countyscore
30.6
County Score
Cost of Living 60.8Water Quality 53.1Weather & Climate 49.5

County Report Card

About Deaf Smith County, Texas

Deaf Smith County falls short of median

The county’s composite score of 30.6 is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This places Deaf Smith in a lower percentile for overall national livability.

Below-average ranking in the Lone Star State

Deaf Smith County ranks below the Texas average of 41.9 with its 30.6 score. It faces challenges in health and education that pull down its state-level standing.

Affordable housing and decent water infrastructure

The county features a strong cost score of 60.8, supported by median home values of $116,000. It also maintains a respectable water score of 53.1, outperforming many neighboring rural counties.

Difficulty in health and education scores

Deaf Smith struggles with a health score of 13.9 and a school score of 20.5. These low figures suggest a need for improved local services and educational investment.

Ideal for those seeking affordable rural living

This county is best for individuals who value low housing costs and reliable water access. However, the $54,114 median income and low school ratings may be a hurdle for growing families.

Score breakdown

Tax18.3Cost60.8Safety23.9Health13.9Schools20.5Income23.2Risk38.2Water53.1Weather49.5
🏛18.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡23.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41.1
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

Parmer County
Texas
42.8
Oldham County
Texas
54.5
Castro County
Texas
52.4
Curry County
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33.5
Quay County
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Randall County
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Potter County
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Hartley County
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Deep Dives

Deaf Smith County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Deaf Smith County

via TaxByCounty

Deaf Smith taxes run 58% above national

Deaf Smith County's 1.37% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.87% by 58%, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties. The typical property tax of $1,590 is below the national median of $2,690 only because homes here are significantly less valuable.

Middle-of-pack among Texas counties

Deaf Smith ranks 95th by effective tax rate among 254 Texas counties at 1.37%, modestly above the state average of 1.28%. The median tax bill of $1,590 reflects lower home values than the statewide median of $2,193.

Higher than most surrounding counties

Neighboring Dawson County at 1.73% is higher, but Dimmit (1.14%), Dickens (1.37%), and Randall counties tax property at similar or lower rates. Deaf Smith's position reflects its role as a regional hub in the Texas Panhandle.

Median home generates $1,590 tax

A Deaf Smith County home worth $116,000—the county median—results in $1,590 in annual property taxes at the 1.37% rate. With mortgage-related additions, total tax obligations reach $2,765.

Challenge your assessment if values rose

Property values in West Texas Panhandle counties can fluctuate with agricultural and energy markets, sometimes inflating assessments. Filing a tax protest with Deaf Smith County's appraisal district during the annual protest period could reveal overvaluation and lower your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Deaf Smith County

via CostByCounty

Deaf Smith stays below national stress

Deaf Smith County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% exceeds the national ideal but reflects a modest household income of $54,114—27% below the national median. Renters here face measurable housing pressure, though less acute than peers in high-cost metros.

Mid-range affordability in Texas

Deaf Smith County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly above Texas's 18.1% state average, indicating modest housing affordability challenges. The county's median rent of $919 sits close to the state median of $963, reflecting typical West Texas costs.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Deaf Smith County's $919 median rent falls between Dawson County ($873) and DeWitt County ($955), positioning it as a middle ground in the state. Despite a lower median income of $54,114, the county's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% remains more manageable than nearby Dallas County at 23.8%.

Balanced housing costs

Deaf Smith households allocate $919 monthly for rent or $598 for mortgages on a median income of $54,114. Homeownership here costs roughly 35% less monthly than renting, creating a clear incentive for those able to purchase.

Deaf Smith for modest budgets

Moving to Deaf Smith County makes sense if you prioritize stable housing costs over high wages—rent at $919 consumes just over 20% of typical incomes. The county's lower homeownership costs offer a path to equity for buyers willing to relocate to West Texas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Deaf Smith County

via IncomeByCounty

Deaf Smith significantly underearns

Deaf Smith County's median household income of $54,114 trails the national median by 27.7%, placing it well below typical American household earnings. The county's per capita income of $24,087 reflects a regional economy centered on agriculture and lower-wage industries.

Ranks low among Texas counties

At $54,114, Deaf Smith County falls 16.5% below the Texas state average of $64,737, positioning it in the lower half of Texas counties by household income. Per capita earnings of $24,087 lag the state average of $33,197 by 27.4%.

Panhandle economic patterns

Deaf Smith County's income mirrors nearby Panhandle counties like Oldham and Parmer, all dependent on cattle ranching, grain production, and related agribusiness. The region's economies rise and fall with commodity prices and seasonal agricultural demand.

Housing costs remain manageable

The rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% sits just slightly above the healthy 20% threshold, meaning housing expenses consume a reasonable share of income. A median home value of $116,000 makes homeownership achievable for dual-income families despite lower overall earnings.

