countyscore
21.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 68.9Weather & 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.

Score breakdown

Tax21.8Cost23.5Safety21.1Health9.4Schools10.1Income68.9Risk17.2Water32Weather33.3
🏛21.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤9.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓10.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡17.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱8.4
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

Ector County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Ector County

via CostByCounty

Ector's housing costs outpace income

Renters in Ector County spend 21.7% of their income on rent—well above the national median—despite a respectable $71,031 household income, nearly matching the national median of $74,755. High costs in this oil-boom county stretch even comfortable paychecks.

Among Texas's priciest housing markets

Ector County's 21.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks significantly above Texas's 18.1% state average, and its $1,284 monthly rent exceeds the state median of $963 by 33%. This county sits among the costlier places to live in Texas.

West Texas premium for proximity

Ector County's $1,284 rent dwarfs rural neighbors like Donley ($686) and Duval ($737), reflecting its Permian Basin location and energy-sector economy. Median home values of $190,500 are triple those of neighboring rural counties.

Significant housing expense for all

Renters spend $1,284/month and homeowners pay $961/month against the $71,031 income, consuming roughly 22% of earnings on housing. Both renters and buyers face substantial monthly obligations that limit savings elsewhere.

Best for oil-economy workers

Ector County's high costs align with oil and gas wages in the Permian Basin—move here if your industry-specific salary justifies the expense. Job seekers from lower-wage fields may find Texas's rural counties offer better overall value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Ector County

via HealthByCounty

Ector below national health benchmarks

Ector County's life expectancy of 71.5 years is nearly 4 years below the U.S. average of 75.4 years. One in four residents (25.5%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national average of 19.5%.

Middle-range health outcomes in Texas

Ector County's 71.5-year life expectancy falls 2.8 years below the state average of 74.3 years, while its 21.8% uninsured rate exceeds Texas's 19.8% average. The county ranks lower-middle among these eight Texas counties.

Strongest provider network in comparison

Ector County offers 57 primary care providers and 57 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, matching or exceeding most rural peers in this analysis. Despite robust provider availability, outcomes remain below neighboring Erath County (76.8 years) and Ellis County (76.8 years).

Access exists but coverage gaps remain

Ector County provides strong healthcare infrastructure with 57 per 100K primary care providers and equal mental health capacity, yet 21.8% of residents lack insurance coverage. This gap suggests barriers beyond provider availability—affordability, transportation, or awareness—may limit care utilization.

Local providers await your coverage

Ector County residents have excellent local provider networks ready to serve, but only if insured; 21.8% without coverage are missing out on preventive care. Explore Texas Health Insurance Marketplace options, Medicaid eligibility, or employer plans to connect with these available providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ector County

via SchoolsByCounty

Massive Urban School System

Ector County operates a significant educational network of 52 schools serving 36,423 students. The infrastructure is heavily weighted toward early education, with 30 elementary schools and seven middle schools.

Room for Growth in Outcomes

Ector faces challenges with an 80.0% graduation rate, trailing the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $5,761 is also lower than the Texas state average, impacting the composite school score of 45.6.

Ector County ISD and Charters

Ector County ISD is the dominant force, managing 46 schools and over 33,000 students. Charter schools are also a major factor here, with nine campuses like Compass Academy serving 17% of the total school population.

Big City Schools and Large Campus Sizes

Most students attend school in city locales, where campus sizes average a significant 700 students. Permian High School and Odessa High School are massive icons, each enrolling nearly 4,000 students.

Urban Living Near Odessa Schools

Families looking for a variety of educational settings, from large traditional high schools to growing charter options, should explore Odessa. School quality is a major factor in the Ector County housing market as the district works toward academic gains.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ector County

via RiskByCounty

Ector County's Elevated Risk Profile

Ector County scores 82.82 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and placing it well above the U.S. average. This substantial elevation reflects Ector's multi-hazard exposure across flooding, wildfire, tornado, and earthquake risks. Residents face significantly greater natural disaster exposure than most American counties and must prepare accordingly.

Among Texas's Highest-Risk Counties

At 82.82, Ector County exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00 by 69%, ranking among the state's most hazard-exposed counties. Only a handful of Texas counties surpass Ector's composite risk score, placing residents in the upper tier of statewide natural disaster vulnerability. This exceptional elevation demands robust insurance and emergency preparedness investments.

Far Riskier Than West Texas Peers

Ector County's 82.82 dramatically exceeds Edwards County (5.73) and Donley County (26.62), making it exponentially more risky than neighboring West Texas communities. Even Ellis County (81.62), another high-risk area, scores nearly identically to Ector. This concentration of hazard exposure makes Ector one of Texas's most multi-hazard-vulnerable regions.

Flood, Wildfire, and Tornado Convergence

Ector County faces an exceptional convergence of hazards, with flood risk at 81.71, wildfire risk at 88.33, and tornado risk at 82.41 all in the high range. Earthquake risk at 41.03 adds significant seismic exposure relative to most Texas counties. This multi-hazard profile demands comprehensive insurance coverage across all major disaster types.

Comprehensive Multi-Hazard Coverage Required

Ector County residents must secure separate coverage for flood (standard policies exclude it) and wildfire, as these exposures are exceptionally high and cannot be ignored. Add tornado/hail riders and consider earthquake insurance given the county's substantial seismic exposure at 41.03. Review coverage annually with an insurance professional familiar with Ector's specific multi-hazard environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 $2,438, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Ector County a tax score of 21.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ector County?
The median household income in Ector County, Texas is $71,031 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ector County earns an income score of 68.9/100 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.