countyscore
57.7
County Score
Cost of Living 87.8Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 82.5

County Report Card

About Baylor County, Texas

Outperforming National Benchmarks

Baylor County earns an impressive composite score of 57.7, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the more livable rural options in the country according to composite metrics.

A Standout in North Texas

The county exceeds the Texas state average of 41.9 by nearly 16 points. It offers a unique combination of safety and affordability that is becoming increasingly rare across the state.

Exceptional Affordability and Safety

Baylor County shines with a cost score of 87.8 and a water score of 86.0. Median home values are a very accessible $93,300, while the risk score of 82.5 indicates high environmental resilience.

Struggling with Low Incomes

The county faces significant economic hurdles with an income score of just 4.7. The median household income of $42,313 is among the lowest in the region, which limits local purchasing power.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

Baylor County is ideal for retirees or remote workers who bring their own income and want to maximize their savings. It offers a secure, low-cost lifestyle for those not reliant on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax23.4Cost87.8Safety78.2Health25.4Schools65.7Income4.7Risk82.5Water86Weather40.6
🏛23.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼4.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡82.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Baylor County?

Many homeowners in Baylor County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Baylor County with Park County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Park County
Colorado
Median income: $95,450
57.7
Calhoun County
Georgia
Median income: $55,714
57.7
Monroe County
Georgia
Median income: $82,863
57.7
Meeker County
Minnesota
Median income: $75,037
57.7
Lincoln County
Montana
Median income: $47,018
57.7
Nemaha County
Nebraska
Median income: $60,132
57.7
Alfalfa County
Oklahoma
Median income: $67,870
57.7
Glasscock County
Texas
Median income: $106,806
57.7

Nearby counties

Knox County
Texas
49.1
Foard County
Texas
55.3
Throckmorton County
Texas
57.4
Archer County
Texas
61.1
Wilbarger County
Texas
35.2
Haskell County
Texas
44.5
Wichita County
Texas
44.3
Tillman County
Oklahoma
43.6

Deep Dives

Baylor County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Baylor County

via TaxByCounty

Baylor County keeps taxes low

Baylor County's effective tax rate of 1.246% aligns almost exactly with the national median of 1.276%, placing it in the 49th percentile. Yet residents pay only $1,163 annually in median property taxes—less than half the national median of $2,690—due to very low property values averaging $93,300.

Below-average rate, minimal tax bill

Baylor County's effective rate of 1.246% is in line with the Texas state average of 1.276%, but its median property tax of $1,163 is 47% below the state median of $2,193. This rural North Texas county offers both reasonable rates and exceptionally low dollar tax burdens.

Among the cheapest in region

Baylor County's 1.246% rate is the lowest among its peer group, beating Bailey County (1.468%) and Bee County (1.421%). With the lowest median home value in this cluster at $93,300, Baylor offers the most affordable absolute tax bills.

Minimal burden at $1,163

A median home valued at $93,300 in Baylor County results in an estimated annual tax of $1,163. With a mortgage, that climbs to $2,495; without one, it is just $912.

Double-check modest assessments

Even in low-value rural counties, assessments can miss the mark. Review your appraisal against recent comparable sales in Baylor County; if you've made improvements or comparable homes sold for less, file an appeal to potentially reduce your already-minimal tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Baylor County

via CostByCounty

Baylor County's affordability paradox

Despite rock-bottom rents of $685 monthly, Baylor County's rent-to-income ratio reaches 19.4% because median household income is only $42,313. This rural county exemplifies how low rents don't guarantee affordability when local wages lag significantly behind national averages.

Cheapest rent in Texas, lowest income

Baylor County offers some of Texas's lowest housing costs alongside some of its lowest incomes. The county ranks at the extreme low end of both metrics, reflecting a economically challenged rural community.

Rents lowest in region

Baylor County's median rent of $685 beats neighboring Throckmorton and Knox counties by meaningful margins. Home values of $93,300 make ownership theoretically accessible, but local income constraints limit real purchasing power.

Low costs, lower income squeeze

With a median income of just $42,313, residents allocate $685 for rent or $572 for ownership, leaving tight margins for food, healthcare, and transportation. Nearly one-fifth of already-constrained income goes to housing, creating genuine economic stress.

Cheapest rents demand careful calculation

Baylor County offers the lowest absolute housing costs, but job opportunities and wages here are severely limited. Before relocating for cheap rent, investigate local employment prospects—affordable housing means little without stable income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Baylor County

via IncomeByCounty

Baylor County faces significant income gap

At $42,313, Baylor County's median household income trails the national median of $74,755 by a substantial $32,400, representing nearly 43% lower earnings. The county ranks among the lowest-income counties nationally, signaling economic challenges requiring targeted intervention.

