45.9
County Score
Schools 71.2Cost of Living 70.5Disaster Risk 58.9

County Report Card

About Eastland County, Texas

Near the National Average

Eastland County posts a composite score of 45.9, placing it just slightly below the 50.0 national median. It offers a balanced profile that mirrors the typical rural American experience.

Surpassing the State Average

With a score of 45.9, Eastland ranks well above the Texas state average of 41.9. It provides a more stable livability profile than many of its neighboring counties.

Strong Schools and Low Costs

The county excels in education with a school score of 71.2 and maintains high affordability with a cost score of 70.5. A median home value of $121,700 makes entry into the market relatively easy.

Water and Health Gaps

The water score of 6.5 and health score of 16.9 represent the county's primary areas for improvement. Residents often find they must travel to larger hubs for specialized medical care or advanced services.

A Balanced Small-Town Choice

This county is a great match for young families seeking quality education without the high price tag of the suburbs. It offers a traditional Texas lifestyle with strong community foundations.

Score breakdown

Tax25.9Cost70.5Safety50Health16.9Schools71.2Income18Risk58.9Water6.5Weather41.4
🏛25.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠70.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼18
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡50
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
16.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓71.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
58.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧6.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤41.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨30.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱38.5
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

Eastland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Eastland County

via TaxByCounty

Eastland's rate slightly above national norm

Eastland County's effective tax rate of 1.192% sits modestly above the national median, with a median property tax of $1,451—roughly 54% of the national median of $2,690. On smaller home values, this rate translates to a moderate overall burden for residents.

Mid-range tax burden for Texas

Eastland County's 1.192% effective rate slightly undercuts the Texas statewide average of 1.276%, placing it in the middle ranks of the state's 254 counties. Residents pay $1,451 in median property tax, roughly 66% of the state average.

Slightly higher than nearby Panhandle counties

Eastland's 1.192% rate exceeds both Donley County (1.126%) and Edwards County (1.051%), though remains competitive regionally. Its median tax of $1,451 reflects a larger median home value than some neighboring counties.

Median home tax runs $1,451 yearly

With a median home value of $121,700, typical Eastland County homeowners pay approximately $1,451 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages may see this rise to around $2,137 when school and other local taxes apply.

Challenge overvalued assessments annually

Texas law allows homeowners to protest their property values each year—and studies show many appraisers overestimate values. File an appeal with Eastland County's appraisal district if you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its true market worth.

Cost of Living in Eastland County

via CostByCounty

Eastland housing costs strain incomes

Renters in Eastland County dedicate 18.6% of their income to housing—higher than the national median of roughly 28% relative to income—while earning $51,741 versus the nation's $74,755. This creates tighter housing affordability despite modest absolute rents.

Slightly above Texas average burden

At 18.6%, Eastland County's rent-to-income ratio edges above Texas's 18.1% state average, placing it in the middle-to-difficult range statewide. The $803 monthly rent exceeds the state median of $963, compressing affordability further.

Higher rents, higher home values

Eastland County's $803 rent sits between Duval ($737) and Erath ($1,134), while its median home value of $121,700 is notably higher than surrounding rural counties. This positions it as the costlier option in its immediate region.

Owner costs exceed rental burden

Renters spend $803/month while homeowners pay $632/month against the $51,741 median income, consuming roughly 19% of household earnings. Homeownership here requires a higher absolute investment but offers slightly better affordability than renting.

Buyers get better deals than renters

If you're eyeing rural Texas, Eastland County rewards home buyers with median values of $121,700—a strong entry point for wealth-building. Renters, however, may find more affordable options in neighboring Donley or Duval counties.

Income & Jobs in Eastland County

via IncomeByCounty

Eastland trails national income by 31%

Eastland County's median household income of $51,741 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $23,000. This 31% gap places Eastland in the lower-income bracket nationally, though the county benefits from relatively affordable housing.

Below Texas average but stronger per capita

Eastland's $51,741 median household income falls short of Texas's state average of $64,737 by about $12,996. However, the county's per capita income of $31,650 ranks above the state average of $33,197, suggesting more even income distribution across residents.

Mid-range income in central Texas cluster

Eastland County positions itself between lower-income Duval ($50,081) and higher-earning Erath County ($65,351) in its region. The county's peer group shows diverse economic profiles, with oil, ranching, and small manufacturing supporting variable household earnings.

Housing costs elevated for income level

Eastland's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% indicates housing consumes a notable share of household earnings, more than in stronger-income counties. Median home values of $121,700 are higher than incomes might typically support, reflecting limited inventory and regional demand.

