countyscore
44.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 87.2Cost of Living 86.8Schools 63.9

County Report Card

About Cochran County, Texas

Unmatched Affordability on the High Plains

Cochran County scores 44.6, placing it below the 50.0 national median but remaining competitive for its region. It offers an extreme value proposition for housing that is rare in the current market.

A Stronger-Than-Average Texas Value

At 44.6, Cochran County beats the Texas state average of 41.9. It provides one of the most affordable pathways to residency in the state.

Extreme Affordability and Low Risk

Cochran boasts a Cost Score of 86.8 and a Risk Score of 87.2. With a median home value of just $57,700, it is one of the most accessible markets in the nation.

Struggling Health and Wages

The local economy is tough, with an Income Score of only 4.4 and a median household income of $42,137. Health access is also a major concern with a score of 5.3.

The Ultimate Budget Frontier

Cochran County is the perfect destination for retirees or those with independent wealth who want to maximize their savings. It offers incredible housing value and environmental peace for those not reliant on local jobs.

Score breakdown

Tax26.3Cost86.8Safety35.3Health5.3Schools63.9Income4.4Risk87.2Water18.5Weather54.1
🏛26.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼4.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤5.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧18.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨13.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.9
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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Nearby counties

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49.5
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Gaines County
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Deep Dives

Cochran County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cochran County

via TaxByCounty

Cochran ranks among lowest nationwide

Cochran County's 1.185% effective rate and median tax of just $684 on a $57,700 home place it in the bottom 2% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. This is one of America's most affordable property tax environments.

Texas's lowest absolute taxes

With a median annual tax of only $684, Cochran has the lowest tax bill among the eight surveyed counties and ranks near the bottom statewide. Its 1.185% rate sits slightly below Texas's 1.276% average, though home values are extraordinarily low at $57,700 median.

Sparsest, most affordable market

Cochran's median home value of $57,700 is less than two-thirds of any neighboring panhandle county, explaining its rock-bottom tax bill despite a moderate rate. The county represents the region's most rural, least developed market.

Cochran's minimal tax burden

At Cochran County's median home value of just $57,700, annual property taxes amount to merely $684 at the 1.185% rate—the lowest in this analysis. Even with mortgage fees, annual obligations stay under $1,518.

Verify valuations in sparse markets

Even in Cochran's low-value market, homeowners should confirm assessments reflect actual sales of comparable properties. Rural appraisals can lag behind market reality; an appeal ensures you're not overpaying.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cochran County

via CostByCounty

Cochran County faces housing affordability crisis

Cochran County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.0% represents the highest burden in our analysis—6 percentage points above the national average and 2.9 points above Texas's state benchmark. With a median household income of just $42,137, residents here allocate a troubling share of earnings to housing despite modest rents of $738 monthly.

Among Texas's least affordable counties

Cochran County's 21.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the poorest affordability metrics in Texas, reflecting the collision of very low local incomes with even modest housing costs. This county faces genuine affordability strain compared to nearly all peers across the state.

Comparison: Cochran's economic challenge

Though Cochran County's $738 median rent runs lowest among our counties, the median household income of $42,137 is also the lowest by far—$42,196 below Carson County and $17,696 below Childress County. This income deficit creates affordability pressure despite the lowest absolute housing costs.

Stretched thin in Cochran County

The $42,137 median household income means renters paying $738 monthly dedicate 21.0% of earnings to rent alone, while homeowners pay $484 toward a median home value of $57,700. The county offers the lowest absolute housing costs but highest relative burden, reflecting a fundamental income shortage.

Cochran requires careful wage planning

If considering relocation to Cochran County, ensure your job opportunity significantly exceeds the $42,137 county median—even low housing costs become unaffordable on below-median wages. The county's ultra-low home values appeal to buyers with external income sources, but local wages present real challenges.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cochran County

via IncomeByCounty

Cochran County faces significant income challenges

Cochran County's median household income of $42,137 lags the national median of $74,755 by $32,618, ranking it among the lowest 10% of U.S. counties. The substantial income gap reflects severe economic headwinds.

Texas's lowest income among sampled counties

At $42,137, Cochran County's median household income falls $22,600 below the Texas state average of $64,737, trailing by 34.9%. The county faces the steepest income challenges in this analysis, requiring targeted economic development efforts.

Significantly underperforms all regional peers

Cochran County's $42,137 income is less than half that of Carson County ($84,583) and substantially below even the lowest other county, Cass ($54,328). The gap signals unique economic vulnerabilities in the county.

Housing costs consume outsized share of income

At 21.0%, Cochran County's rent-to-income ratio is the highest in the region, signaling severe housing affordability stress. With the lowest median income and lowest median home value ($57,700), households still struggle with housing costs relative to earnings.

