armstrong County's median household income of $68,462 trails the national median of $74,755 by $6,293. This 8% gap places the county slightly below the national average, reflecting moderate regional economic strength.

Solid middle ground in Texas

At $68,462, Armstrong County exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by $3,725, ranking solidly in the middle-income range statewide. The county performs better than most of its examined neighbors.

Solid performer in regional comparison

Armstrong County ($68,462) outearns the lower-income East Texas counties but trails Archer ($71,958), Andrews ($76,902), and Austin counties ($75,994). The $3,500 advantage over state average suggests stable, diversified local employment.

Balanced housing costs

Armstrong County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% indicates strong housing affordability, with tenants spending roughly one-sixth of earnings on rent. The median home value of $185,700 aligns well with household incomes, supporting accessible homeownership.

Build compound wealth steadily

Armstrong County households earning $68,462 have favorable conditions for wealth-building with moderate housing costs consuming only 17.7% of income. Allocate freed-up resources to retirement accounts and diversified investments to leverage your income advantage over the state average.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Armstrong County

via CrimeByCounty

Armstrong County shows strong safety score

Armstrong County earns a safety score of 97.8, reflecting a secure community. Its total crime rate of 1,412.1 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Safety above the Texas norm

The county's safety score exceeds the state average of 96.8. However, data comes from a single reporting agency, so these figures should be interpreted with some caution.

Quiet compared to state averages

Armstrong County's crime rate of 1,412.1 is well below the Texas state average of 2,052.5. This makes the county a relatively tranquil part of the Texas Panhandle.

Property crime dominates local data

Violent crime is very low at 52.3 per 100,000 residents, which is a fraction of the national average. Property crime accounts for nearly all local offenses at a rate of 1,359.8.

Simple precautions for Armstrong County

Since property crime is the main concern, ensuring outbuildings and vehicles are locked is a smart move. Residents can help maintain the high 97.8 safety score through simple preventative habits.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Armstrong County

via HealthByCounty

Armstrong life expectancy well below national average

At 69.7 years, Armstrong County residents live 4.8 years less than the U.S. average of 74.5 years—one of the largest gaps in this region. Despite a relatively low 17.6% poor/fair health rate, the abbreviated life span signals serious underlying health issues.

Texas's lowest life expectancy county

Armstrong County's 69.7-year life expectancy falls 4.6 years below Texas's 74.3-year average, making it one of the state's most concerning health outliers. However, its 11.6% uninsured rate—the lowest among all counties tracked—suggests coverage is not the primary barrier.

Critically low life expectancy despite good coverage

Armstrong's 69.7-year life expectancy is the lowest in this region, trailing even Anderson County (72.0) by 2.3 years. Its 11.6% uninsured rate is the best in the group, indicating that health access barriers may stem from healthcare quality or population risk factors rather than coverage gaps.

Limited provider data, excellent uninsured rate

Primary care and mental health provider data are unavailable for Armstrong County, limiting insight into healthcare infrastructure. The exceptional 11.6% uninsured rate suggests strong Medicaid enrollment or employer coverage, yet life expectancy remains critically low.

Armstrong's coverage advantage needs investigation

With just 11.6% uninsured—the best rate in this analysis—Armstrong residents have strong baseline coverage. If you're among the remaining uninsured 11.6%, Healthcare.gov and local health departments can help identify options to strengthen your care access.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Armstrong County

via SchoolsByCounty

One Campus for the Whole County

Armstrong County operates a unique educational model where a single campus serves all 328 students in the area. This all-in-one school provides instruction for every grade level from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Solid Performance in a Small System

Despite its small size, the county maintains a 90.0% graduation rate, which sits above the 87% national average. The 53.2 school score is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,845.

Claude ISD's Singular Focus

Claude ISD manages the county’s only school, focusing all its resources on the 328 students at Claude Schools. This streamlined approach means there are no charter schools or competing districts in the county.

Intimate Rural Community Learning

The entire educational life of the county happens on one rural campus with 328 students. This creates an exceptionally unified environment where students of all ages share a single community hub.

