countyscore
38.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 55.6Safety 55.2Schools 48.5

County Report Card

About Erath County, Texas

Under the National Median

Erath County earns a 38.6 composite score, placing it below the national 50.0 benchmark. It offers a moderate livability profile across most dimensions.

A Near-Average Texas Profile

The county's score of 38.6 is very close to the state average of 41.9. It represents a typical middle-ground experience for a developing Texas county.

Solid Incomes and Safety

Erath performs well in safety with a score of 55.2 and maintains a stable income score of 55.6. Household earnings average a respectable $65,351 annually.

Infrastructure and Risk Gaps

Water systems need attention, as evidenced by a low score of 14.7. The risk score of 25.0 also suggests the county is more vulnerable to natural events than others.

Great for Middle-Income Families

Erath is a solid choice for families looking for a safe community with stable economic prospects. It balances decent wages with a classic Texas small-town feel.

Score breakdown

Tax29.5Cost26Safety55.2Health35Schools48.5Income55.6Risk25Water14.7Weather39.8
🏛29.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡25
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧14.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.7
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

Comanche County
Texas
38.8
Hood County
Texas
37.4
Somervell County
Texas
48.7
Hamilton County
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Eastland County
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Palo Pinto County
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Bosque County
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Parker County
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Deep Dives

Erath County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Erath County

via TaxByCounty

Erath's rate mirrors national patterns

Erath County's effective tax rate of 1.126% sits modestly above the national median, with a median property tax of $2,836 exceeding the national median of $2,690 by just 5%. This reflects a county with moderately valued homes and moderate tax demands.

Erath runs below the Texas average

At 1.126%, Erath County's effective rate undercuts the Texas state average of 1.276%, placing it in the lower-middle ranks of the state's 254 counties. The median property tax of $2,836, however, runs 29% above the state median due to higher home values.

Balanced rate among North-Central peers

Erath County's 1.126% rate matches Donley County exactly and undercuts Ellis County's 1.460%, positioning it as a tax-moderate alternative in the region. Its $2,836 median tax reflects higher home values than smaller Panhandle counties but stays well below booming Ellis County.

Median annual bill around $2,836

With a median home value of $251,900, typical Erath County homeowners pay approximately $2,836 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages typically see this rise to roughly $3,395 when school and local district taxes apply.

Contest overvalued properties regularly

Erath County homeowners benefit from a reasonable tax rate but shouldn't assume valuations are accurate every year. File an annual protest with the Erath County appraisal district if recent market conditions suggest your home's assessed value is too high—many successful appeals lower bills significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Erath County

via CostByCounty

Erath housing costs stretch incomes

Renters in Erath County spend 20.8% of their income on housing while earning $65,351, roughly 13% below the national median of $74,755. This above-average rent burden strains incomes that are already below the national average.

Above Texas average affordability strain

Erath County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, and its $1,134 monthly rent is 18% above the state median of $963. The county ranks among Texas's less affordable options despite rural location.

Highest rent in rural peer group

Erath County's $1,134 rent is the highest among rural neighbors, though its $251,900 median home value sits between lower-cost counties and Ellis County's premium. This suggests growing suburban pressure from nearby metro areas.

Owners bear steeper burden than renters

Renters spend $1,134/month while homeowners pay $973/month against the $65,351 income, consuming roughly 21% of household earnings. Renters face particular pressure in this county, while buyers achieve better proportional affordability.

Buyers outperform renters here

Erath County rewards homeownership with median values of $251,900—reasonable for the region—while rental costs strain most budgets. If you're considering this area, prioritize saving for a down payment to access the buyer's advantage.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Erath County

via IncomeByCounty

Erath approaches national income parity

Erath County's median household income of $65,351 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about $9,404—a 13% gap. While below the national average, Erath performs better than most rural Texas counties, reflecting a mix of agriculture, small manufacturing, and education employment.

Slightly above Texas state average

Erath County's $65,351 median household income edges above Texas's state average of $64,737 by roughly $614. The county's per capita income of $33,116 remains just below the state average of $33,197, suggesting incomes are moderate but relatively well-distributed.

Upper-middle performer in central Texas

Erath County ranks second-highest among the eight counties analyzed, trailing only Ellis County's $95,898. The county's $65,351 income represents a solid position—exceeding struggling rural peers while remaining below the Dallas-area prosperity of neighboring Ellis.

