countyscore
68.6
County Score
Cost of Living 95.6Disaster Risk 94.3Property Tax 91.7

County Report Card

About Borden County, Texas

A National Leader in Rural Stability

Borden County boasts an impressive composite score of 66.9, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score places it among the top tier of counties for overall livability nationwide. Residents enjoy a quality of life that outpaces most rural counterparts.

Outperforming the Texas Average

While the Texas state average composite score sits at 41.9, Borden County reaches significantly higher at 66.9. This makes it a standout performer in the Lone Star State. It offers a level of stability and affordability that is rare among its regional neighbors.

Elite Risk Mitigation and Low Taxes

The county excels with a near-perfect risk score of 94.3, indicating very low exposure to environmental hazards. Taxpayers also benefit from an elite tax score of 89.1, supported by a remarkably low effective tax rate of 0.468%. High school quality, scoring 73.5, further strengthens the local profile.

Addressing Critical Infrastructure and Services

A water score of 0.0 indicates significant challenges regarding local water infrastructure or availability that need attention. Public safety also has room for growth with a score of 41.9. Additionally, data for median gross rent is currently unavailable for this area.

The Safety-First Rural Choice

Borden County is ideal for families or retirees who prioritize low taxes and environmental safety above all else. With a median home value of $105,400, it remains highly accessible for those seeking a quiet lifestyle. It is a premier choice for those looking to maximize their dollar in a secure environment.

2040608010091.795.641.959.473.549.894.3039.3Tax91.7Cost95.6Safety41.9Health59.4Schools73.5Income49.8Risk94.3Water0Weather39.368.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Borden County DNA

C-overall

How Borden County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Borden County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (95.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (0/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
91.7+39.7
Cost
95.6+47.599999999999994
Safety
41.9-13.100000000000001
Health
59.4+9.399999999999999
Schools
73.5+19.5
Income
49.8
Risk
94.3+47.3
Water
0-58
Weather
39.3-16.700000000000003
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Think property taxes are too high in Borden County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$108,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

N/A/mo

Income Needed (home)

$108,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

N/A/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,625/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Deep Dives

Borden County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Borden County

via TaxByCounty

Borden's tax rate ranks among America's lowest

Borden County's effective tax rate of 0.468% sits well below the national median of 1.09%, placing it in the bottom 5% of U.S. counties. A typical Borden homeowner pays just $493 annually in property taxes, compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference of over $2,000 per year.

Texas's leanest tax burden among 254 counties

Borden County has one of the lowest effective tax rates in Texas, at 0.468% versus the state average of 1.276%. The median property tax of $493 is roughly 78% lower than Texas's state median of $2,193.

Significantly lower than regional peers

Borden County's 0.468% rate is substantially lighter than neighboring Brewster County (1.224%) and Briscoe County (1.084%), reflecting Borden's unique tax structure. Homeowners here benefit from tax obligations that are a fraction of those in surrounding West Texas counties.

Your median annual tax bill: $493

On a median home valued at $105,400, a typical Borden County homeowner pays approximately $493 per year in property taxes. Homeowners without a mortgage pay closer to $435, while those with mortgages may see that figure adjusted.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Even in low-tax Borden County, many homeowners face inflated property valuations. If your home's assessed value seems high, you can file a formal protest with the county appraisal district—a free process that could reduce your tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Borden County

via IncomeByCounty

Borden lags behind national income levels

Borden County's median household income of $64,250 falls about 14% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. While the county underperforms the U.S. average, its per capita income of $36,074 exceeds Texas's state average of $33,197, suggesting relatively stable individual earnings.

Below average for Texas counties

Borden's $64,250 median household income sits just below Texas's state average of $64,737, ranking it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 254 counties. The county's per capita income of $36,074 outpaces the state average, indicating broader earning capacity despite modest household totals.

Mixed performance among nearby counties

Borden ($64,250) outearns struggling Brooks County ($31,310) by more than half but trails prosperous Brazoria County ($95,155) by $30,905. Among its regional peers, Borden's income sits comfortably in the middle, outperforming Brewster and Briscoe counties while trailing Bosque.

Limited affordability data, but modest home values help

Rent-to-income data for Borden is unavailable, but the county's median home value of $105,400 remains affordable relative to the $64,250 median income. This suggests housing is within reach for most households, though broader cost-of-living pressures may still constrain household budgets.

