countyscore
55.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 95.6Cost of Living 95.1

County Report Card

About Foard County, Texas

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Foard County earns a 55.3 composite score, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It ranks as an exceptionally high-performing rural area compared to the rest of the country.

A Top Performer in Texas

The county's score of 55.3 far exceeds the Texas state average of 41.9. It represents one of the most livable rural pockets in the state based on safety and cost.

Elite Safety and Unmatched Costs

Safety and risk scores are nearly perfect at 97.5 and 95.6, respectively. The cost score is also elite at 95.1, with median home values sitting at a low $71,400.

Infrastructure and Income Obstacles

The water score is currently 0.0, and the income score is also very low at 4.5. These scores highlight a significant lack of local infrastructure and high-paying jobs.

Best for Independent, Secure Lifestyles

Foard County is ideal for people with outside income who want maximum security and minimal housing expenses. It is a quiet sanctuary for those prioritizing peace and affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax26.4Cost95.1Safety97.5Health8.8Schools42.6Income4.5Risk95.6Water0Weather36.3
🏛26.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠95.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼4.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤8.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Foard County?

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

Check My Assessment

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 Foard County with Lumpkin County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Lumpkin County
Georgia
Median income: $72,388
55.3
Christian County
Illinois
Median income: $59,253
55.3
Wabash County
Illinois
Median income: $53,650
55.3
Crawford County
Iowa
Median income: $65,039
55.3
Grant County
Kansas
Median income: $72,484
55.3
Emmet County
Michigan
Median income: $73,724
55.3
Claiborne County
Mississippi
Median income: $34,371
55.3
Tishomingo County
Mississippi
Median income: $46,257
55.3

Nearby counties

Knox County
Texas
49.1
Hardeman County
Texas
57.2
Cottle County
Texas
61.5
Wilbarger County
Texas
35.2
Baylor County
Texas
57.7
King County
Texas
65.5
Jackson County
Oklahoma
36.9
Childress County
Texas
42.6

Deep Dives

Foard County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Foard County

via TaxByCounty

Foard County taxes slightly above national norm

Foard County's effective tax rate of 1.182% is moderately higher than the national median of 1.026%, placing it in the middle range of U.S. counties. The median property tax of just $844 is less than one-third the national median of $2,690, reflecting some of the nation's most affordable home values.

Below-average taxes for Texas

Foard County's 1.182% effective rate falls slightly below Texas's state average of 1.276%, positioning it in the lower-middle tier of Texas counties. The median property tax of $844 is far below the state average of $2,193, driven by the county's very modest home values.

Foard has competitive tax rates regionally

Foard County's 1.182% rate is lower than Falls County (1.469%), Fisher County (1.705%), and Fort Bend County (1.988%), and comparable to Fannin County (1.103%). It's slightly higher than Fayette County (1.008%) and Floyd County (1.079%), offering middle-ground affordability.

Annual tax on typical home: $844

A homeowner with the median home value of $71,400 in Foard County pays approximately $844 annually in property taxes, among the lowest in the nation. With a mortgage, taxes rise to around $1,313; without one, they drop to about $791.

Challenge your assessment for added savings

Even in low-tax Foard County, overassessments happen and appeal processes are free. If comparable property sales suggest your home's assessed value is high, contacting the county appraisal district could further reduce your already modest tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Foard County

via CostByCounty

Foard County delivers rock-bottom housing costs

Foard County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% sits 5.2 percentage points below the national average, with renters spending less than one-sixth of their income on housing. The $577 median rent ranks among the cheapest in America, making this West Texas county exceptionally accessible.

Below-average housing burden in Texas

Foard County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio edges below Texas's state average of 18.1%, despite the county's below-median household income of $42,212. This makes Foard an outlier: low incomes paired with genuinely affordable housing.

Cheapest rents among comparable counties

Foard County's $577 median rent ties with Floyd County ($587) as the lowest in the comparison group, beating Fannin County ($994) by 42%. Median home values of $71,400 are the lowest among all counties analyzed, reflecting the region's ultra-rural affordability.

Low costs meet lower incomes

Foard County renters pay $577 monthly from a median household income of just $42,212, consuming 16.4% of earnings, while homeowners spend $527 on homes valued at $71,400. The challenge isn't affordability relative to income—it's that median incomes lag statewide, limiting overall purchasing power.

