countyscore
61.5
County Score
Cost of Living 99.2Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 87.6

County Report Card

About Cottle County, Texas

Cottle County outperforms the national median

Cottle County boasts an impressive composite score of 61.5, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This ranking highlights a quality of life that exceeds many other rural and urban areas nationwide.

A top-tier performer in Texas

At 61.5, Cottle County significantly outperforms the Texas state average of 41.9. Its high marks across multiple categories make it one of the more desirable rural counties in the state.

Exceptional safety and deep affordability

The county excels in affordability with a near-perfect cost score of 99.2, thanks to a median gross rent of just $323. Safety is another major win, with an elite score of 97.5 that few other counties can match.

Bridging the healthcare and water gap

Health access is a significant challenge, marked by a low score of 7.7. The county also struggles with a water score of 16.6, suggesting a need for infrastructure investment to support the population.

Perfect for budget-conscious safety seekers

Cottle County is a haven for retirees or remote workers looking for extreme affordability and high levels of personal safety. It is the ultimate choice for those who value low-cost living and a secure, quiet environment.

Score breakdown

Tax28.1Cost99.2Safety97.5Health7.7Schools65Income34.8Risk87.6Water16.6Weather43.6
🏛28.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠99.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤7.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧16.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨19.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.4
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Cottle County?

Many homeowners in Cottle County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Cottle County with Carroll County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Carroll County
Iowa
Median income: $68,528
61.5
O'Brien County
Iowa
Median income: $68,216
61.5
Grant County
New Mexico
Median income: $45,921
61.5
Dunn County
North Dakota
Median income: $94,688
61.5
Douglas County
South Dakota
Median income: $78,125
61.5
Johnson County
Tennessee
Median income: $52,152
61.5
Wyoming County
West Virginia
Median income: $48,038
61.5
Door County
Wisconsin
Median income: $71,785
61.5

Nearby counties

Childress County
Texas
42.6
Hardeman County
Texas
57.2
Foard County
Texas
55.3
King County
Texas
65.5
Motley County
Texas
50.4
Hall County
Texas
57.5
Knox County
Texas
49.1
Harmon County
Oklahoma
54.5

Deep Dives

Cottle County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cottle County

via TaxByCounty

Cottle offers lowest tax burden nationally

Cottle County's effective rate of 1.152% sits well below the national median of 1.29%, making it among the nation's most tax-friendly counties. The median annual tax is just $623 on a median home value of $54,100—less than a quarter of the national median tax of $2,690.

Texas's most affordable county for taxes

Cottle County ranks among Texas's lowest-tax counties with a 1.152% effective rate below the state average of 1.276%. At just $623 in median annual taxes, it's dramatically lower than the state median of $2,193, offering exceptional savings for homeowners.

Cottle stands out as tax haven

Cottle County's 1.152% rate and $623 median tax are substantially lower than all regional neighbors like Crosby County (1.782%, $1,345 median tax). This dramatic difference reflects Cottle's lower property values and lighter tax burden across the board.

Cottle median tax just $623 yearly

The typical Cottle County home valued at $54,100 carries only $623 in annual property taxes, among the lowest in America. Even with mortgage escrow, taxes contribute minimally to the total housing cost, making Cottle highly affordable.

Low assessments mean few appeals needed

Cottle County's uniformly low property values mean most homeowners are fairly assessed relative to the market. Still, reviewing your assessment is wise—even modest overvaluations in a low-tax county can be corrected through a simple appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cottle County

via CostByCounty

Cottle stands out for extreme affordability

Cottle County's rent-to-income ratio of just 6.6% is dramatically lower than the U.S. standard, meaning renters here dedicate less than one-tenth the income share to housing compared to typical American households. This rural county offers some of Texas's most affordable rental housing in the nation.

Texas's most affordable county ranks

Cottle County's 6.6% rent-to-income ratio sits far below Texas's 18.1% state average, making it one of the most affordable counties in the entire state. The median rent of just $323 per month is 66.5% below the state median of $963.

Dramatically cheaper than surrounding areas

Cottle's median rent of $323 is less than one-third of nearby Cooke County ($1,088) and Coryell County ($1,120), and one-half of Crane County ($883). This extreme affordability gap reflects Cottle's remote rural character and limited housing demand.

Housing barely touches household budgets

With a median household income of $58,819 and median rent of just $323, Cottle County residents allocate only 6.6% of gross income to rent—the lowest burden in this comparison. Owner costs of $447 per month represent similarly modest housing expenses for homebuyers.

Cottle offers unbeatable housing deals

If affordability is your top priority and you can embrace rural isolation, Cottle County delivers median home values of $54,100 and rents under $350. However, verify employment and services availability before committing, as the tradeoff for cheap housing is limited job markets and amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cottle County

via IncomeByCounty

Cottle County faces income headwinds nationally

Cottle County's median household income of $58,819 runs 21% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting economic challenges common to rural agricultural counties. This gap underscores the income divide between rural and urban America.

