countyscore
38.4
County Score
Safety 55.2Schools 48.5Income & Jobs 48.3

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.

2040608010030.525.955.23548.548.32514.739.8Tax30.5Cost25.9Safety55.2Health35Schools48.5Income48.3Risk25Water14.7Weather39.838.4/100
This county
National avg
6 below average

Erath County DNA

Foverall

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

Erath County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (14.7/100), though Safety (55.2/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
30.5-21.5
Cost
25.9-22.1
Safety
55.2
Health
35-15
Schools
48.5
Income
48.3
Risk
25-22
Water
14.7-43.3
Weather
39.8-16.200000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Erath County

Whether buying or refinancing in Erath County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$269,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,146/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$269,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,115/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Erath County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Erath County's county score?
Erath County, Texas has a composite county score of 38.4 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 #160 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 $2,887, with an effective tax rate of 1.07%. This earns Erath County a tax score of 30.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Erath County?
The median household income in Erath County, Texas is $65,115 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Erath County earns an income score of 48.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Erath County, Texas a good place to live?
Erath County scores 38.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #160 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.