Foard County for minimal housing burden

If you earn less than the state median but need affordable shelter, Foard County's $577 rents and $71,400 home values provide exceptional value. Compare your current rent-to-income ratio (16.4% is your baseline) against your actual burden to assess whether this remote county makes financial sense for your household.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Foard County

via IncomeByCounty

Foard County faces steepest income challenge

Foard County's median household income of $42,212 ranks among the lowest in Texas, sitting 44% below the national median of $74,755. This $32,543 annual gap represents one of the most significant income disparities in the broader region.

Lowest earners in the F-county cohort

At $42,212, Foard County trails the Texas state average of $64,737 by $22,525 per household—the largest gap in this county group. The per capita income of $27,873 falls well below the state average of $33,197, indicating substantial economic challenges.

Significantly below all regional peers

Foard County's $42,212 income falls far behind every other F-county, including Floyd ($55,461), Falls ($55,372), Fisher ($64,700), Franklin ($66,800), Fannin ($68,377), and Fayette ($76,541). This isolation reflects deep structural economic differences.

Housing affordability is the bright spot

Foard County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% and median home value of $71,400—representing 1.7 years of median income—provide some financial breathing room. However, affordable housing alone cannot offset the county's substantial income deficiency.

Focus on income growth and skills

Given income constraints, Foard County residents should prioritize career development, skills training, and education as primary wealth-building tools. Consider leveraging low housing costs to invest in certifications or education that increase earning potential over time, alongside steady contributions to retirement accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Foard County

via CrimeByCounty

Foard County achieves perfect safety score

Foard County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0, an exceptional figure compared to the national average. With zero crimes reported per 100,000 residents, it stands as an outlier in national safety data.

The safest data point in Texas

The county's safety score of 100.0 far exceeds the Texas average of 96.8. Two reporting agencies recorded no criminal incidents in 2022, placing the county at the top of state safety rankings.

Unmatched safety in the region

While neighboring Floyd County reports 1,318.3 crimes per 100,000 residents, Foard County reports none. This makes it the quietest and statistically safest county among its immediate Texas peers.

Zero reported incidents in 2022

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0 per 100,000 people according to local reporting. While this indicates a very safe environment, such low numbers in rural areas can sometimes reflect minimal reporting or tiny populations.

Maintaining a crime-free environment

Even with zero reported crimes, basic home security provides essential peace of mind. Continuing to look out for neighbors ensures that Foard County remains a model of Texas safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Foard County

via HealthByCounty

Limited data on Foard County health

While Foard County's 25.7% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 19%, life expectancy data is unavailable. This data gap limits our ability to fully assess how Foard compares to national health benchmarks.

Foard County data gaps persist

Life expectancy figures for Foard County are not available, preventing direct state-level comparison. The 25.7% poor/fair health rate aligns with lower-performing Texas counties, suggesting potential challenges.

Healthcare access data unavailable

Provider data for Foard County is incomplete, with no figures available for primary care or mental health providers per 100K. This data scarcity makes regional comparison and planning difficult.

Uninsured rate known; access unclear

Foard County's 18.3% uninsured rate is close to the state average, yet the lack of provider data obscures whether residents can actually access care. Better data collection is needed to understand daily healthcare realities here.

Explore coverage options today

If you're uninsured in Foard County, visit Healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community health services. Coverage is a vital step toward better health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Foard County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Single-Campus Community System

Foard County features a highly centralized education system consisting of exactly one public school and one district. This single PK-12 campus serves the entire county's enrollment of 197 students.

High Per-Pupil Investment

The county invests $9,307 per student, which is nearly $2,000 more than the Texas state average. Despite this high funding level, the current graduation rate is 75.0%, which is below the national average of 87.0%.

The Crowell ISD Legacy

Crowell ISD is the sole provider of public education in the county. It operates without charter competition, serving as the primary academic and social hub for the local community.

Rural Life in One Building

Crowell School is the heart of the county, housing all 197 students in a single rural locale. This setting creates a unique environment where high school seniors and elementary students share the same campus grounds.

