countyscore
21.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 65.6Weather & Climate 33.3Water Quality 32

County Report Card

About Ector County, Texas

A Challenging National Comparison

Ector County’s composite score of 21.2 is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. The area faces substantial livability headwinds despite its industrial importance.

Behind the Texas Average

The county trails the Texas state average of 41.9 by more than 20 points. Its profile is defined more by economic activity than by community amenities.

High Earning Potential

Ector shines in the income dimension with a score of 68.9, supported by a median household income of $71,031. This is the primary draw for the local workforce in the Permian Basin.

Quality of Life Hurdles

School and health scores are very low at 10.1 and 9.4 respectively, indicating strained public services. Additionally, the risk score of 17.2 highlights environmental and safety concerns.

Designed for Industrial Professionals

Ector County is best suited for workers in the energy sector who prioritize high wages over local public services. It is a place for those focused on career advancement and building capital.

2040608010020.525.121.19.410.165.617.23233.3Tax20.5Cost25.1Safety21.1Health9.4Schools10.1Income65.6Risk17.2Water32Weather33.321.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average8 below average

Ector County DNA

Foverall

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

Ector County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Schools (10.1/100), though Income (65.6/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
20.5-31.5
Cost
25.1-22.9
Safety
21.1-33.9
Health
9.4-40.6
Schools
10.1-43.9
Income
65.6+14.599999999999994
Risk
17.2-29.8
Water
32-26
Weather
33.3-22.700000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Ector County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$200,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,259/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$200,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$50,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,536/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.8

per 100K

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
Compare Ector County with Potter County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

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Median income: $53,249
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Nearby counties

Midland County
Texas
38.8
Andrews County
Texas
32.7
Winkler County
Texas
52.8
Crane County
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56.7
Upton County
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55
Ward County
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47.2
Martin County
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Glasscock County
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57.2

Deep Dives

Ector County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ector County

via TaxByCounty

Ector's rate slightly above the nation's

Ector County's effective tax rate of 1.280% mirrors the national median, with a median property tax of $2,438 running 91% of the national median of $2,690. On higher home values, this pushes Ector's absolute tax burden closer to national averages.

Ector slightly exceeds Texas average

At 1.280%, Ector County's rate runs marginally above Texas's 1.276% statewide average, placing it squarely in the middle band of the state's 254 counties. The median property tax of $2,438 falls slightly above the state average of $2,193.

Higher taxes reflect Midland Basin prosperity

Ector County's 1.280% rate and $2,438 median tax both exceed most West Texas peers, reflecting higher property values driven by oil-and-gas industry activity. The county's median home value of $190,500 supports more robust school and infrastructure funding than surrounding rural areas.

Expect to pay roughly $2,438 annually

On a median home value of $190,500, typical Ector County homeowners pay approximately $2,438 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages typically see this climb to around $3,192 when school district taxes are included.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Ector County homeowners benefit from strong property markets but should verify their assessed values remain fair and current. Contact Ector County's appraisal district to request a free comparison analysis or file a protest if recent market activity suggests your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ector County

via IncomeByCounty

Ector earns near the national average

Ector County's median household income of $71,031 sits just $3,724 below the U.S. median of $74,755, performing nearly on par with the nation overall. Strong oil industry presence fuels these above-average earnings in the Permian Basin.

Top earner in Texas comparison group

At $71,031, Ector County's median household income exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by approximately $6,294. The county's per capita income of $34,459 also surpasses the state average of $33,197, reflecting robust oil and gas employment.

Clear income leader in West Texas

Ector County significantly outearns most peers in its region; El Paso County reaches $58,859 and Donley County $56,648—both well below Ector's $71,031. The county's oil economy creates a clear income advantage relative to agricultural and smaller manufacturing neighbors.

Housing costs rise with booming incomes

Ector's rent-to-income ratio of 21.7% is the highest in this peer group, reflecting surging home values tied to oil wealth; median homes cost $190,500. The elevated ratio signals housing supply constraints and rapidly rising costs outpacing even above-average salaries.

Protect wealth from commodity volatility

Ector County residents enjoy strong incomes from oil and gas, but commodity cycles create boom-and-bust risk; prioritize diversified investment and emergency savings. Build wealth beyond energy sector exposure through real estate, equities, and retirement accounts to cushion against future price downturns.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ector County

via CrimeByCounty

Ector County Stays Below National Crime Levels

The county records a total crime rate of 2,040.7 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 96.8 out of 100.

