countyscore
49.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 79.5Schools 78.9Safety 67.9

County Report Card

About Gaines County, Texas

Gaines County Matches National Standards

Gaines County earns a composite score of 49.3, putting it nearly on par with the national median of 50.0. This performance indicates a high quality of life for a rural agricultural hub.

Outperforming the Average Texas County

With a score of 49.3, Gaines County significantly exceeds the Texas state average of 41.9. It stands as a top-tier performer among its West Texas peers.

High Incomes and Elite Schools

The county excels with an income score of 79.5 and a median household income of $76,605. Education is another pillar of strength, reflected in an impressive school score of 78.9.

Navigating Water Scarcity and Tax Rates

Environmental sustainability is a major challenge, evidenced by a very low water score of 2.6. Residents also face a tax score of 14.4, driven by a 1.468% effective tax rate.

A Prosperous Choice for Agriculture and Families

Gaines County is a perfect fit for high-earning households who want top-notch schools and a safe community. It is a premier destination for those who can manage West Texas water realities.

2040608010014.459.667.917.378.979.542.42.648.4Tax14.4Cost59.6Safety67.9Health17.3Schools78.9Income79.5Risk42.4Water2.6Weather48.449.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Gaines County DNA

Foverall

How Gaines County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gaines County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (79.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (2.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
14.4-37.6
Cost
59.6+11.600000000000001
Safety
67.9+12.900000000000006
Health
17.3-32.7
Schools
78.9+24.900000000000006
Income
79.5+28.5
Risk
42.4
Water
2.6-55.4
Weather
48.4
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Gaines County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$185,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$788/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$185,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,605/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.1

per 100K

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

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
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Counties with similar scores

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Attala County
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Sheridan County
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Otoe County
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49.3

Nearby counties

Yoakum County
Texas
49.5
Andrews County
Texas
32.2
Lea County
New Mexico
36.1
Terry County
Texas
30.4
Dawson County
Texas
32.6
Martin County
Texas
37.8
Winkler County
Texas
52.4
Cochran County
Texas
44.6

Deep Dives

Gaines County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gaines County

via TaxByCounty

Gaines taxes slightly above national median

Gaines County's effective tax rate of 1.468% exceeds the national median rate, and its median tax bill of $2,721 slightly surpasses the national median of $2,690. Despite higher rates, home values here remain below the national average at $185,300.

Above-average burden in Texas

Gaines County ranks above Texas's average effective rate of 1.276%, placing it in the higher-tax category statewide. The median tax of $2,721 exceeds the Texas median of $2,193 by over $500.

Higher costs than region peers

Gaines County's 1.468% rate significantly exceeds Freestone (1.037%) and Goliad (1.035%), making it one of the pricier options in the region. The median tax bill of $2,721 is notably higher than neighboring counties' obligations.

What homeowners pay annually

On the median home value of $185,300, Gaines County homeowners pay approximately $2,721 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, this jumps to $3,952; without one, expect $2,411.

Appeal overvalued assessments now

Given Gaines County's higher-than-average tax rates, homeowners should carefully review their property assessments for accuracy. An appeal could yield meaningful savings on substantial annual tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gaines County

via CostByCounty

Gaines leads on affordability metrics

At 12.3%, Gaines County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Texas's best, significantly outperforming the state average of 18.1%. Residents here keep more of their income after paying rent, with median rent of $788 sitting below both state and national norms.

Top-tier housing affordability in Texas

Gaines County ranks at the forefront of Texas housing affordability, offering renters and owners exceptional cost relief relative to income. The county's strong median household income of $76,605 paired with moderate housing costs creates the sweet spot many Texans seek.

Beats rural peers on rent affordability

Gaines's $788 monthly rent undercuts Freestone ($844), Frio ($1,006), and Gillespie ($1,331), positioning it as a renter's haven in West Texas. Homeowners here pay $811 per month—nearly identical to renters—against a $185,300 median home value, offering genuine flexibility for either path.

Income buoys both renters and owners

Gaines renters spend just 12.3% of their $76,605 median income on housing—the lowest burden among these eight counties. Homeowners commit 12.8% to monthly costs, creating a rare scenario where both renters and buyers enjoy comfortable affordability.

Move here for unbeatable affordability

If housing cost burden is your top priority, Gaines County outshines nearly every other Texas county with rent and ownership costs that consume minimal income. Compare your potential housing payment here to Gillespie or Galveston, and you'll see why Gaines deserves a hard look.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gaines County

via IncomeByCounty

Gaines surpasses the national average

Gaines County's median household income of $76,605 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $1,850. This West Texas county outperforms the average American household, driven largely by energy sector employment.

