countyscore
48.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.4Cost of Living 84.8Schools 58.2

County Report Card

About Coke County, Texas

Coke County Approaches the National Median

Coke County earns a composite score of 48.8, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that combines exceptional environmental safety with some economic hurdles.

Outperforming the Texas State Average

With a 48.8 composite score, Coke County sits significantly higher than the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks as a more stable and affordable option compared to many of its state-level peers.

Unmatched Environmental Safety and Affordability

The county boasts an elite risk score of 96.4 and a high cost score of 84.8. Residents enjoy very low housing costs, with a median home value of $112,900 and median monthly rent of just $687.

Significant Hurdles in Water and Income

A critical water score of 1.9 and a low income score of 8.8 present the biggest challenges for the area. The median household income of $46,431 reflects a limited local earning environment compared to urban centers.

A Haven for Low-Cost Rural Living

Coke County is an ideal fit for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low environmental risk and extreme affordability. It offers a secure, slow-paced lifestyle for those who aren't reliant on a high-growth local job market.

2040608010026.284.853.319.958.28.896.41.938.1Tax26.2Cost84.8Safety53.3Health19.9Schools58.2Income8.8Risk96.4Water1.9Weather38.148.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Coke County DNA

Foverall

How Coke County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Coke County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (96.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (1.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
26.2-25.8
Cost
84.8+36.8
Safety
53.3
Health
19.9-30.1
Schools
58.2
Income
8.8-42.2
Risk
96.4+49.400000000000006
Water
1.9-56.1
Weather
38.1-17.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$112,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$687/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$112,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $46,431/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Deep Dives

Coke County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Coke County

via TaxByCounty

Coke County taxes rank well below national average

At 1.187%, Coke County's effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 1.41%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax here is $1,340 annually—less than half the national median of $2,690—offering meaningful savings compared to most of the country.

Below Texas state average in tax burden

Coke County's 1.187% effective rate runs 0.089 percentage points lower than Texas's 1.276% state average, putting it among the more tax-friendly counties in the state. With a median tax of $1,340 versus the state median of $2,193, Coke County homeowners typically pay less than the typical Texan.

Lowest taxes among Central Texas peers

Compared to nearby counties, Coke offers competitive rates: Coleman County's 1.368% rate is higher, while Colorado County's 1.091% is the regional leader. Coke's $1,340 median tax positions it squarely in the affordable tier of its region.

Median home valued at $112,900

A typical Coke County home valued at $112,900 generates an annual property tax bill of $1,340 without a mortgage, or $1,574 with one included. This translates to roughly $112 monthly in property taxes for the median homeowner—among Texas's lowest burdens.

Many homeowners can appeal overassessments

Even in lower-tax counties like Coke, homes are sometimes assessed above fair market value. If your property tax bill seems high relative to comparable homes nearby, a formal appeal to the county appraisal district could reduce your tax liability and save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Coke County

via CostByCounty

Coke County rents are a bargain nationally

Renters here spend 17.8% of income on housing—better than the national average of roughly 30%—thanks to a median rent of just $687 per month. Coke's affordability advantage is clear: the typical household earns $46,431 annually, putting it well below the national median of $74,755, yet housing costs remain manageable relative to income.

Below Texas average for rent burden

Coke County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio beats the Texas state average of 18.1%, placing it among the more affordable counties in the state. At $687 per month, median rent is 29% cheaper than the state average of $963, making it a standout for cost-conscious renters.

Competitive rents across West Texas

Coke County's $687 rent aligns closely with nearby Coleman County ($714) and Concho County ($919), though it undercuts both slightly. Compared to the booming Dallas-Fort Worth region like Collin County ($1,792), Coke offers a dramatic cost difference—more than 58% cheaper for renters.

Housing takes modest bite here

The typical Coke County household splits its $46,431 income between rent ($687/month or 17.8%) and homeownership costs ($613/month with a median home value of $112,900). Together, housing expenses consume roughly 34% of gross income, leaving a smaller footprint than in many Texas counties.

Consider Coke for rural Texas affordability

If you're relocating within Texas and value low housing costs over urban amenities, Coke County's $687 rents and $112,900 median home prices offer genuine breathing room. Compare these figures to pricier regions like Collin or Comal counties to see how far your budget stretches in West Texas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Coke County

via IncomeByCounty

Coke County lags national income levels

At $46,431, Coke County's median household income falls 38% below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects limited economic diversity in rural West Texas, where many households depend on agriculture and oil-related industries.

Below Texas average across the board

Coke County ranks in the bottom quartile of Texas counties, with median household income 28% below the state average of $64,737. Per capita income of $30,384 also trails the state average of $33,197, indicating fewer high-earning individuals.