Agricultural workers can build wealth

Even in agricultural communities, establishing automatic transfers to savings accounts and exploring cooperative or farm-related investment opportunities can build equity over time. Those with land access may find wealth-building through agricultural enterprise or conservation programs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Deaf Smith County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Scores in Deaf Smith

Deaf Smith County earns a safety score of 97.0, surpassing the national benchmark for security. Its total crime rate of 1,915.5 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data paints a picture of a community that is safer than many of its peers across the country.

Beating the Texas Average Crime Rate

The county’s total crime rate of 1,915.5 is more favorable than the Texas state average of 2,052.5. With a safety score of 97.0, Deaf Smith also edges out the state average safety score of 96.8. Three reporting agencies coordinate to keep incident rates lower than the regional norm.

Comparison with Regional Neighboring Counties

Deaf Smith County is notably safer than Dawson County, which reports a much higher crime rate of 2,438.8. While Deaf Smith's property crime rate is 1,635.7, it remains lower than Dawson's 2,082.3. This relative safety makes the county a regional standout for lower crime frequency.

A Clear Look at Crime Types

Violent crime in Deaf Smith occurs at a rate of 279.8 per 100,000, well below the national rate of 369.8. Property crimes constitute the majority of police activity, with 1,635.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. Most local interactions with law enforcement involve theft or burglary rather than violent offenses.

Maintain Security for Local Property

Residents should focus on securing property to mitigate the 1,635.7 annual property crime rate. Ensuring all entry points are locked and using smart home monitoring can further improve your personal safety score. Simple precautions help Deaf Smith County maintain its position as a safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Deaf Smith County

via HealthByCounty

Deaf Smith struggles with health burden

Deaf Smith County's 74.2-year life expectancy matches the national average but masks a deeper crisis: 34.9% of residents report poor or fair health—nearly double the national rate. This disconnect reveals that while Deaf Smith residents reach average age, many live with chronic disease and disability.

High disease burden, low provider supply

Deaf Smith County's life expectancy slightly trails Texas's 74.3-year average, but its 34.9% poor/fair health rate towers above the state average, ranking among Texas's most health-stressed counties. The county's critical shortage of 11 primary care providers per 100,000 means residents cannot access the preventive care needed to reverse this trend.

West Texas health access desert

Deaf Smith's 74.2-year life expectancy and 34.9% poor/fair health rate place it among the most challenged in West Texas, below Dimmit (71.0 years) despite similar uninsured rates. With only 11 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Deaf Smith mirrors the provider scarcity seen in Dawson, isolating residents from essential mental health care.

Extreme shortage of doctors and mental health

Deaf Smith County's 11 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 11 mental health providers per 100,000 represent a healthcare access crisis—families often drive 50+ miles for a routine checkup. The 22.7% uninsured rate worsens the situation, as uninsured residents postpone visits until emergencies arise.

Insurance is first step to care

With 22.7% of Deaf Smith County uninsured and severe provider shortages, health insurance becomes even more critical to access distant specialists and mental health care. Visit healthcare.gov or call 211 Texas to explore coverage options that can connect you to care outside the county when needed.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Deaf Smith County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Fabric of Hereford

Deaf Smith County supports 4,100 students across nine public schools, including five elementary and two middle schools. Two districts manage the county's infrastructure, which is largely centered around the town of Hereford.

Academic Benchmarks and Spending

The county reports an 85% graduation rate, which falls below the state average of 91.6% and the national 87% benchmark. Spending per pupil is $6,113, roughly $1,385 less than the Texas average.

Hereford ISD Leads District Operations

Hereford ISD is the county's largest district, managing eight schools and 3,952 students. There are currently no charter schools in the area, ensuring all students attend traditional public campuses like Walcott ISD.

Town-Based Learning in the Panhandle

Most students attend school in town settings, where Hereford High School stands as the largest campus with 1,176 students. The average school size is 456 students, providing a moderate-sized environment for local families.

Move Near Hereford’s Local Schools

If you are looking for a community where schools are the heart of the town, Deaf Smith County is a strong contender. Proximity to Hereford’s elementary and middle schools remains a top priority for local home buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Deaf Smith County

via RiskByCounty

Deaf Smith County faces moderate-to-high risk

Deaf Smith County's composite risk score of 61.80 places it in the "Relatively Low" category, exceeding the national average but remaining below the most dangerous counties. This Panhandle region contends with concentrated hazards that demand targeted preparation.

Above Texas average but not extreme

With a score of 61.80, Deaf Smith County exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00, ranking among the state's mid-to-higher-risk counties. The Panhandle's geography and climate create distinct hazard patterns compared to the rest of Texas.

Wildfire risk ties Panhandle counties together

Deaf Smith (61.80) faces significantly higher wildfire risk (85.75) than nearby Dawson County (38.74) or Dimmit County (35.88). The county's agricultural landscape and proximity to grasslands make it part of a wildfire-prone regional corridor.

