26.3
County Score
Water Quality 60.6Schools 38.1Income & Jobs 35.1

County Report Card

About El Paso County, Texas

Well Below National Benchmarks

El Paso County’s composite score of 26.3 falls significantly behind the national median of 50.0. High taxes and geographic risks weigh heavily on the overall ranking.

Struggling Against State Averages

The county lags the Texas average of 41.9, largely due to its unique fiscal and environmental profile. It faces tougher livability challenges than many other large Texas metros.

Resilient Water Infrastructure

The county performs well in water access with a score of 60.6, a critical asset in the desert. It also maintains a respectable income score of 35.1 with a $58,859 median income.

Tax and Risk Pressures

A very low tax score of 2.5 stems from a high 2.086% effective property tax rate. Furthermore, the risk score of 4.5 suggests high vulnerability to regional environmental factors.

Best for Urban Border Enthusiasts

El Paso suits those who value the cultural vibrancy and size of a major border city. Residents must be willing to accept higher tax burdens in exchange for the amenities of a large metropolitan area.

Score breakdown

Tax2.5Cost27.8Safety32Health23.3Schools38.1Income35.1Risk4.5Water60.6Weather34
🏛2.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠27.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼35.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡32
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
23.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓38.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
4.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧60.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤34
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱6.6
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

El Paso County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in El Paso County

via TaxByCounty

El Paso's taxes run significantly above average

El Paso County's effective tax rate of 2.086% ranks among the highest in Texas and well above the national median, with a median property tax of $3,490 exceeding the national median of $2,690 by 30%. This high rate reflects substantial investment in schools and county services serving a major metropolitan area.

Highest-taxing large county in Texas

El Paso County's 2.086% effective rate towers over the Texas state average of 1.276%, making it one of the state's most tax-heavy counties. The median property tax of $3,490 runs 59% above the state median of $2,193.

Steepest bill in West Texas by far

El Paso County's 2.086% rate and $3,490 median tax far exceed any nearby West Texas county; the next-highest peer, Ector County, sits at 1.280% and $2,438. This premium reflects El Paso's large urban school system and metropolitan service demands.

Plan for $3,490 in annual property tax

On a median home value of $167,300, typical El Paso County homeowners pay approximately $3,490 per year—substantially more than most Texas counties. Those with mortgages may see this rise to $4,290 when school and local taxes combine.

Challenge high valuations aggressively

With tax rates this high, even small overvaluations compound into hundreds of dollars in overcharge. File an annual protest with the El Paso County appraisal district and compare your assessed value to recent comparable sales—it's one of the few ways to reduce what you owe.

Cost of Living in El Paso County

via CostByCounty

El Paso housing costs squeeze incomes

Renters in El Paso County spend 21.3% of their income on housing while earning $58,859—notably below the national median of $74,755—creating a double squeeze. The $1,045 monthly rent demands a significant share of modest household earnings.

Above Texas average affordability strain

El Paso County's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, and its $1,045 rent sits 8% above the state median of $963. This positions El Paso as one of Texas's less affordable rental markets.

Urban center costs amid rural peers

El Paso County's $1,045 rent reflects its status as a major metropolitan area, placing it far above rural neighbors like Donley ($686) and Duval ($737). Median home values of $167,300 align with this urban pricing structure.

Both rent and ownership expensive

Renters spend $1,045/month and homeowners pay $1,000/month against the $58,859 income, with housing consuming roughly 21% of earnings. El Paso residents face substantial costs whether renting or buying, with owner expenses nearly matching rent.

Urban living at Southwest prices

El Paso offers city amenities with lower costs than Houston or Dallas, but remains pricier than rural Texas. If you need urban services and can tolerate 21% of income going to housing, El Paso delivers competitive value.

Income & Jobs in El Paso County

via IncomeByCounty

El Paso nears but trails national income

El Paso County's median household income of $58,859 sits about $15,900 below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a 21% gap. While not among the nation's poorest, El Paso's earnings reflect a more economically challenged border region with diverse but moderate-wage employment.

Below Texas average, significant population

El Paso's $58,859 median household income trails Texas's state average of $64,737 by approximately $5,878. With one of Texas's largest populations, El Paso's modest incomes affect hundreds of thousands of households—making the county's economic performance particularly significant statewide.

Mid-range earner among comparison counties

El Paso County's $58,859 income ranks higher than struggling rural counties like Duval ($50,081) but well below stronger peers like Ector ($71,031). The county's position reflects a mix of military, retail, and cross-border trade employment with moderate wage characteristics.

Housing costs strain lower-income households

El Paso's rent-to-income ratio of 21.3% signals significant housing cost burden, with rents and mortgages consuming over one-fifth of household earnings. Median home values of $167,300 have risen substantially, outpacing income growth and pressuring renters and first-time buyers.

