58.7
County Score
Safety 92.7Cost of Living 88.8Schools 74.9

County Report Card

About Collingsworth County, Texas

Collingsworth Outperforms the National Median

With a strong composite score of 58.7, Collingsworth County is well above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking is driven by exceptional safety and incredible affordability.

One of the State's Stronger Performers

Collingsworth's score of 58.7 far exceeds the Texas average of 41.9. It stands out in the state as a location where residents can get a high quality of life for a very low price.

Top-Tier Safety and Rock-Bottom Rent

The county shines with a safety score of 92.7 and a cost score of 88.8. Median gross rent is only $619, and the median home value remains low at $108,400.

Limited Health Resources and Water Quality

The county faces hurdles with a health score of 8.9 and a water score of 12.6. These low marks suggest that residents may need to travel for specialized medical care or manage local water quality issues.

Perfect for Young Families on a Budget

This county is a fantastic fit for families seeking a safe community and a high school score of 74.9. It rewards those who prioritize financial freedom and physical security over urban health amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax22.2Cost88.8Safety92.7Health8.9Schools74.9Income39.5Risk72.6Water12.6Weather40.1
🏛22.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠88.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼39.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡92.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
8.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓74.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
72.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧12.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤40.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨26.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱27.5
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

Collingsworth County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Collingsworth County

via TaxByCounty

Collingsworth County taxes near national norm

Collingsworth County's 1.271% effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 1.41%, placing it squarely in the middle of American counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,378 remains well under the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower property values in the Panhandle.

Nearly aligned with Texas state average

Collingsworth County's 1.271% effective rate is virtually identical to Texas's 1.276% state average, making it a textbook example of typical Texas tax rates. The median tax of $1,378 trails the state median of $2,193, though that gap reflects regional property value differences rather than tax policy.

Competitive rates across the Panhandle

Collingsworth's 1.271% rate sits between Coke County's 1.187% and Concho County's 1.512%, representing moderate tax burden in the region. The $1,378 median tax is competitive with nearby rural counties throughout the Texas Panhandle.

Median home valued at $108,400

A typical Collingsworth County home valued at $108,400 generates an annual property tax bill of $1,378 without a mortgage, or $1,701 with one included. This translates to roughly $115 monthly in property taxes—well below the national typical burden.

Regular assessments warrant appeals review

Even in counties with moderate rates like Collingsworth, appraisals occasionally drift above fair market value, particularly after property sales in the area. Homeowners should compare their assessment to recent comparable home sales and appeal if their appraised value exceeds market reality.

Cost of Living in Collingsworth County

via CostByCounty

Collingsworth County is exceptional nationally

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 12.3%, Collingsworth County is remarkably affordable compared to the national average of roughly 30%—a gap few counties match. Median rent of $619 per month on a $60,165 household income creates one of the most tenant-friendly housing markets in America.

Texas's most affordable housing market

Collingsworth County's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio is significantly better than the Texas state average of 18.1%, making it the standout affordable county in this sample. At just $619 monthly, rent is 36% cheaper than the state median of $963, positioning Collingsworth as a renter's haven.

Cheapest rents in the West Texas sample

Collingsworth's $619 rent is the lowest among all comparable counties here, beating Coke County ($687), Coleman County ($714), and Concho County ($919) by substantial margins. It ranks in a different affordability tier than Dallas-area Collin ($1,792) and Comal ($1,460), offering options for those prioritizing cost over metropolitan amenities.

Housing leaves room to breathe

The median Collingsworth County household earning $60,165 spends just $619 monthly on rent (12.3% of income) or $604 on homeownership with a $108,400 median home value. Combined housing costs consume roughly 24% of gross income—the lowest burden in this group—providing substantial financial flexibility.

Collingsworth delivers rural Texas affordability

Relocating to Collingsworth County means accessing rents of just $619 and home values around $108,400, paired with the best rent-to-income ratio (12.3%) in this Texas sample. Compare these costs to state averages to understand how much housing budget you'll free up in this affordable Panhandle county.

Income & Jobs in Collingsworth County

via IncomeByCounty

Collingsworth County trails national income

With a median household income of $60,165, Collingsworth County falls 20% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The gap reflects a rural Texas economy centered on agriculture and small businesses.

Near Texas state average, slightly ahead

Collingsworth County's median of $60,165 sits just below the state average of $64,737, positioning it in the lower-middle tier of Texas counties. Per capita income of $31,033 closely mirrors the state figure of $33,197.

Middle of the pack regionally

At $60,165, Collingsworth County outearns Coke, Coleman, Comanche, and Concho counties, but falls short of Comal and Collin's prosperity. It represents a stable, moderate-income rural community.

Best housing affordability in the group

Collingsworth County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 12.3%, far below the 30% burden threshold, freeing up household budgets. Median home values of $108,400 are highly accessible to local earners.

