Gray beats national average by 33 percentage points
Gray County's composite score of 66.3 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it firmly in the better-than-average camp for U.S. livability. This solid performance reflects a county that delivers on affordability and tax efficiency at the national level.
2 / 5
Right in line with Texas standards
With a score of 66.3, Gray County sits just slightly below the Texas state average of 66.8, representing a competitive position among the state's counties. This narrow margin suggests the county matches typical Texas livability patterns without significantly outperforming or underperforming its regional peers.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing affordability and modest taxes
Gray County delivers a cost score of 81.1 with median home values at just $100,400 and monthly rents of $898, offering some of the lowest housing costs in the state. The effective tax rate of 1.429% remains reasonable, supporting the overall affordability profile.
4 / 5
Income levels present a financial reality check
The income score of 20.0 reflects median household earnings of $56,082, placing residents below average earning potential for both state and nation. Safety, health, education, and environmental data remain unavailable, limiting a complete picture of county livability.
5 / 5
Best for cost-conscious residents seeking simplicity
Gray County appeals to budget-minded individuals and families who prioritize low housing costs and straightforward living expenses over wage growth. The county's low-cost profile makes it particularly attractive for fixed-income retirees and those seeking financial predictability.
Gray beats national average by 33 percentage points
Gray County's composite score of 66.3 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it firmly in the better-than-average camp for U.S. livability. This solid performance reflects a county that delivers on affordability and tax efficiency at the national level.
Right in line with Texas standards
With a score of 66.3, Gray County sits just slightly below the Texas state average of 66.8, representing a competitive position among the state's counties. This narrow margin suggests the county matches typical Texas livability patterns without significantly outperforming or underperforming its regional peers.
Exceptional housing affordability and modest taxes
Gray County delivers a cost score of 81.1 with median home values at just $100,400 and monthly rents of $898, offering some of the lowest housing costs in the state. The effective tax rate of 1.429% remains reasonable, supporting the overall affordability profile.
Income levels present a financial reality check
The income score of 20.0 reflects median household earnings of $56,082, placing residents below average earning potential for both state and nation. Safety, health, education, and environmental data remain unavailable, limiting a complete picture of county livability.
Best for cost-conscious residents seeking simplicity
Gray County appeals to budget-minded individuals and families who prioritize low housing costs and straightforward living expenses over wage growth. The county's low-cost profile makes it particularly attractive for fixed-income retirees and those seeking financial predictability.
Score breakdown
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🏛62.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Gray County's effective tax rate of 1.429% exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276%, though median taxes of $1,435 remain 47% below the national median of $2,690. The lower median tax reflects Gray's smaller median home value of $100,400.
Gray ranks higher among Texas counties
With a 1.429% effective rate, Gray County sits in the upper tier of Texas counties for tax burden. Its median annual tax of $1,435 falls $758 short of the state average, but the rate itself is one of the steeper in the state.
Gray stands apart in the Panhandle
Gray County's rate of 1.429% is the highest among nearby Panhandle counties like Hall County (1.212%) and Hale County (1.386%). Despite higher rates, Gray's lower home values keep absolute tax bills competitive with neighbors.
What property taxes cost in Gray County
The median home in Gray County, valued at $100,400, generates an annual property tax bill of $1,435. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $2,568 once additional county assessments are included.
Appeal your assessment if it's too high
Gray County homeowners often discover their properties are assessed above fair market value. Filing a simple tax appeal with the appraisal district costs nothing and can result in real savings on your annual bill.
Gray County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% exceeds the national average of 18.1%, placing renters under slightly more financial pressure than typical Americans. The county's median rent of $898 reflects modest housing costs, but they consume a larger share of incomes here than elsewhere.
Mid-pack affordability within Texas
At 19.2%, Gray County's rent burden sits above Texas's state average of 18.1%, indicating moderate affordability challenges compared to peers. The county's median home value of $100,400 is among the lowest in the state, appealing to buyers seeking deep discounts.