Below Texas state average income

At $58,819, Cottle County ranks below the Texas median of $64,737 by 9%, placing it among the state's lower-income counties. Per capita income of $33,973 exceeds the state average of $33,197, suggesting a more equitable income distribution despite overall lower earnings.

Struggling amid rural Texas peers

Cottle County's $58,819 median income ranks among the lowest in its region, trailing nearby Cooke ($72,472), Coryell ($68,904), and Crane ($59,915). The county faces headwinds from population decline and limited employment diversity.

Exceptional housing affordability provides relief

At just 6.6% of income spent on rent, Cottle County offers extraordinary housing affordability—the lowest ratio in this group. With median home values only $54,100, housing scarcity isn't a financial burden, though income growth remains the primary challenge.

Maximize low housing costs for savings

Cottle County's remarkably low housing costs create an opportunity to redirect savings toward financial growth and resilience. Focus on building emergency funds, exploring supplemental income opportunities, and investing available capital to offset regional economic headwinds.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cottle County

via CrimeByCounty

Cottle County Reports Perfect Safety Score

Cottle County achieves a perfect 100.0 safety score with no crimes reported in 2022. This puts the county far below the national crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000.

Leading Texas in Public Safety

Cottle ranks as one of the safest areas in Texas, far exceeding the 96.8 state average safety score. Two local agencies confirm a year without any major reported incidents.

Exceptionally Low Local Activity

While neighbors face typical state crime levels of 2,052.5 per 100,000, Cottle reports a zero crime rate. This exceptional data highlights a very quiet and secure rural environment.

Zero Reported Violent or Property Crimes

Both violent and property crime rates stand at zero for the latest reporting period. While this indicates a very safe year, residents still benefit from basic situational awareness.

Maintaining a Crime-Free Community

A perfect score doesn't mean ignoring home security. Maintaining good relations with neighbors ensures the county keeps its zero-crime reputation for years to come.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cottle County

via HealthByCounty

Cottle County faces significant health challenges

Cottle County lacks recent life expectancy data, making direct national comparison difficult; however, 27.9% of residents report poor or fair health—nearly double the national average. This high rate signals serious underlying health conditions and limited access to preventive care in the county.

Health data gaps mask county struggles

Without current life expectancy figures, Cottle County's health ranking within Texas remains unclear, but the 27.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the worst in the state. The county's uninsured rate of 16.7% sits below state average, yet residents still struggle with health outcomes.

Worst health outcomes in the region

Cottle County's 27.9% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds all neighboring counties tracked in this analysis. The lack of life expectancy and provider data underscores the county's limited healthcare infrastructure compared to surrounding areas.

Limited data, serious health reality

Cottle County reports 16.7% uninsured—below state average—yet lacks current data on primary care and mental health providers, suggesting possible healthcare access gaps. The 27.9% poor/fair health rate indicates residents face significant chronic disease and wellness challenges despite insurance availability.

Find coverage and seek care

One in six Cottle County residents lack health insurance, and the high rates of poor/fair health suggest many need regular preventive care. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact your local health department for insurance options and to connect with available health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cottle County

via SchoolsByCounty

Concentrated Education in a Single Campus

Cottle County features a highly centralized education system with one public school serving the entire region. Paducah ISD manages this single campus, which provides for 158 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. This one-district, one-school model creates a close-knit community bond.

Strong Scores with Personalized Investment

Cottle County boasts a composite school score of 58.1, which is higher than both the state average of 55.3 and the national median. The county invests $9,098 per pupil, significantly more than the Texas average of $7,498. Although the 90.0% graduation rate is slightly below the state average, it remains well above the 87% national benchmark.

The Heart of Paducah ISD

Paducah ISD is the sole provider of public education in the county, ensuring 100% of the local student body learns together. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional focus on the local public district. The district's singular focus allows for a streamlined approach to student development.

An All-In-One Rural Learning Environment

Attending school here means being part of the Paducah School, a rural campus where all 158 students share the same facilities. This PK-12 structure means students and teachers often know each other for over a decade. The rural locale ensures a quiet, focused atmosphere that is synonymous with small-town Texas life.

A Close-Knit Community Awaits

For those seeking a true small-town experience where every neighbor is a classmate, Cottle County is the perfect fit. High per-pupil spending and above-average school scores make this single-school district a hidden gem for families. Explore local property options to become part of the Paducah ISD family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cottle County

via RiskByCounty

Cottle County remains well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 12.47, Cottle County ranks in the "Very Low" category and significantly below the national average. This low exposure provides residents with fewer natural disaster concerns than most U.S. counties.

Among Texas's safest counties overall

Cottle County's score of 12.47 is 75% lower than Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it among the state's least hazard-prone areas. This favorable standing reflects minimal exposure across most major disaster types.

