countyscore
56.4
County Score
Schools 85.8Cost of Living 79.3Income & Jobs 68.1

County Report Card

About Bailey County, Texas

Surpassing the National Median

Bailey County earns a composite score of 56.4, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This performance ranks the county in the top half of jurisdictions across the United States for overall livability.

A Top Performer in Texas

The county significantly outpaces the Texas state average composite score of 41.9. This high ranking highlights Bailey County as a regional leader in balancing quality of life with affordability.

Excellent Schools and High Affordability

Bailey County excels in education with a school score of 85.8 and offers exceptional affordability through a cost score of 79.3. Median home values sit at $104,400, while gross rents average just $744 per month.

Tax Burdens and Healthcare Access

The county faces hurdles in healthcare with a health score of 22.3 and a relatively high effective tax rate of 1.468%. These factors lower the tax score to 14.4, suggesting residents pay more for local services than peers in other counties.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families

Bailey County is a prime choice for families who prioritize high-quality local schools and low housing costs. It suits those who can navigate a higher tax environment in exchange for small-town affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax14.4Cost79.3Safety67.8Health22.3Schools85.8Income68.1Risk57.6Water47.9Weather48
🏛14.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡67.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓85.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡57.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨15.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36.7
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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Nearby counties

Parmer County
Texas
42.8
Lamb County
Texas
45.8
Cochran County
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44.6
Roosevelt County
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Hockley County
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Curry County
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Castro County
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Hale County
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Deep Dives

Bailey County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bailey County

via TaxByCounty

Bailey County taxes run high

Bailey County's effective tax rate of 1.468% exceeds the national median of 1.276%, placing it in the 63rd percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,533 annually, well below the national median of $2,690, thanks to much lower home values averaging $104,400 versus $281,900 nationwide.

Above Texas average for rural county

At 1.468%, Bailey County's effective rate ranks higher than the state average of 1.276%, and its median tax of $1,533 is 30% below Texas's state median of $2,193. This rural West Texas county imposes steeper rates despite modest property values.

Steeper than Baylor, lighter than Bee

Bailey County's 1.468% rate falls between neighboring Baylor County (1.246%) and Bee County (1.421%). With the lowest median home value in this cluster at $104,400, Bailey homeowners face the middle-ground tax burden relative to surrounding rural counties.

Expect $1,533 on median home

A median home valued at $104,400 in Bailey County generates an estimated annual tax bill of $1,533. With a mortgage, that climbs to $1,864; without one, it drops to $1,200.

Review your assessment today

Many property owners across Texas, including Bailey County, pay taxes on inflated assessments. If your tax bill seems steep relative to recent sales nearby, you have the right to appeal your appraisal with the county assessor at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bailey County

via CostByCounty

Bailey County beats national affordability

Renters in Bailey County spend just 12.6% of their income on housing, well below the national average of around 30% and Texas's state average of 18.1%. This county offers some of the most affordable housing in the state, making it accessible for working families.

Among Texas's most affordable counties

Bailey County ranks in the bottom tier for rent-to-income ratios across Texas, competing with only a handful of counties for best affordability. With a median rent of just $744 per month, it undercuts the state average of $963 by over 22%.

Cheaper than surrounding counties

Bailey County's median rent of $744 is significantly lower than neighboring Parmer County and other South Plains counties. Its affordability advantage extends to ownership costs, with a median home value of $104,400 versus higher-priced rural alternatives nearby.

Housing takes modest bite here

With a median household income of $70,625, residents allocate just $744 monthly for rent or $605 for ownership costs. That leaves substantial income for other necessities compared to state averages where housing consumes nearly a fifth of earnings.

Ready to relocate affordably?

Bailey County offers rural Texas living with genuine affordability—rare in today's market. If you're seeking a place where housing won't drain your paycheck, compare these numbers with your current county and consider the South Plains lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bailey County

via IncomeByCounty

Bailey County earns below national average

At $70,625, Bailey County's median household income falls short of the $74,755 national median by about $4,100. This places the county in the lower-middle range nationally, though it outperforms the Texas state average of $64,737 by nearly 9%.

Comfortably above Texas median

Bailey County ranks above the Texas state median household income, beating the state average by $5,888. This strong position reflects a county economy that performs better than most other Texas counties on income measures.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Bailey County's $70,625 median sits in the middle range of West Texas communities, performing better than Baylor County ($42,313) but below nearby Bastrop County ($82,730). The county's per capita income of $30,860 is slightly below the state average of $33,197, suggesting income is somewhat distributed across fewer earners.

