Castro County's composite score of 71.3 towers 21.3 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quarter of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects an excellent balance of low taxes and housing affordability that benefit working families.
2 / 5
Castro competes at Texas's top tier
Castro's 71.3 score exceeds Texas's statewide average of 66.8, ranking it among the state's best performers for overall livability. The county delivers measurably better conditions than most Texas neighbors across affordability and tax efficiency.
3 / 5
Affordability and taxes are standouts
Castro County boasts a cost score of 83.4 backed by the lowest median home values in this county group at just $94,900, plus rents of $910 monthly. A tax score of 70.6 reflects a 1.124% effective tax rate, enabling residents to stretch their dollars further than most alternatives.
4 / 5
Income opportunities remain limited
The income score of 24.8 reflects median household income of $63,485, suggesting fewer high-wage jobs compared to more prosperous counties. Critical measures like school quality, health outcomes, and public safety are not yet available, leaving some livability dimensions unmeasured.
5 / 5
Perfect for value-seeking rural families
Castro County suits agricultural workers, remote professionals, and families who prioritize owning an affordable home in a low-tax environment. Its exceptional affordability and stable tax base make it an excellent choice for those building generational wealth in rural Texas.
Castro County's composite score of 71.3 towers 21.3 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quarter of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects an excellent balance of low taxes and housing affordability that benefit working families.
Castro competes at Texas's top tier
Castro's 71.3 score exceeds Texas's statewide average of 66.8, ranking it among the state's best performers for overall livability. The county delivers measurably better conditions than most Texas neighbors across affordability and tax efficiency.
Affordability and taxes are standouts
Castro County boasts a cost score of 83.4 backed by the lowest median home values in this county group at just $94,900, plus rents of $910 monthly. A tax score of 70.6 reflects a 1.124% effective tax rate, enabling residents to stretch their dollars further than most alternatives.
Income opportunities remain limited
The income score of 24.8 reflects median household income of $63,485, suggesting fewer high-wage jobs compared to more prosperous counties. Critical measures like school quality, health outcomes, and public safety are not yet available, leaving some livability dimensions unmeasured.
Perfect for value-seeking rural families
Castro County suits agricultural workers, remote professionals, and families who prioritize owning an affordable home in a low-tax environment. Its exceptional affordability and stable tax base make it an excellent choice for those building generational wealth in rural Texas.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛70.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Castro County's 1.124% effective tax rate is less than half the national property tax burden, with median taxes of just $1,067 on a $94,900 home. This places Castro in the bottom 5% nationally for residential property tax load.
One of Texas's cheapest
Castro's rate falls well below Texas's 1.276% average and its $1,067 median tax bill ranks among the lowest in the state. Only a handful of Texas counties match Castro's combination of low rates and affordable home values.
Panhandle's most affordable option
Among surrounding panhandle counties, Castro offers the lowest absolute tax bill despite a mid-range effective rate of 1.124%. The county's significantly lower home values—just $94,900 median—translate to minimal annual tax obligations.
Castro's modest tax burden
A typical Castro County home valued at $94,900 generates only $1,067 in annual property taxes at the 1.124% rate. Even with mortgage-related fees, annual costs hover around $1,816—among Texas's lowest.
Review your appraisal annually
Castro homeowners should verify their assessments reflect actual market conditions, especially in volatile rural markets. An appeal to the appraisal district could result in meaningful tax reductions if your home is overvalued.
Castro County outperforms on housing affordability
Castro County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% undercuts both the national average (15% typically) and Texas's 18.1% state benchmark. This Panhandle county offers renters genuine relief from housing cost pressures compared to the broader American landscape.
Above-average affordability in the Panhandle
Castro County ranks among Texas's more affordable regions, with a 17.2% rent-to-income ratio nearly a full point below the state average. This positioning reflects strong household incomes paired with moderate rental costs across the county.
Comparison: Castro in the Panhandle context
Castro County's median rent of $910 sits just below the state average of $963, while median household income of $63,485 slightly lags Carson County ($84,583) but outpaces Cochran County ($42,137). The balanced housing-to-income ratio here compares favorably to most neighboring Panhandle counties.