Home values rising faster than wages

Erath's rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% reflects elevated housing costs relative to incomes; median home values of $251,900 have appreciated significantly. The county faces housing affordability pressures as property values climb, driven partly by proximity to Fort Worth and regional growth.

Build equity before housing appreciates further

Erath County residents should prioritize homeownership now before property values appreciate even further, locking in current prices while building home equity. Combine real estate holdings with diversified retirement and investment accounts to create a balanced wealth portfolio as the county continues to develop.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Erath County

via CrimeByCounty

Erath County Stands Out for National Safety

The crime rate of 1,018.9 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an exceptional safety score of 98.4.

Local Safety Ranks High Across Texas

Erath’s safety score of 98.4 far exceeds the state average of 96.8. Six reporting agencies keep a close watch on the county’s public safety metrics.

Crime Activity is Lower Than Regional Peers

Erath’s rate of 1,018.9 is lower than Ellis County’s 1,907.8 and Duval County’s 1,445.8. It remains one of the safest counties in its part of the state.

Violence is Rare in the Local Community

The violent crime rate is just 154.2 per 100K, much lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also very low at 864.7 per 100K.

Residents Enjoy a High Level of Security

While the area is safe, basic property precautions like locking vehicles still matter. Use smart home technology to keep an eye on your property remotely.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Erath County

via HealthByCounty

Erath leads nation in longevity

Erath County residents live to 76.8 years on average, nearly 1.5 years above the U.S. average of 75.4 years. Only 21.2% report poor or fair health, slightly above the national average of 19.5%.

Top performer in Texas health

Erath County's 76.8-year life expectancy exceeds Texas's state average of 74.3 years by more than 2.5 years and ties Ellis County for the highest in this group. At 20.6% uninsured, it remains close to Texas's 19.8% average.

Exceptional outcomes among rural peers

Erath County's 76.8-year life expectancy ties Ellis County and far exceeds Duval County (70.3 years) and Eastland County (72.0 years). Its 21.2% poor/fair health rate outperforms Duval (32.7%) and Edwards (31.1%), demonstrating clear health advantages.

Robust provider network, strong outcomes

Erath County offers 58 primary care providers and 131 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, providing excellent access for a rural area. The 20.6% uninsured rate means most residents can access this strong provider network regularly.

Coverage completes your health picture

Erath County's strong health outcomes reflect excellent provider availability and good insurance coverage, but 20.6% uninsured residents should enroll to access these resources. Texas Health Insurance Marketplace plans offer affordable pathways to connect with the county's exceptional primary care and mental health providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Erath County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Education in Erath County

Erath County serves 6,104 students across 15 schools and eight school districts. The infrastructure features a unique mix including five elementary schools and four specialized campuses to meet varied student needs.

Strong Results and Balanced Investment

The graduation rate stands at 92.7%, outperforming the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $6,393 supports a composite school score of 53.6, which is very close to the state average.

Stephenville ISD is the Hub

Stephenville ISD is the largest provider by far, enrolling 3,730 students across six schools. Dublin ISD serves as the second-largest district with 1,146 students, while Erath Excels Academy provides a charter option.

Town Centers and Rural Outposts

Schools are divided between nine rural locales and six town settings, with an average campus size of 407. Stephenville High School is the county's largest campus with 1,127 students, acting as a central social and academic hub.

Stability in Stephenville and Dublin

Families value Erath County for its high graduation rates and the stability of its town-centered school districts. Consider exploring the housing markets in Stephenville to be near the county's most diverse academic and athletic programs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Erath County

via RiskByCounty

Erath County's Elevated Risk Profile

Erath County scores 75.00 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating but placing it well above the U.S. average. This substantial elevation reflects the county's exposure to wildfire, tornado, and flood hazards that collectively drive its composite score. Residents face natural disaster exposure roughly 50% higher than typical American counties.

Above Texas Average, High Regional Risk

At 75.00, Erath County exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00 by 53%, placing it in the upper tier of statewide natural disaster vulnerability. The county ranks among the state's higher-risk areas, surpassed only by Ector (82.82), Ellis (81.62), and El Paso (95.45). This position reflects Erath's North-Central Texas location and exposure to severe spring storm systems.

Riskier Than Eastland, Similar to Ellis

Erath County's 75.00 substantially exceeds nearby Eastland County (41.16), making it the riskier community for residents in this North-Central Texas region. It ranks nearly identically to Ellis County (81.62), making both counties statistical peers in hazard exposure. Both exceed Donley County (26.62) and the exceptionally safe Edwards County (5.73).

