countyscore
57.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.8Disaster Risk 95.8Property Tax 89.4

County Report Card

About Glasscock County, Texas

Glasscock County Leads the National Pack

Glasscock County achieves a composite score of 57.7, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high score places it among the most livable rural counties in the United States.

A Powerhouse Performance in Texas

With a 57.7 score, Glasscock County is an elite performer, crushing the Texas average of 41.9. It offers a unique combination of extreme economic strength and environmental stability.

Wealth, Stability, and Low Taxes

This county leads with a 96.8 income score and a 95.8 risk score, signaling high earnings and low disaster risk. Residents also benefit from a nearly unbeatable tax rate of 0.464%.

Focusing on Local Public Safety

The primary area for improvement is public safety, which carries a low score of 2.9. While other dimensions are nearly perfect, enhancing security measures could elevate the county further.

Ideal for Wealthy Households and Low-Tax Seekers

Glasscock is perfect for high-income earners who want to keep more of their money through ultra-low taxes. It offers unparalleled financial and environmental stability for its residents.

2040608010089.470.82.940.173.696.895.88641.9Tax89.4Cost70.8Safety2.9Health40.1Schools73.6Income96.8Risk95.8Water86Weather41.957.7/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

Glasscock County DNA

Foverall

How Glasscock County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Glasscock County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (95.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
89.4+37.400000000000006
Cost
70.8+22.799999999999997
Safety
2.9-52.1
Health
40.1-9.899999999999999
Schools
73.6+19.599999999999994
Income
96.8+45.8
Risk
95.8+48.8
Water
86+28
Weather
41.9-14.100000000000001
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Compare mortgage rates in Glasscock County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$248,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

N/A/mo

Income Needed (home)

$248,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

N/A/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $106,806/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

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

Park County
Colorado
Median income: $95,450
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Calhoun County
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Median income: $55,714
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Monroe County
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Median income: $82,863
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Meeker County
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Lincoln County
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Median income: $47,018
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Nemaha County
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Median income: $60,132
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Alfalfa County
Oklahoma
Median income: $67,870
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Baylor County
Texas
Median income: $42,313
57.7

Nearby counties

Howard County
Texas
25.1
Midland County
Texas
38.7
Sterling County
Texas
51.8
Reagan County
Texas
55.4
Martin County
Texas
37.8
Mitchell County
Texas
57.9
Upton County
Texas
55.8
Irion County
Texas
47.3

Deep Dives

Glasscock County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Glasscock County

via TaxByCounty

Glasscock has the lowest national rate

Glasscock County's effective tax rate of 0.464% is exceptionally low—among the lowest in the nation. The median tax bill of $1,154 falls well below the national median of $2,690, delivering substantial tax efficiency to homeowners.

Texas's most affordable county

Glasscock's 0.464% effective rate is the lowest of all Texas counties examined, less than half the state average of 1.276%. This makes Glasscock an exceptional choice for tax-conscious homeowners seeking maximum efficiency.

Unmatched tax efficiency statewide

Glasscock's 0.464% rate dramatically undercuts every regional peer, including Gillespie (1.019%), Freestone (1.037%), and Goliad (1.035%). No other county in this comparison comes close to Glasscock's tax efficiency.

What homeowners pay annually

On the median home value of $248,600, Glasscock County homeowners pay approximately $1,154 in annual property taxes—the lowest among all counties examined. Without a mortgage, expect around $1,270.

Verify your assessment regardless

Even in low-tax counties like Glasscock, property assessments can occasionally be inflated, and homeowners should review valuations during assessment cycles. An appeal could add to your already substantial tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Glasscock County

via CostByCounty

Glasscock's wealth reshapes affordability

Glasscock County's median household income of $106,806 ranks among the nation's highest, substantially exceeding the national average of $74,755. While rental data is limited, homeowners here spend just 7.8% of income on housing costs—an exceptional ratio that reflects the county's oil-industry wealth.

Texas's wealthiest county profiled

Glasscock leads these eight counties by household income, with residents earning nearly 57% above the state average. This exceptional income level makes housing costs—including the $692 median monthly owner cost—remarkably affordable as a percentage of earnings.

Income trumps housing costs here

Glasscock's $106,806 median income dwarfs all neighbors in this cohort, including Galveston ($85,348) and Gaines ($76,605). While rental information is unavailable, the county's homeowner costs of $692 per month become nearly negligible when paired with such robust household earnings.

Exceptional income makes all costs trivial

Homeowners in Glasscock dedicate just 7.8% of their $106,806 income to a median monthly cost of $692—the lowest burden percentage among all eight counties. Rental affordability data is limited, but the county's extraordinary income level suggests robust affordability across both tenure types.

