countyscore
37.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 72.4Schools 53.6Lawn Care 48.3

County Report Card

About Cooke County, Texas

Cooke County trails the national median

Cooke County earns a composite score of 37.1, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a lower overall ranking in livability compared to many other counties across the United States.

Falling behind the Texas average

The county's overall score of 37.1 is nearly five points lower than the Texas state average of 41.9. This puts Cooke County in a more challenging position relative to its neighbors in North Texas.

Strong earnings and solid school ratings

Cooke County shines in the income dimension with a score of 72.4, bolstered by a median household income of $72,472. Additionally, the local school score of 53.6 demonstrates a commitment to education that exceeds the state average.

Navigating high taxes and environmental risks

The county faces hurdles with an effective tax rate of 1.244%, leading to a low tax score of 23.7. Environmental risk factors also weigh down the score, with a risk rating of 26.7 that signals vulnerability to natural hazards.

Best for established working professionals

Cooke County is an ideal fit for professionals who can leverage its strong median income while managing the higher property tax burden. It suits those who prioritize local school quality and proximity to the DFW metroplex over ultra-low living costs.

Score breakdown

Tax23.7Cost25.5Safety34.9Health40Schools53.6Income72.4Risk26.7Water43.5Weather46.3
🏛23.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠25.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼72.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡34.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.3
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

Cooke County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Cooke County

via CrimeByCounty

Cooke County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Cooke County earns an impressive 97.6 safety score. Its total crime rate of 1,512.2 per 100,000 residents sits significantly below the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top-Tier Safety Rating in Texas

With a 97.6 safety score, Cooke outperforms the Texas state average of 96.8. Six local reporting agencies work together to maintain this secure profile among North Texas counties.

Quiet Living Compared to State Norms

The county's crime rate is lower than the state average of 2,052.5 per 100,000. It serves as a safer, quieter alternative to more urbanized neighbors in the region.

Property Concerns Outweigh Violent Crime

Property crimes account for 1,337.8 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 174.4. Residents are over seven times more likely to experience a property-related issue than a violent one.

Securing Your Cooke County Property

While violent crime is rare, property incidents make up the bulk of local reports. Simple steps like outdoor lighting and smart locks provide essential peace of mind for homeowners.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Cooke County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Rural Education Network

Cooke County manages a comprehensive network of 20 public schools, including eight elementary, four middle, and six high schools. Eight distinct school districts serve a total enrollment of 7,005 students across the region. This infrastructure provides a stable foundation for the county's growing student population.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county achieves an impressive 93.8% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0% and the Texas average of 91.6%. While per-pupil expenditure of $6,543 is lower than the state average of $7,498, the composite school score of 54.5 remains competitive. These figures suggest that Cooke County districts are delivering strong academic outcomes with high fiscal efficiency.

Gainesville ISD Leads the Region

Gainesville ISD stands as the county's largest district, overseeing five schools and 3,096 students. Other major contributors include Callisburg ISD with 1,166 students and Valley View ISD with 920. Notably, there are no charter schools in the county, with all 20 campuses operating as traditional public schools.

Vast Rural Settings and Intimate Campuses

The educational experience here is primarily rural, with 17 schools in rural locales and three in town settings. Schools maintain an intimate feel with an average enrollment of 350 students. Gainesville High School is the largest campus with 863 students, while Era School offers a unique PK-12 environment for 542 students.

Discover Homes Near Top-Tier Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates and a rural atmosphere will find Cooke County an ideal place to settle. With several districts outperforming state benchmarks, choosing a home here means investing in a community that prioritizes student success. Explore local listings to find your place near these high-performing campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Cooke County

via WeatherByCounty

Texas heat with a northern tilt

Cooke County’s 63.2°F average temperature is warm by national standards but cool for Texas. It receives a healthy 40.5 inches of rain, typical for the humid subtropical regions of the South.

One of the state's coolest spots

Cooke is over two degrees cooler than the Texas average and ranks among the state's more temperate counties. Despite the lower temps, it is wetter than the state average by nearly nine inches.

Colder and snowier than neighbors

Cooke is cooler than Collin County to the southeast and experiences nearly double the snowfall. It also sees far fewer extreme heat days than counties further south like Comanche.

Fewer heat days and actual snow

The county averages only 82 days of 90-degree heat, the lowest on this list. Winters are colder than most of Texas, with a January average of 42.2°F and 2.6 inches of snow.

Prepare for rain and light snow

Homeowners should prepare for 40.5 inches of rain with proper roof maintenance and drainage. While heat is still a factor, residents will use their heating systems more often than those in southern Texas.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cooke County

via SoilByCounty

Moderately Alkaline Soils in Cooke County

Cooke County features an average pH of 7.17, which sits slightly higher than the Texas average of 7.09 and notably above the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited for this region, the slightly alkaline nature indicates a mineral-rich environment common across North Texas. This chemical profile generally supports a wide range of local vegetation without intensive lime treatments.

A Sandy Foundation with Balanced Clay

The soil composition is predominantly sandy at 52.6%, balanced by equal parts silt and clay at 23.7% each. This high sand content ensures the ground is easy to work and provides decent aeration for root systems. The significant clay fraction helps the soil hold its structure better than purely sandy coastal soils.

Reliable Water Storage Despite Lower Organic Matter

The organic matter content stands at 1.48%, which is below the state average of 1.66% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.139 in/in exceeds the Texas average of 0.133 in/in. This means the soil is surprisingly efficient at storing moisture for crops during dry spells.

Challenging Drainage in Hydrologic Group D

Classified under hydrologic group D, these soils typically exhibit high runoff potential and very slow infiltration rates when thoroughly wet. This classification suggests that while the surface is sandy, deeper layers may restrict water movement significantly. Builders and farmers should plan for potential ponding during heavy North Texas rain events.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a

With a USDA hardiness zone of 8a, Cooke County is ideal for heat-tolerant favorites like pecans, peaches, and blackberries. The sandy-mix soil provides a great home for native grasses and resilient ornamental shrubs. Grab your shovel and start a garden today to take advantage of this region's long growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cooke County

via LawnByCounty

A North Texas Lawn Success Story

Cooke County earns a lawn difficulty score of 48.3, nearly matching the national median of 50.0 and far exceeding the Texas state average of 31.7. In Hardiness Zone 8a, growers enjoy more favorable conditions than most of their state neighbors.

Ideal Rainfall Meets Summer Heat

The county receives 40.5 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal range for healthy turf. While residents face 82 extreme heat days over 90°F, the 5,701 growing degree days support a robust, active growing season.

Managing Sandy Alkaline Soils

Soil here is roughly 52.6% sand, which helps with water movement but may require more frequent nutrient monitoring. With a pH of 7.17, the ground is slightly more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, often benefiting from sulfur amendments to lower acidity.

Weathering Moderate Dry Spells

Cooke County spent 18 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, the entire area is abnormally dry. Homeowners should focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root systems before the next severe dry spell hits.

Timing Your North Texas Turf

Bermudagrass and Zoysia thrive in this 8a zone once the threat of frost passes after March 19. Aim to establish new sod or seed in late spring to capitalize on the 5,701 growing degree days available before the first November frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cooke County's county score?
Cooke County, Texas has a composite county score of 37.1 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 Cooke County rank among counties in Texas?
Cooke County ranks #165 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 Cooke County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Cooke County is $2,794, with an effective tax rate of 1.24%. This earns Cooke County a tax score of 23.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cooke County?
The median household income in Cooke County, Texas is $72,472 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cooke County earns an income score of 72.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cooke County, Texas a good place to live?
Cooke County scores 37.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #165 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Cooke 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 Cooke 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.