countyscore
35
County Score
Income & Jobs 72Schools 57.1Disaster Risk 48.9

County Report Card

About Dallam County, Texas

Dallam County falls below the median

Dallam County earns a composite score of 35.0, placing it well behind the national median of 50.0. This lower score highlights systemic challenges in health and infrastructure relative to national peers.

Trailing the Texas state average

With a score of 35.0, Dallam County lags behind the Texas state average of 41.9. It faces greater hurdles in maintaining livability than many other counties in the Texas Panhandle.

Strong income and education metrics

Income is a bright spot with a score of 72.0 and a median household income of $72,332. The county also maintains respectable schools, earning a school score of 57.1.

Struggling with water and health access

The county faces critical issues in water quality or access with a score of 9.7, and healthcare access is similarly low at 7.2. High taxes further impact the score, with a tax rating of 14.3.

Best for high-earning rural workers

Dallam County suits individuals in specialized rural industries who can capitalize on the high median income. It is best for those who are comfortable navigating limited local infrastructure in exchange for solid job opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax14.3Cost34.4Safety45.8Health7.2Schools57.1Income72Risk48.9Water9.7Weather45.4
🏛14.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼72
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤7.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧9.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨18.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.6
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

Dallam County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dallam County

via TaxByCounty

Dallam's rate exceeds national median

Dallam County's effective tax rate of 1.470% runs above the national median of 1.29%, placing it in the higher-taxed half of American counties. The median property tax of $2,065 on a $140,500 median home falls below the national median tax of $2,690, reflecting lower property values.

Above Texas average, notable burden

Dallam County's 1.470% effective rate significantly exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276%, ranking it among the state's higher-rate counties. The median tax of $2,065 falls just below the state median of $2,193, indicating a moderate-to-high tax burden.

Dallam ranks high in regional cluster

Dallam County's 1.470% rate exceeds most regional neighbors, surpassed only by Crosby County's 1.782%. Its $2,065 median tax is among the higher values in the comparison group, reflecting aggressive rate setting.

Dallam homeowners pay $2,065 median

A median-value home in Dallam County at $140,500 generates approximately $2,065 in annual property taxes at the 1.470% rate. With a mortgage, lenders typically escrow $2,762 annually for property taxes and related costs.

Challenge assessments in Dallam County

Dallam County's above-average rate makes assessment accuracy especially important—homeowners should verify valuations against recent market comparables. Filing a tax appeal is free and can yield significant savings if your property is overassessed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dallam County

via CostByCounty

Dallam's affordability near national norms

Dallam County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% aligns closely with U.S. housing affordability patterns, positioning it just below the national median household income benchmark of $74,755. Renters here maintain affordability similar to typical American households across the country.

Slightly better than Texas average affordability

At 17.8%, Dallam County's rent-to-income ratio performs marginally better than Texas's state average of 18.1%, placing it in the more affordable half of Texas counties. The median rent of $1,074 is 11.5% above the state average, but household income of $72,332 provides proportional support.

Mid-range affordability in the panhandle

Dallam's median rent of $1,074 exceeds rural affordability leaders like Cottle ($323) and Crockett ($585), but remains below growing communities like Coryell ($1,120). This positions Dallam as a moderate option balancing rural character with reasonable housing access.

Balanced housing costs in Dallam

With a median household income of $72,332, Dallam County residents managing $1,074 in monthly rent dedicate 17.8% of gross income to housing. Owner costs of $857 per month consume about 14.2% of household income, creating manageable affordability for both renters and homebuyers.

Dallam offers panhandle affordability balance

Relocating to Dallam County in the Texas Panhandle provides competitive housing affordability with a median home value of $140,500 and rent-to-income ratios near national norms. Compare with neighboring Culberson County to understand how household income dramatically affects affordability in this region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dallam County

via IncomeByCounty

Dallam County nearly matches U.S. income levels

At $72,332, Dallam County's median household income runs virtually even with the U.S. median of $74,755, just 3% below. This strong national positioning reflects economic stability rooted in agriculture, ranching, and energy sectors.

Solid above-average Texas earner

Dallam County's $72,332 median income exceeds the Texas state median of $64,737 by 12%, ranking it among the state's stronger-earning counties. However, per capita income of $27,774 falls short of the state average of $33,197, suggesting concentrated household earnings.

Competitive with upper-tier regional counties

Dallam County's $72,332 median income ranks nearly equal to nearby Cooke ($72,472) and exceeds most other regional peers including Coryell ($68,904) and Cottle ($58,819). This strong positioning reflects Panhandle economic resilience.

