Garza County's composite score of 66.3 stands 16.3 points above the national median of 50.0, reflecting solid livability fundamentals. The county outperforms most U.S. communities on cost and tax efficiency.
2 / 5
Matches Texas Average Almost Exactly
Garza's score of 66.3 sits essentially at the Texas state average of 66.8, placing it squarely in the middle of state rankings. Performance is balanced rather than exceptional across measured dimensions.
3 / 5
Exceptional Housing Affordability Leads the Way
Garza boasts the highest cost score of 86.7 in this group, with median home values just $79,300 and monthly rents at $797. This combination delivers genuine housing bargains for buyers and renters alike.
4 / 5
Low Income Levels Limit Economic Mobility
The income score of 16.4 with median household income of $50,545 signals limited earning potential and economic opportunity. Combined with a relatively high effective tax rate of 1.659%, the county faces income growth constraints.
5 / 5
Perfect for Retirees and Remote-Work Households
Garza County appeals to retirees with fixed incomes, remote workers, and those who've already built wealth elsewhere seeking ultra-low housing costs. The county excels for households that can afford to live lightly on local wages.
Garza County's composite score of 66.3 stands 16.3 points above the national median of 50.0, reflecting solid livability fundamentals. The county outperforms most U.S. communities on cost and tax efficiency.
Matches Texas Average Almost Exactly
Garza's score of 66.3 sits essentially at the Texas state average of 66.8, placing it squarely in the middle of state rankings. Performance is balanced rather than exceptional across measured dimensions.
Exceptional Housing Affordability Leads the Way
Garza boasts the highest cost score of 86.7 in this group, with median home values just $79,300 and monthly rents at $797. This combination delivers genuine housing bargains for buyers and renters alike.
Low Income Levels Limit Economic Mobility
The income score of 16.4 with median household income of $50,545 signals limited earning potential and economic opportunity. Combined with a relatively high effective tax rate of 1.659%, the county faces income growth constraints.
Perfect for Retirees and Remote-Work Households
Garza County appeals to retirees with fixed incomes, remote workers, and those who've already built wealth elsewhere seeking ultra-low housing costs. The county excels for households that can afford to live lightly on local wages.
Score breakdown
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🏛55.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Garza County's effective tax rate of 1.659% is among the highest compared to national standards, yet the median tax bill of $1,316 remains well below the national median of $2,690. This is because Garza homes average just $79,300 in value.
Highest rate in Texas comparison
Garza County's effective tax rate of 1.659% significantly exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276%, ranking it among the state's highest-taxing counties. Despite this, the median tax of $1,316 is the lowest of all counties examined here due to minimal property values.
Highest rate, lowest bill in region
Garza's 1.659% rate is the highest among all regional peers, yet its $1,316 median tax bill is the lowest, reflecting rural property values. This contrast makes Garza unique—high-rate but affordable-bill territory.
What homeowners pay annually
On Garza's median home value of $79,300, homeowners pay approximately $1,316 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $3,657; without one, around $1,171.
Verify your assessment's accuracy
Even in lower-value markets like Garza, property assessments can be inflated, and homeowners have the right to appeal. A successful challenge could provide meaningful relief in a high-tax-rate county.
Garza County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% hovers near Texas's state average of 18.1%, but the county stands out for rock-bottom absolute housing costs. Median rent of $797 and median owner cost of just $488 per month rank among the lowest across these eight counties, even as median income lags at $50,545.
Among Texas's most budget-friendly counties
Garza ranks in the affordability sweet spot for Texas, offering renters and owners alike some of the state's lowest absolute housing costs. The county's challenge is lower median income, but for those earning $50,000, these housing costs provide exceptional relief.
Lowest owner costs in the region
Garza's $488 median monthly owner cost is the lowest among all eight counties—less than half Galveston's $1,538 and a quarter of Gillespie's $1,033. Renters pay $797 per month, undercutting all neighbors except Gaines, positioning Garza as the ultimate cost-conscious choice for West Texas.