Rents higher than rural neighbors
Gray County's $898 median rent exceeds Hall County's $610 and Hale County's $798, though it remains below Grayson County ($1,178) and Gregg County ($1,072). Among small counties in this region, Gray sits in the middle of the rental market.
Renting strains lower incomes here
With a median household income of just $56,082, renters paying $898 monthly spend nearly 19% of income on housing alone. Homeowners enjoy a better bargain at $731 monthly (15.6% of income), making ownership the clearer financial advantage for those who can afford it.
Gray County suits buyers over renters
If you're looking to buy, Gray County's rock-bottom home values ($100,400 median) offer serious equity-building potential on a Texas budget. Renters, however, should compare this market carefully with the slightly cheaper options in nearby Hall County.
Gray County's median household income of $56,082 is 24.9% below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks among Texas's lower-income areas, reflecting limited job diversity and wage growth.
Lowest among peer counties
At $56,082, Gray County falls 13.4% short of Texas's median household income of $64,737. The county faces economic headwinds compared to statewide averages, suggesting concentration in lower-wage industries.
Neighbors earn more overall
Gray County ($56,082) ranks below most adjacent counties, including Gonzales ($59,355) and Gregg County ($64,809). The per-capita income of $30,893 is notably lower than the state average of $33,197, indicating earnings challenges across demographic groups.
Housing costs strain budgets
Gray County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% is elevated, meaning housing consumes nearly one-fifth of median household earnings. The modest median home value of $100,400 helps keep ownership costs down, but renters face tighter monthly budgets.
Prioritize financial stability first
With higher housing cost burdens, Gray County residents should focus on building emergency reserves before investing. Look into local workforce development programs and training opportunities that could boost earning potential over time.
Gray County residents live an average of 72.3 years—a full 6.6 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. About 1 in 4 adults (24.8%) report poor or fair health, a rate significantly above the national average of 18%.
Among Texas's lower-life-expectancy counties
At 72.3 years, Gray County's life expectancy ranks noticeably below Texas's 74.3-year state average. The 21.5% uninsured rate also exceeds the state average of 19.8%, compounding health challenges in the county.
Faces steeper health challenges than peers
Gray County's 72.3-year life expectancy is among the lowest in its region, trailing Gonzales (74.2), Grayson (74.4), and Grimes (74.9) counties. The county's 29 primary care providers per 100,000 is lean compared to Gonzales's 41 and Gregg's 91, limiting local healthcare capacity.
Uninsured Texans struggle for care here
More than 1 in 5 Gray County residents (21.5%) are uninsured, facing real barriers to doctor visits and preventive care. While the county offers 43 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, cost remains a major obstacle for the uninsured.
Insurance is within your reach
Don't let the uninsured rate in Gray County become your story—coverage options exist for most Texans. Call 211 or visit Healthcare.gov to learn about plans, Medicaid eligibility, and sliding-scale clinics near you.
Gray County's composite risk score of 59.89 ranks as relatively low, slightly above the Texas state average of 49.00 but more resilient than many U.S. counties. However, the county's wildfire risk of 93.67 is exceptionally high and deserves serious attention.
Wildfire threat stands out statewide
Gray County's wildfire score of 93.67 ranks among the highest in Texas, reflecting the Panhandle's dry climate and grassland terrain. Despite this extreme hazard, the county's overall composite score remains moderate due to lower risks from hurricanes and earthquakes.
Wildfire risk exceeds surrounding counties
Gray County's wildfire score of 93.67 is significantly higher than neighboring Hale County (77.67) and Grayson County (86.04). The county's location in the Texas Panhandle puts it in a region where grass fires and brush fires are frequent threats.
Wildfire is the dominant threat
Wildfire risk of 93.67 stands out as Gray County's primary hazard, far exceeding tornado risk (76.84) and other threats. The Panhandle's grasslands and low humidity create conditions for rapid fire spread, particularly during drought seasons.
Invest in wildfire defensible space
Gray County residents should create and maintain defensible space around homes—removing dead vegetation, clearing gutters, and trimming tree branches within 10 feet of structures. Check whether your homeowners policy covers wildfire damage and consider additional coverage if needed, especially in rural areas closer to grasslands.