countyscore
49.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.2Disaster Risk 74.8Safety 73.2

County Report Card

About Carson County, Texas

A Stable Middle-of-the-Pack Performer

Carson County earns a composite score of 49.3, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a balanced lifestyle that mirrors the typical American experience across most livability metrics.

Outperforming the Texas Average

With a score of 49.3, Carson significantly exceeds the Texas state average composite of 41.9. It stands out as a stronger-than-average option within the state's competitive landscape.

Economic Might and Environmental Safety

The county excels with an Income Score of 88.2, supported by a robust median household income of $84,583. Residents also benefit from high environmental stability, reflected in a Risk Score of 74.8 and a strong Safety Score of 73.2.

Tax Burdens and Water Quality

The local tax burden is a significant hurdle, as evidenced by a low Tax Score of 18.5 and an effective tax rate of 1.362%. Water quality and resource management also present challenges with a score of 34.5.

The Professional's Panhandle Haven

Carson County is best suited for high-earning families who prioritize financial stability and physical safety. It offers a premium Texas lifestyle for those willing to navigate a higher tax environment.

Score breakdown

Tax18.5Cost49Safety73.2Health35.6Schools44.9Income88.2Risk74.8Water34.5Weather51.6
🏛18.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡73.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.4
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

Hutchinson County
Texas
41.1
Gray County
Texas
31.1
Potter County
Texas
21
Armstrong County
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Moore County
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Roberts County
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Donley County
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Randall County
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Deep Dives

Carson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carson County

via TaxByCounty

Carson taxes beat national average

Carson County homeowners pay a 1.362% effective tax rate, roughly half the national median property tax burden when adjusted for home values. At $1,915 in median annual taxes on a $140,600 home, Carson falls in the bottom third of U.S. counties for tax burden.

Above-average for Texas

Carson's 1.362% rate edges above Texas's 1.276% state average, ranking it in the middle tier of the state's 254 counties. The median tax bill of $1,915 runs about $278 below the state median of $2,193.

Moderate taxes in the panhandle

Among neighboring panhandle counties, Carson sits slightly higher than Cass (1.063%) but below Childress (1.472%). Carson homeowners pay more in absolute dollars than most immediate neighbors, reflecting higher median home values in the county.

Your annual tax bill here

A home valued at $140,600—Carson's median—generates about $1,915 in annual property taxes at the current 1.362% rate. With mortgage add-ons and local fees, annual obligations can reach $2,343 for financed properties.

Challenge your assessment

Many Carson County homeowners are overassessed relative to comparable sales, creating opportunities to appeal valuations with the county appraisal district. A successful appeal can lower your tax bill by hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carson County

via CostByCounty

Carson County beats national housing burden

At 13.2%, Carson County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national benchmark and even beats the typical Texan household's 18.1% housing cost burden. Residents here spend significantly less of their paychecks on rent than Americans overall, a rarity in today's housing market.

A rare affordable pocket in Texas

Carson County ranks among Texas's most affordable counties for renters, with a rent-to-income ratio nearly 5 percentage points lower than the state average. This positions the county as a genuine outlier in a state where housing affordability has been tightening across most metros.

Comparison: Carson vs. the Panhandle

Carson County's median rent of $933 runs slightly below the state average of $963, while neighboring Childress County pays $934—nearly identical. Yet Carson's stronger median household income of $84,583 (vs. Childress's $60,333) makes housing feel more affordable here.

Where Carson incomes go

Renters in Carson County dedicate roughly $933 monthly to rent from a median household income of $84,583, while homeowners pay $751 per month toward a median home value of $140,600. Both figures translate to manageable housing burdens, leaving more income for other expenses.

Consider Carson for stability

If you're weighing relocation options in the Texas Panhandle, Carson County offers one of the healthiest income-to-housing ratios in the region. Strong local wages paired with modest housing costs make it a smart choice for families seeking affordability without sacrificing economic opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carson County

via IncomeByCounty

Carson County earns well above national average

At $84,583, Carson County's median household income runs $9,828 above the national median of $74,755. This places the county in the upper tier nationally, outpacing roughly 65% of U.S. counties and reflecting a strong local economy.

Top earner in Texas by comparison

Carson County's median income of $84,583 significantly exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737, a 30.6% premium. The county ranks among the highest-income counties in Texas, driven by robust economic activity.

Carson outpaces most Texas peers

Carson County households earn $84,583—substantially more than nearby counties like Clay County ($77,355), Castro County ($63,485), and Childress County ($60,333). This income advantage reflects Carson's stronger employment base and wage competitiveness.

Strong income covers local costs comfortably

At a 13.2% rent-to-income ratio, Carson County residents allocate well below the 30% affordability threshold, suggesting median earners comfortably cover housing. The median home value of $140,600 is also accessible for households with this income level.

