Carson County

Texas · TX

#42 in Texas
67.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Carson County, Texas

Carson outpaces nation on livability

Carson County's composite score of 68.9 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties for overall livability. This 38-point advantage reflects strong performance across affordability and tax metrics that benefit residents seeking value.

Above-average living among Texas peers

Carson ranks above Texas's statewide average composite score of 66.8, positioning it as a solid performer within the state. The county's 68.9 score reflects balance across multiple quality-of-life dimensions relative to other Texas counties.

Carson shines on affordability and value

Carson County's standout strength is housing affordability, with a cost score of 80.1 reflecting median home values of just $140,600 and monthly rents at $933. The effective tax rate of 1.362% keeps the tax burden moderate, supporting residents' ability to build wealth without excessive property tax strain.

Income growth lags regional trends

The county's income score of 38.6 reveals a significant gap: median household income sits at $84,583, noticeably below what higher-earning Texas counties offer. Additional data on schools, health care, and public safety remains limited, leaving some livability questions unanswered.

Ideal for cost-conscious families

Carson County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over maximum earning potential. Its strong value proposition makes it attractive to those seeking stability and affordability in a stable, mid-income community.

Score breakdown

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

Tax64Cost80.1SafetyComing SoonHealth62.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.6Risk74.8WaterComing Soon
🏛64
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠80.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼38.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
62.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
74.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Carson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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