countyscore
32.6
County Score
Schools 65.8Cost of Living 63.2Disaster Risk 61.3

County Report Card

About Dawson County, Texas

Dawson County ranks below national benchmarks

With a composite score of 32.6, Dawson County sits nearly 18 points below the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects a mix of high educational value but low health and tax scores.

Trailing the Texas statewide average

Dawson County’s 32.6 score is lower than the Texas average of 41.9. It struggles to compete with other Texas counties primarily due to its tax burden and health infrastructure.

Exceptional school value and housing affordability

The county boasts a solid school score of 65.8 and a cost score of 63.2. Homes are remarkably affordable with a median value of just $90,800, providing great entry points for new buyers.

Low scores in health and water quality

Health and water scores are notably low at 4.7 and 4.9 respectively. Additionally, the tax score of 6.5 reflects a high effective tax rate of 1.726%, which is high for the region.

Suited for budget-conscious families

Dawson County is a fit for those prioritizing low-cost housing and decent schools. Residents should be prepared for limited local healthcare options and a higher-than-average tax burden.

Score breakdown

Tax6.5Cost63.2Safety14.3Health4.7Schools65.8Income27.2Risk61.3Water4.9Weather51.6
🏛6.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤4.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧4.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨16.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱22.3
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

Dawson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dawson County

via TaxByCounty

Dawson's rate nearly doubles national median

Dawson County's 1.73% effective tax rate is nearly double the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the top 20% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Despite modest home values averaging $90,800, residents pay $1,567 annually—compared to the national median of $2,690 for far more expensive homes.

Second-highest rate in Texas

Only Dallas County (1.68%) comes close to Dawson's 1.73% effective tax rate among all 254 Texas counties. The median tax bill of $1,567 far exceeds the state average of $2,193, which applies to pricier homes.

Regional outlier despite rural character

Surrounding counties Deaf Smith (1.37%), Dickens (1.37%), and Dimmit (1.14%) all tax property owners at substantially lower rates than Dawson's 1.73%. This suggests Dawson's higher burden reflects distinct local service costs or funding structures in West Texas.

Modest homes, significant tax bills

The typical Dawson County home valued at $90,800 generates $1,567 in annual property taxes at the 1.73% rate. With mortgage costs factored in, owners face total annual obligations of $1,940.

Overassessment claims warrant investigation

In counties with high effective rates relative to home values, assessment errors are common and often go unchallenged. Requesting a formal appraisal review from Dawson County's appraisal district could uncover overstated property values and reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dawson County

via CostByCounty

Dawson beats national affordability

Dawson County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% sits just below the national norm and well below the national median income of $74,755, making this West Texas county genuinely affordable. Renters here spend less than one-fifth of household income on housing—a rare advantage in today's market.

Texas's affordable exceptions

Dawson County ranks among Texas's most affordable counties with an 18.8% rent-to-income ratio, nearly matching the state average of 18.1%. Its median rent of $873 per month undercuts the state median of $963, offering relief for working-class families.

West Texas affordability stronghold

Dawson County's $873 median rent compares favorably to nearby Deaf Smith County ($919) and significantly undercuts larger metros like Dallas and Denton. With a median income of $55,789, Dawson residents enjoy some of the region's lowest housing burdens despite earning less than state averages.

Affordable rents, modest incomes

Renters in Dawson County pay $873 monthly while homeowners spend $624—both figures among Texas's lowest. The county's $55,789 median income means households dedicate less than 19% of earnings to housing, one of the state's better ratios.

Dawson offers rare affordability

If cost of living drives your relocation decision, Dawson County delivers: rent under $900 and an 18.8% affordability ratio that rivals statewide averages. Trade big-city job markets for genuine housing security and lower household expenses.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dawson County

via IncomeByCounty

Dawson lags national income

Dawson County's median household income of $55,789 falls 25.3% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting the economic constraints of West Texas. The county's per capita income of $26,182 suggests lower overall earning capacity compared to national averages.

Below Texas average earnings

Dawson County earns $55,789 annually per household, 13.8% below the Texas state average of $64,737. Its per capita income of $26,182 trails the state average of $33,197 by 21.1%, indicating a dependence on lower-wage employment.

Rural west Texas parity

Dawson County's income aligns with other rural West Texas counties like Gaines and Glasscock, all facing similar challenges from oil-dependent economies and limited diversification. Regional peers in the Panhandle and South Plains share comparable income levels and economic structures.

Housing stays relatively affordable

At 18.8%, Dawson County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 20% health threshold, meaning housing costs remain manageable for median earners. A median home value of just $90,800 keeps homeownership accessible, though wages limit savings for down payments.

