Childress County's composite score of 67.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 17.1 points, confirming above-average livability nationwide. The score reflects strong affordability and reasonable tax levels that support stable family living.
2 / 5
Matches Texas peer performance
Childress's 67.1 score slightly exceeds Texas's statewide average of 66.8, positioning it as a competitive option within the state. The county performs in line with typical Texas counties on overall livability metrics.
3 / 5
Housing affordability leads the way
Childress County's cost score of 82.8 reflects exceptional housing affordability: median home values of $115,100 with rents at $934 monthly. This combination ensures that housing costs remain manageable for most working families in the region.
4 / 5
Tax burden and income growth lag
The tax score of 60.9 is the lowest among these eight counties, with an effective rate of 1.472% creating moderately higher tax pressure. Income score of 22.8 with median household income at $60,333 suggests limited high-wage employment, constraining wealth-building potential.
5 / 5
Suits frugal families valuing housing
Childress County attracts families and retirees who prioritize low housing costs and stable, predictable living expenses over maximizing income. It works best for those with self-directed income streams or modest, reliable employment seeking rural stability.
Childress County's composite score of 67.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 17.1 points, confirming above-average livability nationwide. The score reflects strong affordability and reasonable tax levels that support stable family living.
Matches Texas peer performance
Childress's 67.1 score slightly exceeds Texas's statewide average of 66.8, positioning it as a competitive option within the state. The county performs in line with typical Texas counties on overall livability metrics.
Housing affordability leads the way
Childress County's cost score of 82.8 reflects exceptional housing affordability: median home values of $115,100 with rents at $934 monthly. This combination ensures that housing costs remain manageable for most working families in the region.
Tax burden and income growth lag
The tax score of 60.9 is the lowest among these eight counties, with an effective rate of 1.472% creating moderately higher tax pressure. Income score of 22.8 with median household income at $60,333 suggests limited high-wage employment, constraining wealth-building potential.
Suits frugal families valuing housing
Childress County attracts families and retirees who prioritize low housing costs and stable, predictable living expenses over maximizing income. It works best for those with self-directed income streams or modest, reliable employment seeking rural stability.
Score breakdown
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🏛60.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Childress County's 1.472% effective rate is among the highest in America, with median taxes of $1,694 on a $115,100 home. This places Childress in roughly the 75th percentile nationally—significantly above the national property tax median.
Texas's highest-taxed counties
At 1.472%, Childress's effective rate ranks in the top 5% of Texas counties and exceeds the state average of 1.276% by nearly 15%. The county's median tax of $1,694 runs about $500 below state median despite the higher rate, reflecting lower home values.
Panhandle's steepest rates
Childress significantly outpaces neighboring panhandle counties in effective tax rate—exceeding Carson (1.362%), Clay (1.360%), and Cass (1.063%) all considerably. This makes Childress one of the region's most expensive property tax environments.
Childress's hefty tax rate
On a median home value of $115,100, Childress County residents pay approximately $1,694 annually—higher than most neighbors despite smaller homes. With mortgage fees, annual obligations can climb to $2,772.
Appeal your assessment now
Childress homeowners facing the state's highest tax rates should especially scrutinize their property valuations for accuracy. A successful appraisal challenge could deliver meaningful relief from Childress's elevated tax burden.
Childress County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% runs 3.6 percentage points higher than the national average and 0.5 points above Texas's 18.1% state average. Renters here face slightly elevated housing cost burdens despite modest rents of $934 monthly, reflecting the challenge of lower regional incomes.
Slightly tight affordability in the Panhandle
At 18.6%, Childress County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the less affordable counties in Texas, sitting above the state average and trailing more prosperous Panhandle peers. The county faces modest affordability headwinds compared to state norms, though not extreme.
Comparison: Childress vs. Panhandle neighbors
Childress County's $934 median rent nearly matches Carson County's $933 but with a median household income $24,250 lower ($60,333 vs. $84,583), creating a tighter affordability squeeze. This income gap explains why Childress residents spend a higher percentage of earnings on housing despite similar rent levels.