Affordability through sheer low costs
Garza renters spend 18.9% of their $50,545 income on $797 rent, while homeowners commit a remarkable 11.6% to $488 monthly costs. The county achieves affordability not through high incomes but through exceptionally low absolute housing costs—a rare advantage for budget-conscious households.
Perfect if you earn modest income
Garza County is your move if you're on a tight budget and can embrace rural West Texas living—your housing costs will be the lowest in this cohort. Renters and owners alike will find their paychecks stretched further here than in any other county profiled.
Garza County's median household income of $50,545 lags the national median of $74,755 by 32%—the largest gap in this county group. This South Plains county reflects rural economic pressures affecting much of West Texas.
Among Texas's lowest-earning counties
Garza's median income trails the Texas state average of $64,737 by 22%, placing it in the state's lower-income tier. Per capita income of $20,328 falls 39% below the state average of $33,197—the steepest decline in this dataset.
Struggling in West Texas cluster
Garza's $50,545 sits notably below even Freestone ($58,460) and Frio ($60,098), marking it as one of the region's most economically challenged counties. Agricultural dependence and limited employment diversity limit wage growth.
Low income, low housing costs
Garza's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio is manageable, supported by the lowest median home value in this group at $79,300. However, the bargain housing reflects limited economic opportunity rather than true affordability.
Build wealth despite economic headwinds
Lower incomes require disciplined saving and strategic career moves to build security. Explore workforce training, remote work opportunities, and entrepreneurship to diversify income sources beyond traditional agriculture and ranching.
At 73.5 years, Garza County residents live roughly 2–3 years shorter than the national average, indicating chronic health challenges in this West Texas county. The county's 28.1% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds national averages, reflecting higher disease burden.
Below Texas average on life expectancy
Garza's 73.5-year life expectancy falls 0.8 years below the Texas state average of 74.3 years, while its 22.2% uninsured rate exceeds the state average by 2.4 percentage points. Both metrics point to constrained healthcare resources and access barriers.
Garza faces provider scarcity in the region
With 17 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Garza has fewer physicians than neighboring Terry and Lynn Counties. The 22.2% uninsured rate leaves many residents without coverage to pay for the limited care available.
Limited providers and coverage gaps limit access
Garza has just 17 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 22 mental health providers per 100,000, reflecting the challenges of a sparsely populated West Texas county. With 22.2% uninsured, residents often delay care or travel long distances for treatment.
Garza residents can secure affordable coverage
More than one in five Garza County residents lack health insurance, leaving them vulnerable to medical debt and delayed care. Check the Texas Health Insurance Marketplace or contact local health centers to find plans that fit your family's needs and budget.
Garza's composite risk score of 20.01 ranks as very low, placing it well below the national average and among the safest counties in America. Despite moderate wildfire exposure, the county's overall hazard profile is exceptionally favorable.
Among Texas's Lowest-Risk Counties
At 20.01, Garza's score sits far below Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking it in the lowest tier statewide. The county's remote location on the South Plains and minimal flood, tornado, and hurricane exposure create this low-risk profile.
Safer Than Most Regional Peers
Garza's composite score of 20.01 runs substantially lower than neighboring Kent (35) and Scurry (42) counties. The difference reflects Garza's distance from major storm tracks and flood-prone watercourses.
Wildfire Is the Notable Concern
Garza's main hazard exposure comes from wildfire (83.46), while flood (3.34), tornado (39.22), and hurricane (11.47) risks remain minimal. Grassland conditions can occasionally fuel rapid fire spread during dry periods, but overall county exposure remains low.
Standard Coverage Typically Sufficient
Most Garza homeowners can rely on standard homeowner insurance with basic wind coverage; flood insurance is rarely necessary except near creek bottoms. Maintaining defensible space and fire-resistant landscaping provides adequate protection for the county's modest wildfire exposure.