Housing costs stay manageable

At 17.8% of income, Dallam County residents maintain healthy housing affordability well below the concerning 30% threshold. Median home values of $140,500 remain accessible for median-income households, allowing room for savings and financial planning.

Build wealth on stable economic foundation

With above-average income and manageable housing costs, Dallam County households have meaningful capacity for wealth-building through homeownership, retirement savings, and investments. Maximize employer benefits, establish diversified investments, and plan strategically for long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dallam County

via CrimeByCounty

Dallam County Maintains Safe Community Standards

Dallam County scores a 98.1 for safety, reflecting a very secure community. Its total crime rate of 1,214.3 per 100,000 is about half the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding the Texas Safety Benchmark

Dallam outperforms the state's average safety score of 96.8. Two local agencies provide the data that confirms the county's status as a safe Texas panhandle location.

A Safer Alternative for Families

The county's crime rate of 1,214.3 is significantly lower than the Texas average of 2,052.5. It remains a safer choice for residents compared to more urbanized Texas counties.

Focusing on Local Property Safety

Property crime occurs at a rate of 879.3 per 100,000, while violent crime is 335.0. Residents are nearly three times more likely to encounter a property crime than a violent one.

Enhancing Your Home Security

Property crime is the most common issue, so focusing on home entry points is key. Installing a reliable alarm system can further reduce the risk of becoming a local statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dallam County

via HealthByCounty

Dallam County life expectancy among lowest in nation

At 70.4 years, Dallam County residents live 4.3 years shorter than the U.S. average of 74.7 years—one of the lowest life expectancies in the country. A quarter of residents (25.1%) report poor or fair health, indicating severe, widespread chronic disease.

Critical health crisis in the Panhandle

Dallam County's 70.4-year life expectancy falls nearly 4 years below Texas's state average of 74.3 years, ranking among the lowest in the state. The 25.1% poor/fair health rate underscores urgent need for preventive care and disease management infrastructure.

Among the sickest counties in the region

Dallam County's 70.4-year life expectancy ranks second-lowest in this eight-county analysis, above only Crosby County (69.3 years). The 28.0% uninsured rate—highest in the region—severely limits residents' ability to access the abundant primary care providers (84 per 100,000).

Highest uninsured rate despite strong provider supply

Dallam County boasts the highest primary care provider density in the analysis at 84 per 100,000, yet 28.0% of residents lack any health insurance—the worst rate in the eight-county group. Mental health providers number 42 per 100,000, offering some behavioral health capacity that remains largely inaccessible to uninsured residents.

Close coverage gap immediately

More than 1 in 4 Dallam County residents lack health insurance, the highest rate in this analysis, despite excellent primary care availability. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local health navigator today to explore Medicaid, Marketplace subsidies, or charity programs—strong providers are available if you have coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dallam County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in the Panhandle Frontier

Dallam County maintains two public schools serving a total of 605 students. The infrastructure is a mix of specialized campuses, including one elementary school and one multi-grade 'other' school. This small-scale system serves a tight-knit student population across the county's northern landscape.

Elite Graduation Rates in the North

Dallam County boasts an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, far outpacing the national average of 87%. While the school score of 55.2 is slightly below the state average, the county is highly efficient, spending only $6,566 per pupil. This indicates that local schools are achieving excellent completion results despite leaner budgets.

Texline and Dalhart Schools

Texline ISD serves the region with 220 students, while Dalhart ISD also plays a key role through its intermediate campus. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning traditional public education is the standard for all residents. These districts work to provide stable, localized schooling for the Panhandle community.

Small Campuses with Wide Open Spaces

The county's schools are located in town and rural settings, with an average school size of 303 students. Dalhart Intermediate is the largest campus with 385 students, while Texline School offers a PK-12 environment for 220 students. This creates a familiar, safe atmosphere where students receive significant individual attention.

Great Outcomes in a Peaceful Setting

For home buyers prioritizing graduation success, Dallam County is a top contender with its 95% rate. The area offers a quiet, rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic achievement for its youth. Explore real estate in the Dalhart and Texline areas to find your perfect home near these reliable schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dallam County

via RiskByCounty

Dallam County faces moderate disaster risk

Dallam County's composite risk score of 51.15 places it in the "Relatively Low" category and slightly above the national average. This modest elevation reflects concentrated wildfire and tornado exposure in the Texas Panhandle.

Above-average risk for Texas overall

Dallam County's score of 51.15 exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00 by 4%, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of Texas hazard exposure. The county experiences notably higher wildfire and tornado risks than the state norm.

Riskier than most surveyed West Texas counties

Dallam County (51.15) carries higher composite risk than Culberson County (11.64), Crane County (1.15), and Crockett County (5.82), but less than Cooke County (73.31). Its Panhandle location drives elevated wildfire and tornado exposure.

