countyscore
43.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 80.5Cost of Living 63.2Schools 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.

2040608010023.663.250.918.552.929.780.522.345.1Tax23.6Cost63.2Safety50.9Health18.5Schools52.9Income29.7Risk80.5Water22.3Weather45.143.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Childress County DNA

Foverall

How Childress County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Childress County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (80.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (22.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
23.6-28.4
Cost
63.2+15.200000000000003
Safety
50.9
Health
18.5-31.5
Schools
52.9
Income
29.7-21.3
Risk
80.5+33.5
Water
22.3-35.7
Weather
45.1-10.899999999999999
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Childress County?

Many homeowners in Childress County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$125,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$913/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$125,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,654/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

59.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

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Hall County
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Jackson County
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Deep Dives

Childress County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 43.8 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 #114 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 $1,496, with an effective tax rate of 1.19%. This earns Childress County a tax score of 23.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Childress County?
The median household income in Childress County, Texas is $58,654 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Childress County earns an income score of 29.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Childress County, Texas a good place to live?
Childress County scores 43.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #114 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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