Build on Carson's income strength

With median household income well above state and national benchmarks, Carson County residents have room to invest and save. Consider automating retirement contributions and exploring tax-advantaged accounts to grow wealth beyond housing equity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carson County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Carson County

Carson County is significantly safer than the national average, posting a total crime rate of just 637.8 per 100,000 residents. This performance earns the county an exceptional safety score of 99.0 out of 100. For context, the national crime rate is nearly four times higher at 2,385.5 per 100,000.

Outperforming the Texas Safety Average

With a safety score of 99.0, Carson County comfortably outperforms the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate remains well below the statewide average of 2,052.5 per 100,000 people. This makes it one of the more secure regions in the Lone Star State.

Leading the Way Among Peers

Carson County shares high safety marks with nearby Castro County, which also holds a 99.0 safety score. Both counties maintain crime rates under 700 per 100,000, far outclassing the state average. This regional trend highlights a pocket of high security in the Panhandle.

Low Property Crime Defines Local Safety

The local crime profile is split between 327.5 violent crimes and 310.3 property crimes per 100,000 residents. While property crime is remarkably lower than the national average of 2,015.7, the violent crime rate sits closer to the national figure of 369.8. These numbers reflect an environment where theft and burglary are particularly rare.

Maintain Security with Smart Habits

Even in high-safety areas like Carson County, proactive home security provides essential peace of mind. Local residents can maintain these low property crime rates by investing in basic alarm systems or motion lighting. Awareness remains the best tool for keeping your neighborhood safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carson County

via HealthByCounty

Carson's life expectancy lags nationwide

At 72.1 years, Carson County residents live about 5 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 16.2% poor or fair health rate is better than the national average of 18%, suggesting manageable day-to-day health challenges despite shorter lifespans.

Below Texas health outcomes

Carson County's 72.1-year life expectancy falls 2.2 years short of Texas's 74.3-year average, ranking it in the lower half statewide for longevity. However, its 15.2% uninsured rate beats the state average of 19.8%, indicating relatively strong insurance coverage.

Mixed health picture in the Panhandle

Among surrounding counties, Carson's life expectancy ranks middle-of-the-road: better than Cochran (71.4) and Cass (70.7) but worse than Clay (75.7) and Castro (75.4). Mental health provider density of 51 per 100K is solid, though primary care provider data is not available.

Insurance is more accessible here

Just 15.2% of Carson County residents lack health insurance, making it one of the better-covered counties in this region. While primary care provider data is limited, the mental health workforce of 51 providers per 100K suggests reasonable access to behavioral health services.

Explore coverage options today

With over 1 in 7 residents potentially uninsured, Carson County residents should review coverage through Healthcare.gov or local health departments. Even small gaps in insurance can delay preventive care—getting covered now helps protect long-term health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural Education Infrastructure

Carson County operates a compact education system consisting of 6 public schools across 3 school districts. The infrastructure supports 1,141 students through 2 elementary, 1 middle, and 2 high schools, plus one additional campus. This lean network ensures a focused learning environment for the county's student population.

Graduation Rates Exceed National Benchmarks

The county maintains an 88.3% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above the national average of 87.0% though slightly below the Texas state average. While per-pupil expenditure of $7,373 is lower than the $13,000 national average, the county's school score of 53.4 remains competitive. Local investment remains efficient, delivering solid results despite a tighter budget than state peers.

Panhandle ISD Leads the County

Panhandle ISD stands as the largest provider in the region, managing 3 schools and serving 657 students. The remaining students attend White Deer ISD or Groom ISD, which serve 334 and 150 students respectively. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all students served by traditional local districts.

Personalized Learning in a Rural Setting

All six schools in Carson County are classified as rural, creating an intimate educational atmosphere with an average size of only 190 students. Panhandle Elementary is the largest campus with 317 students, while Panhandle Junior High and White Deer High School share the smallest enrollment at 151 students each. This scale allows for high levels of familiarity between teachers and families.

Find Your Home in Panhandle or White Deer

Families looking for a tight-knit community where every teacher knows your name should explore homes near Panhandle or White Deer. School quality and small class sizes are significant factors for local homebuyers. Start your search today to find a property within these high-performing, rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carson County

via RiskByCounty

Carson ranks among nation's safest

With a composite risk score of 25.22, Carson County sits well below the national average and carries a Very Low risk rating. The county faces substantially less overall natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties, making it one of the more resilient areas in the nation.

Well below Texas average risk

Carson's score of 25.22 is nearly half Texas's average composite risk of 49.00, positioning it in the lower-risk tier statewide. Among Texas counties, Carson ranks favorably for natural disaster preparedness and exposure.

Safest in the Texas Panhandle

Carson outperforms neighboring Panhandle counties: it scores lower than Castro County (34.41), Childress County (19.56), and Clay County (14.28). Compared to its regional peers, Carson maintains one of the lower overall risk profiles in the Panhandle.