Stretched budgets in Childress County
The $60,333 median household income means renters paying $934 monthly dedicate 18.6% of earnings to rent—above state average—while homeowners pay $574 toward a median home value of $115,100. Though ownership costs remain reasonable, the overall income picture leaves less cushion for renters.
Childress for budget-conscious buyers
If you're relocating to the Panhandle with a job offer in hand, ensure your expected salary matches or exceeds the $60,333 county median to avoid housing strain. Childress County's modest home values and ownership costs appeal to buyers, but renters should negotiate higher wages before committing.
Childress County's median household income of $60,333 runs $14,422 below the national median of $74,755, situating it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The income gap reflects broader rural economic disparities.
Below Texas average among peer counties
At $60,333, Childress County's median household income trails the Texas state average of $64,737 by $4,404. The county ranks among lower-income communities in Texas, though it maintains a modest middle-class profile.
Regional peer in lower-income cohort
Childress County's $60,333 places it alongside Cherokee County ($59,830) and above Cass County ($54,328) but well below Carson County ($84,583). The county represents the lower-middle tier of regional income distribution.
Housing costs squeeze household resources
At 18.6%, Childress County's rent-to-income ratio is the highest burden among its neighbors, approaching the 30% affordability limit. With median income constrained, residents have limited flexibility for discretionary spending.
Prioritize emergency savings first
In Childress County, building a three-month emergency fund should precede aggressive investing, providing crucial financial cushion. Once established, even modest retirement contributions—starting at 3% of income—establish wealth-building momentum over time.
Above-average life expectancy, solid provider access
At 73.6 years, Childress County residents live about 3 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4, yet the county boasts exceptional provider density: 149 primary care providers per 100K and 103 mental health providers per 100K. This robust supply hasn't fully offset broader health challenges.
Slight lag in longevity, excellent providers
Childress County's 73.6-year life expectancy falls 0.7 years short of the Texas average of 74.3, while its 18.4% uninsured rate edges below the state average of 19.8%. The county's exceptional provider-to-population ratio is one of its strongest assets.
Highest provider density in the region
Childress County leads the eight-county region with 149 primary care providers per 100K and 103 mental health providers per 100K, yet its 73.6-year life expectancy ranks only middle-of-the-road. This suggests that provider availability alone cannot overcome deeper socioeconomic or lifestyle factors.
Provider-rich but still underperforming
Childress County residents enjoy the region's highest provider density—149 primary care physicians and 103 mental health specialists per 100K—yet 24.4% report poor or fair health and 18.4% remain uninsured. This mismatch suggests barriers beyond mere provider availability.
Get insured and access the doctors
Childress County residents without coverage should enroll at Healthcare.gov immediately to tap into the county's exceptional provider network. With so many doctors available, insurance is your key to getting the care you need.
Childress County's composite risk score of 19.56 sits well below the national average, earning a Very Low risk rating across natural hazards. The county benefits from inland positioning that shields it from hurricanes while experiencing minimal earthquake and flood exposure.
Among Texas's lowest-risk counties
At 19.56, Childress County's composite risk score runs 60% lower than Texas's average of 49.00, placing it among the state's safest regions. The county ranks exceptionally well for natural disaster resilience statewide.
Safer than most Panhandle peers
Childress County outperforms neighboring Carson County (25.22), Castro County (34.41), and significantly surpasses Cass County (50.80). Its low-risk profile reflects the protective geography of the northwest Texas High Plains.
Wildfire is the primary concern
Wildfire risk (64.73) represents Childress County's most significant hazard, though it remains moderate compared to state exposure levels. Tornado risk (30.85) and minimal flood risk (3.94) complete a relatively manageable hazard landscape with zero hurricane exposure.
Standard coverage protects most residents
Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most Childress County properties, with supplemental wildfire coverage recommended for properties near grasslands. Maintaining defensible space around structures offers cost-effective wildfire risk reduction.