Start small, think long-term

Lower incomes in Dawson County don't eliminate wealth-building opportunities—even modest regular savings into employer 401(k) programs or individual retirement accounts can grow substantially over 30+ years. Seeking skills training or certifications in high-demand fields can help raise earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dawson County

via CrimeByCounty

Dawson County Matches National Crime Averages

Dawson County’s total crime rate of 2,438.8 per 100,000 residents sits just slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.1, which reflects a typical level of security for the region. These numbers show that local crime trends largely mirror broader national patterns.

Crime Rates Slightly Above State Average

The county's safety score of 96.1 is slightly below the Texas state average of 96.8. With 2,438.8 crimes per 100,000 residents, Dawson County reports a higher frequency of incidents than the statewide average of 2,052.5. Local officials monitor these trends across three different reporting agencies.

Higher Incident Rates Than Nearby Counties

Dawson County faces a higher total crime rate than its neighbor, Deaf Smith County, which reports 1,915.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. While Dawson's violent crime rate of 356.5 is close to the national average, it remains higher than several surrounding rural districts. This contrast emphasizes the need for localized community awareness and prevention.

Analyzing Property vs. Violent Crime

Property crimes make up the bulk of local reports, totaling 2,082.3 per 100,000 people compared to 356.5 for violent crimes. Dawson’s violent crime rate actually sits just below the national average of 369.8. This indicates that while property theft is a concern, the risk of violent interaction is not exceptionally high.

Focus on Home Property Security

With over 2,000 property crimes per 100,000 residents, securing outbuildings and vehicles is essential. Installing motion-sensor lights or reliable deadbolts can effectively lower your risk of becoming a statistic. Active community policing and neighbor-to-neighbor watch programs remain vital tools for Dawson County residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dawson County

via HealthByCounty

Dawson faces a life expectancy gap

Dawson County residents live 70.7 years on average—3.6 years less than the U.S. average of 74.3 years and a concerning 11.6-year gap compared to some Texas peers. Nearly three in ten residents report poor or fair health, signaling systemic health challenges across the county.

Among Texas's healthiest challenges

At 70.7 years, Dawson County ranks well below Texas's 74.3-year average life expectancy, placing it in the lower tier of Texas counties. The 30.3% poor/fair health rate—50% higher than the state average—reveals concentrated health struggles in this West Texas community.

Rural isolation compounds health gaps

Dawson County's 70.7-year life expectancy trails nearby Dimmit (71.0 years) and significantly lags Denton (80.7 years), just a few hours away. Critically, Dawson has only 8 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—27 times fewer than Dallas County—leaving residents with untreated depression and anxiety.

Provider shortage limits daily care

With just 40 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and only 8 mental health providers per 100,000, Dawson County residents often travel hours for routine care. The 22.1% uninsured rate compounds access problems, as uninsured residents often skip preventive visits and manage chronic conditions poorly.

Seek coverage and preventive care

Dawson County's 22.1% uninsured rate means thousands lack the routine care that could extend life and improve health. Enroll at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find Medicaid or marketplace plans—early intervention can close the life expectancy gap.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dawson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in West Texas

Dawson County manages a compact educational system with four public schools serving a total of 2,221 students. Four districts oversee these campuses, which primarily utilize all-level 'other' configurations rather than separate elementary or middle schools.

Strong Graduation Rates Exceed State Average

The county boasts an impressive 93.7% graduation rate, outpacing the Texas state average of 91.6%. Investment is steady at $7,503 per pupil, which aligns closely with the state average of $7,498.

Lamesa ISD Serves the Majority

Lamesa ISD is the primary provider, enrolling 1,588 students at its central Lamesa Schools campus. No charter schools currently operate in the county, leaving public education entirely to the four local independent school districts.

A Rural and Town-Centered Feel

With three rural schools and one in a town setting, the educational environment is intimate and community-focused. The average school size is 555 students, ranging from Lamesa's larger campus to the 139 students at Dawson School.

Investing in a Tight-Knit Community

Dawson County offers a high graduation rate and small-town atmosphere perfect for families seeking a personal touch. Consider local school districts as you explore real estate in this quiet corner of Texas.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dawson County

via RiskByCounty

Dawson County enjoys below-average risk

Dawson County's composite risk score of 38.74 ranks as "Very Low," sitting well below the national average. This West Texas county experiences notably less overall natural disaster exposure than most American counties.

Among Texas's safest counties

At 38.74, Dawson County scores significantly lower than the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it in the safer tier statewide. Residents here benefit from geographic and climate conditions that reduce exposure to the state's most common hazards.

Safer than surrounding West Texas counties

Dawson's score of 38.74 compares favorably to Deaf Smith County (61.80) and Dimmit County (35.88), though wildfire risk (56.97) remains the shared concern across the region. The county's relatively flat terrain and sparse development help buffer against multiple hazard types.

