Crosby County

Texas · TX

#154 in Texas
61.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Crosby County, Texas

Above Average, But Income Drags

Crosby County's composite score of 66.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 32%, marking solid national standing. However, this score masks a critical weakness: very low household incomes that limit overall quality of life.

Right at Texas State Average

At 66.0, Crosby County sits just below Texas's average of 66.8, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's counties. It's neither a standout nor a struggling performer within Texas.

Housing Affordability Is Exceptional

Crosby County scores 88.4 on cost, offering median rents of just $637/month and homes valued at $75,500. This ultra-low housing market is the county's defining strength for budget-conscious households.

Income and Tax Burdens Are Weak Points

The income score of 17.5 with median household income of $52,197 is the lowest among comparable rural counties—a significant barrier to wealth building. The tax score of 52.2 (effective rate 1.782%) is also the highest in this cohort, adding to household strain.

For Those Prioritizing Housing Affordability

Crosby County works best for retirees with pensions, remote workers with outside income, or those with low earnings expectations. It's less suitable for families planning to build wealth through local employment.

Score breakdown

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

Tax52.2Cost88.4SafetyComing SoonHealth44.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome17.5Risk76.3WaterComing Soon
🏛52.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠88.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼17.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
44.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
76.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Crosby County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Crosby County

via TaxByCounty

Crosby's rate ranks high nationally

Crosby County's effective tax rate of 1.782% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.29%, placing it well into the higher-taxed tier of American counties. The median tax of $1,345 on a $75,500 home, while modest in absolute terms, reflects an above-average rate burden.

Among Texas's highest-rate counties

At 1.782%, Crosby County's effective rate substantially exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276%, ranking it among the state's highest-tax counties. The median annual tax of $1,345 surpasses the state median of $2,193 on a lower home value, indicating an aggressive tax policy.

Crosby leads regional rates by far

Crosby County's 1.782% rate dramatically exceeds all neighbors in this group, doubling Cottle County's 1.152% and towering over Crockett's 0.333%. This makes Crosby's tax environment notably heavier than comparable West Texas counties.

Crosby residents pay $1,345 median tax

On a median home valued at $75,500, Crosby County homeowners pay approximately $1,345 in annual property taxes at the 1.782% rate. With a mortgage, annual escrow typically totals $1,897, adding significantly to housing costs.

Appeal your assessment in Crosby

Crosby County's high tax rate makes assessment accuracy critical—even a 10% reduction saves substantial money annually. Review your property assessment against recent comparable sales and file an appeal if you believe your valuation is inflated.

Cost of Living in Crosby County

via CostByCounty

Crosby offers solid affordability advantage

Crosby County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% is notably below the U.S. standard relative to the national median household income of $74,755. Renters here dedicate substantially less income to housing than typical American households, despite lower-than-average household earnings.

Better than Texas average affordability

At 14.6%, Crosby County's rent-to-income ratio improves upon Texas's state average of 18.1%, placing it in the more affordable tier of Texas counties. The median rent of $637 is 33.8% below the state average of $963, providing strong value for renters.

Affordable without Cottle's extreme isolation

Crosby's median rent of $637 is significantly cheaper than Cooke ($1,088) and Coryell ($1,120), though higher than Cottle ($323), making it a moderate affordability option. This positions Crosby as more accessible and economically viable than ultra-rural Cottle.

Lower income, but housing stays manageable

Crosby County's median household income of $52,197 is the lowest in this comparison, yet the median rent of $637 consumes just 14.6% of gross income. Owner costs of $577 per month represent about 13.3% of household income, creating balanced affordability for both renters and homeowners.

Crosby provides rural affordability access

Relocating to Crosby County works well for budget-conscious households seeking rural character, with median home values of $75,500 and rents among the lowest in the region. Verify local employment prospects carefully, as the lower household income reflects limited job diversity compared to larger counties.

Income & Jobs in Crosby County

via IncomeByCounty

Crosby County faces significant income gap

Crosby County's median household income of $52,197 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 30%, the largest gap in this group. This substantial shortfall reflects the economic challenges facing agricultural counties in the Texas Panhandle.

Texas's lower-income county tier

At $52,197, Crosby County ranks 19% below the Texas state median of $64,737, placing it among the state's lowest-income counties. Per capita income of $30,845 falls slightly below the state average of $33,197, indicating limited earning opportunities for individuals.

Struggling most among regional peers

Crosby County's $52,197 median income ranks lowest in this group, significantly trailing Cooke ($72,472), Coryell ($68,904), and even Cottle ($58,819). Agricultural dependence and population decline have constrained income growth relative to neighboring counties.

Low housing costs offset income constraints

At 14.6% of income, renters spend a relatively modest share on housing, and median home values of $75,500 are highly accessible. While housing affordability provides relief, the county's primary challenge remains boosting overall household earnings capacity.

Focus on income growth and stability

Crosby County households should prioritize career development and supplemental income opportunities to offset regional economic headwinds. Even modest income increases can meaningfully accelerate savings and investment potential; consider skill-building, side enterprises, or seeking higher-wage employment opportunities.

Health in Crosby County

via HealthByCounty

Crosby County life expectancy critically low

At 69.3 years, Crosby County residents live 5.4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 74.7 years—the lowest in this analysis. More than 1 in 4 residents (27.4%) report poor or fair health, indicating severe, widespread health challenges across the county.

Lowest life expectancy in the state region

Crosby County's 69.3-year life expectancy falls nearly 5 years below Texas's state average of 74.3 years, ranking among the worst in the state. The 27.4% poor/fair health rate places Crosby among the sickest counties in Texas.

Health crisis worse than all neighbors

Crosby County's 69.3-year life expectancy is the lowest across all eight counties analyzed, nearly 2 years below Crockett County (71.2 years). The combination of lowest life expectancy and 27.4% poor/fair health rate marks an urgent public health emergency.

Limited providers, uninsured rate compounding crisis

Crosby County reports 39 primary care providers per 100,000 and 41 mental health providers per 100,000, providing some infrastructure despite severe health outcomes. The 22.0% uninsured rate leaves 1 in 5 residents without coverage, severely limiting their ability to manage chronic diseases and prevent early death.

Getting insured is urgent action

One in five Crosby County residents lack health coverage in a county facing a severe health crisis, with a 69.3-year life expectancy. If you're uninsured, contact a healthcare navigator immediately at Healthcare.gov or your county health office to explore Medicaid, Marketplace plans, or charity care options.

Disaster Risk in Crosby County

via RiskByCounty

Crosby County maintains well-below-average risk

Crosby County's composite risk score of 23.73 falls in the "Very Low" category and remains substantially below the national average. This favorable standing reflects protection from most major natural disaster categories.

Safer than Texas average, though not the safest

Crosby County's score of 23.73 is 52% lower than Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it comfortably in the lower-risk tier. The county enjoys considerably better protection than many Texas regions.

Moderate risk within its peer group

Crosby County (23.73) ranks safer than Cooke County (73.31) and Coryell County (63.42), but slightly riskier than Cottle County (12.47). This middle-ground positioning reflects its West Texas location and climate.

Wildfire and tornado are primary concerns

Wildfire risk at 61.26 and tornado risk at 46.50 represent Crosby County's material hazards, though both remain manageable. Flood (5.47), earthquake (14.82), and hurricane (20.53) risks stay well below concerning thresholds.

Dual preparation for wildfire and storms

Crosby County residents should maintain defensible space against wildfire and ensure storm shelter access for tornado season. Standard homeowners insurance, supplemented by wildfire coverage, provides robust protection for most scenarios.

ByCounty Network

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