Wildfire and tornado dominate hazard profile

Wildfire risk at 74.55 and tornado risk at 35.97 represent Dallam County's primary threats; earthquake (34.29) and flood (14.95) risks remain secondary. Hurricane data is not available for this region.

Comprehensive storm and fire preparation needed

Dallam County residents should prioritize defensible space, vegetation management, and tornado shelter access. Standard homeowners and flood insurance, supplemented by wildfire coverage, provides essential multi-hazard protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dallam County

via WeatherByCounty

Mirroring the National Temperature Median

Dallam County averages 56.4°F annually, which is very close to the national median temperature. It is one of the few places in Texas that mirrors a more standard U.S. climate profile.

The Coldest Reach of Texas

It is the coldest county in this set, sitting nearly 10 degrees below the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Its Panhandle location creates a distinct climate compared to the rest of the state.

Extreme Snowfall for the Region

It receives a substantial 12.7 inches of snow, which is vastly more than any other county in this group. Rainfall is sparse, however, totaling only 16.6 inches per year.

Harsh Winters and Milder Summers

Winters are harsh for Texas, with a January average of 34.6°F and significant snowfall. Even summers are milder, with 80 days over 90°F compared to the 100+ days typical elsewhere.

Prepare for Snow and Cold

Prioritize home insulation and snow removal equipment, as the 12.7 inches of snow is a real factor. Ensure HVAC systems can handle temperatures that average 36.5°F throughout the winter.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dallam County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Alkaline Panhandle Soils

Dallam County sits at the tip of the Texas Panhandle with a strongly alkaline average pH of 7.74. This is much higher than the Texas average of 7.09 and the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is common in the semi-arid High Plains where calcium carbonate often accumulates near the surface.

Sandy Soils of the High Plains

The soil composition is 56.4% sand, 24.8% silt, and 18.9% clay, creating a light and airy texture. This high sand content makes the soil easy to cultivate but susceptible to wind erosion if left uncovered. The low clay fraction means the soil has less natural 'glue' to hold it together during dry periods.

Exceptional Water Storage Capacity

While organic matter is low at 1.18%, the available water capacity is a robust 0.144 in/in. This exceeds the state average of 0.133 in/in, making the soil surprisingly good at holding onto every drop of scarce rainfall. This high capacity is a lifesaver for the corn and wheat crops that dominate the region.

Slow Infiltration in Group D Soils

Despite the sandy texture, these soils are in hydrologic group D, indicating very slow infiltration and high runoff potential at depth. This suggests a restrictive layer, like a caliche bed, may exist beneath the surface sand. Landowners should be aware that water may sit on the surface longer than expected during intense storms.

Cold Winters in Hardiness Zone 6b

As the coldest part of Texas, Dallam County is in hardiness zone 6b, requiring plants that can survive significant freezes. The sandy, high-capacity soil is excellent for cool-season vegetables like kale, carrots, and potatoes. Start your northernmost Texas garden today by choosing cold-hardy varieties that love the alkaline soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dallam County

via LawnByCounty

The Panhandle's Cold and Dry Challenge

Dallam County holds a lawn difficulty score of 38.6, outperforming the Texas state average despite its harsh northern climate. As part of Hardiness Zone 6b, it faces the coldest winters in the state, requiring different turf strategies.

Short Seasons and Scarce Rain

Annual precipitation is quite low at 16.6 inches, making irrigation a necessity for survival. The growing season is limited, with only 4,069 growing degree days and a relatively low 80 days of extreme heat.

Sandy Soil with High pH

The soil is 56.4% sand, which allows for fast drainage but poor nutrient retention. With a pH of 7.74, the soil is very alkaline, meaning growers must use acidifying fertilizers to prevent grass from turning yellow.

Managing Dryness in the North

Dallam County spent 13 weeks in drought this past year, and the entire county remains abnormally dry. To conserve water, residents should aerate the soil to ensure every drop of the limited 16.6 inches reaches the roots.

Seeding for a Cooler Climate

Unlike most of Texas, cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue may work here if irrigated, but planting must wait until after the April 28 frost. You have until October 20 to establish your lawn before the first autumn freeze hits.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dallam County's county score?
Dallam County, Texas has a composite county score of 35 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 Dallam County rank among counties in Texas?
Dallam County ranks #181 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 Dallam County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Dallam County is $2,065, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Dallam County a tax score of 14.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dallam County?
The median household income in Dallam County, Texas is $72,332 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dallam County earns an income score of 72/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dallam County, Texas a good place to live?
Dallam County scores 35/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #181 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Dallam 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 Dallam County with other counties side by side.

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