Above-average income in Texas

Gaines ranks above the Texas state average of $64,737, with a median income 18% higher. The county's per capita income of $30,786 also trails only slightly behind the state average of $33,197.

Outearning comparable West Texas areas

Gaines's $76,605 significantly outpaces rural neighbors like Freestone ($58,460) and Frio ($60,098). The county benefits from oil and gas activity that boosts wages compared to purely agricultural regions.

Strong purchasing power for housing

Gaines's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio is among the healthiest in the state, well below the comfort threshold. The median home value of $185,300 becomes achievable for the typical household here, supporting homeownership and wealth building.

Lock in gains from energy economy

Above-average income creates an opportunity to build lasting wealth through diversified investments and retirement savings. Consider consulting a financial advisor to protect gains from commodity price volatility and plan for economic shifts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gaines County

via CrimeByCounty

Gaines County is among the nation's safest

Gaines County earns an elite safety score of 98.8, reflecting a very low-risk environment. The total crime rate of 752.7 per 100,000 residents is less than one-third of the national average.

Outpacing the Texas average safety score

Gaines County's safety score of 98.8 easily clears the state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 752.7 is impressively lower than the 2052.5 average seen across other Texas counties.

Quiet streets compared to neighboring counties

Gaines County serves as a model for regional safety with just 752.7 crimes per 100,000 people. Three local agencies manage this low volume, ensuring high responsiveness for the community.

Violent crime is rare in Gaines

The violent crime rate is a low 116.2 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is similarly minimal at 636.5, making it one of the most secure regions in the state.

Keeping your Gaines County home secure

Low crime rates provide peace of mind, but consistent vigilance helps maintain these statistics. Simple measures like locking vehicles and using outdoor lighting deter opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Gaines County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Educational Facilities in Gaines

Gaines County hosts eight public schools across three districts, supporting an enrollment of 3,673 students. The infrastructure is unique, featuring three elementary, one middle, and two high schools, alongside two specialized 'other' level campuses. This layout serves a growing student body in a mix of town and rural environments.

High Investment and Higher Grad Rates

Gaines County invests $8,654 per pupil, significantly outspending the Texas average of $7,498. This investment pays off with a 94.5% graduation rate and a school score of 59.5, both of which sit comfortably above state averages. Students here benefit from more resources than many of their neighbors across the state.

Seminole ISD Anchors the County

Seminole ISD is by far the largest district, educating 3,011 students across six campuses. Seagraves ISD serves 505 students, while Loop ISD operates as a single-school district for 157 students. There are no charter schools in the county, as the three local districts provide comprehensive coverage for all residents.

From Comprehensive High Schools to K-12

Five schools are located in towns and three in rural areas, with an average enrollment of 459 students. Seminole High School is the largest campus with 784 students, while Seagraves Schools provide a PK-12 experience for 505 students on a single site. This variety offers families a choice between larger town campuses and more intimate, all-grade rural schools.

Secure Your Family’s Future in Gaines

With high per-pupil spending and excellent graduation rates, Gaines County is an attractive destination for families. Explore homes in the Seminole or Seagraves areas to take advantage of these well-funded public schools. Strong educational outcomes continue to make this county a top choice for Texas homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gaines County

via RiskByCounty

Gaines County's Wildfire Risk Stands Out

Gaines's composite risk score of 57.63 ranks as relatively low overall, but its wildfire hazard score of 93.38 is exceptional and far exceeds the national average. This West Texas county faces concentrated wildfire exposure that dominates its disaster risk profile.

Above Average, Driven by Wildfire

With a composite score of 57.63 versus Texas's state average of 49.00, Gaines runs higher in statewide rankings. The elevation is almost entirely due to wildfire risk, which at 93.38 ranks among the highest in the state.

Wildfire Risk Exceeds Area Peers

Gaines's wildfire score of 93.38 significantly outpaces neighboring Dawson and Martin counties in the Permian Basin region. The open prairie landscape and sparse vegetation create conditions for rapid fire spread across large areas.

Wildfire Is the Primary Threat

Gaines faces extreme wildfire risk (93.38) that dwarfs all other hazards in the county, while flood (30.38), tornado (43.48), and hurricane risks remain modest. Grassland fires can spread miles in hours, threatening ranches, structures, and livestock across the semiarid landscape.

Prepare for Rapid Wildfire Spread

Gaines homeowners should maintain defensible space with cleared vegetation, have an evacuation plan, and ensure structures meet fire-resistant building codes. Homeowner insurance should explicitly cover wildfire damage; standard policies may exclude or limit coverage for brush fires.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Gaines County

via WaterByCounty

Severe Drinking Water Violations

Gaines County earns an F grade with a staggering 143 health violations recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 1,415.4 per 100,000 residents is nearly triple the Texas state average of 581.9.