Focus on income growth and protection

In Cochran County, the primary wealth-building strategy is increasing household income through education, training, or career transition. Simultaneously, protect existing resources with low-cost insurance and build even small emergency reserves to avoid debt cycles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cochran County

via CrimeByCounty

Cochran County is Safer than Average

Cochran County maintains a total crime rate of 1,502.5 per 100,000 residents, comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns it a high safety score of 97.6 out of 100. Residents here experience a much lower crime volume than the typical American community.

Surpassing the Texas Safety Standard

The county's safety score of 97.6 beats the Texas average of 96.8, marking it as a secure place to live. Its total crime rate of 1,502.5 is also lower than the statewide average of 2,052.5. Data reflects reports from a single agency, suggesting a consistent local focus on safety.

Security Trends in the Region

Cochran County is significantly safer than Chambers County, which has a crime rate nearly seven times higher. It tracks closer to the high-safety levels seen in Castro County, though its rate of 1,502.5 is slightly higher than Castro's 636.8. Overall, it remains a strong performer for the West Texas region.

Extremely Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime in Cochran County is exceptionally low at just 39.5 incidents per 100,000 people, while property crime accounts for 1,463.0. This suggests that the vast majority of law enforcement activity involves theft or burglary rather than physical confrontations. Note that with only one agency reporting, these figures represent a specific snapshot of total activity.

Focus on Preventing Property Theft

Since property crime makes up nearly all local incidents, focus on securing outdoor equipment and locking vehicles. Motion sensors and visible security signs can act as effective deterrents against trespassing. Staying connected with neighbors is the best way to monitor unusual activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cochran County

via HealthByCounty

Cochran faces severe health crisis

At 71.4 years, Cochran County residents live 5 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4, and a staggering 34.2% report poor or fair health—nearly double the national average of 18%. These metrics represent the worst health profile in this eight-county region.

Lowest life expectancy in Texas comparison

Cochran County's 71.4-year life expectancy is among the lowest in Texas, trailing the state average of 74.3 by 2.9 years, and its 23.5% uninsured rate significantly exceeds the state average of 19.8%. The county faces compounded health and coverage crises.

Most troubled county in the region

Cochran County's 71.4-year life expectancy and 34.2% poor or fair health rate represent the worst outcomes across all eight counties, surpassing even Cass County's challenges. With 40 primary care providers per 100K but mental health provider data unavailable, behavioral health access is unclear.

Critical health and coverage emergency

Over 1 in 3 Cochran County residents report poor or fair health, and nearly 1 in 4 lack insurance entirely—a dual crisis that has devastated population health. Primary care access at 40 per 100K is moderate, but the absence of mental health provider data suggests additional care gaps.

Urgent: Enroll in coverage today

Cochran County residents must act immediately to secure health insurance through Healthcare.gov or local Medicaid programs. With nearly 1 in 4 uninsured and severe health challenges mounting, coverage is a life-or-death priority.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cochran County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined All-in-One Rural Schools

Cochran County maintains a unique education structure with 2 public schools serving 682 students. Both campuses are classified as 'other' because they provide PK-12 education in a single setting, one for each of the county's two districts. This model allows for maximum resource sharing in a low-population area.

Exceptional Local Investment in Students

Cochran County invests heavily in its students, with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,879—significantly higher than the Texas average. This investment supports a 90.0% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87.0%. The county's school score of 57.6 also ranks well above the state median of 55.3.

Morton and Whiteface Lead Education

Education is split nearly evenly between Morton ISD, which serves 353 students, and Whiteface CISD, which serves 329. Both districts operate traditional public schools with no charter competition in the area. This ensures that all educational funding and community support remain focused on these two central institutions.

Small All-Grade Campuses in a Rural Setting

Both schools in Cochran County are rural, PK-12 campuses where students remain with the same cohort for their entire education. Morton School is the largest campus with 353 students, while Whiteface School follows closely with 329. The average school size of 341 students fosters a tight-knit, multi-generational community feel.

Stability and Support in Morton or Whiteface

Families seeking a stable, well-funded educational environment will find Cochran County highly appealing. The PK-12 school model means your children will have a consistent support system from their first day of school to graduation. Check out local home listings in Morton and Whiteface to join this dedicated school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cochran County

via RiskByCounty

Cochran among nation's safest counties

Cochran County's composite risk score of 12.79 ranks among the lowest in the entire nation, earning a Very Low risk rating. The county's isolated southwest Texas location provides exceptional protection from all major natural disasters.

Lowest-risk county in Texas

At 12.79, Cochran County's composite risk score runs 74% below Texas's average of 49.00, making it the safest county in this dataset. The county benefits from protected High Plains geography with minimal exposure to hurricanes, earthquakes, and major flooding.

Safest in southwest Texas comparison

Cochran County significantly outperforms all neighboring counties, scoring lower than Clay County (14.28) and well below Childress County (19.56). Its isolated position offers superior protection compared to all peer regions in the analysis.

