countyscore
46.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 80Cost of Living 79.6Safety 65.8

County Report Card

About Garza County, Texas

Competitive Standing in the National Landscape

Garza County earns a 46.6 composite score, staying competitive with the national median of 50.0. It offers a stable, low-risk environment compared to many other regions in the country.

A Top Performer in Rural Texas

The county's 46.6 score comfortably beats the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks as a hidden gem for those seeking stability and affordability away from the major metros.

Exceptional Safety and Disaster Resilience

Garza shines with a risk score of 80.0, indicating very low vulnerability to natural disasters. It also offers incredible housing value with a cost score of 79.6 and a median home value of $79,300.

Limited Incomes and Water Infrastructure

Economic opportunity is lower than average, with an income score of 15.9 and median earnings of $50,545. Water infrastructure also needs attention, given the low water score of 5.3.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

Garza County is ideal for people looking to minimize natural disaster risks while enjoying some of the lowest housing costs in Texas. It provides a peaceful, safe haven for those with stable outside income.

204060801008.179.665.812.859.615.9805.342.6Tax8.1Cost79.6Safety65.8Health12.8Schools59.6Income15.9Risk80Water5.3Weather42.646.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Garza County DNA

Foverall

How Garza County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Garza County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (80/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (5.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.1-43.9
Cost
79.6+31.599999999999994
Safety
65.8+10.799999999999997
Health
12.8-37.2
Schools
59.6
Income
15.9-35.1
Risk
80+33
Water
5.3-52.7
Weather
42.6-13.399999999999999
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Think property taxes are too high in Garza County?

Many homeowners in Garza 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

$79,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$797/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$79,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,545/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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Texas
61.4
Borden County
Texas
67
Lynn County
Texas
37.2
Scurry County
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Crosby County
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Dickens County
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Lubbock County
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Dawson County
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Deep Dives

Garza County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Garza County

via TaxByCounty

Garza's rate exceeds national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Garza County

via CostByCounty

Garza offers rock-bottom housing costs

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Garza County

via IncomeByCounty

Garza faces significant income gap

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Garza County

via CrimeByCounty

Garza County shows exceptional safety numbers

Garza County records a high safety score of 98.7, indicating a very safe community. Its total crime rate of 802.1 per 100,000 is roughly a third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Stronger safety rankings than state averages

The county's 98.7 safety score outperforms the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 802.1 is also much lower than the statewide average of 2052.5 crimes per 100,000 residents.

Interpreting Garza's single-agency data

With only one reporting agency, Garza's rate of 802.1 crimes per 100,000 should be viewed as a focused snapshot. This localized data suggests a much quieter environment than many neighboring West Texas counties.

Minimal violent and property crime

Garza County reports a violent crime rate of 156.9 and a property crime rate of 645.2 per 100,000. Both metrics are significantly lower than national averages, pointing to a secure local lifestyle.

Safeguarding your Garza County residence

Residents enjoy high safety levels but should remain aware of property crime risks. Installing basic security sensors and maintaining good lighting help preserve the county's low-crime reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Garza County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Schools Serving Garza County

Garza County features a small but dedicated education system with just five public schools serving 893 students. The system is managed by two districts and includes one elementary, one middle, and two high schools. This ensures that every student in the county receives personalized attention in a small-scale setting.

Meeting State Benchmarks with High Support

The county graduation rate of 91.7% is on par with the Texas state average and well above the national average of 87.0%. Educators here utilize $7,700 per pupil, which is higher than the state average, to maintain a 55.9 composite school score. This above-average spending supports a personalized learning environment for every child.

Post ISD Anchors the Community

Post ISD is the primary educational provider, serving 741 students across three campuses. Southland ISD serves a smaller group of 126 students at its single K-12 facility. There are no charter schools in Garza County, meaning the community remains focused on its two traditional public districts.

Small Campuses in a Town Setting

The average school size is just 179 students, which is among the smallest in the region. Post Elementary is the largest campus with 341 students, while the Mullin Garza County RJC serves just 26. This environment creates a close-knit feel where teachers and administrators know every student by name.

Discover a Tight-Knit Educational Community

Garza County is ideal for families seeking small class sizes and a supportive, community-driven school environment. With graduation rates that meet state standards and personalized attention, it’s a great place to raise a family. Look for homes in the Post area to join this welcoming school district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Garza County

via RiskByCounty

Garza County's Risk Remains Minimal

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Garza County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Grade and Violations

Garza County holds an F grade due to 39 health violations recorded over the five-year lookback period. The violation rate of 685.8 per 100,000 residents exceeds the Texas state average of 581.9.