Wildfire poses the clearest threat

Wildfire risk of 56.97 is Dawson's primary concern, significantly higher than its flood (18.77) and earthquake (17.43) scores. Tornado risk (52.13) and hurricane risk (34.29) remain manageable but warrant preparedness planning.

Focus insurance on wind and wildfire

Standard homeowners insurance covers wildfire and wind damage, but residents should verify adequate coverage limits given the 56.97 wildfire score. While flood and earthquake risks are low, maintaining a defensible space around your home and clearing gutters are cost-effective protections.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dawson County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Semiarid High Plains Climate

Dawson County maintains an annual average temperature of 60.9°F, which sits significantly higher than the national median. This semiarid region receives only 16.8 inches of rain per year, making it much drier than most American counties.

Cooler and Drier Than the Texas Average

While much of Texas swelters, Dawson County stays roughly 4.6 degrees cooler than the state average of 65.5°F. Its annual precipitation of 16.8 inches is nearly half the state average of 31.9 inches, reflecting its West Texas location.

Consistent Weather Across the West Texas Plains

Dawson shares a similar dry profile with its neighbors in the Llano Estacado. It experiences more extreme heat than the Panhandle counties to the north but remains cooler than the Permian Basin counties to the south.

Blistering Summers and Brief Winter Dustings

Residents face 94 days of extreme heat annually where temperatures top 90°F, concentrated during the 80.3°F July average. Winters are relatively mild with a 42.4°F average and 2.6 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Sun and Soil Moisture Loss

High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential to handle the three months of extreme summer heat. Gardeners and farmers must prioritize water conservation and drought-resistant plants given the low 16.8-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dawson County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline sands of the South Plains

Dawson County soils are notably alkaline with an average pH of 7.74, significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. This high pH level reflects the semi-arid environment and the specific mineral makeup of the region.

Sandy soil dominates the landscape

The soil is comprised of 56.9% sand, with silt at 22.5% and clay at 19.6%. This high sand content makes the soil easy to work but requires careful management to prevent erosion and nutrient leaching.

Lower organic matter in a dry climate

Organic matter averages 1.39%, falling below the state average of 1.66% and the national 2.0% benchmark. Despite the low organic content, the available water capacity of 0.131 in/in remains close to the state average of 0.133 in/in.

Limited drainage in hydrologic group D

While sand usually drains well, this soil is categorized in hydrologic group D, suggesting it has a very slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. Local growers must monitor for surface runoff during the occasional heavy West Texas rains.

Heat-loving crops thrive in Zone 8a

In Zone 8a, Dawson County is famous for cotton, which thrives in these sandy, alkaline conditions. Home gardeners should focus on drought-resistant varieties and consider adding compost to boost the relatively low organic matter levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dawson County

via LawnByCounty

A High-Stakes Challenge in Dawson

With a difficulty score of just 22.3, Dawson County is one of the more challenging places in the nation to grow a lawn. This score is significantly lower than both the national average of 50.0 and the Texas state average of 31.7. In hardiness zone 8a, residents must work extra hard to overcome local environmental stressors.

Arid Conditions and Scorching Summer Days

The county receives only 16.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than half of the 38.8 inches seen in Dallas and well below the ideal range for grass. High temperatures add to the stress, with 94 extreme heat days recorded annually. These arid conditions mean supplemental irrigation is mandatory for any traditional lawn to survive.

Managing Alkaline and Sandy Soil

Dawson's soil is 56.9% sand, which helps with drainage but requires more frequent watering as it doesn't hold moisture well. The soil pH of 7.74 is more alkaline than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, which can limit nutrient uptake. Adding organic matter or sulfur can help bring this soil into a better balance for turfgrass.

Battling Prolonged Severe Drought

The county has spent 27 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, 86.3% of the area suffers from severe D2 conditions. These persistent dry spells make water conservation a critical part of local yard maintenance. Focus on drought-tolerant landscaping or native grasses to keep your property green without exhausting water resources.

Tough Grasses for a Short Season

Wait until after the last spring frost on April 4th to start your lawn projects. Heat-hardy species like Buffalograss or specific Bermuda varieties are your best bet for this zone 8a climate. Be mindful of the November 4th fall frost date, which signals the end of the active growing period.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dawson County's county score?
Dawson County, Texas has a composite county score of 32.6 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 Dawson County rank among counties in Texas?
Dawson County ranks #196 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 Dawson County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Dawson County is $1,567, with an effective tax rate of 1.73%. This earns Dawson County a tax score of 6.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dawson County?
The median household income in Dawson County, Texas is $55,789 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dawson County earns an income score of 27.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dawson County, Texas a good place to live?
Dawson County scores 32.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #196 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Dawson 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 Dawson County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.