Wildfire and tornado drive exposure

Wildfire risk (85.75) and tornado risk (69.69) are Deaf Smith's dominant hazards, each far exceeding national typical values. Flood risk remains minimal at 13.14, but earthquake (38.77) and the complete absence of hurricane threat (0.00) round out the county's profile.

Prioritize wind and wildfire defenses

Homeowners insurance should explicitly cover wildfire damage and high wind; verify limits given the 85.75 wildfire score. Create and maintain defensible space by trimming trees, removing dead vegetation, and keeping roofing and gutters clear of debris.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Deaf Smith County

via WeatherByCounty

High Plains Living With Moderate Temperatures

Deaf Smith County averages 57.4°F annually, hovering just above the national median temperature. Its climate is characterized by low humidity and a modest 19.3 inches of annual precipitation.

One of the Coolest Spots in Texas

At 57.4°F, this county is significantly cooler than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It also receives about 12 inches less rain than the state average, defining it as a semi-arid High Plains environment.

A True Panhandle Climate Profile

Deaf Smith experiences more snowfall than its neighbors to the south, recording 14.3 inches annually. It shares the windy, dry characteristics common to the Amarillo region but avoids the extreme humidity of East Texas.

Snowy Winters and Manageable Summer Heat

The county sees 77 days of temperatures over 90°F, which is lower than most of the state. Winter brings a significant 14.3 inches of snow and a chilly January average of 36.8°F.

Winterize Your Home and Vehicle

Given the 14.3 inches of snow, residents need reliable heaters and snow removal equipment. Summer requires sun protection, but the 77.0°F summer average makes outdoor activities more bearable than in Southern Texas.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Deaf Smith County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly alkaline Panhandle soils

Deaf Smith County features an average pH of 7.83, making it significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.09. This chemical profile is typical for the high plains, where calcium carbonate often influences the soil chemistry.

Balanced textures for regional agriculture

The soil contains 42.6% sand, 31.5% silt, and 25.9% clay. This mix provides enough clay to retain nutrients while the sand content ensures the soil doesn't become overly compacted.

Rich organic matter and water storage

This county outperforms the state with 1.86% organic matter, compared to the Texas average of 1.66%. It also boasts a high available water capacity of 0.149 in/in, which is superior to the state average of 0.133 in/in.

High runoff potential in group D

The soil belongs to hydrologic group D, indicating it has low infiltration rates and a high potential for runoff. Farmers and builders must account for this slow drainage when planning irrigation or site drainage systems.

Cooler winters and productive Zone 7a

The Zone 7a climate supports wheat and sorghum, which benefit from the high water-holding capacity of the soil. Gardeners should choose plants that tolerate high pH levels, such as lavender or certain varieties of beans and squash.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Deaf Smith County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High Plains Lawn Care

Deaf Smith County has a lawn difficulty score of 41.1, which is better than the Texas state average of 31.7 but below the national benchmark of 50.0. Located in hardiness zone 7a, it offers a different set of challenges compared to the warmer central parts of the state. Success here requires a specific focus on water management and soil health.

Dry Air and Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation is low at 19.3 inches, necessitating significant irrigation to reach the 30-50 inch ideal range. The county sees 77 extreme heat days, which is less than the state average of 105, offering some relief to cool-season grasses. However, the 4,264 growing degree days indicate a shorter, more concentrated growing season.

Correcting Alkaline Sandy Mixes

The soil in this area is fairly sandy at 42.6%, providing a base that drains relatively quickly. The pH level of 7.83 is significantly above the ideal 7.0 threshold, meaning your lawn may struggle to absorb iron and other nutrients. Targeted fertilization and soil amendments are often necessary to maintain a vibrant green color.

Maintaining Stability During Dry Spells

Deaf Smith has faced 5 weeks of drought over the past year, a relatively stable record compared to its neighbors. While 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry, none of the county is in severe D2+ drought levels. Use mulching mowers to return clippings to the soil, which helps retain precious moisture during dry periods.

Early Frost Planning for Zone 7a

With the last spring frost occurring on April 17th and the first fall frost on October 25th, the growing window is narrower than in many other Texas counties. Cool-season grasses like Fescue can thrive here with irrigation, though Bermuda remains a durable warm-season option. Aim to establish new sod or seed in late spring once the soil warms up.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Deaf Smith County's county score?
Deaf Smith County, Texas has a composite county score of 30.6 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 Deaf Smith County rank among counties in Texas?
Deaf Smith County ranks #210 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 Deaf Smith County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Deaf Smith County is $1,590, with an effective tax rate of 1.37%. This earns Deaf Smith County a tax score of 18.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Deaf Smith County?
The median household income in Deaf Smith County, Texas is $54,114 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Deaf Smith County earns an income score of 23.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Deaf Smith County, Texas a good place to live?
Deaf Smith County scores 30.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #210 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Deaf Smith 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 Deaf Smith 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.