CountyScore

Cooke County

Texas · TX

#162 in Texas
61.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Cooke County, Texas

Well Above National Average

Cooke County's composite score of 65.6 sits 31% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This strong performance reflects affordability and reasonable tax burdens that outpace most American communities.

Slightly Below Texas Average

At 65.6, Cooke County ranks just below Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it squarely in the middle of the pack among Texas counties. It's a solid, reliable performer without standout advantages or disadvantages within its state.

Affordability and Low Taxes Lead

Cooke County excels in cost-of-living with a score of 73.1, offering median rents of $1,088/month and homes at $224,600—well within reach for working families. An effective tax rate of just 1.244% keeps the cost burden low, supporting household budgets.

Income Growth Lags Behind

The county's income score of 30.7 is a notable weak point, with median household income of $72,472 indicating limited high-wage job opportunities. Safety, health, school quality, and environmental factors remain unmeasured, leaving a partial picture of county conditions.

Perfect for Budget-Conscious Families

Cooke County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability and low taxes over rapid income growth or urban amenities. Its stable, wallet-friendly profile makes it ideal for those seeking small-town living with modest household incomes or seeking to stretch savings.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax67.3Cost73.1SafetyComing SoonHealth61SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.7Risk26.7WaterComing Soon
🏛67.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡26.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Cooke County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Shawnee County
Kansas
61.2
Median income: $66,043
Chambers County
Texas
61.2
Median income: $108,114
Medina County
Texas
61.2
Median income: $73,462
Upshur County
Texas
61.2
Median income: $62,794
Yakima County
Washington
61.2
Median income: $68,015

Deep Dives

Cooke County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cooke County

via TaxByCounty

Cooke's taxes run slightly low nationally

At 1.244%, Cooke County's effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 1.29%, placing it near the middle of American counties. The median property tax here is $2,794, slightly higher than the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's solid median home value of $224,600.

Below average among Texas counties

Cooke County's effective rate of 1.244% runs slightly lower than Texas's state average of 1.276%, putting it in the lower half of the state's 254 counties. The median tax bill of $2,794 exceeds the state median of $2,193, primarily due to higher home values in the county.

Moderate rates in North Texas cluster

Cooke County's 1.244% rate sits between nearby Coryell County (1.414%) and Crane County (1.308%), making it the most tax-friendly of the three neighbors. All three counties collect similar median taxes, with Cooke at $2,794, suggesting comparable overall tax burdens despite modest rate differences.

Typical Cooke homeowner pays $2,794

A median-value home in Cooke County costs about $2,794 annually in property taxes based on the 1.244% rate and $224,600 median home value. If you're financing with a mortgage, lenders typically require $3,250 to be held in escrow annually.

Challenge your assessment if overstated

Many Cooke County homeowners discover their properties are assessed above fair market value, opening the door to successful tax appeals. Consider requesting a professional appraisal to compare against your county assessment—even a modest reduction saves hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cooke County

via CostByCounty

Cooke rents track national affordability

Cooke County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% sits just below the national median household income of $74,755, making it roughly aligned with U.S. affordability patterns. Renters here spend about the same share of income on housing as Americans nationwide, suggesting moderate affordability for typical households.

Slightly better than Texas average

At an 18.0% rent-to-income ratio, Cooke County performs marginally better than Texas's state average of 18.1%, placing it in the middle of the Texas housing affordability pack. The median rent of $1,088 is 12.9% above the state average of $963, but household incomes are also proportionally higher.

Moderate rents among nearby counties

Cooke's median rent of $1,088 is noticeably higher than rural neighbors like Cottle County ($323) and Crockett County ($585), but comparable to Coryell County's $1,120. This reflects Cooke's position as a more established community with stronger housing demand.

Balanced housing costs in Cooke

With a median household income of $72,472, Cooke County residents split their housing burden between $1,088 in monthly rent and $1,018 in owner costs, leaving meaningful income for other expenses. About 18% of gross income goes to rent for typical renters, while homeowners carry similar proportional costs.