Wildfire and Tornado Lead Hazards

Wildfire risk dominates Erath County at 95.48—among the highest in Texas—while tornado risk at 82.82 and hurricane risk at 56.40 add substantial secondary concerns. Flood risk at 72.07 rounds out a multi-hazard profile, making Erath exposed across four major disaster categories. This convergence makes Erath one of Texas's most hazard-diverse counties.

Wildfire and Tornado Coverage Critical

Erath County residents must prioritize wildfire insurance given the county's exceptional 95.48 score—among Texas's highest—and ensure standard homeowners policies exclude wildfire coverage. Add tornado and hail riders immediately, as the county's 82.82 tornado risk is exceptionally high. Review all coverage limits with your agent annually and maintain a home inventory for disaster recovery.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Erath County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild temperatures and steady rain

Erath County has an annual average temperature of 64.4°F, which is warm by national standards. Its 34.8 inches of annual precipitation is slightly higher than the national average, supporting its agricultural landscape.

Slightly cooler than the state

At 64.4°F, Erath County is about one degree cooler than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. However, its 34.8 inches of rain puts it just above the statewide average of 31.9 inches.

Wetter than Eastland County

Erath County receives 34.8 inches of rain annually, nearly 5 inches more than neighboring Eastland County. It is also slightly warmer than Eastland, averaging 64.4°F compared to 63.8°F.

Hot summers and crisp winters

July brings an average of 83.2°F, contributing to 91 days of extreme heat over 90°F each year. Winter is mild with a 44.5°F January average and a modest 1.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for a long heat season

Homeowners should plan for 91 days of extreme heat with efficient cooling systems. The 1.2 inches of annual snow is minimal, but the 34.8 inches of rain requires good property drainage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Erath County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in Dairy Country

Erath County maintains a near-neutral average pH of 7.10, aligning closely with the Texas average of 7.09. These soils provide a stable chemical environment for a variety of plant species.

A Stable Balance for Roots

The composition is 53.0% sand, 26.2% silt, and 20.8% clay. This mixture provides a stable balance that supports both efficient drainage and adequate nutrient holding capacity.

Beating State Water Capacity Benchmarks

Organic matter levels of 1.53% sit slightly below the state average of 1.66%. However, an available water capacity of 0.137 in/in beats the Texas average, helping plants survive dry spells.

Well Drained but Runoff Prone

The soils are well drained but belong to hydrologic group D. This combination suggests that while water moves through top layers, the overall landscape faces a high runoff risk.

Peaches and Produce in Zone 8b

Located in zone 8b, Erath County is famous for its dairy and peach production. Gardeners should take advantage of the balanced soil to grow everything from tomatoes to flowering shrubs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Erath County

via LawnByCounty

Healthy Growing in Erath County

Erath County boasts a strong lawn difficulty score of 43.7, well above the state average of 31.7. Residents in Hardiness Zone 8b enjoy a climate that is more conducive to lush lawns than many other parts of the state.

Favorable Rain and Heat Balance

Annual precipitation stands at 34.8 inches, comfortably within the ideal range for sustaining turf without constant irrigation. With 91 days of extreme heat, it is slightly cooler than the state average, easing the stress on your grass.

Perfectly Balanced Soil pH

At 7.10, the soil pH is nearly perfect for lawn health, falling just a hair outside the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. The well-drained soil with 53.0% sand content allows for healthy root respiration and prevents common fungal diseases.

Monitoring Dry Soil Conditions

The county experienced 18 weeks of drought in the past year and currently remains 100% abnormally dry. Because the soil is well-drained, homeowners should monitor moisture levels closely during the 91 days of high heat.

Successful Spring Start

Bermudagrass and Zoysia are highly recommended for this region's excellent soil and climate. Start your seeding projects after the last frost on March 29 to ensure the soil is warm enough for rapid germination.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Erath County's county score?
Erath County, Texas has a composite county score of 38.6 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 Erath County rank among counties in Texas?
Erath County ranks #155 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 Erath County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Erath County is $2,836, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Erath County a tax score of 29.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Erath County?
The median household income in Erath County, Texas is $65,351 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Erath County earns an income score of 55.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Erath County, Texas a good place to live?
Erath County scores 38.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #155 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Erath 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 Erath 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.