Poorest county in this Texas sample

Baylor County's median household income of $42,313 falls far below the Texas state average of $64,737, lagging by $22,400 annually. Among the eight counties examined, Baylor ranks dead last, highlighting persistent economic headwinds in rural North Texas.

Significant gap versus surrounding counties

Baylor County's $42,313 median household income represents less than 60% of nearby Bailey County's $70,625 and barely half of Bastrop County's $82,730. The county's per capita income of $28,579 also lags the state average of $33,197, indicating limited individual earning power.

Housing costs consume significant share of income

At 19.4%, Baylor County's rent-to-income ratio approaches concerning levels for low-income households. A median household earning $42,313 annually spends roughly $685 monthly on rent, leaving limited margin for healthcare, food, transportation, and savings.

Strategic planning essential for financial stability

Baylor County residents must prioritize financial literacy and disciplined budgeting to build economic security from limited household incomes. Even modest savings goals—targeting 5-10% of the $42,313 median—require intentional planning, accessible financial counseling, and awareness of credit-building opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Baylor County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Standards

Baylor County is one of the safest in the country, boasting an elite safety score of 99.2. Its total crime rate of 518.0 per 100K is roughly 22% of the national average.

Leading the State in Security

Surpassing the Texas average safety score of 96.8, Baylor County ranks as a standout performer in the state. Its total crime rate is nearly four times lower than the state average of 2,052.5.

Unmatched Regional Peace

Baylor County (518.0) is considerably safer than neighboring Bailey County (753.4), maintaining a very low profile for criminal activity. Three local agencies cooperate to maintain this high level of public safety.

Minimal Violent Crime Levels

The county reports only 57.6 violent crimes per 100K, a mere fraction of the national average of 369.8. Property crime also stays extremely low at 460.4 per 100K residents.

Proactive Habits Prevent Opportunity

Maintaining Baylor's high safety standards starts with simple habits like locking vehicles and front doors. Even in low-crime areas, visible security signs can discourage would-be thieves.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Baylor County

via HealthByCounty

Baylor County faces significant longevity gap

At 70.1 years, Baylor County's life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 73.5 years by 3.4 years—a substantial health disadvantage. Despite a relatively low 17.8% poor or fair health rate, the longevity gap suggests underlying systemic health challenges.

Baylor significantly trails Texas average

Baylor County's 70.1-year life expectancy is 4.2 years below Texas's state average of 74.3 years, placing it among the state's lowest. Its 16.6% uninsured rate is better than the state average of 19.8%, indicating coverage is not the primary issue.

Primary care abundance masks deeper issues

Baylor County reports 230 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—dramatically higher than Bailey (29), Bandera (33), or Bastrop (24)—yet this abundance doesn't translate to longer lifespans. Mental health provider data is unavailable, limiting full picture of care access.

Coverage is adequate but longevity crisis persists

At 16.6%, Baylor's uninsured rate is below state average, yet the county still faces a critical 4.2-year life expectancy gap compared to Texas. High primary care provider numbers suggest the issue may involve care quality, chronic disease management, or population health factors beyond traditional metrics.

Secure and use preventive care strategically

Baylor County residents should ensure they're covered and actively use the abundant primary care resources available to manage chronic conditions and catch health problems early. Regular check-ups and preventive screenings can help reverse the county's longevity disadvantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Baylor County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Seymour

Baylor County maintains a streamlined educational footprint with just 3 public schools serving a total of 644 students. The system is perfectly balanced with one elementary, one middle, and one high school. All schools are managed by Seymour ISD, the county's sole school district.

Excellent Graduation and School Scores

Students here excel with a 95.0% graduation rate, easily beating the state average of 91.6% and the national average of 87.0%. The county's school score of 56.6 also exceeds the Texas average of 55.3. These results are achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,211, which is very close to the state's average spending level.

The Heart of Seymour ISD

Seymour ISD serves as the educational heartbeat for the entire county, managing every student from PK through 12th grade. There are no charter schools available, focusing all local resources and community support into the traditional public school system. This centralized approach fosters a strong sense of school spirit and community identity.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

All campuses are classified as rural, offering students a quiet and focused environment with an average school size of only 215 students. Seymour Elementary is the largest school with 277 students, while the High School remains very small with just 177 students. This low enrollment allows for significant individual attention for every child.

Join a Community That Values Education

If you are looking for a place where every teacher knows your child's name, Baylor County's tiny school system is hard to beat. The high graduation rates and strong school scores make it an attractive option for families prioritizing academic success. View current property listings to find a home in this dedicated rural district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Baylor County

via RiskByCounty

Baylor County Ranks Among Safest

Baylor County scores just 17.49 on the composite risk index, earning a Very Low rating and placing it among the safest counties nationally. This North Texas prairie county has minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.

Well Below Texas Average Risk

Baylor County's 17.49 score sits far below Texas's state average of 49.00, marking it as one of the state's lowest-risk locations. Only a handful of Texas counties share its exceptional safety profile.