Lean housing costs, strong homeownership
Renters in Castro County spend $910 monthly from a $63,485 household income, while homeowners pay just $564 toward a median home value of $94,900—among the lowest in the region. Mortgage costs here are particularly modest, making homeownership accessible for first-time buyers.
Castro County welcomes newcomers
If affordable homeownership is your priority, Castro County's $94,900 median home value and $564 monthly ownership cost rank among Texas's best opportunities. The county balances farm-community values with reasonable housing burdens that give relocated families real financial breathing room.
Castro County's median household income of $63,485 falls $11,270 short of the national median of $74,755. While below the national benchmark, the county still supports solid middle-class living standards locally.
Near Texas average, modest income growth
Castro County's $63,485 median income sits just $1,252 below the Texas state average of $64,737, putting it virtually on par. The county reflects Texas's broader income profile without significant advantage or disadvantage statewide.
Middle ground among regional peers
Castro County's $63,485 sits between lower-income Cass County ($54,328) and higher-earning Carson County ($84,583), representing a moderate position. Nearby Childress County ($60,333) and Cherokee County ($59,830) show similar income patterns.
Housing affordable on median income
At 17.2%, Castro County's rent-to-income ratio stays comfortably below the 30% affordability standard, indicating reasonable housing costs relative to income. The median home value of $94,900 is among the most accessible in the region.
Affordable housing enables saving power
Castro County's lower housing costs create opportunity to direct income toward savings and investments. Lock in low property values and build equity while allocating surplus income to retirement and emergency funds.
Castro County residents live to 75.4 years—exceeding the U.S. average of 76.4 by just one year—yet 25.3% lack health insurance, among the highest rates nationally. This paradox suggests underlying vulnerabilities despite relatively good longevity.
Life expectancy strong, coverage crisis looms
Castro County's 75.4-year life expectancy beats the Texas average of 74.3 years, but its 25.3% uninsured rate soars past the state average of 19.8% by over 5 percentage points. This gap reveals a county where many people lack insurance despite living relatively long lives.
Best longevity, worst uninsured rate
Castro County boasts the region's second-highest life expectancy at 75.4 years, yet carries the worst insurance burden—25.3% uninsured, far exceeding neighbors like Chambers (14%) and Clay (16.1%). Primary care access is moderate at 27 per 100K, but mental health providers are sparse at just 14 per 100K.
Coverage crisis threatens preventive care
With over 1 in 4 residents uninsured, Castro County faces a critical coverage gap that puts vulnerable populations at risk for delayed diagnoses and high medical debt. Primary care is available at 27 providers per 100K, but the lack of mental health providers (14 per 100K) means many struggle to access behavioral health support.
Uninsured? Coverage is within reach
Castro County residents should visit Healthcare.gov or contact local health departments immediately to explore Medicaid, CHIP, or marketplace plans. One in four uninsured residents represents a public health emergency—getting covered protects both individuals and the community.
Castro County's composite risk score of 34.41 sits substantially below the national average, earning a Very Low risk rating. The county benefits from geographic positioning that shields it from major hurricane exposure and extreme flood scenarios.
Significantly safer than Texas average
At 34.41, Castro County's risk score remains roughly 30% lower than Texas's average of 49.00, placing it among the state's more resilient counties. The county ranks favorably for natural disaster exposure statewide.
Mid-range in Panhandle risk profile
Castro County sits between the safer Clay County (14.28) and the riskier Carson County (25.22), offering moderate security compared to its Panhandle neighbors. Its wildfire risk (73.79) and tornado risk (53.94) profile mirrors regional patterns typical of the High Plains.
Wildfire and tornado vulnerabilities dominate
Wildfire risk (73.79) and tornado risk (53.94) represent Castro County's primary natural hazards, while flood risk remains minimal at 11.23. Hurricane exposure is zero, and earthquake risk is low at 23.60.
Prepare for wind and grassland fire
Homeowners should prioritize homeowners insurance with enhanced wind coverage to address tornado and wildfire smoke exposure. Creating defensible space around properties—clearing dead vegetation and maintaining distances from structures—provides critical wildfire protection in this agricultural community.