countyscore
51.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 85.3Safety 71Schools 67

County Report Card

About Callahan County, Texas

Outperforming the National Median

Callahan County stands out with a composite score of 51.2, slightly exceeding the national median of 50.0. This makes it a high-performing rural county relative to the rest of the United States.

A Texas Standout for Livability

At 51.2, Callahan County far exceeds the Texas average of 41.9. It offers a significantly better balance of safety, cost, and school quality than most other counties in the state.

Safe and Climate Resilient

The county excels in safety with a score of 71.0 and environmental resilience with a risk score of 85.3. Residents also enjoy an affordable median home value of $144,800.

Water and Health Gaps

Water quality is a major weakness, scoring a low 3.2. Health outcomes also lag behind the county's other high marks, coming in with a score of 30.3.

Top Pick for Secure Rural Living

This county is an ideal destination for families seeking a safe, low-risk environment with affordable housing and quality schools. It represents some of the best overall value currently available in the Texas market.

Score breakdown

Tax31.3Cost49.9Safety71Health30.3Schools67Income62.8Risk85.3Water3.2Weather36.9
🏛31.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼62.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧3.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.2
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

Taylor County
Texas
41.9
Shackelford County
Texas
52.8
Eastland County
Texas
45.9
Jones County
Texas
30.1
Stephens County
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Coleman County
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Brown County
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Runnels County
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Deep Dives

Callahan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Callahan County

via TaxByCounty

Callahan County ranks among nation's cheapest

Callahan County's effective rate of 1.096% places it in America's bottom 15% for tax burden, far below the national median of 1.8%. With annual property taxes of just $1,587 on a median $144,800 home, residents enjoy taxes less than 60% of the U.S. median property tax bill.

Texas's lowest-tax county option

At 1.096%, Callahan County ranks as one of Texas's most tax-friendly counties, beating the state average of 1.276% by a substantial margin. Homeowners pay $1,587 annually—$606 below the state median—making it one of the state's best values for property ownership.

Only Burleson matches this bargain

Among nearby counties, only Burleson County (1.044%) undercuts Callahan's 1.096% rate; Callahan ties or beats every other neighbor on effective rate. This makes Callahan an attractive alternative to higher-taxed Caldwell (1.332%) and Calhoun (1.397%) just a few hours away.

Sub-$150 monthly property tax bill

On Callahan County's $144,800 median home, annual property taxes total approximately $1,587—just $132 per month. With mortgage escrow, annual costs reach $2,047, among the lowest in the region for rural Texas homeowners.

Still review your assessment annually

Even in low-tax Callahan County, appraisal errors happen; properties sometimes get reassessed above comparable market values. Pull recent county sales data for your neighborhood and compare—if your assessed value seems high, filing a protest takes minutes and could save you money for years.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Callahan County

via CostByCounty

Callahan County excels in affordability

Callahan County renters spend just 15.4% of income on rent, well below the national average of 18.1% and the Texas state average of 18.1%. With a median household income of $68,455 and median rent of just $881, residents enjoy genuine affordability without sacrificing earnings.

Among Texas's best housing deals

Callahan County ranks in the top tier of Texas counties for housing affordability with a 15.4% rent-to-income ratio and $881 rent both below state averages. This West Texas location delivers renter-friendly costs without the premium pricing found in Hill Country or Austin-area counties.

Cheapest rents in the eight-county sample

Callahan's $881 monthly rent ties with Brown County ($887) as the cheapest in this comparison, beating Hill Country rivals by 30–50%. With $144,800 median homes, Callahan offers budget-friendly buying alongside affordable renting in West Texas.

West Texas affordability at its best

Renters pay $881 monthly while homeowners carry $797, with median home values at $144,800 competing with the lowest-cost counties. On a $68,455 income, housing consumes just 15.4% for renters and 14% for owners—among the most spacious affordability ratios in Texas.

Callahan for true affordability seekers

If you're relocating to West Texas and prioritizing maximum affordability, Callahan County delivers one of the state's best rent-to-income ratios at 15.4% and cheap entry prices. Measure your budget against $881 rents and $144,800 homes to see how much financial breathing room you'll gain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Callahan County

via IncomeByCounty

Callahan County trails national median

Callahan County's median household income of $68,455 falls 8.5% below the U.S. median of $74,755, indicating modestly lower earning power. The county remains solidly middle-class, though residents earn less than the typical American household.

Above Texas state average

At $68,455, Callahan County exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by roughly $3,700, ranking in the middle-upper portion of Texas counties. The modest advantage reflects a reasonably stable local economy.

Mid-range regional performance

Callahan County's $68,455 income lags Burnet ($77,158) and Burleson ($72,888) but surpasses Brown ($55,305), Camp ($55,061), and Caldwell ($68,503). The county maintains solid middle standing in the regional income hierarchy.