Build wealth through education and trade

El Paso County residents can leverage the region's military presence and international trade ties to access higher-wage careers in skilled trades, logistics, and technology. Pursue certifications and degree programs that align with border region growth industries to increase lifetime earning potential and wealth accumulation.

Safety in El Paso County

via CrimeByCounty

El Paso County Maintains Strong Safety Marks

The crime rate of 1,602.9 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a respectable safety score of 97.5 out of 100.

Safety Levels Exceed the Texas Average

The county’s safety score of 97.5 is higher than the state average of 96.8. Eleven different reporting agencies provide a comprehensive look at public safety in this large county.

Crime Rates Remain Lower Than State Peers

El Paso’s rate of 1,602.9 is lower than the Texas average of 2,052.5. It also proves safer than Ector County, which sees 2,040.7 crimes per 100K.

Violent Crime Stays Below National Benchmarks

The violent crime rate of 306.1 per 100K is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime measures 1,296.8 per 100K, making it the most frequent offense.

Awareness is Key in Urban Areas

Despite low rates, residents in El Paso should use smart locks and security cameras. Monitoring deliveries and vehicles helps prevent common property-related crimes in busy neighborhoods.

Health in El Paso County

via HealthByCounty

El Paso life expectancy exceeds nation

El Paso County residents live to 76.5 years on average, exceeding the U.S. average of 75.4 years by about 1 year. However, 28.2% report poor or fair health, well above the national average of 19.5%.

Longest-lived Texans with health gaps

El Paso County's 76.5-year life expectancy is the second-highest in this group and exceeds Texas's state average of 74.3 years. Yet its 23.5% uninsured rate and 28.2% poor/fair health rate suggest significant disparities within the county's large population.

Best longevity, mixed health perception

El Paso matches Ellis and Erath counties at the top for life expectancy (76.5, 76.8, 76.8 years respectively), but reports higher poor/fair health rates than both neighbors. The county's 23.5% uninsured rate exceeds Ellis (16.5%) and Erath (20.6%).

Large population, strong mental health access

El Paso County provides 50 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 140 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest mental health capacity in this analysis. Yet 23.5% uninsured and 28.2% reporting poor/fair health indicate coverage and health literacy gaps despite provider availability.

Mental health resources await coverage

El Paso's exceptional mental health infrastructure (140 providers per 100K) is underutilized by uninsured and underinsured residents; 23.5% lack coverage. Residents should explore Texas Health Insurance Marketplace plans and the county's community health centers to connect with these vital mental health services.

Schools in El Paso County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Southwestern Educational Powerhouse

El Paso County manages a massive network of 251 schools serving over 170,000 students. This includes 142 elementary campuses, 58 high schools, and 16 distinct school districts.

Competitive Performance in the Borderland

The county’s graduation rate of 88.2% beats the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $6,901 is below the national figure, the county manages to maintain a school score of 52.4.

Major Districts and Charter Growth

El Paso ISD, Ysleta ISD, and Socorro ISD are the titans of the region, collectively serving over 134,000 students. The county also supports 30 charter schools, offering diverse choices for 12% of the student population.

Urban Hub with Suburban Reach

Most of the 251 schools are located in city or suburban settings, with an average enrollment of 682 students. Large campuses like Franklin High School serve over 3,100 students, creating a vibrant, high-energy environment.

Vibrant Neighborhoods Near El Paso Schools

El Paso offers a wide range of residential options near high-performing schools that outpace national graduation standards. Whether you prefer the urban core or suburban Socorro, school quality remains a cornerstone of the local real estate market.

Disaster Risk in El Paso County

via RiskByCounty

El Paso County's Significant Risk

El Paso County scores 95.45 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively High rating and placing it among America's most hazard-exposed counties. This exceptional elevation reflects El Paso's unique convergence of flood, wildfire, and earthquake risks—a combination uncommon in most of the United States. Residents face natural disaster exposure nearly double the national average.

Texas's Highest-Risk County

At 95.45, El Paso County ranks as the single most hazard-exposed county in Texas, nearly doubling the state average of 49.00. No other Texas county surpasses El Paso's composite risk score, making it the state's natural disaster capital by this measure. This exceptional elevation reflects the county's exposure to floods, wildfires, and earthquakes simultaneously.

Far Beyond Any Regional Comparison

El Paso County's 95.45 dramatically exceeds every nearby county: Ector (82.82), Edwards (5.73), and even the high-risk Ellis County (81.62) pale in comparison. El Paso stands isolated at the extreme high end of Texas's natural disaster risk distribution. This exceptional concentration of hazards makes El Paso's preparedness requirements unprecedented in the state.