Leverage low housing costs for savings

With manageable housing expenses, Collingsworth households can redirect savings toward emergency funds, education, or investments. Even with moderate income, disciplined budgeting and consistent investing unlock long-term wealth growth.

Safety in Collingsworth County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in the Panhandle

Collingsworth County boasts a near-perfect safety score of 99.8. Its total crime rate of 104.7 per 100,000 is a mere fraction of the national average of 2,385.5, making it one of the safest spots in the country.

One of Texas’s Lowest Crime Rates

The county’s score of 99.8 is significantly higher than the Texas average of 96.8. However, because these figures come from a single reporting agency, they should be interpreted with some caution regarding total data coverage.

Leading Its Nearest Neighbors

With a crime rate of only 104.7, Collingsworth is notably safer than other low-crime counties like Concho (401.8). It represents the quietest tier of Texas counties where reported incidents are extremely rare.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes

Collingsworth County reported zero violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. Every reported incident fell into the property crime category, which itself remains incredibly low at 104.7 per 100,000.

Maintain Vigilance in a Safe Haven

While statistics suggest total safety, it is always wise to keep vehicles and homes locked. In areas with single-agency reporting, residents play a vital role in reporting suspicious activity to maintain these low crime levels.

Health in Collingsworth County

via HealthByCounty

Collingsworth faces severe health disparities

Collingsworth County residents have a life expectancy of 71.2 years—more than 7 years below the U.S. average of 79 years—marking one of Texas's most significant health gaps. Over one in four residents (25.1%) report being in poor or fair health, compared to 18% nationally, while 26.0% lack health insurance. These overlapping challenges create a community health crisis requiring urgent intervention.

Texas's most uninsured county

Collingsworth County's 26.0% uninsured rate is the highest among all comparable counties and significantly exceeds Texas's 19.8% average, leaving residents highly vulnerable to medical debt and delayed care. Life expectancy at 71.2 years trails the state average by 3.1 years, and the 25.1% poor/fair health rate underscores deep, persistent health inequities. Economic hardship and limited access combine to create measurable health burden.

Worst health outcomes in the region

Collingsworth County residents live significantly shorter lives than neighbors: 71.2 years versus Comanche (74.8), Colorado (74.0), and Coke (74.0) counties—gaps of 3-4 years in life expectancy. Its 26.0% uninsured rate is the highest among all regional comparisons, far exceeding Comal County's 13.3% and Collin's 10.6%. These disparities reflect concentrated poverty and limited economic opportunity in the panhandle region.

Limited providers in a medically underserved area

Collingsworth County has just 38 primary care providers and 78 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest primary care access among comparable counties and far below healthier regions. Combined with the state's highest uninsured rate, residents face major barriers to preventive care, chronic disease management, and mental health support. Rural isolation and provider shortages mean many routine visits require significant travel.

Health coverage is within reach

With 26.0% of Collingsworth County uninsured, getting covered is the single most important health decision residents can make right now. Even if you've been turned down before, marketplace plans, Medicaid expansion (if eligible), and community health centers offer affordable options regardless of income or employment status. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find coverage today—your health depends on it.

Schools in Collingsworth County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in a Single District

Collingsworth County operates a simple and efficient education landscape with three schools managed entirely by Wellington ISD. Serving 530 total students, the county provides one elementary, one middle, and one high school. This structure ensures a unified educational experience from kindergarten through graduation.

High Graduation Rates and Competitive Spending

The county achieves an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, well above the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending is $7,959, which is higher than the Texas state average of $7,498. These metrics contribute to a high school score of 58.2, indicating strong academic health.

Wellington ISD Serves the Entire Community

Wellington ISD is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing all 530 enrolled students. Because there are no charter schools, the district serves as the primary social and academic hub for all local families. This single-district model fosters a very tight-knit community connection to the schools.

Quiet Rural Learning Environments

All three campuses in Collingsworth County are located in rural settings, offering a peaceful atmosphere for students. The average school size is just 177 students, with Wellington Elementary being the largest at 239. It is a place where every teacher knows every student, and the middle school is the smallest with 135 learners.

Join the Wellington Community

For families looking for a quiet lifestyle with high-performing schools, Collingsworth County is an excellent choice. The 95% graduation rate is a major draw for buyers who value a solid academic foundation. Look for homes within the Wellington ISD boundaries to secure a spot in this stable rural district.

Disaster Risk in Collingsworth County

via RiskByCounty

Collingsworth County Poses Minimal Risk

Collingsworth County scores 27.42, earning a Very Low rating and ranking well below the national average for disaster risk. The county's low overall score masks some localized wildfire exposure in the Texas Panhandle.

Well Below Texas Average Risk

At 27.42, Collingsworth County scores roughly half the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it firmly in the safer tier statewide. This strong safety profile reflects its rural Panhandle character and limited population density.

