Dawson County's composite score of 64.2 significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 78th percentile nationally. This West Texas county demonstrates solid livability across its available metrics.
2 / 5
Competitive with Texas average
At 64.2, Dawson County essentially matches the Texas state average of 66.8, positioning it squarely in the state's middle-to-upper tier. Among Texas counties, Dawson ranks in the upper half despite having a much smaller population than major metros.
3 / 5
Housing affordability is exceptional
Dawson County excels with a cost score of 83.2, offering outstanding housing value: median home at $90,800 and rent at just $873/month. These prices provide among the lowest living expenses in the state while maintaining reasonable tax burden.
4 / 5
Income levels constrain earning potential
The income score of 19.8 reflects median household income of only $55,789, well below state and national averages. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and water quality prevents fuller assessment of community livability.
5 / 5
Ideal for retirees and cost-conscious families
Dawson County appeals to those prioritizing low housing costs, modest taxes, and rural or small-town living over high salaries. Remote workers and fixed-income households will find excellent affordability; those seeking urban amenities or high-wage jobs should look elsewhere.
Dawson County's composite score of 64.2 significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 78th percentile nationally. This West Texas county demonstrates solid livability across its available metrics.
Competitive with Texas average
At 64.2, Dawson County essentially matches the Texas state average of 66.8, positioning it squarely in the state's middle-to-upper tier. Among Texas counties, Dawson ranks in the upper half despite having a much smaller population than major metros.
Housing affordability is exceptional
Dawson County excels with a cost score of 83.2, offering outstanding housing value: median home at $90,800 and rent at just $873/month. These prices provide among the lowest living expenses in the state while maintaining reasonable tax burden.
Income levels constrain earning potential
The income score of 19.8 reflects median household income of only $55,789, well below state and national averages. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and water quality prevents fuller assessment of community livability.
Ideal for retirees and cost-conscious families
Dawson County appeals to those prioritizing low housing costs, modest taxes, and rural or small-town living over high salaries. Remote workers and fixed-income households will find excellent affordability; those seeking urban amenities or high-wage jobs should look elsewhere.
Score breakdown
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🏛53.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.