Rent costs reasonable for local wages

At 12.6%, Bailey County's rent-to-income ratio is among the most affordable in Texas, well below the 21% threshold considered sustainable. A median household earning $70,625 annually pays roughly $740 monthly in rent, leaving ample room for other expenses.

Build financial security in Bailey County

With a median household income of $70,625 and one of the state's lowest housing cost burdens, Bailey County residents have genuine opportunity to save and invest. Consider working with a financial advisor to direct your rent savings—roughly $9,000+ annually—toward retirement accounts or property ownership.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bailey County

via CrimeByCounty

Highly Secure Community Trends

Bailey County maintains a high safety score of 98.8, far exceeding national expectations. Its total crime rate of 753.4 per 100K is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Texas Average

The county is notably safer than the Texas average, with its safety score of 98.8 topping the state mark of 96.8. Local law enforcement maintains a crime rate nearly 63% lower than the statewide average of 2,052.5.

A Regional Leader in Safety

Compared to Bandera County (845.1), Bailey County reports a significantly lower total crime rate of 753.4 per 100K. This makes it one of the most secure rural environments among its regional peers.

Low Violent and Property Incidents

Property crime accounts for 681.0 per 100K residents, while violent crime remains exceptionally low at 72.4. These figures sit well below the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Simple Steps for Continued Safety

Basic deterrents like motion-activated lighting can prevent opportunistic property crimes even in safe areas. Stay vigilant by securing outbuildings and ranch equipment daily.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bailey County

via HealthByCounty

Bailey County life expectancy slightly above U.S. average

At 74.5 years, Bailey County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 73.5 years, but the county's 22.7% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 19.2%. This suggests that while life span is respectable, daily health quality lags behind comparable communities.

Bailey ranks in middle tier for Texas health

Bailey County's 74.5-year life expectancy outpaces Texas's state average of 74.3 years by just 0.2 years. However, its 26.6% uninsured rate far exceeds the state average of 19.8%, pointing to a coverage gap that leaves one in four residents vulnerable.

Primary care access lags neighboring counties

Bailey County has 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, compared to 33 in nearby Bandera County and 42 in Blanco County. Mental health provider availability at 45 per 100,000 is stronger, though still below Bandera's 194 per 100,000.

Insurance gap creates daily healthcare barriers

With 26.6% of residents uninsured—significantly higher than the state average of 19.8%—many Bailey County families delay or skip medical care due to cost. Limited primary care capacity (29 per 100K) means longer waits and fewer preventive care options for insured residents.

Check coverage options today

If you're among Bailey County's uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local community health center to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer coverage. Even basic coverage can prevent costly emergency visits and improve your family's long-term health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bailey County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Education Network

Bailey County operates a focused education infrastructure with 4 total public schools managed by a single district. The system serves 1,347 students across two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This concentrated setup ensures that every student in the county remains part of a unified academic community.

High Graduation Rates and Local Success

The county boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing both the Texas average of 91.6% and the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure of $8,720 is lower than the national average, it exceeds the state average of $7,498. This investment translates to a school score of 60.9, which sits comfortably above the state median.

Spotlight on Muleshoe ISD

Muleshoe ISD is the sole provider of public education in the county, overseeing all 1,347 students. There are currently no charter schools in the area, meaning the local district remains the primary hub for academic life. This singular focus allows the district to streamline resources for its entire student body.

Small Town Educational Feel

All four schools in Bailey County are situated in town settings, offering a close-knit educational environment with an average size of 337 students. Dillman Elementary is the largest campus with 403 students, while Mary Deshazo Elementary is the smallest with 290. The consistent town locale creates a familiar and accessible atmosphere for families.

Find Your Home in a Top-Graduating County

Families looking for high-performing rural schools often choose Bailey County for its exceptional graduation rates and small class sizes. As you research homes in the area, consider how the unified district simplifies the transition for school-aged children. Explore local listings to find a property near these successful community schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bailey County

via RiskByCounty

Bailey County's Risk: Well Below National Average

Bailey County scores 42.43 on the composite risk index, landing in the Very Low category and well beneath the national average. This West Texas county faces significantly less overall natural disaster risk than most American counties, reflecting its location on the relatively stable High Plains.

Among Texas's Safest Counties

Bailey County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Texas, with a composite score of 42.43 compared to the state average of 49.00. Its Very Low risk rating puts it in the upper tier of safety for the state.

Safer Than Regional Neighbors

Bailey County's score of 42.43 beats nearby Parmer and Cochran counties in overall resilience. Its isolation on the plains and distance from major weather systems keeps it more protected than counties further east.

