countyscore
57.6
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 88.4Cost of Living 65.4

County Report Card

About Culberson County, Texas

Culberson County exceeds national averages

With a composite score of 57.6, Culberson County sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a strong overall performance in safety and resilience.

Well above the Texas baseline

Culberson's score of 57.6 is over 15 points higher than the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks highly within the state for its safe environment and reasonable cost of living.

Elite safety and natural resilience

Safety is a hallmark of the county, earning a top-tier score of 97.5. It also boasts a risk score of 88.4, indicating it is well-protected against the financial impacts of natural disasters.

Low wages and health limitations

The county's biggest struggle is its income score of 4.9, reflecting a median household income of $42,672. Health access is also quite limited, as evidenced by a low dimension score of 10.7.

A haven for safety and security

Culberson County is best for those who value personal safety and a secure environment above high earning potential. It is a quiet, low-risk community that offers great peace of mind for its residents.

Score breakdown

Tax48.4Cost65.4Safety97.5Health10.7Schools63.8Income4.9Risk88.4Water34.7Weather59
🏛48.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼4.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤10.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱18.5
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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Nearby counties

Hudspeth County
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56.9
Loving County
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Reeves County
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39.8
Eddy County
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Jeff Davis County
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Ward County
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El Paso County
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Otero County
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Deep Dives

Culberson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Culberson County

via TaxByCounty

Culberson sits below national tax median

Culberson County's effective rate of 0.859% ranks below the national median of 1.29%, placing it in the lower-tax tier of American counties. The median property tax of $726 on an $84,500 median home is notably below the national median tax of $2,690.

Well below Texas state averages

Culberson County's 0.859% effective rate falls well below Texas's state average of 1.276%, making it one of the state's more affordable counties. The median tax of $726 is only 33% of the state median of $2,193, offering exceptional savings.

Culberson offers moderate tax relief

Culberson County's 0.859% rate falls between the extremely low Crockett County (0.333%) and the moderate Cottle County (1.152%). Its $726 median tax is slightly higher than Crockett's $466 but substantially lower than regional averages.

Culberson median tax $726 annually

The typical $84,500 home in Culberson County carries approximately $726 in annual property taxes at the 0.859% rate. Limited mortgage escrow data suggests taxes contribute modestly to total housing costs in this county.

Verify your assessment for accuracy

Even at Culberson's low rate, confirming your property assessment is wise to ensure fair market valuation. A simple appeal process can correct any overvaluation and further reduce your already-modest tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Culberson County

via CostByCounty

Culberson struggles with affordability crisis

Culberson County's rent-to-income ratio of 27.3% is dramatically above the U.S. standard, with renters dedicating more than one-quarter of gross income to housing alone. This represents one of the nation's most severe housing affordability crises, driven by modest household incomes of $42,672 combined with moderate rents.

Texas's least affordable county ranks here

At 27.3%, Culberson County's rent-to-income ratio far exceeds Texas's state average of 18.1%, making it one of the least affordable counties in the entire state. The median rent of $971 is nearly equal to the state average, but household income of $42,672 is 43.0% below the state norm.

Rent burden worst in entire comparison

Culberson's rent-to-income ratio of 27.3% is nearly four times higher than Crockett County (8.6%) and more than three times Cottle County's (6.6%). The median rent of $971 combined with the lowest incomes in this analysis creates the region's worst affordability crisis.

Housing costs dominate household budgets

Culberson County's median household income of just $42,672 combined with median rent of $971 means renters allocate 27.3% of gross income to rent—nearly three times the healthy affordability threshold. Owner costs of $381 per month are lower, but household incomes remain the constraint.

Culberson demands careful consideration

Before relocating to Culberson County, carefully analyze household income stability, as the 27.3% rent burden leaves limited financial flexibility for emergencies or savings. Consider neighboring Crane County ($883 rent, 17.7% ratio) or Crockett County ($585 rent, 8.6% ratio) for significantly better affordability options in West Texas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Culberson County

via IncomeByCounty

Culberson County faces severe income challenge

Culberson County's median household income of $42,672 falls 43% below the U.S. median of $74,755, the lowest in this entire group. This income gap reflects persistent economic disadvantage in this remote West Texas border county.

Among Texas's lowest-income counties

At $42,672, Culberson County ranks 34% below the Texas state median of $64,737, placing it at the bottom tier of state income distribution. Per capita income of $22,621 substantially trails the state average of $33,197, signaling severe individual earning constraints.

Economically isolated from region

Culberson County's $42,672 median income ranks far below all comparable counties, trailing Cottle ($58,819), Crane ($59,915), and Crockett ($81,739) by 28–48%. Geographic isolation and limited employment diversity have created a significant economic gap.