Build financial security in Borden County

With a median household income of $64,250, Borden residents have room to grow wealth through consistent saving and investment. Starting with an emergency fund and exploring retirement accounts can help families build long-term security in a county where housing costs remain manageable.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Borden County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Haven in Rural Texas

Borden County boasts a high safety score of 97.9, well above the national baseline. Its total crime rate of 1,312.0 per 100,000 residents is roughly 45% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outpacing the Texas Average

The county's safety score exceeds the Texas state average of 96.8. With 1,312.0 crimes per 100,000 people, it remains significantly more secure than the statewide average of 2,052.5.

Regional Safety Leader

While single-agency reporting suggests caution, Borden maintains a much lower footprint than many nearby counties. The local crime rate reflects a quiet landscape where reported incidents remain rare compared to more populated neighbors.

Property Crimes Dominate Statistics

Property crimes account for the bulk of local reports at 1,166.2 per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, violent crime is low at 145.8, less than half the national average of 369.8.

Stay Vigilant Against Theft

Since property crime is the primary concern here, basic home security is a smart investment. Motion-activated lights and secure locks can effectively deter crimes of opportunity in this safe community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Borden County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and drier than median

Borden County averages 63.8°F, roughly 10 degrees warmer than the US median. Its high-plains location creates a semi-arid environment with wide temperature swings.

Cooler than the Texas average

The county's 63.8°F annual average is lower than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. This makes Borden one of the more temperate counties in the state.

Much drier than state averages

Borden County receives only 19.4 inches of annual rain, far below the state average of 31.9 inches. This creates a landscape defined by dry air and sparse vegetation.

Real winters and hot summers

The county experiences 108 days of extreme heat alongside 1.3 inches of annual snowfall. January is cold for Texas, with an average temperature of 44.6°F.

Prepare for drought and dust

Water conservation is essential given the low 19.4-inch annual rainfall. Residents should also winterize homes for the 46.2°F average winter and potential snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Borden County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Aridisols define the Borden landscape

Borden County features very gravelly sandy loam classified as Aridisols, typical of dry regions. The average pH reaches 7.73, making it significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the Texas average of 7.09. This mineral-rich profile reflects a desert-like soil history.

A balanced mix of sand and clay

The soil contains 45.7% sand, 28.1% silt, and 25.1% clay. This composition offers a stable structure that resists compaction while maintaining enough texture for root penetration. It balances drainage capabilities with enough clay to hold essential nutrients.

Modest organic matter with strong water storage

Organic matter sits at 1.59%, which is slightly below the Texas average of 1.66% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.141 in/in surpasses the state average of 0.133 in/in. This means the soil efficiently captures and holds the limited rainfall common to the region.

Well-drained soils favor deep-rooted plants

Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group A, these soils allow water to move quickly through the profile. This reduces the risk of surface ponding and makes the area suitable for construction and drought-tolerant crops. Farmers must manage irrigation carefully to prevent rapid moisture loss.

Start your zone 8a garden today

With a USDA hardiness zone of 8a, this soil supports hardy native grasses and drought-resistant shrubs. Succulents and Mediterranean herbs thrive in the well-drained, alkaline conditions. Consider adding compost to boost organic levels and jumpstart your home harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Borden County

via LawnByCounty

A Tough Climb for Borden Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 20.5, this county is significantly more challenging than the national median of 50.0 and the Texas average of 31.7. Maintaining a lawn in Hardiness Zone 8a requires a strategic approach to overcome regional climate hurdles.

High Heat and Low Rainfall

Borden receives only 19.4 inches of annual precipitation, falling well short of the 30-50 inch ideal range for turf. Residents must manage lawns through 108 extreme heat days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F.

Sandy Loam with Alkaline Leanings

The soil pH of 7.73 is more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, often requiring sulfur amendments. The texture is a very gravelly sandy loam with 45.7% sand, ensuring it is well-drained but prone to rapid drying.

Total Coverage in Severe Drought

Currently, 100% of the county is experiencing Severe Drought (D2+), following 24 weeks of drought over the last year. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to encourage resilient root systems in these conditions.

Start Strong After Spring Frosts

Drought-hardy Buffalograss or Bermudagrass are the best choices for this Zone 8a climate. Plan to seed or sod after the last spring frost, which typically occurs around March 27.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Borden County's county score?
Borden County, Texas has a composite county score of 68.6 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 Borden County rank among counties in Texas?
Borden County ranks #2 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 Borden County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Borden County is $460, with an effective tax rate of 0.42%. This earns Borden County a tax score of 91.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Borden County?
The median household income in Borden County, Texas is $65,625 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Borden County earns an income score of 49.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Borden County, Texas a good place to live?
Borden County scores 68.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Borden 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 Borden County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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