Housing costs well-controlled

At 15.4%, Callahan County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below affordability thresholds, indicating housing expenses are comfortably manageable. Median home values of $144,800 are among the most affordable in the region, supporting widespread homeownership.

Build on housing foundation

Callahan County's affordable housing and controlled rent ratios provide a strong foundation for wealth accumulation through property ownership and long-term investing. Residents should leverage low housing costs to maximize retirement savings and investment contributions, compounding wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Callahan County

via CrimeByCounty

Callahan County Among the Nation's Safest

Callahan County features an exceptional safety score of 98.9 and a very low crime rate of 692.2 per 100K. This rate is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Safety Leader in Texas

Callahan County's safety score of 98.9 ranks it well above the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 692.2 is far lower than the state average of 2052.5 per 100K.

Outperforming Neighboring County Metrics

Callahan County reports lower crime levels than larger neighbors like Brown or Cameron counties. Three dedicated agencies work to maintain this impressively low level of criminal activity.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

The county sees just 129.8 violent crimes and 562.4 property crimes per 100K residents. These figures represent some of the lowest crime levels in the entire region.

Keep Callahan County Secure

Even in exceptionally safe areas, basic security habits like locking doors and being aware of surroundings are vital. Maintaining these practices helps preserve the county's status as a safety leader.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Callahan County

via HealthByCounty

Callahan life expectancy lags nationally

At 73.5 years, Callahan County residents live 3.7 years below the U.S. average of 77.2 years. The 18.7% poor or fair health rate sits above the national 17%, though the gap is narrower than some regional peers.

Well below Texas state life expectancy

Callahan County's 73.5-year life expectancy trails the Texas average of 74.3 years by 0.8 years. The 17.8% uninsured rate matches Brown County and sits 2 percentage points below the state average of 19.8%.

Callahan faces severe provider shortages

With only 14 primary care providers and 7 mental health providers per 100K, Callahan County has the lowest provider density among all regional peers. Brown County (52/204) and Burnet County (41/89) both offer substantially more access to care.

Critical shortage of mental health resources

Callahan County's 7 mental health providers per 100K is the lowest in its region—roughly one-seventh the density of Burnet County (89 per 100K). The shortage of just 14 primary care providers per 100K compounds barriers to both routine and specialized care.

Coverage plus telehealth bridge care gaps

Callahan County's provider shortage makes insurance coverage and telehealth options essential. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 211 to secure a plan, then ask about virtual mental health and primary care services to supplement limited local options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Callahan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts, Big Academic Focus

Callahan County features 11 public schools across four independent school districts, supporting a total of 2,603 students. The school mix includes five elementary, two middle, and four high schools. There are no charter schools in the county, preserving a traditional community-based education model.

High Graduation Rates in Rural Texas

Students excel here, achieving a 94.6% graduation rate that is higher than the Texas state average of 91.6%. The county spends $7,418 per pupil, nearly matching the state's average investment. This commitment yields a composite school score of 56.9, placing it well above the national median.

Clyde CISD Anchors the Region

Clyde CISD is the largest district, educating 1,440 students across four specialized campuses. Eula ISD and Baird ISD also serve the county, providing smaller-scale options for 474 and 312 students respectively. These districts offer a personalized approach where student-teacher ratios remain favorable.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Callahan County offers a true rural education feel, with eight of its 11 schools located in rural settings. The average school size is a modest 237 students, ensuring very personal attention for every child. Clyde High School is the largest campus in the county, yet it still only enrolls 441 students.

Find Your Peace in a Rural District

For families who want to escape the city without losing academic quality, Callahan County is a hidden gem. The small school sizes and 94.6% graduation rate offer a level of individualized support rarely found in larger metros. Look for acreage or town homes near the high-performing Clyde schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Callahan County

via RiskByCounty

Callahan County faces minimal U.S. risk

Callahan County's composite risk score of 14.69 ranks among the lowest in the nation, earning a Very Low risk rating. The county benefits from inland positioning away from hurricane and major flood exposure.

Texas's safest county by most measures

At 14.69, Callahan County scores 70 percent below Texas's state average of 49.00, making it one of the state's safest counties for natural disasters. Only a handful of Texas counties score lower.

Substantially safer than surrounding areas

Callahan County's 14.69 score sits far below neighboring Brown County's 64.89 and regional peers, reflecting its isolated position on the High Plains. This isolation from major water systems and coastlines defines its exceptional safety profile.

Wildfire is primary concern here

Wildfire risk reaches 82.00 in Callahan County, the only significant hazard threat despite very low overall risk. All other perils—flood (13.87), tornado (52.70), and hurricane (28.95)—remain minimal.