Safer Than Most West Texas Peers

Collingsworth County (27.42) is safer than Coleman County (20.61) and ranks similarly to Coke County (3.66) and Concho County (4.48) in the broader regional comparison. It represents a relatively secure location within the West Texas high-plains region.

Wildfire Risk Stands Out Distinctly

Wildfire risk at 75.13 is Collingsworth County's defining hazard, nearly three times higher than its secondary threat of tornadoes (34.03). Flood risk (3.28) and hurricane risk (12.18) are minimal, making wildfire season the primary concern.

Wildfire Insurance and Fire Prevention

Collingsworth County residents should verify wildfire coverage in their homeowners policy and maintain defensible space around structures. Standard policies typically cover wildfire damage, but review your coverage limits and consider additional protection for outbuildings and landscaping during peak fire season.

Weather & Climate in Collingsworth County

via WeatherByCounty

A dry, high-plains environment

Collingsworth County averages 63.4°F, placing it about 10 degrees above the national median. It is a semi-arid region, receiving only 22.1 inches of rain annually compared to the much wetter eastern United States.

One of the state's cooler counties

At 63.4°F, this Panhandle-area county is notably cooler than the Texas average of 65.5°F. It is also much drier, receiving nearly 10 inches less rain than the state average.

Warmer summers than northern neighbors

While it shares the dry profile of the Texas Panhandle, Collingsworth sees intense summer spikes. Its 113 heat days surpass many counties to the north and east, creating a sharp contrast in seasonal extremes.

Extreme heat meets winter snow

The county experiences 113 days above 90°F, yet remains snowy for Texas with an annual average of 4.0 inches. This volatility is marked by a July average of 84.4°F and a January low average of 42.1°F.

Built for seasonal volatility

Residents need dual-capability climate control to handle both the frequent 90-degree days and winter snow. Xeriscaping is a popular landscaping choice given the low annual rainfall of 22.1 inches.

Soil Quality in Collingsworth County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Profiles in the Panhandle

Collingsworth County presents an alkaline soil profile with an average pH of 7.34. While taxonomic data for the area is limited, the soil chemistry is clearly influenced by the region's semi-arid environment.

Dominated by Course Sand

The soil composition is 53.1% sand, 28.3% silt, and only 17.3% clay. This high sand content ensures fast water movement but may require more frequent fertilization to keep nutrients near the roots.

Low Organic Matter, High Water Storage

At 1.20%, organic matter is lower than the state average of 1.66%, indicating a need for compost amendments. However, the available water capacity of 0.143 in/in is surprisingly high for such sandy ground.

High Runoff Potential

Detailed drainage classes are unavailable, but the county is categorized in hydrologic group D. This indicates very slow infiltration rates and high runoff potential during intense Panhandle storms.

Crops for the 7b Climate

Hardiness zone 7b is ideal for winter wheat and cotton. With some organic amendments to boost your sandy soil, your garden can thrive even in the face of Panhandle winds.

Lawn Care in Collingsworth County

via LawnByCounty

High Plains Hurdles for Turf

Collingsworth County faces a tough lawn difficulty score of 27.5, reflecting the harsh conditions of the Panhandle's Zone 7b. Maintenance here requires significantly more effort than the national median of 50.0 due to limited water and temperature swings.

Low Moisture and Intense Heat Days

Annual precipitation is just 22.1 inches, making supplemental irrigation essential for any traditional green space. The county endures 113 days above 90°F, which is higher than the state average and creates high evaporation rates across 5,794 growing degree days.

High Sand Content and Alkaline Soils

The soil is highly porous, containing 53.1% sand, which leads to rapid drainage and a high risk of nutrient leaching. With a pH of 7.34, growers should monitor for iron chlorosis, a common issue when alkalinity exceeds the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Managing 22 Weeks of Drought

The county spent nearly half of the last year in drought, and current conditions remain 100% abnormally dry. To conserve water, homeowners should adjust mower heights to three inches or higher to shade the soil and reduce surface moisture loss.

Timing for the High Plains

Because the first frost arrives early on November 4th, it is critical to establish drought-resistant native grasses like Buffalo grass by mid-summer. The growing window opens after April 1st, providing a shorter but intense period for lawn development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Collingsworth County's county score?
Collingsworth County, Texas has a composite county score of 58.7 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 Collingsworth County rank among counties in Texas?
Collingsworth County ranks #14 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 Collingsworth County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Collingsworth County is $1,378, with an effective tax rate of 1.27%. This earns Collingsworth County a tax score of 22.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Collingsworth County?
The median household income in Collingsworth County, Texas is $60,165 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Collingsworth County earns an income score of 39.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Collingsworth County, Texas a good place to live?
Collingsworth County scores 58.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Collingsworth 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 Collingsworth County with other counties side by side.