Wildfire Is Your Primary Concern

Wildfire risk dominates Bailey County's profile at 88.90, driven by dry conditions and grassland terrain. Tornado risk (42.40) and hurricane risk (38.30) pose secondary threats, though they remain moderate compared to the wildfire hazard.

Prioritize Wildfire and Wind Coverage

Homeowners should ensure comprehensive coverage for wildfire damage and secure wind/hail protection, even though overall risk is low. A standard homeowners policy with adequate limits protects against the county's primary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bailey County

via WeatherByCounty

A cooler and drier High Plains climate

Bailey County's annual average of 57.2°F is very close to the national median temperature. It is quite dry, receiving only 18.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is well below the national average.

Much cooler than the Texas average

At 57.2°F, Bailey County is over 8 degrees cooler than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It also receives nearly 14 inches less rain than the state average, reflecting its high-altitude panhandle location.

Winter snow sets it apart

Bailey County averages 7.5 inches of snow per year, which is significantly higher than most other Texas counties. Its 81 extreme heat days are fewer than the triple-digit counts seen further south and east.

Cold winters with significant snowfall

The county has a true winter with a January average of 37.4°F and 7.5 inches of snow. Summers are warm but manageable, with 81 days above 90°F and a summer average of 75.9°F.

Winterize for snow and cold

Residents need heavy winter coats and snow removal tools to handle the 7.5-inch annual snowfall. With only 18.0 inches of rain, water conservation and drought-resistant landscaping are vital for local residents.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bailey County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Sands of the Panhandle

Bailey County features an average pH of 7.76, making it significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This high pH level often influences nutrient availability in the dominant fine sand textures found here. While the taxonomic order is not specified in current records, the soil remains distinct for its high mineral content.

A Sandy Foundation in Bailey

The soil composition is heavily skewed toward sand at 62.2%, with 20.1% silt and 17.7% clay. This high sand content ensures the ground is easy to work but requires frequent attention to maintain moisture. Gardeners find that this mix provides little natural resistance to root growth.

Modest Organic Matter and Water Capacity

With an organic matter content of 1.39%, the county falls below the Texas state average of 1.66% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity (AWC) sits at 0.130 in/in, slightly trailing the state average of 0.133. These levels suggest that supplemental irrigation and organic amendments are vital for high yields.

Rapid Drainage for Arid Landscapes

The soil is classified as excessively drained and belongs to hydrologic group A, which means water moves through it very quickly. This rapid movement prevents pooling but can lead to nutrient leaching if not managed carefully. Construction projects benefit from these dry conditions, though landscaping requires drought-tolerant species.

Tough Plants for Zone 7a

Bailey County sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a, where extremes in temperature and sandy soil favor resilient varieties. Grapes and heat-tolerant vegetables like peppers thrive here with consistent watering. Start your garden with native species that appreciate the well-drained, alkaline environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bailey County

via LawnByCounty

Bailey County's Uphill Lawn Battle

Maintaining a lawn in Bailey County is a challenge, earning a difficulty score of 36.7 out of 100. While this is slightly easier than the Texas average of 31.7, it remains significantly more difficult than the national median of 50.0. Residents in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a must contend with semi-arid conditions that demand constant attention.

High Winds and Low Rainfall

The county receives only 18.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly half of the 30-50 inches required for an ideal lawn. With 81 extreme heat days and 4,097 growing degree days, lawns face intense evaporation rates. Most yards require significant supplemental irrigation to survive the Panhandle's dry climate.

Sandy, Alkaline Soil Challenges

The local soil is composed of 62.2% sand, leading to an excessively drained environment that struggles to hold moisture. A high pH of 7.76 exceeds the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies like iron chlorosis. Lawns here benefit from organic matter additions to improve water retention and lower alkalinity.

Managing 16 Weeks of Drought

Bailey County spent 16 weeks in drought over the past year, with 100% of the area currently categorized as abnormally dry. Watering early in the morning helps minimize loss from the high evaporation typical of this region. Local growers should focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth.

Starting Your Panhandle Lawn

Buffalograss and Bermudagrass are the best choices for Zone 7a due to their drought tolerance. Wait until the risk of frost passes after April 22 before seeding or laying new sod. Proper timing and species selection are the keys to a resilient landscape in this high-plains environment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bailey County's county score?
Bailey County, Texas has a composite county score of 56.4 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 Bailey County rank among counties in Texas?
Bailey County ranks #27 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 Bailey County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Bailey County is $1,533, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Bailey County a tax score of 14.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bailey County?
The median household income in Bailey County, Texas is $70,625 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bailey County earns an income score of 68.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bailey County, Texas a good place to live?
Bailey County scores 56.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Bailey 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 Bailey 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.