countyscore
39.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 65.5Schools 57.1Cost of Living 51.1

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.

2040608010026.151.145.87.257.165.548.99.745.4Tax26.1Cost51.1Safety45.8Health7.2Schools57.1Income65.5Risk48.9Water9.7Weather45.439.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Dallam County DNA

Foverall

How Dallam County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Dallam County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (9.7/100), though Income (65.5/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
26.1-25.9
Cost
51.1
Safety
45.8-9.200000000000003
Health
7.2-42.8
Schools
57.1
Income
65.5+14.5
Risk
48.9
Water
9.7-48.3
Weather
45.4-10.600000000000001
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Think property taxes are too high in Dallam County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$151,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,081/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$151,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,500/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Dallam County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 39.8 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 #150 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 $1,736, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Dallam County a tax score of 26.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dallam County?
The median household income in Dallam County, Texas is $71,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dallam County earns an income score of 65.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dallam County, Texas a good place to live?
Dallam County scores 39.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #150 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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