countyscore
42.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 80.5Cost of Living 61.5Schools 52.9

County Report Card

About Childress County, Texas

Competitive Rural Living

Childress County holds a composite score of 42.6, moderately below the national median of 50.0. It remains a viable rural alternative with strong marks in environmental resilience.

Right in Line with Texas

With a 42.6 score, Childress County slightly exceeds the Texas state average of 41.9. It offers a quintessential Texas experience that balances affordability with regional stability.

High Resilience and Affordability

The county excels with a Risk Score of 80.5, meaning it is well-protected against environmental hazards. A Cost Score of 61.5 reflects a very accessible median home value of $115,100.

High Taxes and Low Health Access

The Tax Score of 14.1 is a weak point, driven by a high effective tax rate of 1.472%. Health services are also limited, with a dimension score of 18.5.

The Resilient Rural Retreat

Childress County is ideal for retirees or remote workers seeking a safe, low-risk environment with affordable real estate. It suits those who value long-term environmental stability over urban amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax14.1Cost61.5Safety50.9Health18.5Schools52.9Income40.3Risk80.5Water22.3Weather45.1
🏛14.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡50.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤18.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.9
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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Deep Dives

Childress County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Childress County

via TaxByCounty

Childress taxes above U.S. average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Childress County

via CostByCounty

Childress County edges toward housing strain

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Childress County

via IncomeByCounty

Childress County income below national benchmark

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Childress County

via CrimeByCounty

Childress County Outshines National Benchmarks

Childress County is more than twice as safe as the average U.S. county, with a total crime rate of 1,106.1 per 100,000 residents. This results in a high safety score of 98.3 out of 100. Compared to the national average of 2,385.5, the local risk is remarkably low.

Stronger Safety than Most of Texas

With a safety score of 98.3, Childress County is significantly safer than the Texas average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,106.1 is nearly 1,000 points lower than the state average of 2,052.5. Three reporting agencies coordinate to maintain this high level of security.

Safe Haven in the Panhandle

Childress County reports a crime rate of 1,106.1, which is slightly higher than Carson County's 637.8 but still very low. Both counties demonstrate the strong safety trends common in this region of Texas. Residents here enjoy a much lower risk profile than those in more urbanized counties.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Violent crime is very rare in Childress County, occurring at a rate of 177.0 per 100,000 compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 929.1, which is less than half the national average of 2,015.7. This suggests that both personal safety and property are well-protected.

Protect Your Peace of Mind

Maintain your home's security by ensuring all entry points are well-maintained and locks are functional. Even with low property crime rates, basic security habits prevent opportunistic theft. Keeping an eye on neighboring properties helps maintain the county's strong safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Childress County

via HealthByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Childress County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Centralized Single-District System

Childress County operates a streamlined educational infrastructure with 3 public schools all contained within a single district. This focused system serves 1,005 students with one dedicated elementary, middle, and high school. This centralization creates a unified educational journey for students from kindergarten through graduation.

Strong Graduation Success in Childress

Childress County achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, surpassing the Texas state average of 91.6%. The county spends $7,010 per pupil, maintaining a school score of 54.6 which closely mirrors the state average of 55.3. These metrics indicate a stable and effective local school system that successfully prepares students for the future.

Childress ISD Serves the Entire Community

Childress ISD is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing all 1,005 enrolled students. Because there are no charter schools, the community’s resources and support are entirely concentrated within this single district. This creates a strong sense of school spirit and local accountability.

Town-Centered Schools with Consistent Sizes

All three schools are located in a town setting, providing a consistent environment for all students as they age. Childress Elementary is the largest campus with 451 students, while the High School and Junior High serve 303 and 251 students respectively. The average school size of 335 ensures that students receive plenty of individual attention.

Join a Unified School Community

For families seeking a community where the school is the heart of the town, Childress is an excellent choice. The single-district setup ensures a consistent and stable experience for your children as they grow. Look for homes in Childress to take advantage of this high-graduation-rate district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Childress County

via RiskByCounty

Childress ranks among safest counties

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Childress County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry Heat on the Plains

Childress County averages 62.3°F, placing it above the national median temperature. This semi-arid region is characterized by intense summer heat and clear, sunny skies.