Wildfire presents minimal challenge

Wildfire risk (68.32) represents Cochran's highest exposure, though it remains moderate on the state scale, with tornado risk (21.69) and all other hazards minimal. Flood risk is near zero (1.78), and hurricane exposure is nonexistent.

Basic insurance meets most needs

Cochran County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance for comprehensive protection, with optional wildfire riders available for enhanced coverage. The county's exceptional safety profile means property owners face minimal disaster-related insurance burden.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cochran County

via WeatherByCounty

High and Dry West Texas

Cochran County's 59.4°F average is lower than the Texas norm but higher than the national median. The high elevation and low humidity create a unique, semi-arid environment.

Cooler and Drier than Texas

At 59.4°F, this county is significantly cooler than the 65.5°F state average. It is also one of the driest parts of the state, receiving only 17.6 inches of rain annually.

Dryness on the Border

Cochran is even drier than Castro County to its north, receiving about two inches less rain. It experiences similar winter conditions, with significant snowfall compared to the rest of Texas.

Snowy Winters, Breezy Summers

The county receives a notable 6.3 inches of snow annually, with January averages dipping to 39.7°F. Summers remain warm with 85 days over 90°F, though the 77.8°F summer average is mild for the state.

Water Conservation is Key

Low rainfall of 17.6 inches makes water-efficient landscaping and xeriscaping the best choices. Prepare for significant winter events with proper insulation and snow-clearing tools.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cochran County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Extremely Gravelly Loam

Cochran County features an average pH of 7.78, making it one of the more alkaline areas compared to the 6.5 national median. The dominant texture is an extremely gravelly loam, which is unique among its neighboring counties. This stony, alkaline base defines the local growing conditions.

A Gritty, Sandy Foundation

The soil is comprised of 61.4% sand, 20.0% silt, and 18.6% clay. This high sand and gravel content creates a very porous environment where roots can easily travel. However, such a high sand percentage means the soil can dry out quickly without proper management.

Moderate Water and Low Organic Matter

The soil holds 0.127 in/in of water, which is just below the Texas average of 0.133 in/in. Organic matter is also lean at 1.29%, trailing the state average of 1.66%. Improving this through cover cropping or composting is essential for long-term soil health and fertility.

Moderately Well Drained Group B

Unlike many neighbors, Cochran County features 'Moderately well drained' soil and belongs to hydrologic group B. This means it has a moderate infiltration rate, allowing water to soak in more effectively than the tighter soils of the region. This classification is an advantage for preventing runoff and erosion.

Sturdy Growth in Zone 7b

In USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, Cochran County is well-suited for drought-tolerant crops and native xeriscaping. Plants that prefer better drainage and can handle alkaline gravel will thrive here. Consider starting a garden with lavender, sage, or other hardy perennials that love this specific soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cochran County

via LawnByCounty

Tough growing conditions on the High Plains

Cochran County presents a difficult lawn care environment with a score of 30.9, slightly below the Texas average. Homeowners in this 7b hardiness zone face a semi-arid climate that makes traditional green lawns a luxury. You will need to be particularly strategic with water and species selection to find success here.

Extreme aridity and moderate summer heat

With only 17.6 inches of annual rain, this is one of the driest counties for lawn care, providing less than half the water most grasses need. While the 85 extreme heat days are lower than the state average, the lack of moisture intensifies the stress on your turf. High evaporation rates mean you must time your watering for the coolest parts of the day.

Navigating gravelly, alkaline soil textures

The soil pH is quite high at 7.78, which may cause yellowing in some grass types due to iron chlorosis. The texture is classified as extremely gravelly loam, with 61.4% sand and 18.6% clay, ensuring it is moderately well-drained. You will likely need to supplement with iron-rich fertilizers to keep your lawn looking deep green in this alkaline environment.

Conserving water in an arid landscape

Cochran County saw 17 weeks of drought last year, and 100% of the county is currently in an abnormally dry state. In such an arid climate, using mulch and avoiding over-mowing are essential tactics to keep soil temperatures down. Every drop of water counts here, so consider installing a drip irrigation system for the most efficient delivery.

Best bets for high-altitude turf

Buffalo grass is the ideal choice for zone 7b in Cochran County because it is native and extremely drought-tolerant. Plan your establishment for mid-April, once the last spring frost passes on April 11. Your grass will have until the first frost on October 31 to build up the energy reserves needed to survive the West Texas winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cochran County's county score?
Cochran County, Texas has a composite county score of 44.6 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 Cochran County rank among counties in Texas?
Cochran County ranks #105 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 Cochran County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Cochran County is $684, with an effective tax rate of 1.19%. This earns Cochran County a tax score of 26.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cochran County?
The median household income in Cochran County, Texas is $42,137 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cochran County earns an income score of 4.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cochran County, Texas a good place to live?
Cochran County scores 44.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #105 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Cochran 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 Cochran County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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