Housing affordability critical amid income stress

At 27.3% of income spent on rent, Culberson County approaches the problematic 30% affordability threshold, straining already-tight household budgets. Median home values of $84,500 are accessible, but income constraints remain the defining financial challenge.

Prioritize income stability and growth

Culberson County residents face the most urgent need for income growth and economic opportunity development in this group. Explore workforce training programs, remote work opportunities, and regional economic development initiatives to improve household earning capacity and financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Culberson County

via CrimeByCounty

Culberson County Reports Minimal Activity

Culberson County reports a 100.0 safety score with a zero crime rate per 100,000. While only one agency reports data, this figure is dramatically lower than the 2,385.5 national average.

One of the Quietest Texas Counties

The county's perfect safety score places it above the Texas state average of 96.8. It stands out as one of the quietest jurisdictions in the entire state for 2022.

Exceptional Safety Compared to Average

Culberson reports no crimes, while the Texas state average sits at 2,052.5 per 100,000. This indicates an exceptionally calm local landscape compared to regional norms.

Zero Reported Incidents This Year

Both violent and property crime rates are recorded as 0.0 per 100,000. Residents should remember that single-agency data provides a snapshot that may not capture every minor incident.

Maintaining Your Home's Security

Even with no reported crimes, protecting your property remains a smart habit. Visible security measures like signage and cameras can help keep these numbers at zero.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Culberson County

via HealthByCounty

Culberson County trails national health benchmarks

At 73.1 years, Culberson County residents live 1.6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 74.7 years. Nearly 3 in 10 residents (29.5%) report poor or fair health—the second-highest rate in this analysis—signaling widespread chronic disease and preventive care gaps.

Serious health challenges in West Texas

Culberson County's 73.1-year life expectancy falls 1.2 years below Texas's state average of 74.3 years, while its 29.5% poor/fair health rate ranks among the worst statewide. The county ranks among the lowest-health counties in the state.

Second-worst health outcomes in region

Culberson County's 73.1-year life expectancy ranks above only Crosby County (69.3 years) and Dallam County (70.4 years) in this analysis. At 29.5% poor/fair health, Culberson has the second-highest illness rate among the eight counties examined.

High uninsured rate, moderate provider access

Culberson County's 23.2% uninsured rate exceeds the state average, leaving nearly 1 in 4 residents without coverage in a county with serious health needs. Primary care and mental health providers are both available at 46 per 100,000, yet many residents lack insurance to access care.

Insurance opens door to better health

More than 1 in 5 Culberson County residents lack health insurance despite high rates of poor health outcomes (29.5%). Apply for Medicaid or explore Marketplace options at Healthcare.gov to connect with primary care and manage chronic diseases before they become life-threatening.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Culberson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Unified Education in the High Desert

Culberson County operates a centralized education system consisting of a single PK-12 public school. This lone campus, Van Horn School, serves the entire county's enrollment of 366 students under one district. This structure ensures that every student in the county receives a consistent academic experience from start to finish.

Strong Scores and Dedicated Funding

The county's school score of 57.5 exceeds the Texas state average of 55.3, indicating high-quality instruction. Investment is strong at $8,850 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average of $7,498. While the 90.0% graduation rate is slightly below the state average, it remains well above the 87% national benchmark.

Culberson County-Allamoore ISD

As the only district in the county, Culberson County-Allamoore ISD is responsible for the education of all 366 local students. There are no charter schools in the area, focusing all community efforts and resources on the local public campus. This creates a powerful sense of community identity around the local school.

The Van Horn School Experience

Attending school here means being part of a single rural campus that serves 366 students across all grade levels. The PK-12 format at Van Horn School allows for unique mentorship opportunities between older and younger students. The rural setting offers a peaceful and focused environment for learning far from urban distractions.

A Close-Knit Community Lifestyle

Families seeking a place where every child is part of one big school family will find Culberson County very appealing. Above-average scores and high funding levels suggest a school system that truly cares about its students. Find your home in the Van Horn area to join this dedicated and unified school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Culberson County

via RiskByCounty

Culberson County enjoys exceptionally low risk

Culberson County's composite risk score of 11.64 places it firmly in the "Very Low" category, well below the national average. This protected status reflects its remote West Texas location and limited exposure to most hazard types.

Among Texas's safest counties overall

Culberson County's score of 11.64 is 76% lower than Texas's state average of 49.00, making it one of the state's least threatened regions. This exceptional standing provides residents genuine peace of mind.

Substantially safer than most surveyed peers

Culberson County (11.64) ranks safer than Cottle County (12.47), Crosby County (23.73), and all counties surveyed except Crane (1.15). Its isolation contributes to remarkable natural disaster resilience.