Consider Cooke for stable affordability

If you're relocating to North Texas, Cooke County offers competitive housing costs with a median home value of $224,600 and affordability metrics nearly matching national norms. Compare these figures with neighboring Coryell County to see if rural proximity or urban access better fits your household budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cooke County

via IncomeByCounty

Cooke County stays near national income pace

At $72,472, Cooke County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just 3%, placing it solidly in the middle tier nationally. This slight gap reflects a county that earns close to what typical American families make, despite Texas's overall income ranking around 30th among states.

Above-average earners in Texas

Cooke County ranks in the upper third of Texas counties, earning 12% more than the state median of $64,737. The county's $38,518 per capita income also exceeds the state average of $33,197, signaling stronger individual earning power across the board.

Outearning surrounding rural counties

Cooke County's $72,472 median income ranks highest among nearby counties like Dallam ($72,332) and Coryell ($68,904). This advantage reflects Cooke's more diversified economy and stronger employment base in North Texas.

Housing costs are manageable here

With an 18.0% rent-to-income ratio, Cooke County families spend a healthy, sustainable share of earnings on housing—well below the concerning 30% threshold. Median home values of $224,600 remain accessible for households earning near the county average.

Build on solid earnings foundation

Above-average income and moderate housing costs create room for savings and investment in Cooke County. Consider working with a financial planner to maximize retirement contributions and build wealth through diversified investments while housing costs stay manageable.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Cooke County

via HealthByCounty

Cooke County lives longer than most

At 76.5 years, Cooke County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.7 years. Just 19.1% report poor or fair health, a sign of overall wellness that outpaces many rural Texas counties. This advantage reflects stronger health outcomes across the county.

Above-average health for Texas

Cooke County's life expectancy of 76.5 years tops Texas's state average of 74.3 years by more than 2 years. The county ranks well within the state for health outcomes, supported by strong mental health provider availability at 69 per 100,000 residents.

Healthier than its neighbors

Cooke County's 76.5-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Coryell County (75.3 years) and most other nearby counties in North Texas. With an uninsured rate of 18.4%—lower than the state average of 19.8%—more residents have coverage and access to care.

Good insurance coverage, adequate providers

An 18.4% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 5 Cooke County residents lack health coverage, slightly below the state average. Primary care providers number 26 per 100,000, supported by robust mental health services at 69 per 100,000, ensuring residents can access both physical and behavioral health support.

Make sure you're insured

Nearly 1 in 5 Cooke County residents remain uninsured despite strong county health metrics. If you lack coverage, visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to explore Marketplace options, Medicaid eligibility, or employer plans before open enrollment closes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cooke County

via RiskByCounty

Cooke County's above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 73.31, Cooke County faces notably higher natural disaster risk than the national average. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects significant exposure to specific hazards, particularly wildfire and tornado activity that exceed typical U.S. patterns.

Highest-risk county in North Texas

Cooke County ranks among Texas's most hazard-prone areas, with a score 49% higher than the state average of 49.00. This elevation places the county in a distinct risk category compared to most other Texas regions.

Dramatically higher risk than surrounding counties

Cooke County's score of 73.31 far exceeds neighboring Dallam County (51.15) and more distant peers like Coryell County (63.42). The county's wildfire risk of 91.51 and tornado risk of 91.48 are the driving factors behind this regional disparity.

Wildfires and tornadoes dominate the threat profile

Cooke County residents face exceptional wildfire risk (91.51) and tornado risk (91.48)—both among the state's highest. Flood risk is moderate at 66.83, while hurricane and earthquake risks remain manageable at 48.14 and 54.80 respectively.

Comprehensive coverage essential in Cooke County

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes wildfire and flood damage, leaving residents significantly exposed. Residents should prioritize separate wildfire and flood policies, maintain defensible space around structures, and ensure storm shelters are accessible.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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