Safest in the North Texas Region

Baylor County's 17.49 score edges out nearby Throckmorton (similar profile) and significantly beats regional averages. Its position on the stable North Texas plateau keeps it insulated from major disaster zones.

Wildfire Remains Notable Hazard

Wildfire risk (64.54) is Baylor County's primary concern, driven by grassland and dry conditions typical of the plains. Tornado risk (33.81) and hurricane risk (31.41) pose minimal threats by comparison.

Standard Coverage Sufficient Here

A standard homeowners policy with good wind coverage addresses Baylor County's modest risk profile. Ensure adequate liability and property limits, but flood insurance is not a priority given the county's low hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Baylor County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than average, cooler than neighbors

Baylor County averages 63.5°F, staying about 10 degrees warmer than the national median. While warm by US standards, it remains cooler than much of the rest of Texas.

A cooler pocket of North Texas

At 63.5°F, Baylor County sits below the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It experiences more distinct seasonal shifts than counties in the southern or coastal parts of the state.

Drier than the Texas average

The county receives just 27.1 inches of rain per year, which is less than the state average of 31.9 inches. This semi-arid climate leads to lower humidity but higher drought risks.

Icy winters meet scorching summers

The county sees 106 days of extreme heat but also experiences 2.0 inches of annual snowfall. January is notably cold for Texas, with temperatures averaging just 42.0°F.

Prepare for ice and sun

Winterize your home's pipes to handle the 42.0°F January average and occasional snow. During the summer, prepare for the 84.9°F July peak by limiting outdoor activity during the 106 heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Baylor County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Alfisols in North Texas

Baylor County is dominated by Alfisols with an average pH of 7.49, reflecting an alkaline nature typical of the region. This pH is higher than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.09. These soils are mineral-rich but may require specific adjustments for acid-loving plants.

Loamy Sand with Clay Influence

The soil contains 39.2% sand, 32.8% silt, and 28.0% clay, categorizing it as a loamy fine sand. This blend provides significant structural stability and better nutrient retention than purely sandy soils. Farmers find the medium texture manageable for a variety of row crops.

Balanced Moisture and Organic Matter

Baylor’s organic matter content of 1.60% is nearly identical to the state average of 1.66%. Interestingly, the available water capacity of 0.143 in/in is higher than the state average of 0.133, helping plants survive dry spells. This makes the county more resilient to drought compared to its neighbors.

Moderate Drainage for Group C

Classified as moderately well drained, these soils sit in hydrologic group C. Water moves through the profile at a controlled pace, reducing the risk of rapid leaching but increasing potential for surface runoff. This makes it important to manage drainage carefully in residential development.

Hardy Crops for Zone 8a

The zone 8a climate is perfect for cotton, wheat, and hardy vegetables like squash. The slightly higher water capacity gives gardeners a buffer during the hot North Texas summers. Start your backyard plot with confidence, knowing the soil holds moisture well.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Baylor County

via LawnByCounty

Arid Challenges in Baylor

With a difficulty score of 27.0, Baylor County is a tough place for lush lawns. It falls below the Texas average of 31.7 and is nearly twice as difficult as the national median of 50.0. Residents in Zone 8a must adapt their expectations to the realities of North Central Texas.

Limited Rain and Triple Digits

Annual precipitation is just 27.1 inches, falling short of the 30-50 inches required for optimal lawn health. The county experiences 106 extreme heat days, which closely tracks the state average of 105. Mowing should be adjusted to leave grass taller, protecting the soil from the 5,848 growing degree days of heat.

Alkaline Loamy Sands

The soil is a loamy fine sand with 39.2% sand, providing moderate drainage. However, the pH of 7.49 is higher than the ideal range, which can restrict the availability of vital nutrients. Periodic core aeration and the addition of sulfur can help correct these structural and chemical imbalances.

Persistent Severe Drought

Baylor County spent 26 weeks in drought over the last year, with 33.8% of the area currently in severe drought. All 100% of the county is considered abnormally dry, requiring strict adherence to water conservation. Focus on watering in the late evening or early morning to reduce losses from the 106 heat days.

Planting for the 8a Zone

Bermudagrass is the gold standard here due to its high drought tolerance and heat resilience. Wait for the final frost around March 30 before beginning your spring planting or fertilization. Starting after the frost ensures your lawn has the best chance to establish before the summer peak.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baylor County's county score?
Baylor County, Texas has a composite county score of 57.7 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 Baylor County rank among counties in Texas?
Baylor County ranks #18 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 Baylor County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Baylor County is $1,163, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Baylor County a tax score of 23.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Baylor County?
The median household income in Baylor County, Texas is $42,313 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Baylor County earns an income score of 4.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Baylor County, Texas a good place to live?
Baylor County scores 57.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Baylor 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 Baylor 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.