Leverage land and local assets wisely

Eastland County's strong per capita income suggests concentrated wealth among some households; diversify your investments beyond real estate and local business. Consider tax-advantaged retirement accounts and index funds to build generational wealth alongside traditional ranching or property holdings.

Safety in Eastland County

via CrimeByCounty

Eastland County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

The total crime rate of 1,128.5 per 100K is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. A safety score of 98.2 reflects this peaceful local environment.

Eastland Safety Surpasses the Texas Average

The county's score of 98.2 beats the state average of 96.8 by a notable margin. Eight different reporting agencies contribute to this robust and reliable safety dataset.

Local Crime Stays Below Neighbor Benchmarks

Eastland's total rate of 1,128.5 per 100K is lower than Duval County's rate of 1,445.8. This positions the county as a relatively secure pocket within the region.

Violent Crime Remains Exceptionally Rare

The county reports just 146.0 violent crimes per 100K, less than half the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is more common at 982.5 per 100K but still modest.

Focus on Protecting Personal Property Today

Low violent crime rates mean property security is the primary concern for most residents. Simple steps like locking doors and garages effectively deter most local theft.

Health in Eastland County

via HealthByCounty

Eastland trails national life expectancy

Eastland County residents live to 72.0 years on average, about 3.4 years below the U.S. average of 75.4 years. One in five residents (22.1%) report poor or fair health, slightly above the national average of 19.5%.

Below Texas average but improving

At 72.0 years, Eastland's life expectancy falls 2.3 years below Texas's 74.3-year average, though its uninsured rate of 20.2% is close to the state's 19.8%. The county sits in the lower-middle range of this group of eight counties.

Mixed outcomes among similar counties

Eastland's 72.0-year life expectancy is lower than neighboring Erath County (76.8 years) but higher than Duval County (70.3 years). Its 22.1% poor/fair health rate resembles Donley County (20.8%) but exceeds Ellis County (18.8%).

Solid provider access in rural area

Eastland County offers 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 55 mental health providers per 100,000, giving it moderate healthcare infrastructure for a rural county. The 20.2% uninsured rate means one in five residents still lacks regular access to preventive care.

Strengthening coverage strengthens health

With providers available locally, uninsured Eastland County residents should prioritize enrolling in coverage to maximize these existing resources. Texas Health Insurance Marketplace plans and community health center sliding-scale fees can make preventive care affordable for uninsured families.

Schools in Eastland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Infrastructure in Eastland

Eastland County manages 15 public schools across five districts, serving a total population of 2,645 students. This network features a balanced mix of six high schools, five elementary schools, and four middle schools.

Leading the Pack in Graduation

The county maintains a stellar 94.3% graduation rate, far exceeding the national benchmark of 87.0%. Educational investment is healthy at $7,798 per pupil, helping the county achieve a composite school score of 57.5.

Eastland and Cisco Lead Enrollment

Eastland ISD is the county's largest district with 1,057 students, followed closely by Cisco ISD with 829 students. These two districts manage nearly half of the county's 15 total schools.

Blending Town Life and Rural Tradition

The locale mix includes nine rural schools and six town-based campuses, with an average enrollment of 176 students per school. Siebert Elementary is the county's largest campus with 491 students, providing a more bustling environment compared to the smaller rural outposts.

Settle Near Top-Tier Graduation Rates

Eastland County is a standout for families, offering one of the highest graduation rates in the region. Real estate options in the Cisco and Eastland districts place you within reach of these highly effective local school systems.

Disaster Risk in Eastland County

via RiskByCounty

Eastland County: Below-Average Risk

Eastland County scores 41.16 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and below the typical U.S. county average. Despite moderately elevated exposure to wildfire and tornado hazards, the county remains safer than most American communities when all hazard types are weighted together. This favorable standing reflects the county's distance from major seismic, hurricane, and flood-prone zones.

Below Texas Average, Moderate Hazards

Eastland County's 41.16 score falls 16% below Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the safer half of Texas counties. Despite this favorable overall ranking, the county experiences notably elevated wildfire (88.07) and tornado (65.27) risks that demand local preparedness attention. The county's composite score masks these significant regional hazards behind lower earthquake and flood exposure.

Safer Than Nearby Erath County

Eastland County's 41.16 is meaningfully lower than neighboring Erath County's 75.00, making it substantially less risky for residents in this North Central Texas region. It ranks higher than the extremely safe Edwards County (5.73) and well below the heavily exposed Ector County (82.82). This variation reflects Erath's elevation of wildfire and tornado risk to dangerous levels.