One of the poorest in West Texas

Coke County's $46,431 median income places it below nearby Coleman County ($52,364) and Concho County ($59,632). Among the eight-county sample, only Coke ranks lower in household earnings.

Housing remains relatively affordable here

With a 17.8% rent-to-income ratio, Coke County households dedicate less of their earnings to rent than many areas—well below the national 30% burden threshold. Median home values of $112,900 are accessible to local earners, though absolute income remains a constraint.

Build wealth despite tight budgets

Even modest incomes can grow through disciplined saving and investment. Start with a high-yield savings account for emergencies, then explore low-cost index funds or employer retirement plans to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Coke County

via CrimeByCounty

Coke County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Coke County earns an impressive safety score of 98.3, significantly higher than the typical American community. Its total crime rate of 1,059.0 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Way in Texas Safety

The county's safety score of 98.3 exceeds the Texas state average of 96.8, marking it as a secure pocket of the Lone Star State. Local law enforcement agencies maintain a crime rate that is nearly 50% lower than the state average of 2,052.5.

A Comparative Look at Regional Safety

While Coke County is highly secure, its crime rate of 1,059.0 is higher than neighboring Concho County at 401.8. However, it remains much safer than regional counterparts like Comanche County, which reports 1,538.4 crimes per 100,000.

Property Concerns Over Violent Incidents

Violent crime is extremely rare here, with just 30.3 incidents per 100,000 residents compared to the national rate of 369.8. Property crime makes up nearly the entire local total, occurring at a rate of 1,028.7 per 100,000.

Securing Your Rural Homestead

Even with high safety scores, residents should prioritize locking outbuildings and securing farm equipment. Simple additions like motion-activated lighting can effectively deter the property crimes that comprise most local reports.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Coke County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural Education Infrastructure

Coke County operates a compact educational system with two public schools serving a total of 506 students across two districts. Both campuses are classified as PK-12 schools, providing a continuous educational path for local youth in a rural setting. This streamlined infrastructure ensures a high level of familiarity within the student population.

Strong Graduation Rates Exceed National Standards

Coke County achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, which surpasses the national average of 87.0%. The county invests $8,108 per pupil, slightly above the Texas state average of $7,498 but lower than the $13,000 national benchmark. These efforts result in a school score of 55.9, reflecting solid local performance.

Spotlight on Robert Lee and Bronte Districts

The two primary districts serving the area are Robert Lee ISD, with 276 students, and Bronte ISD, which serves 235 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning all 506 students attend traditional public schools. These districts represent the core of the community's academic and social life.

Intimate Rural Campuses with PK-12 Continuity

Every student in the county attends a school in a rural setting with an average school size of 253 students. Robert Lee School is the largest campus with 271 students, while Bronte ISD serves 235. The PK-12 model means students often stay with the same peer group for their entire academic career.

Finding Your Home in Coke County

Families seeking a close-knit, rural environment will find that Coke County schools offer personal attention and high graduation rates. When researching homes in Robert Lee or Bronte, school proximity is a key factor for local buyers. Explore the area to see how these small districts serve as the heart of the community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Coke County

via RiskByCounty

Coke County's Risk: Well Below Average

With a composite risk score of 3.66, Coke County ranks as Very Low—far safer than the national average. The county's overall disaster risk is among the lowest in Texas, driven by minimal flood and earthquake exposure.

Among Texas's Safest Counties

Coke County's score of 3.66 is less than one-tenth of the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it in the lowest-risk tier statewide. This exceptional safety profile reflects its sparse population and rural character in West Texas.

Safer Than Surrounding Counties

Coke County's risk (3.66) is notably lower than Coleman County (20.61) and Collingsworth County (27.42) nearby. Among the eight-county comparison group, only Concho County (4.48) comes close to Coke's minimal exposure.

Wildfire Is the Primary Concern

Wildfire risk scores 83.33 in Coke County, making it the dominant natural hazard despite overall low composite risk. Tornado risk (22.84) ranks second, though both pale beside the county's exceptional resilience to flooding (5.25) and earthquakes (2.23).

Prioritize Wildfire and Wind Coverage

While Coke County's risk is minimal, standard homeowners insurance should cover wildfire, especially during dry seasons. Consider additional wind and hail riders given tornado potential, and verify your policy covers debris removal from wildfires.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Coke County

via WaterByCounty

Significant Violations Threaten Drinking Water Quality

Coke County holds a failing water quality grade with 47 health-based violations recorded over five years. The county's violation rate of 1892.1 per 100,000 residents is more than triple the Texas state average of 581.9.

