countyscore
67
County Score
Disaster Risk 94.3Property Tax 89.1Cost of Living 88.8

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.

Score breakdown

Tax89.1Cost88.8Safety41.9Health59.4Schools73.5Income51.3Risk94.3Water0Weather39.3
🏛89.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡41.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓73.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡94.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨22.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱20.5
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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35.5
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Deep Dives

Borden County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Borden County

via CostByCounty

Borden's housing costs trail national income

With a median household income of $64,250, Borden County residents earn about 14% less than the U.S. median of $74,755. While rental data is limited in this rural county, homeownership costs of $563 monthly suggest affordability compared to national owner-cost trends, though income constraints remain a factor.

Below-average rents, below-average wages

Borden County's income falls below Texas's median, placing it among the state's lower-earning counties. The lack of rental data prevents a precise state ranking, but the $105,400 median home value suggests this county remains one of Texas's most affordable markets for would-be homeowners.

Borden stands out for affordability

Borden's estimated $563 monthly owner cost is half what neighboring Scurry and Dawson counties typically see. The $105,400 median home value is significantly lower than nearby Bowie County ($161,300), making Borden one of the Panhandle's most accessible housing markets.

Homeownership dominates Borden's market

Borden County residents spend roughly 10.5% of median household income on owner costs—well below the 18.1% state average. Rental data gaps limit our full picture, but the county's mortgage-friendly pricing suggests homeownership is the dominant, affordable path for residents.

Seeking rural affordability? Consider Borden

If you're relocating for lower housing costs and don't mind wide-open spaces, Borden's $105,400 median home value and $563 monthly owner costs are among Texas's most accessible. Compare this to neighboring counties and state averages to see if rural West Texas fits your budget and lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Borden County

via HealthByCounty

Borden's Health Profile

Borden County residents report better health than many peers, with just 13.1% in poor or fair health compared to national averages. While specific life expectancy data is limited, the county's low poor health rate suggests a community with relatively strong health outcomes.

Better Than Texas Average

Borden County's 13.2% uninsured rate significantly outperforms Texas's 19.8% state average, meaning residents have stronger health coverage. This puts the county in a favorable position for healthcare access across Texas.

A Healthier Pocket

Borden stands out among neighboring rural counties with its lower uninsured rate and lower poor health reporting. Specific provider data is limited, but the strong insurance coverage suggests better healthcare access than many similar-sized Texas counties.

Coverage Advantage, Data Gaps

With 13.2% of residents uninsured, Borden outpaces its state, though specific information on primary and mental health providers is unavailable. The strong insurance rate indicates residents have pathways to regular care, but limited provider data suggests a rural healthcare landscape worth monitoring.

Keep Your Coverage Strong

Borden's residents already benefit from above-average health insurance rates. If you're among the 13.2% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health department to explore coverage options and protect your health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Borden County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Rural Education Infrastructure

Borden County operates a highly focused educational system with just one school serving 225 students. This single PK–12 facility is managed by a lone school district, providing a streamlined academic environment for the entire community.

High Scores and Local Investment

The county earns a strong 65.7 school score, significantly outpacing the Texas state average of 55.3. While the 90.0% graduation rate is slightly below the state average of 91.6%, the $12,654 per-pupil expenditure nearly doubles the state average investment of $7,498.

Home of Borden County ISD

Borden County ISD is the exclusive provider of public education here, managing all 225 enrolled students in one building. There are currently no charter school options in the county, maintaining a traditional district-led approach.

Small-Town Learning in a Rural Setting

Every student in the county attends Borden County School, a rural PK–12 campus with 225 students. This creates a uniquely tight-knit atmosphere where students and teachers interact across all grade levels in a single location.

Find a Home in This Close-Knit District

Families looking for a community-centric school experience should explore homes within Borden County ISD. The high school score and significant per-pupil spending make this an attractive option for those prioritizing educational investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Borden County

via RiskByCounty

Borden ranks far below national risk

Borden County's composite risk score of 5.69 places it in the Very Low category, well below the national average. This West Texas county faces minimal overall natural disaster threat compared to the typical American county.

One of Texas's safest counties

Borden's 5.69 score ranks it among the lowest-risk counties in Texas, sitting just 11% of the state average composite risk of 49.00. Few Texas counties enjoy this level of natural disaster protection.

Safer than surrounding High Plains peers

Borden's 5.69 score significantly undercuts nearby Briscoe County (8.75) and Brewster County (21.06). Its isolated location on the High Plains shields it from the wildfire and tornado risks that affect neighboring regions.

Wildfire poses the primary threat

Wildfire risk reaches 74.65 in Borden—the county's dominant hazard—though still moderate in absolute terms. Tornado risk of 11.26 and other perils remain minimal, making this one of Texas's most protected areas.

Standard homeowners coverage suffices

Borden County's very low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents. Consider adding wildfire coverage if your property sits near grassland, but catastrophic loss from natural disasters is uncommon here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 67 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 $493, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Borden County a tax score of 89.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Borden County?
The median household income in Borden County, Texas is $64,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Borden County earns an income score of 51.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Borden County, Texas a good place to live?
Borden County scores 67/100 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.

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.