Substantially safer than neighboring counties

Cottle County (12.47) significantly outperforms Cooke County (73.31) and Coryell County (63.42), making it one of the region's safest areas. Even compared to other low-risk counties like Crosby (23.73), Cottle maintains exceptional safety.

Wildfire is the only notable concern

Wildfire risk at 62.88 is Cottle County's only material hazard; all other risks—tornado (17.59), flood (1.53), earthquake (8.40), and hurricane (17.31)—remain minimal. This narrowly focused risk profile makes preparedness more straightforward.

Basic insurance and wildfire awareness suffice

Standard homeowners insurance covers most likely scenarios in Cottle County, though wildfire-specific coverage should be considered given the 62.88 risk score. Clearing vegetation and maintaining defensible space around structures offers cost-effective protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cottle County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Semi-Arid Rolling Plain

Cottle County averages 62.4°F annually, making it roughly 8 degrees warmer than the national median. It experiences a semi-arid climate that defines the lower rolling plains region.

Cooler than the Texas Average

The county is notably cooler than the Texas average of 65.5°F, reflecting its more northerly position. It ranks in the middle tier of Texas counties for overall temperature.

Drier and Snowier than North Texas

Its 23.9 inches of annual rain is significantly lower than the 38.8 inches seen in Dallas County. The 3.0 inches of annual snowfall is also triple what central Texas neighbors typically receive.

Intense Heat and Crisp Winters

Despite the cooler annual average, Cottle faces 111 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winter hits harder here than in the south, with January temperatures dipping to 41.2°F.

Prepare for Wide Temperature Swings

Prepare for wide temperature swings by maintaining both heating and cooling systems. The 111 days of extreme heat require reliable AC, while 3 inches of snow necessitates basic winter roadside kits.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cottle County

via SoilByCounty

The Young Entisols of Cottle County

Dominant Entisols in Cottle County show little profile development, representing geologically 'young' soil. The average pH is 7.56, which is considerably more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. These soils reflect the arid environment and mineral-rich parent materials of the Rolling Plains.

Working with Very Fine Sandy Loam

The soil is classified as a very fine sandy loam, consisting of 51.9% sand and 19.6% clay. This high sand percentage makes the soil exceptionally easy to till and work by hand. The fine texture of the sand provides a smoother feel than coarser soils while maintaining excellent aeration.

Efficient Water Storage in Arid Lands

Cottle County has an organic matter content of 1.14%, trailing the state average of 1.66%. Despite lower organic levels, the available water capacity of 0.136 in/in is higher than the Texas average of 0.133 in/in. This ability to hold onto moisture is a critical advantage for local agriculture in a dry climate.

Rapid Infiltration in Well-Drained Soil

These soils are well-drained and belong to hydrologic group A, which has the highest infiltration rates and lowest runoff potential. Water moves quickly through the profile, making it an excellent choice for deep-rooted crops and stable building foundations. This rapid drainage also means that nutrients can leach away more quickly than in heavier soils.

Growing Success in Zone 8a

In hardiness zone 8a, Cottle County gardeners can find success with heat-hardy crops like cotton, sorghum, and drought-resistant grapes. The well-drained sandy loam is perfect for plants that dislike 'wet feet' and require oxygen-rich root zones. Start your gardening journey by selecting native species adapted to these alkaline, sandy plains.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cottle County

via LawnByCounty

The Hard Reality of High Plains Lawns

Cottle County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 24.4, well below the state average of 31.7. In Hardiness Zone 8a, the combination of low rainfall and extreme heat makes traditional green lawns a luxury.

Extreme Heat and Low Precipitation

Lawns struggle with only 23.9 inches of annual rain, which is far below the 30-inch ideal minimum for turf. This deficit is compounded by 111 days of extreme heat, forcing grasses into dormancy to survive the summer.

Sandy Loam and Alkaline Soil

The local soil is a very fine sandy loam, containing 51.9% sand for excellent drainage. However, the pH of 7.56 is quite alkaline, which can lock out essential nutrients like iron and phosphorus from the grass roots.

Battling Persistent Dry Conditions

Over the past year, the county endured 29 weeks of drought, and currently, nearly 40% of the area faces severe conditions. Residents should prioritize drought-tolerant native grasses and strictly follow local water restrictions.

Choosing Resilience Over Aesthetics

Buffalograss is a top recommendation for this climate because it survives on minimal water and handles the 111 heat days well. Wait until the last frost on March 30 before seeding to maximize the spring growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cottle County's county score?
Cottle County, Texas has a composite county score of 61.5 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 Cottle County rank among counties in Texas?
Cottle County ranks #10 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 Cottle County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Cottle County is $623, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Cottle County a tax score of 28.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cottle County?
The median household income in Cottle County, Texas is $58,819 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cottle County earns an income score of 34.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cottle County, Texas a good place to live?
Cottle County scores 61.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Cottle 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 Cottle 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.