Hotter Summers than Average

While the annual average of 62.3°F is below the state mark, the extreme heat is more frequent. The county sees 103 days above 90°F, compared to fewer days in the state's more humid regions.

Intense Heat vs Neighbors

Childress is significantly hotter than Castro County, which averages 69 heat days to Childress's 103. It serves as a gateway to the hotter Rolling Plains region of the state.

A Century of Heat Days

The county experiences 103 days of extreme heat annually, with July averaging a scorching 83.5°F. Winters provide a sharp contrast, averaging 42.7°F with 5.0 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize Home Cooling

The sheer number of 90°F days requires a well-maintained AC system and good insulation. Winterizing pipes is also necessary to protect against the 41.3°F January lows and occasional snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Childress County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Earth of the Rolling Plains

Childress County maintains an average pH of 7.38, placing it on the alkaline side of the scale. This is higher than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.09. This chemical profile is common across the Rolling Plains and influences which native plants dominate the landscape.

A Gritty Loam Mix

The soil is composed of 47.1% sand, 31.2% silt, and 20.0% clay. This balance provides a decent structure that is easier to plow than heavy clay but holds together better than pure sand. It is a versatile medium for both native grasses and commercial agriculture.

Strong Water Capacity in Dry Lands

The available water capacity is 0.146 in/in, which is better than the Texas average of 0.133 in/in. However, organic matter is low at 1.24%, trailing the state average of 1.66%. Boosting organic content can help plants better utilize the water the soil is already good at holding.

High Runoff Risks in Group D

Most of the soil in Childress County belongs to hydrologic group D, meaning it has a high runoff potential. When heavy Texas storms hit, the ground may struggle to absorb water quickly, leading to surface flow. Gardeners should consider terracing or rain gardens to capture this precious moisture.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 7b

Childress County is situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, supporting heat-tolerant and drought-resistant species. The soil's good water capacity makes it suitable for cotton and grains that can handle the alkaline conditions. Start a garden today with native Texas perennials that love the sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Childress County

via LawnByCounty

High difficulty in the Texas Panhandle

Childress County is a difficult place for lawns, with a score of 26.9 that falls below both the state and national averages. The hardiness zone 7b environment combines cold winters with blistering summer heat, creating a narrow path to success. Homeowners here must be proactive and disciplined to keep their grass alive and healthy.

Scant rain and triple-digit heat days

The county receives just 24.9 inches of rain annually, which is below the 30-inch minimum for most standard lawns. Even more challenging are the 103 extreme heat days, which nearly match the state average and place immense stress on turf. You will need to irrigate heavily during the peak growing season to combat these dry, hot conditions.

Alkaline soil with a sandy profile

A soil pH of 7.38 means your ground is slightly alkaline, which is common in this region but requires careful nutrient management. The texture is a mix of 47.1% sand and 20.0% clay, providing decent drainage but limited natural fertility. Regular applications of organic matter can help stabilize the pH and provide a better home for grass roots.

Surviving long-term drought conditions

With 30 weeks spent in drought over the last year, Childress County is no stranger to water scarcity. While 100% of the area is currently only abnormally dry, the history of frequent drought suggests a need for xeric-friendly lawn practices. Consider reducing your lawn's footprint or using drought-tolerant species to lower your water bill.

Hardy grass for a harsh climate

Bermudagrass is the most resilient option for Childress County, as it can handle both the 103 heat days and the cold 7b winters. Wait until the last frost passes on April 3 before planting, and aim to have your lawn established by early November. This ensures your grass is strong enough to survive the first fall frost around November 7.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Childress County's county score?
Childress County, Texas has a composite county score of 42.6 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 Childress County rank among counties in Texas?
Childress County ranks #116 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 Childress County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Childress County is $1,694, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Childress County a tax score of 14.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Childress County?
The median household income in Childress County, Texas is $60,333 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Childress County earns an income score of 40.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Childress County, Texas a good place to live?
Childress County scores 42.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #116 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Childress 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 Childress 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.