CountyScore

Baylor County

Texas · TX

#36 in Texas
68.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Baylor County, Texas

Baylor County well above national median

Baylor's composite score of 70.3 crushes the national median of 50.0, ranking 41% higher and placing it among the top-performing U.S. counties. This strong showing rests almost entirely on exceptional housing affordability paired with low taxes.

Strong performer compared to Texas peers

Baylor scores 70.3, exceeding the Texas state average of 66.8 and positioning it favorably among state counties for overall livability. The county's cost and tax advantages explain its above-average standing.

Ultra-affordable housing and low taxes

Baylor's cost score of 87.5 is among the highest nationally, with median home values of just $93,300 and monthly rent at $685. Adding a tax score of 67.2 with effective rates of 1.246%, Baylor offers extraordinary affordability for budget-conscious households.

Severe income limitations constrain economic vitality

Baylor's income score of 11.0 is critically low, reflecting a median household income of only $42,313—less than half comparable Texas counties. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remains unavailable, leaving broader livability questions unanswered.

Only for those with outside income sources

Baylor County suits retirees, remote workers, and those with independent income who can accept very limited local employment prospects. If you can afford to live cheaply and don't depend on local wages, Baylor provides exceptional value—but not for job seekers or wage earners.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax67.2Cost87.5SafetyComing SoonHealth58.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome11Risk82.5WaterComing Soon
🏛67.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤58.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡82.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Baylor County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Morgan County
Alabama
68.4
Median income: $64,858
Mesa County
Colorado
68.4
Median income: $71,485
Levy County
Florida
68.4
Median income: $53,805
Atkinson County
Georgia
68.4
Median income: $38,438
Irwin County
Georgia
68.4
Median income: $53,915

Deep Dives

Baylor County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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