County Safety Mirrors the Texas State Average

Ector's safety score of 96.8 exactly matches the Texas state average. Its total crime rate is also slightly lower than the statewide average of 2,052.5 per 100K.

Comparing Safety to Regional Neighbors

Ector's crime rate of 2,040.7 is higher than Ellis County’s 1,907.8. Six reporting agencies track these incidents, showing Ector as a busier hub in the Permian Basin.

Property Crimes Outpace Violent Incidents

Property crime is recorded at 1,613.7 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 427.0. The violent crime rate exceeds the national average of 369.8, requiring more community attention.

Robust Security Systems Help Deter Crime

With property crime being the most prevalent issue, homeowners should invest in active alarm systems. Ensuring all entry points are well-lit can discourage unwanted visitors.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ector County

via WeatherByCounty

Hot and dry Permian Basin climate

Ector County’s annual average temperature of 65.2°F is well above the national median, characterizing its semi-arid environment. The county receives only 13.6 inches of annual precipitation, making it significantly drier than most of the United States.

Mirroring the Texas state average

At 65.2°F, Ector County sits almost exactly at the Texas state average temperature of 65.5°F. However, its 13.6 inches of rain is less than half of the state average of 31.9 inches, highlighting its arid western location.

Slightly wetter than El Paso

Compared to El Paso County’s 8.7 inches of rain, Ector is relatively wetter with 13.6 inches of annual precipitation. Both counties share intense heat, though Ector’s 115 extreme heat days outpace El Paso’s 114.

Extremely hot summers

The county endures 115 days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F, driven by a July average of 83.5°F. Winters are dry and mild, with a January average of 45.1°F and just 1.5 inches of annual snow.

Strategies for extreme arid heat

With 115 extreme heat days, robust cooling systems and sun protection are essential for Ector County residents. The sparse 13.6 inches of annual rain suggests a focus on xeriscaping rather than traditional lawns.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ector County

via SoilByCounty

Arid High Plains Soil Dynamics

Ector County currently lacks specific taxonomic soil classification data in the public record. Local conditions reflect the arid Permian Basin environment where sandy profiles often dominate.

Coarse Textures Common in the Basin

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded for this region. Growers generally encounter gritty, sandy textures that are typical of West Texas landscapes.

Adapting to Desert Fertility Levels

Fertility metrics remain difficult to benchmark against the state average of 1.66% due to limited data. Local gardeners frequently use organic amendments to boost nutrient levels in the local soil.

Understanding Local Runoff Patterns

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not officially provided for this area. Proper site assessment is recommended before beginning any large-scale building or farming projects.

Desert Gems for Hardiness Zone 8b

Ector County resides in hardiness zone 8b, supporting heat-tolerant landscape plants and desert succulents. A successful garden is easily achieved by selecting species adapted to high heat and low water.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ector County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Lawn Challenges in Ector

With a lawn difficulty score of just 8.4, Ector County is one of the most challenging places in the nation to grow traditional grass. This Zone 8b region requires specialized desert-scaping or intensive irrigation to overcome the arid climate.

Arid Climate and Intense Heat

The county receives a mere 13.6 inches of rain annually, less than half of the minimum ideal for a healthy lawn. Lawns must also survive 115 extreme heat days, requiring significant supplemental water to prevent total dormancy.

Adapting to Local Soil Data

Specific soil texture and pH data are limited for this region, making a professional soil test a vital first step for any grower. Understanding your specific site's drainage is essential given the low annual rainfall and high evaporation rates.

Persistent High-Desert Dryness

Ector County experienced 38 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire county remains under abnormally dry conditions. Xeriscaping with native plants can reduce the water burden while still providing attractive ground cover.

Resilient Grasses for the Basin

Buffalograss is a smart, water-wise choice for this Zone 8b climate due to its natural drought resistance. Start your lawn projects after the last frost on March 15 to take advantage of the long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ector County's county score?
Ector County, Texas has a composite county score of 21.2 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 Ector County rank among counties in Texas?
Ector County ranks #248 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 Ector County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Ector County is $2,538, with an effective tax rate of 1.27%. This earns Ector County a tax score of 20.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ector County?
The median household income in Ector County, Texas is $71,536 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ector County earns an income score of 65.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ector County, Texas a good place to live?
Ector County scores 21.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #248 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Ector 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 Ector 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.