Local Watersheds Await Federal Assessment

Coke County's water bodies currently lack coverage under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) assessment. No data is available regarding the share of impaired waterways or specific causes of contamination for this reporting cycle.

Monitoring Focuses on Biological and Physical Health

Technicians manage 9 monitoring sites across the county, collecting 2,802 measurements over the last five years. Sensors focus heavily on physical characteristics, inorganic compounds, and biological indicators like algae and cyanobacteria.

Zero Flow at the Colorado River Gauge

The Colorado River at Robert Lee currently reports a discharge of 0 cfs, indicating a total loss of flow. This represents 0% of its long-term mean of 19 cfs, signaling severe drought conditions in the watershed.

Stay Vigilant During Extreme Low Flow

With a high violation rate and stagnant rivers, residents should consider professional water testing and high-quality filtration systems. Monitor local alerts as the lack of streamflow can concentrate pollutants and impact source water reliability.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Coke County

via WeatherByCounty

Sun-Drenched Central Plains

Coke County's 64.1°F average temperature sits well above the national median. This region is characterized by intense solar radiation and a semi-arid landscape.

Near Average Heat, Low Rain

The county's temperature is very close to the state average of 65.5°F. However, its 22.5 inches of rain is nearly 10 inches below the state average, leading to a much drier environment.

High Heat Among Neighbors

With 110 extreme heat days, Coke is one of the hottest counties in the region. It sees significantly more 90-degree days than even Childress or Clay counties.

Four Months of Extreme Heat

Residents endure a staggering 110 days above 90°F, with July averages reaching 82.9°F. Winters are dry and mild, averaging 45.9°F with only 1.4 inches of snow.

Build for the Heat

The extreme number of heat days makes radiant barriers and high-quality insulation a smart investment. Since rainfall is low, choosing drought-resistant plants will save on water costs.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Coke County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Alfisols of Coke County

Coke County features fine sandy loam soils belonging to the Alfisol order, known for their distinct layers. At a pH of 7.59, these soils are significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5.

A Balanced Sandy Loam Mix

The soil contains 46.4% sand, 28.3% silt, and 24.2% clay, creating a workable texture for local farmers. This specific blend allows for decent root penetration while the clay content helps retain necessary moisture.

Exceeding State Organic Matter Levels

With 1.70% organic matter, the county slightly outperforms the Texas average of 1.66%. The available water capacity sits exactly at the state benchmark of 0.133 in/in, providing a stable foundation for plant growth.

Steady Drainage for West Texas

The soil is classified as well drained, preventing water from pooling around sensitive roots. It belongs to hydrologic group C, indicating a moderately high runoff potential when the ground becomes saturated.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a

Zone 8a supports hardy crops like pecans and peaches that handle the West Texas heat well. Start your garden today to take advantage of these well-drained loams and consistent soil structure.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Coke County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the West Texas Challenge

Coke County earns a lawn difficulty score of 26.7, making it significantly more challenging than the national median of 50.0 and trailing the Texas state average of 31.7. In Hardiness Zone 8a, growers must choose turf capable of surviving colder winters and intense summer heat.

Low Rainfall and Intense Summer Heat

With only 22.5 inches of annual rain, the county falls far below the ideal 30-50 inches required for lush lawns. High heat defines the season, as the area endures 110 days above 90°F, necessitating rigorous irrigation schedules to maintain growth across 5,859 growing degree days.

Alkaline Sandy Loam Foundations

The soil pH of 7.59 is higher than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which often limits nutrient availability for standard grasses. This well-drained fine sandy loam, containing 46.4% sand, allows for good root oxygenation but requires frequent watering due to low moisture retention.

Strategic Watering During Dry Spells

Currently, 100% of the county is under abnormally dry conditions, following 19 weeks of drought over the past year. To build resilience, residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage roots to search deeper for moisture.

Select Heat-Tolerant Turf for Success

Bermuda or Buffalograss are excellent choices for this climate given their drought tolerance and ability to thrive after the March 28th final frost. Aim to establish new sod or seed well before the first frost on November 7th to ensure a healthy root system.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coke County's county score?
Coke County, Texas has a composite county score of 48.8 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 Coke County rank among counties in Texas?
Coke County ranks #72 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 Coke County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Coke County is $1,340, with an effective tax rate of 1.19%. This earns Coke County a tax score of 26.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Coke County?
The median household income in Coke County, Texas is $46,431 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Coke County earns an income score of 8.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Coke County, Texas a good place to live?
Coke County scores 48.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Coke 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 Coke County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.