Wildfire is the dominant threat

Wildfire risk dominates Carson County's hazard profile at 86.86, significantly outpacing tornado risk (40.84) and earthquake risk (24.84). The county faces minimal flood and zero hurricane exposure, but grassland and rangeland fires require focused attention from residents and property owners.

Prioritize wildfire protection today

Homeowners in Carson County should ensure comprehensive property insurance with wildfire coverage as the cornerstone of their protection strategy. Defensible space around structures—clearing brush, trimming trees, and maintaining gutters—offers critical protection against the county's primary natural hazard.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carson County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler Panhandle Climate Profile

Carson County's average temperature of 58.0°F is the closest in this group to the national median. This region experiences true seasonal shifts and significant winter weather.

Much Cooler and Drier Than Texas

Carson is significantly cooler than the 65.5°F Texas state average. Its 21.1 inches of annual rain is also well below the state average of 31.9 inches, marking a semi-arid climate.

The Snow Capital of the Region

With 13.6 inches of annual snow, Carson is vastly different from the snow-free coastal counties. It is also the driest county in this set, with only half the rainfall of Burleson.

Harsh Winters and Hot Summers

Carson experiences 13.6 inches of snow and a cold January average of 37.0°F. Despite the winter chill, it still sees 78 days of extreme heat above 90°F during the summer.

Total Seasonal Preparedness Required

Homeowners must winterize pipes for the 37.0°F January average and keep snow removal tools ready. Balancing heat and cold is key, as the county still faces 78 days of significant summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carson County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Panhandle Foundations

Carson County features an average pH of 7.63, which is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the Texas average of 7.09. While data on its taxonomic order is unavailable, this high pH level influences how plants access key nutrients in the soil. Farmers here often monitor alkalinity closely to ensure crop productivity.

A Balanced Mix of Sand and Silt

The soil composition is 43.3% sand, 30.6% silt, and 24.8% clay. This mix provides a stable physical structure that balances workability with enough clay to hold onto moisture. The moderate sand content allows for easier root penetration compared to heavier clay soils.

Superior Water Retention for Dry Climates

With an available water capacity of 0.149 in/in, Carson County outperforms the Texas state average of 0.133 in/in. Organic matter sits at 1.78%, slightly above the state average of 1.66% but below the national 2.0% benchmark. This combination creates a resilient environment for growing, despite the arid regional climate.

Managing High Runoff Potential

The county is dominated by hydrologic group D, indicating soil with high runoff potential when thoroughly wet. Because water moves slowly through these layers, careful planning is required for irrigation and drainage during heavy rain events. This classification is critical for engineers when designing local building foundations and infrastructure.

Garden Success in Zone 7a

Carson County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, a region where winter hardy vegetables and drought-tolerant grains thrive. The high available water capacity supports crops like winter wheat and sorghum well. Gardeners can find great success by choosing species that tolerate the local alkaline soil profile.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carson County

via LawnByCounty

Above-average lawn conditions in Carson County

Carson County earns a lawn difficulty score of 43.4, which sits comfortably above the Texas state average of 31.7. While this score remains slightly below the national median of 50.0, the local climate in hardiness zone 7a provides a more manageable environment than many neighboring counties. Maintaining a lush yard here requires steady attention but fewer drastic interventions than in the hotter regions of the state.

Dry air and moderate heat define the season

The county receives just 21.1 inches of annual precipitation, falling significantly short of the 30-50 inches lawns ideally require. With 78 extreme heat days per year and 4,459 growing degree days, your watering schedule must compensate for high evaporation rates. The moderate heat profile, compared to the state average of 105 days, helps prevent total turf burnout during the peak of summer.

Managing alkaline soil and clay content

The local soil features a pH of 7.63, which is more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrass. With a composition of 24.8% clay and 43.3% sand, the ground holds moisture reasonably well but may suffer from compaction. You should consider adding sulfur or organic matter to lower the pH and improve nutrient availability for your grass.

Recent dry spells require conservation efforts

Carson County spent 4 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, and 100% of the area currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. Because severe drought is presently at 0.0%, standard conservation measures like early morning watering and taller mowing heights will keep your lawn resilient. These practices reduce moisture loss and protect the root system during dry stretches.

Timing your Panhandle lawn for success

Tall fescue and bermudagrass thrive in zone 7a, offering the best balance of cold tolerance and heat resistance. Plan to seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 15 but before the first fall frost arrives around October 29. Starting your lawn during these windows ensures the roots establish themselves before the temperature extremes of summer or winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carson County's county score?
Carson County, Texas has a composite county score of 49.3 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 Carson County rank among counties in Texas?
Carson County ranks #66 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 Carson County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Carson County is $1,915, with an effective tax rate of 1.36%. This earns Carson County a tax score of 18.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carson County?
The median household income in Carson County, Texas is $84,583 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carson County earns an income score of 88.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carson County, Texas a good place to live?
Carson County scores 49.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Carson 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 Carson 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.