Wildfire the only moderate concern present

Wildfire risk at 67.24 is Culberson County's primary hazard; earthquake risk is secondary at 26.94, while tornado (5.73), flood (6.58), and hurricane (11.43) risks remain negligible. This narrow risk profile simplifies preparedness.

Wildfire awareness plus standard insurance

Standard homeowners insurance is typically adequate in Culberson County, though wildfire-specific coverage should be considered given the 67.24 risk score. Vegetation clearance and defensible space represent practical, cost-effective protections.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Culberson County

via WeatherByCounty

High Altitude and Low Humidity

Culberson County averages 61.4°F annually, staying well above the national median but cooler than most of Texas. The high-altitude desert climate creates unique weather patterns.

One of Texas' Cooler Counties

At 61.4°F, it is roughly 4 degrees cooler than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It ranks as one of the cooler counties in the western part of the state.

The Driest Pocket of the Region

With only 12.0 inches of annual precipitation, it is one of the driest counties in the region. It experiences only 61 days of extreme heat, far fewer than the 126 days in nearby Crane.

Mild Summers and Snowy Peaks

Summers are relatively moderate for Texas, with a July average of 77.9°F and only 61 days over 90°F. Winters are cool and dry, featuring a 44.8°F average and 3.0 inches of snow.

Manage Low Humidity and Dust

Focus on managing dry conditions and moderate winter cold rather than extreme summer heat. Heavy-duty moisturizers and dust protection are more important here than in humid Dallas.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Culberson County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring the Rugged Trans-Pecos Soils

Culberson County lacks detailed survey data for pH and taxonomic orders in this dataset, but its mountain and basin geography is legendary. Typically, these West Texas soils are highly alkaline and mineral-rich due to the presence of limestone and gypsum. Local testing is the only way to confirm the specific chemistry of your desert acreage.

A Landscape of Salt Flats and Scree

Official sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded for this county, reflecting the vast and varied terrain from Guadalupe Peak to the salt flats. You will likely encounter anything from fine desert sands to rocky, skeletal soils. These diverse textures mean that water drainage and workability change drastically as you move across the county.

The Fertility of an Arid Frontier

With no data on organic matter or water capacity, Culberson County remains a frontier for data-driven gardening. Most soils in this arid region have organic matter well below the 1.66% state average and require significant amendments. Successful growth here depends more on specialized irrigation than on natural soil moisture.

High-Desert Drainage Dynamics

There is no assigned drainage class or hydrologic group for this county in the current record. In such a dry climate, the primary concern is managing the occasional flash flood rather than chronic saturation. Observation of local arroyos can provide clues about how water moves across your specific piece of land.

Hardy Growth in Zone 8a

Culberson County’s hardiness zone 8a allows for a stunning array of xeric plants like Sotol, Ocotillo, and Prickly Pear. If you have access to water, the high-desert sun can produce incredible tomatoes and peppers. Now is the perfect time to explore the unique beauty of high-altitude gardening in West Texas.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Culberson County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Aridity in Far West Texas

Culberson County's lawn difficulty score of 18.5 highlights the struggle of growing turf in a desert environment. Though located in Zone 8a, the lack of water makes it nearly three times harder to maintain a lawn than the national average.

Minimum Rain and Moderate Heat

The county receives just 12.0 inches of rain annually, which is far below the requirements of even the hardiest grasses. Surprisingly, it only sees 61 days of extreme heat, as the high elevation keeps July averages around 77.9°F.

Testing is Essential for Success

Specific soil data is unavailable for this county, but regional trends suggest highly alkaline, rocky ground. Residents should prioritize soil testing to determine if the local earth can even support non-native turf species.

Facing Permanent Drought Conditions

The county has spent every single week of the past year in drought, and 15.3% is currently in severe drought. In such conditions, lawn maintenance should focus exclusively on water-wise landscaping and native plant preservation.

Native Species for the Desert

If you choose to plant, the window opens after the March 31 frost to take advantage of 4,943 growing degree days. Focus on desert-hardy groundcovers that can survive on just 12 inches of annual rain without constant intervention.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Culberson County's county score?
Culberson County, Texas has a composite county score of 57.6 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 Culberson County rank among counties in Texas?
Culberson County ranks #20 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 Culberson County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Culberson County is $726, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns Culberson County a tax score of 48.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Culberson County?
The median household income in Culberson County, Texas is $42,672 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Culberson County earns an income score of 4.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Culberson County, Texas a good place to live?
Culberson County scores 57.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Culberson 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 Culberson 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.