Watershed Impairment Tracking

Water bodies in Gaines County are not currently included in federal Section 303(d) assessment cycles. There is no official data regarding the impairment status of local creeks or aquifers in the ATTAINS database.

Absence of Monitoring Records

There are no water-quality monitoring records for Gaines County in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal for the previous five-year window. This lack of data creates a significant blind spot for local environmental health.

Streamflow Monitoring Status

Gaines County does not currently host a representative USGS streamgage, limiting live visibility into surface water movement. Compliance records remain the primary signal for local water safety.

Managing High Violation Risks

Given the exceptionally high violation rate, residents should use point-of-use filtration systems that target specific health-related contaminants. Regular consultation with local water utility reports is critical to identifying which of the 143 violations affect your specific tap.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gaines County

via WeatherByCounty

High Desert West Texas

Gaines County has an annual average temperature of 61.7°F, which is milder than many southern counties. However, its 17.2 inches of annual rain marks it as an exceptionally dry, semi-arid environment.

Dry and Temperate Plains

At 61.7°F, Gaines is nearly 4 degrees cooler than the Texas state average. It is also one of the driest counties in the state, receiving only about half of the 31.9-inch Texas average rainfall.

Typical West Texas Aridity

Gaines shares the low-moisture, high-sunlight profile of the Permian Basin and Llano Estacado. It receives significantly more snow than Central Texas neighbors but far less rain than East Texas.

Hot Afternoons and Snow

Summers are hot with 97 days reaching 90°F, while July averages 80.6°F. Winters are cold and dry, featuring 4.8 inches of annual snowfall and an average winter temperature of 43.6°F.

Brace for Low Humidity

Residents must plan for 97 days of extreme heat by using swamp coolers or high-efficiency AC. Winter weather preparation is also necessary to handle the 4.8 inches of snow that periodically covers the plains.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gaines County

via SoilByCounty

Sweet Soils of the High Plains

Gaines County has an average pH of 7.77, which is notably more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. While detailed taxonomic data is sparse, the high pH is a hallmark of this semi-arid region. This alkalinity requires specific plant choices that can tolerate lime-rich earth.

Predominantly Sandy and Rapidly Draining

The profile is 67.4% sand, the highest among its neighbors, with only 15.5% clay. This means water moves through the ground very quickly, often leaving the surface dry. Farmers here must manage irrigation carefully to prevent nutrient leaching.

Challenging Fertility in West Texas

Organic matter is low at 1.08%, well below the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is 0.123 in/in, which also trails the Texas average of 0.133 in/in. Frequent organic amendments are necessary to sustain intensive gardening.

Managed Runoff on the Plains

Classified in hydrologic group D, the soil exhibits high runoff potential once the sandy top layer is saturated. Though specific drainage classes are not recorded, this group suggests water does not penetrate deeply very fast. Careful site grading is essential for any new construction projects.

Hardy Grains and Cotton in Zone 8a

In Hardiness Zone 8a, growers find success with hardy grains and cotton that tolerate sandy conditions. The high sun exposure provides ample energy for growth if water is managed well. Your garden can thrive with native species adapted to these alkaline plains.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gaines County

via LawnByCounty

High Plains Lawn Hurdles

Gaines County faces a difficult lawn score of 21.2, hampered by the arid conditions of Zone 8a. It sits well below the national median of 50.0, making traditional lush green lawns a major investment of time and water.

Arid Air and Shortened Seasons

Annual precipitation is just 17.2 inches, barely half of the Texas state average of 31.9. With 97 extreme heat days and 5,190 growing degree days, the environment demands drought-hardy species that can handle rapid evaporation.

Sandy, Alkaline Soil Profiles

The soil is 67.4% sand with a high pH of 7.77, which can make it difficult for grass to stay hydrated and nourished. You will likely need to apply sulfur or organic compost to lower the pH toward the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Managing Severe Water Shortages

With 40.5% of the county in severe drought and 26 weeks of drought over the last year, water conservation is mandatory. Consider xeriscaping or reducing lawn size to focus irrigation on smaller, high-priority zones.

Selecting Hardy High Plains Species

Buffalograss is a native, water-wise choice that handles the local soil and 17-inch rainfall better than imported turf. Wait until after the last frost on April 2 to begin seeding for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gaines County's county score?
Gaines County, Texas has a composite county score of 49.3 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 Gaines County rank among counties in Texas?
Gaines County ranks #67 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 Gaines County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Gaines County is $2,721, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Gaines County a tax score of 14.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gaines County?
The median household income in Gaines County, Texas is $76,605 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gaines County earns an income score of 79.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gaines County, Texas a good place to live?
Gaines County scores 49.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Gaines 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 Gaines County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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