Make Your Home in Crowell

If you value a school system where everyone knows your name, Crowell is the place to be. Explore residential listings within the Crowell ISD boundaries to join this tightly-knit rural educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Foard County

via RiskByCounty

Foard County ranks among safest nationwide

Foard County's composite risk score of 4.45 places it in the very low risk category with minimal natural disaster exposure. Residents enjoy exceptional protection from natural hazards compared to typical Americans across most major threat categories.

Exceptional safety for Texas

Foard County's score of 4.45 vastly underperforms the Texas state average of 49.00, making it among the state's safest jurisdictions. This remarkable advantage stems from minimal flood (1.05), tornado (17.05), and hurricane (12.97) risks.

Safe as Fisher County, safer than Floyd

Foard County's risk score of 4.45 rivals Fisher County (1.94) as the region's safest area, with exceptional flood (1.05) and earthquake (7.32) protection. Only wildfire risk (41.06) moderately exceeds neighboring counties' averages.

Wildfire presents only notable concern

Wildfire risk (41.06) represents Foard County's primary hazard, though it remains below state average. All other threats—tornado (17.05), hurricane (12.97), earthquake (7.32), and flood (1.05)—score among the state's lowest.

Maintain basic coverage for wildfire risk

Foard County's exceptionally low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance typically suffices for most residents. Verify wildfire coverage in your policy given the 41.06 score; maintaining defensible space and brush management provides cost-effective additional protection against this primary local hazard.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Foard County

via SoilByCounty

Foard County's Characteristic Alkalinity

Foard County features an alkaline soil profile with an average pH of 7.50. This is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5 and also tops the Texas average of 7.09. While taxonomic data is sparse, the chemical profile is typical for North Texas plains.

A Gritty and Substantial Mix

The soil is comprised of 42.2% sand, 31.5% silt, and 24.6% clay. This blend provides enough clay for nutrient storage but keeps the soil gritty enough to avoid total compaction. It represents a middle-ground texture that balances drainage and retention.

Above Average Water Capacity

Available water capacity is a bright spot at 0.149 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.133. Organic matter is lower than the state benchmark at 1.29%, suggesting a need for supplemental nitrogen. This soil is capable of supporting life even when rain is scarce.

Managing Group D Runoff Challenges

Classified in hydrologic group D, the soil has a high potential for runoff during storm events. Without cover crops or mulch, the soil surface can erode or crust over quite easily. Strategic water management is the key to preventing topsoil loss in this county.

Planting in Hardiness Zone 8a

Zone 8a supports a long growing season for heat-loving plants like cotton, sorghum, and peppers. With a soil score of 26.6, the land is just slightly under the Texas average but remains highly viable with proper care. Start a garden using compost to help lower the pH and increase organic activity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Foard County

via LawnByCounty

Foard County Lawn Challenges

Foard County scores a 31.0 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it right in line with the Texas state average. In Zone 8a, growers must manage intense heat and limited natural moisture. Maintaining a lawn here requires a focused effort on drought management and soil health.

Intense Summer Heat Profiles

The county endures 115 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 105. Annual precipitation is 25.6 inches, meaning the sky provides only about half of what a typical lawn needs to flourish. This gap makes irrigation a mandatory part of any local lawn care routine.

Amending Alkaline Soil Bases

A soil pH of 7.50 makes the ground in Foard County more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While specific drainage data is limited, the soil composition of 42.2% sand and 24.6% clay suggests a moderate texture. Adding sulfur or organic mulch can help gradually lower the pH and improve the soil structure.

Resisting Severe Regional Drought

Severe drought conditions currently cover 92.2% of the county, following 24 weeks of drought in the past year. To protect your lawn, prioritize deep root growth and avoid over-fertilizing during dry spells, as this can increase water demand. Consider drought-hardy groundcovers as a sustainable alternative to traditional turf.

Selecting Hardy Grass Varieties

Bermudagrass is the most reliable choice for Foard County because it tolerates high heat and alkaline conditions. While specific frost dates are not recorded, typical Zone 8a patterns suggest planting in late March for best results. Start your lawn projects during the cooler spring mornings to give new grass the best chance to take hold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Foard County's county score?
Foard County, Texas has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Foard County rank among counties in Texas?
Foard County ranks #35 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 Foard County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Foard County is $844, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Foard County a tax score of 26.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Foard County?
The median household income in Foard County, Texas is $42,212 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Foard County earns an income score of 4.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Foard County, Texas a good place to live?
Foard County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Foard 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 Foard 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.