Move here if you work in energy

Glasscock County is an exceptional value for those employed in oil and gas industries, where salaries easily match the $106,806 median income. If your earning potential aligns with the county's industry base, you'll find housing costs negligible relative to your paycheck.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Glasscock County

via IncomeByCounty

Glasscock far outpaces national income

Glasscock County's median household income of $106,806 crushes the national median of $74,755 by 43%—the highest in this county group. This remote West Texas county's oil and gas wealth drives exceptional household earnings.

Texas's wealthiest counties

Glasscock's median income runs 65% above the Texas state average of $64,737, among the state's very highest-earning counties. Per capita income of $53,801 soars 62% above the state average of $33,197, indicating broad-based prosperity.

Dramatically outearning all peers

Glasscock's $106,806 towers over every comparison county, including Galveston ($85,348) and Gaines ($76,605). Energy sector concentration creates a narrow but exceptionally wealthy economic base.

Income exceeds all local costs

Glasscock's extraordinary income handles housing and living expenses with ease—rent-to-income data is limited, but the median home value of $248,600 is highly affordable relative to household earnings. Residents here enjoy substantial disposable income for savings and investment.

Fortify wealth against commodity cycles

Exceptional income creates rare opportunity to build generational wealth, but energy dependence introduces volatility risk. Diversify into stocks, real estate, and alternative investments to protect against oil price downturns and ensure long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Glasscock County

via CrimeByCounty

Analyzing Glasscock's unique crime data

Glasscock County holds a safety score of 93.5, which is lower than the national average. Its total crime rate of 4119.9 per 100,000 is nearly double the national average of 2,385.5.

A statistical outlier in Texas safety

Glasscock's safety score of 93.5 falls below the state average of 96.8. The high crime rate of 4119.9 is significantly more elevated than the Texas average of 2052.5 per 100,000 people.

Caution required with single-agency data

Data for Glasscock comes from a single reporting agency, which can cause statistical spikes in small populations. The high rate of 4119.9 per 100,000 suggests a concentrated volume of property reports.

Zero violent crime but high property reports

Impressively, Glasscock reports a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000. However, the property crime rate is exceptionally high at 4119.9, which accounts for the county's total crime figure.

Defending your property in Glasscock

Because all reported crime in the county is property-related, residents should focus on securing assets. High-quality locks, security cameras, and fenced perimeters are essential for protecting homes and equipment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Glasscock County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Rural Education in Glasscock

Glasscock County operates a very streamlined school system consisting of just two public schools. These campuses serve a total of 295 students under a single independent school district. This hyper-local approach ensures that all educational resources are concentrated on one community.

Top-Tier Scores and High Investment

Glasscock County boasts an impressive composite school score of 66.1, the highest in the region and far above the state average of 55.3. This is supported by an exceptional per-pupil expenditure of $12,819, nearly double the state average and close to the national mark. While the graduation rate is 90.0%, the high score reflects a rigorous and well-funded academic environment.

One District, One Community

Glasscock County ISD is the sole district for the entire county, managing all 295 students. There are no charter or alternative schools, as the district provides a comprehensive PK-12 path through its two main campuses. This single-district model fosters a powerful sense of community identity and shared purpose.

The Ultimate Rural School Experience

Both schools in the county are classified as rural, offering an intimate average school size of just 148 students. Garden City High School serves 153 students in grades 6-12, while Garden City Elementary educates 142 young learners. It is a place where every teacher knows every student, and the school serves as the heart of the community.

Invest in a Well-Funded Rural Education

For those seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing educational quality, Glasscock County is a premier choice. The high per-pupil spending and excellent school scores make it a standout for academic-minded families. Look for homes in the Garden City area to join this uniquely well-resourced district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Glasscock County

via RiskByCounty

Glasscock County's Risk Is Minimal

Glasscock's composite risk score of 4.26 ranks as very low—among the safest counties in the entire United States. Across almost every hazard category, the county sits well below national averages.

One of Texas's Lowest-Risk Counties

At 4.26, Glasscock's score is less than one-tenth of Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it at the very bottom of statewide risk rankings. This remote West Texas county enjoys exceptional protection from natural disasters.

Substantially Safer Than Peer Counties

Glasscock's composite score of 4.26 is dramatically lower than neighboring Sterling (18) and Coke (22) counties. The county's sparse population and isolated location minimize cumulative risk exposure.

Minimal Hazard Exposure Across Board

Glasscock's highest risk scores remain modest: wildfire (61.99), all others well below 20. Even wildfire exposure in this sparsely vegetated Permian Basin landscape creates minimal practical threat to developed areas.

Standard Coverage Offers Full Protection

Glasscock homeowners can confidently rely on basic homeowner insurance without specialized flood or windstorm riders. The county's exceptional safety profile makes it one of the lowest-cost insurance markets in Texas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Glasscock County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Grade

Glasscock County earns an A grade for drinking water compliance, recording zero health violations over the last five years. This performance is significantly better than the Texas state average violation rate of 581.9.