Become Part of a Small-Town Tradition

Families seeking a close-knit, single-campus experience will find exactly that in Armstrong County. Look for properties near Claude to integrate into this dedicated rural school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Armstrong County

via RiskByCounty

Armstrong County ranks very low

Armstrong County's composite risk score of 20.04 places it in the very low risk category and well below the national average. This Texas Panhandle location enjoys substantially lower natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties.

Well below Texas state average

Armstrong County's 20.04 score sits far below Texas's state average of 49.00, making it one of the safer Texas communities for natural hazard exposure. Residents face significantly reduced risk compared to most state peers.

Low risk in Panhandle region

Armstrong County's 20.04 composite score reflects the generally lower hazard exposure typical of the Texas Panhandle. The county's risk profile aligns with the region's geographic characteristics.

Wildfire is the main hazard

Wildfire risk reaches 74.43 in Armstrong County, making it the most significant natural hazard threat despite the county's overall very low composite score. All other hazards—tornado (24.01), earthquake (12.21), flood (1.34)—remain minimal, and hurricane risk is zero.

Wildfire awareness with peace of mind

Although Armstrong County faces very low overall disaster risk, wildfire exposure at 74.43 warrants basic brush management and clearing vegetation near structures. Standard homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage; the county's low overall risk means insurance should be affordable and straightforward.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Armstrong County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Loamy Sands of Armstrong

The dominant soil in Armstrong County is a loamy fine sand with an alkaline pH of 7.68. This is higher than the national median of 6.5 and exceeds the Texas average of 7.09. Such alkalinity is common in the Panhandle and may require specific plant selections that tolerate high calcium.

Granular Texture for Easy Working

The composition features 43.9% sand, 29.8% silt, and 24.9% clay. This blend creates a texture that is easy to till while still providing enough clay to hold nutrients. It offers a unique middle ground between the heavy clays and the very sandy soils found elsewhere in the state.

Superior Water Retention Ability

Available water capacity is a high 0.151 in/in, beating the state average of 0.133 by a healthy margin. Organic matter is 1.56%, which is slightly below the state average of 1.66%. Despite the lower organic levels, the soil's ability to hold water makes it very resilient for agriculture.

Fast-Infiltrating Hydrologic Group A

The soil is moderately well drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group A, indicating very low runoff potential. Water moves quickly into the ground, which is ideal for recharging aquifers and preventing erosion. This is a significant advantage for both large-scale farming and home landscaping.

Cooler Climates in Zone 7a

Armstrong County is in Zone 7a, experiencing colder winters than much of the state. This climate and the loamy soil are perfect for hearty crops like winter wheat and resilient native shrubs. It is an excellent environment for gardeners who value fast-draining, water-efficient soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Armstrong County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in the Panhandle

Armstrong County scores a 44.8 for lawn difficulty, making it one of the easier places in Texas to maintain a yard. As a Zone 7a region, it experiences cooler winters than the rest of the state, requiring different grass selections.

Navigating High-Plains Growth Cycles

While specific annual climate averages are currently limited for this county, the Zone 7a designation suggests a shorter growing season. Residents should focus on grasses that can survive colder winter temperatures while managing summer moisture.

Working with Loamy Fine Sands

The soil is moderately well-drained and classified as loamy fine sand, featuring a pH of 7.68. This alkalinity is slightly above the ideal range, so sulfur amendments might be necessary to help grasses absorb nutrients efficiently.

Maintaining Stability During Dry Spells

The county had 18 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is presently abnormally dry. Fortunately, no part of the county is currently in severe drought, allowing for standard conservation practices to keep lawns stable.

Selecting Cold-Hardy Grasses

In Zone 7a, Buffalograss or cool-season blends can be successful if properly managed. Because frost dates vary, monitor local conditions closely before beginning spring seeding to protect new growth from late-season freezes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Armstrong County's county score?
Armstrong County, Texas has a composite county score of 37.1 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 Armstrong County rank among counties in Texas?
Armstrong County ranks #164 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 Armstrong County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Armstrong County is $2,679, with an effective tax rate of 1.44%. This earns Armstrong County a tax score of 15.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Armstrong County?
The median household income in Armstrong County, Texas is $68,462 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Armstrong County earns an income score of 63/100 on CountyScore.
Is Armstrong County, Texas a good place to live?
Armstrong County scores 37.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #164 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Armstrong 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 Armstrong 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.