Wildfire and Tornado Dominance

Wildfire risk tops Eastland County at 88.07, making it one of the county's most critical hazards despite overall low composite scores. Tornado risk follows closely at 65.27, reflecting the county's exposure to severe spring and early summer storms. Flood risk at 43.16 adds a tertiary concern during heavy rainfall events.

Wildfire and Tornado Coverage Priority

Eastland County residents should prioritize wildfire insurance as a first line of defense, as standard homeowners policies typically exclude or severely limit brush fire coverage. Tornado and hail riders are equally essential given the county's 65% tornado risk score. Work with your insurance agent to ensure your policy covers both wind damage and wildfires specific to Texas grassland and brush environments.

Weather & Climate in Eastland County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national average

Eastland County maintains an average annual temperature of 63.8°F, which sits significantly higher than the national median. This region falls into a humid subtropical climate, though it remains drier than many eastern Texas counties with 30.2 inches of annual precipitation.

A cooler pocket of Texas

With an average temperature of 63.8°F, the county is roughly 1.7 degrees cooler than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. While much of the state experiences sweltering averages, Eastland sits in a slightly more temperate tier of the northern-central region.

Drier than its eastern neighbors

Eastland County is notably drier than nearby Erath County, receiving 30.2 inches of rain compared to Erath's 34.8 inches. Its annual temperature of 63.8°F is also slightly lower than Erath's 64.4°F average, reflecting its position further west.

Long summers and brief winters

Summer temperatures peak in July with an average of 82.6°F, and the county faces 94 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually. Winters are mild with a January average of 44.0°F and only 1.1 inches of total annual snowfall.

Preparing for nearly 100 heat days

Residents should prioritize high-efficiency HVAC systems to handle 94 days of temperatures exceeding 90°F. Since annual snowfall is a mere 1.1 inches, heavy winter gear is rarely necessary, but water-wise landscaping helps manage the 30.2-inch annual rainfall.

Soil Quality in Eastland County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Inceptisols of the Cross Timbers

Eastland County features gravelly loam soils classified as Inceptisols. Its pH of 6.96 is nearly neutral, closely matching the Texas state average of 7.09.

Gritty Textures Support Stable Roots

The mix of 56.4% sand, 25.7% silt, and 17.9% clay creates a gritty texture. This composition allows for easy tilling while providing a stable structure for diverse plant growth.

Managing Water in Leaner Soils

Organic matter averages 1.40%, trailing the national average of 2.0%. An available water capacity of 0.128 in/in suggests plants may need supplemental irrigation during the peak of summer.

High Runoff Risk Despite Good Drainage

Although these soils are well drained, they belong to hydrologic group D. This indicates a high runoff potential during heavy storms despite the loamy surface texture.

Zone 8a Pecans and Stone Fruits

The zone 8a climate allows for a diverse range of stone fruits and pecans. Residents can start a thriving garden by focusing on native, drought-tolerant varieties that love the loamy soil.

Lawn Care in Eastland County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing in Eastland County

Eastland County scores a 38.5 for lawn difficulty, outperforming the Texas average of 31.7. This Zone 8a region offers a more favorable balance for home gardening than many of its western neighbors.

Near-Ideal Precipitation Levels

Annual precipitation reaches 30.2 inches, hitting the low end of the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy turf. With 94 extreme heat days and 5,766 growing degree days, the climate supports a robust and active growing season.

Near-Perfect Soil pH

The soil pH of 6.96 is almost perfectly aligned with the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for lawn health. The gravelly loam texture and 56.4% sand content ensure excellent drainage, though it may require organic matter to boost moisture retention.

Moderate Drought Resistance

Despite 21 weeks of drought over the last year, the county currently faces only abnormally dry conditions across its area. Regular aeration can help the well-drained soil absorb rainfall more effectively during these dry periods.

Optimal Planting Windows

Bermudagrass thrives here, providing a durable carpet that handles the 94 days of heat well. Plan your seeding or sodding projects shortly after the last spring frost on March 30 for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eastland County's county score?
Eastland County, Texas has a composite county score of 45.9 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 Eastland County rank among counties in Texas?
Eastland County ranks #97 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 Eastland County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Eastland County is $1,451, with an effective tax rate of 1.19%. This earns Eastland County a tax score of 25.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Eastland County?
The median household income in Eastland County, Texas is $51,741 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Eastland County earns an income score of 18/100 on CountyScore.
Is Eastland County, Texas a good place to live?
Eastland County scores 45.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #97 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Eastland 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 Eastland County with other counties side by side.