Watershed Assessment Status

Federal assessments under the Clean Water Act do not yet cover the water bodies within Glasscock County. No official impairment or attainment data is currently listed in the EPA ATTAINS database.

Limited Monitoring Presence

Only 1 monitoring site is active in the county, with 12 total measurements recorded over the last five years. These few readings focus on physical characteristics and nutrient levels.

No Active Stream Monitoring

There is no representative USGS streamgage in Glasscock County to provide live flow data. Residents rely primarily on the county's excellent drinking water compliance records for safety signals.

Maintaining Water Quality

While Glasscock County maintains an excellent A grade, the lack of extensive monitoring and stream data means residents should still practice conservation. Supporting local efforts to increase watershed monitoring can help ensure this high standard continues.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Glasscock County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid warmth on the Permian Basin

Glasscock County averages 63.2°F annually, keeping it warmer than the national median. It is characterized by high sun exposure and a dry, semi-desert atmosphere.

Colder and much drier than average

The annual average of 63.2°F is lower than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. With only 18.9 inches of rain per year, it is significantly drier than the state average of 31.9 inches.

Typical West Texas dry heat

Glasscock mirrors its neighbors with 103 days of extreme heat, though its 82.4°F July average is tempered by low humidity. It receives more snow (2.1 inches) than counties further south in the Brush Country.

Intense summer sun and dry winters

Summers are demanding with 103 days over 90°F and an 80.9°F average temperature. Winters are cold and dry, featuring a 45.0°F average and 2.1 inches of snowfall.

Prepare for drought and extreme heat

Reliable air conditioning is essential to handle the 103 days of high heat. Residents should also prioritize water-wise landscaping and dust mitigation due to the low 18.9-inch annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Glasscock County

via SoilByCounty

Aridisols of the Dry Plains

Glasscock County features Aridisols with a fine sandy loam texture. Its average pH of 7.98 is very alkaline, significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. These soils are characteristic of arid regions where minerals accumulate over time.

Strong Mineral Foundation

The soil is composed of 43.8% sand, 29.9% silt, and 26.2% clay. This balanced texture offers a surprisingly high clay content for a dry region, which helps with structural stability. It provides a solid medium for both industrial use and specialized agriculture.

Exceptional Water Storage Capacity

The available water capacity is a high 0.142 in/in, comfortably beating the state average of 0.133 in/in. Organic matter is also healthy at 1.86%, well above the Texas average of 1.66%. Despite the dry climate, the soil itself is built to hold onto what it receives.

Well Drained with Runoff Potential

The soil is well drained but belongs to hydrologic group D, indicating high runoff potential during heavy rains. This means that while water moves through the profile, the surface can quickly become overwhelmed. Builders should use professional grading to manage sudden West Texas downpours.

Tough Native Species in Zone 8a

In Hardiness Zone 8a, focus on native trees and shrubs that can handle high alkalinity. The soil's great water capacity supports plants once they are established, even in dry spells. Your landscape can be both beautiful and resilient with the right local selections.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Glasscock County

via LawnByCounty

Texas's Toughest Lawn Terrain

Glasscock County carries a very difficult lawn score of 16.7, making it one of the hardest places in the state for greenery. This Zone 8a environment is far more taxing than the national median of 50.0.

High Heat and Scant Rainfall

Lawns survive on just 18.9 inches of annual rain, well below the state average of 31.9 inches. Combined with 103 days of extreme heat, the climate creates a high-evaporation environment that challenges even the toughest grasses.

Alkaline Fine Sandy Loam

The soil pH of 7.98 is quite high, often requiring sulfur applications to prevent yellowing caused by nutrient deficiencies. Fortunately, the fine sandy loam is well-drained, which helps prevent waterlogging during the occasional heavy rain.

Defending Against Persistent Drought

The county has faced 29 weeks of drought recently, with 27.2% of the area currently in severe drought. Prioritize watering early in the morning to minimize wind drift and evaporation in this open, arid landscape.

Selecting Arid-Ready Species

Buffalograss is highly recommended here due to its native ability to survive on low rainfall and high-pH soils. Plan to start your lawn after April 2 to avoid any late spring frost damage to young shoots.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glasscock County's county score?
Glasscock County, Texas has a composite county score of 57.7 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 Glasscock County rank among counties in Texas?
Glasscock County ranks #19 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 Glasscock County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Glasscock County is $1,154, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Glasscock County a tax score of 89.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Glasscock County?
The median household income in Glasscock County, Texas is $106,806 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Glasscock County earns an income score of 96.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Glasscock County, Texas a good place to live?
Glasscock County scores 57.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Glasscock 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 Glasscock 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.