Flood, Earthquake, and Wildfire Triangle

El Paso County faces an exceptional triple threat: flood risk at 96.82, earthquake risk at 92.08, and wildfire risk at 70.96, creating a unique hazard convergence unmatched in Texas. These three hazards account for the vast majority of the county's 95.45 composite score. No other Texas county requires insurance preparedness across this specific combination of disaster types.

Flood, Earthquake, and Wildfire Coverage Imperative

El Paso County residents must obtain separate flood insurance—the county's 96.82 score demands this, and standard policies exclude flooding. Earthquake insurance is equally critical at 92.08 exposure and is typically unavailable through standard homeowners policies. Add comprehensive wildfire coverage and document your home's contents thoroughly for disaster recovery.

Weather & Climate in El Paso County

via WeatherByCounty

Desert heat and thin air

El Paso County’s 65.0°F annual average temperature and sparse 8.7 inches of rain define its classic desert climate. This precipitation level is a fraction of the national average, making it one of the driest counties in the country.

The dry western edge

While its average temperature of 65.0°F is nearly identical to the Texas average of 65.5°F, its rainfall is far below the state's 31.9-inch norm. El Paso represents the extreme arid end of the Texas climate spectrum.

Driest in the region

El Paso is significantly more arid than Ector County, receiving only 8.7 inches of rain compared to Ector's 13.6 inches. Despite the dryness, both counties experience similar extreme heat, with El Paso recording 114 days above 90°F.

Scorching summers and dry winters

The county faces 114 days of extreme heat annually, with July temperatures averaging a high 83.0°F. Winters are crisp but mild, averaging 45.7°F in January with 1.5 inches of annual snow.

Hydration and evaporative cooling

Residents must plan for 114 days of 90°F+ heat in an environment with only 8.7 inches of annual rain. Evaporative coolers are popular here due to the low humidity, and water conservation is a daily requirement.

Soil Quality in El Paso County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Desert Soils of the West

El Paso County taxonomic soil data is currently unavailable in the central database. This arid region typically features alkaline soils shaped by ancient Rio Grande deposits.

Coarse Textures Require Irrigation Planning

Precise measurements for sand, silt, and clay are missing for the county. The arid climate usually results in coarse textures that require careful irrigation management to sustain growth.

Amending Soil for High-Desert Success

Fertility metrics are not recorded against the state average of 1.66%. Adding organic amendments is essential for productive gardening in this high-desert environment to improve moisture retention.

Hydrology and Hardpan Layers

Official drainage classes are not provided, though desert soils often vary between rapid drainage and impenetrable hardpan layers. Understanding local hydrology is key for any agricultural development.

Chilies and Grapes Thrive Here

Hardiness zone 8b provides a long growing season for heat-loving crops like chilies and grapes. Residents can cultivate vibrant green spaces by utilizing xeriscaping and efficient irrigation.

Lawn Care in El Paso County

via LawnByCounty

The Ultimate Lawn Challenge

El Paso County has one of the lowest lawn difficulty scores in the state at 6.6, signaling extreme difficulty for traditional turf. Growing a lawn here in Zone 8b requires expert-level water management and heat-tolerant species.

Minimal Rain, Maximum Sun

At just 8.7 inches of annual precipitation, El Paso is far below the 30-inch ideal for lawns. The 114 days of extreme heat create a high-evaporation environment that can quickly wither non-native grasses.

Customizing Arid Land Soils

Data on soil pH and texture is sparse for the county, so testing your specific plot is a necessary prerequisite. In this arid climate, adding organic compost is often the only way to help soil retain the little water it receives.

Nearly Constant Drought Stress

With 49 weeks of drought in the past year, water conservation is not just a tip, it is a necessity. Currently, over half the county is abnormally dry, making gray-water systems or drip irrigation for landscape beds a smart investment.

Tough Grasses for the Border

Look for ultra-drought-tolerant options like Buffalograss or hybrid Bermudas that can handle the 114 days of heat. You can begin planting as early as March 2, when the threat of the last spring frost usually passes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is El Paso County's county score?
El Paso County, Texas has a composite county score of 26.3 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 El Paso County rank among counties in Texas?
El Paso County ranks #233 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 El Paso County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in El Paso County is $3,490, with an effective tax rate of 2.09%. This earns El Paso County a tax score of 2.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in El Paso County?
The median household income in El Paso County, Texas is $58,859 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. El Paso County earns an income score of 35.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is El Paso County, Texas a good place to live?
El Paso County scores 26.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #233 in Texas. The best way to evaluate El Paso 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 El Paso County with other counties side by side.