Basic coverage protects adequately

Callahan County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most perils, though wildfire riders or separate coverage should be considered given the 82.00 wildfire risk. Creating defensible space around structures provides cost-effective additional protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Callahan County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Peaks and Cold Dustings

Callahan County’s 64.5°F average temperature sits well above the national median. Unlike many Texas counties, it sees measurable snowfall and more distinct seasonal transitions.

Slightly Cooler Than the Texas Average

The county is slightly cooler than the Texas average of 65.5°F and drier than the 31.9-inch state precipitation mark. Its 29.0 inches of rain reflects its position in the transition zone to West Texas.

Wintry Compared to the Gulf Coast

Callahan sees 3.8 inches of snow annually, a sharp contrast to zero snowfall in counties like Calhoun or Caldwell. It is also significantly drier, receiving 12 inches less rain than its coastal counterparts.

A Blend of Heat and Ice

The county experiences 105 days of extreme heat above 90°F, yet winter brings a chilly January average of 44.6°F. Snowfall is common in winter, averaging nearly 4 inches per year.

Prepare for Both Temperature Extremes

Residents need both powerful air conditioning for the 105 heat days and winter preparedness for occasional snow. Proper home insulation is vital to handle the wide swing between 83.7°F July days and freezing winter nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Callahan County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the Plains

Callahan County's soil is notably alkaline, with an average pH of 7.41, much higher than the 6.5 national median. This pH level exceeds the Texas average of 7.09, which can impact how plants absorb iron and phosphorus. Understanding this chemistry is vital for any successful agricultural endeavor in the county.

A Balanced and Silt-Heavy Mix

The soil composition consists of 43.7% sand and 29.1% silt, creating a texture that balances drainage and moisture retention. With 24.6% clay, the soil offers enough structure for stability without becoming as difficult to work as the state's heavy blackland clays. It is a versatile mix that responds well to proper management.

Healthy Organic Matter and Moisture

This county boasts an organic matter content of 1.77%, which is higher than the state average of 1.66%. It also features an impressive available water capacity of 0.139 in/in, surpassing the state benchmark. These numbers point to a soil that is relatively resilient and capable of sustaining growth through dry periods.

High Runoff Potential in Group D

Despite its balanced texture, the county falls into hydrologic group D, signifying low infiltration and high runoff. This suggests that during heavy rain, the soil saturates quickly, leading to water moving across the surface rather than soaking in. Careful terrace management and ground cover are essential to prevent erosion.

Diverse Potential in Zone 8a

In Hardiness Zone 8a, you can grow everything from pecans to hearty summer squash. The soil's great water capacity makes it a strong candidate for native Texas landscaping and vegetable plots. Start your garden journey today and see what this resilient soil can produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Callahan County

via LawnByCounty

Maintaining Stability in North Central Texas

Callahan County's lawn difficulty score of 32.2 is almost identical to the Texas state average of 31.7. While it is more difficult than the national median of 50.0, it represents a standard Texas lawn experience in Hardiness Zone 8a. Expect typical regional challenges involving water management and summer heat.

Operating on the Edge of Ideal Rainfall

At 29.0 inches of annual precipitation, the county sits just below the ideal threshold for lawn health, necessitating supplemental irrigation. The 105 extreme heat days perfectly match the state average, creating a predictable but stressful summer for turf. Your 6,055 growing degree days support a healthy, though not excessive, growing season.

Alkaline Earth Requires Careful Management

The local soil features a pH of 7.41, which is higher than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrass species. This alkalinity can lock up essential nutrients like iron, often leading to yellowing in some grass types. While the texture is 43.7% sand, you will likely need to manage the 24.6% clay content to prevent drainage issues during heavy storms.

Navigating Moderate Drought Cycles

Callahan County experienced 21 weeks in drought over the last year, with 100% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. While it hasn't reached the severe levels seen in neighboring counties, water conservation remains a pillar of local lawn care. Use smart controllers and drip irrigation to keep your lawn healthy while staying under the 29-inch rainfall mark.

Selecting Reliable North Texas Turf

Bermuda grass is the standard for this area due to its ability to handle both the 105 heat days and the slightly alkaline soil. Wait until after the last frost on March 27 to begin seeding or installing sod for the best results. A well-established lawn by June will be better prepared for the dry months that often define the local climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Callahan County's county score?
Callahan County, Texas has a composite county score of 51.2 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 Callahan County rank among counties in Texas?
Callahan County ranks #55 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 Callahan County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Callahan County is $1,587, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Callahan County a tax score of 31.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Callahan County?
The median household income in Callahan County, Texas is $68,455 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Callahan County earns an income score of 62.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Callahan County, Texas a good place to live?
Callahan County scores 51.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Callahan 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 Callahan County with other counties side by side.

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