Status of Watershed Assessments

Local water bodies in Garza County have not yet been assessed under federal Section 303(d) standards. No attainment or impairment data is currently available in the EPA ATTAINS database.

Water Quality Tracking Activity

Garza County maintains 3 monitoring sites that have recorded 1,819 measurements in the last five years. Data collection focuses on physical attributes, inorganics, and nutrient levels.

Dry Conditions on the Brazos

The DMF Brazos River gauge at Justiceburg reports a current discharge of 0 cfs. This is far below the long-term mean of 29 cfs, indicating the river is currently stagnant.

Protective Measures for Residents

With a violation rate above the state average, residents should consider installing high-quality water filters in their homes. Stagnant flow on the Brazos River also means source water may be more susceptible to concentrated contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Garza County

via WeatherByCounty

A dry, temperate climate on the plains

Garza County averages 63.0°F annually, placing it slightly above the national median for temperature. Its semiarid environment features low annual precipitation and wide temperature swings.

Cooler and drier than the Texas norm

At 63.0°F, the county is cooler than the state average of 65.5°F. Its 21.2 inches of annual rainfall is nearly 11 inches below the state average, reflecting its position in the drier western half of Texas.

Typical conditions for the Rolling Plains

Garza shares the arid characteristics of its West Texas neighbors but maintains a July average of 83.0°F. It experiences more extreme heat days than its higher-elevation neighbors to the west.

Long, hot summers and crisp winters

The county sees 103 days of extreme heat over 90°F, pushing the summer average to 81.5°F. Winter brings a sharp contrast with a 44.3°F average and 3.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Plan for water conservation and heat

Outdoor planning must account for 103 days of triple-digit potential and limited 21.2-inch rainfall. Durable home insulation and efficient cooling systems are vital for navigating the intense summer sun.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Garza County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Profile of the Caprock

Garza County has an alkaline soil profile with an average pH of 7.47, higher than the national median of 6.5. While detailed taxonomic data is not available, this pH level influences how plants absorb essential nutrients. It is a defining characteristic of the local High Plains environment.

Sandy Ground with Moderate Silt

The soil is composed of 51.8% sand, 23.5% silt, and 20.5% clay. This provides a relatively balanced texture that offers decent drainage and some nutrient-holding capacity. It is a versatile mix that supports both ranching and local cultivation.

Steady Moisture and Average Fertility

Available water capacity is 0.131 in/in, which is nearly identical to the Texas state average of 0.133 in/in. Organic matter stands at 1.36%, slightly lower than the state average of 1.66%. These numbers indicate a stable, if not overly rich, growing environment.

High Runoff on Tight Soils

Classified in hydrologic group D, these soils have a high potential for runoff when wet. Water does not move easily into the deep profile, which can cause erosion issues on sloped terrain. Builders should prioritize water diversion and erosion control in all new projects.

Native Grasses and Shrubs in Zone 8a

In Hardiness Zone 8a, native Texas grasses and drought-tolerant shrubs are the most reliable choices. The alkaline soil and high sun exposure favor plants that can handle the West Texas heat. Consider a xeriscape garden to work with the county's natural hydrology.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Garza County

via LawnByCounty

Dry Climate Lawn Management

Garza County has a lawn difficulty score of 25.3, indicating a challenging environment for traditional turf. This Zone 8a region is significantly more demanding than the national average due to its semi-arid climate.

Low Rain and Consistent Heat

With only 21.2 inches of annual precipitation, lawns here receive about 10 inches less than the Texas state average. Residents manage 103 extreme heat days, requiring a vigilant watering schedule to keep grass from entering dormancy.

Sandy Soil and Elevated pH

The soil is 51.8% sand with a pH of 7.47, which is slightly more alkaline than the 6.0-7.0 ideal for lawns. These conditions mean water drains quickly, so adding organic matter is essential for improving moisture retention.

Navigating Severe Drought Conditions

Currently, 100% of the county is in severe drought, having faced 24 weeks of drought over the past year. To save your lawn, raise your mower height to provide shade for the soil and reduce water evaporation.

Choosing Resilience for Garza

Bermuda and Buffalograss are the strongest candidates for these dry, sandy conditions. Aim to plant after the last spring frost on April 1 to give your new lawn the best start before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garza County's county score?
Garza County, Texas has a composite county score of 46.6 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 Garza County rank among counties in Texas?
Garza County ranks #92 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 Garza County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Garza County is $1,316, with an effective tax rate of 1.66%. This earns Garza County a tax score of 8.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Garza County?
The median household income in Garza County, Texas is $50,545 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Garza County earns an income score of 15.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Garza County, Texas a good place to live?
Garza County scores 46.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #92 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Garza 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 Garza 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.