countyscore
31.1
County Score
Weather & Climate 57.5Water Quality 55.6Cost of Living 53.5

County Report Card

About Gray County, Texas

A Lower Ranking on the National Scale

Gray County earns a composite score of 31.1, falling well short of the national median of 50.0. This placement reflects substantial economic and social headwinds compared to the typical U.S. county. The data suggests a difficult path for growth relative to national trends.

Trailing the Texas State Average

With a score of 31.1, Gray County sits more than ten points below the Texas average of 41.9. It ranks among the lower-performing counties in the state for public wellness and community safety. Local leaders face a competitive gap compared to the state's more prosperous districts.

Low-Cost Housing and Stable Water Quality

Affordability remains the primary draw with a Cost Score of 53.5 and a median home value of just $100,400. Water reliability is also a relative bright spot, earning a score of 55.6. These factors provide a floor of stability for low-income households.

Critical Health and Safety Gaps

The county struggles with a very low Health Score of 12.6 and a Safety Score of 15.6. Economic indicators are also weak, evidenced by an Income Score of 27.9 and a median household income of $56,082. Improving these core services is essential for long-term viability.

Suited for Ultra-Low Cost Living

Gray County is most appropriate for those whose primary concern is finding the lowest possible entry point for housing in Texas. While schools are adequate at a score of 43.9, the profile suits residents who can tolerate lower safety and health amenities. It is a location defined by its extreme affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax16.2Cost53.5Safety15.6Health12.6Schools43.9Income27.9Risk40.1Water55.6Weather57.5
🏛16.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤12.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧55.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Gray County?

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

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Gray County with Buchanan County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Buchanan County
Missouri
Median income: $59,423
31.1
Newport News city
Virginia
Median income: $66,718
31.1
Capitol Planning Region
Connecticut
Median income: $91,541
31
Peoria County
Illinois
Median income: $64,938
31
Kalamazoo County
Michigan
Median income: $70,525
31
Muskogee County
Oklahoma
Median income: $51,999
31
Clark County
Nevada
Median income: $73,845
31.3
Carter County
Oklahoma
Median income: $58,856
31.3

Nearby counties

Roberts County
Texas
64.4
Carson County
Texas
49.3
Donley County
Texas
55.4
Wheeler County
Texas
48.8
Hutchinson County
Texas
41.1
Hemphill County
Texas
53.4
Armstrong County
Texas
37.1
Collingsworth County
Texas
58.7

Deep Dives

Gray County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gray County

via TaxByCounty

Gray County rates above state average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gray County

via CostByCounty

Gray County rents creep above national average

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gray County

via IncomeByCounty

Gray County income trails U.S. median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gray County

via CrimeByCounty

Gray County Nears National Safety Norms

With a safety score of 96.3, Gray County provides a secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 2,336.4 per 100,000 residents sits just below the national average of 2,385.5. This indicates a crime environment that mirrors the broader American experience.

A Snapshot of Texas Safety Rankings

Gray County trails the Texas state safety average of 96.8 by a narrow margin. The county's total crime rate of 2,336.4 is approximately 14% higher than the Texas state average of 2,052.5. Local officials across four reporting agencies monitor these trends to keep the community competitive with its peers.

Comparing Gray to Nearby Hale County

Gray County experiences a higher crime volume than Hale County, which reports a rate of 1,577.3 per 100,000. While Gray's total crime is more frequent, it remains safer than more urbanized areas like Gregg County. These regional differences reflect the varying security landscapes across the Texas Panhandle.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, reaching 1,979.1 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime sits at 357.3, which is actually lower than the national average of 369.8. This means residents are statistically more likely to experience a theft than a violent confrontation.

Vigilance for Your Gray County Home

Given that property crime is the primary concern here, investing in high-quality locks and security cameras is a smart move. Simple steps like visible surveillance can deter the property crimes that make up the bulk of local reports. Awareness of your surroundings remains your best tool for staying safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gray County

via HealthByCounty

Gray County trails national health trends

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gray County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Fabric of Gray County

Gray County operates nine public schools across four districts, serving a total enrollment of 3,870 students. The infrastructure includes five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school concentrated primarily in town centers.

Efficient Learning with High Success Rates

Students achieve a 92.9% graduation rate, surpassing both the state and the 87% national average. The county achieves these results with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,956, well below the national average of $13,000.

Pampa ISD Anchors the Community

Pampa ISD dominates the local landscape, managing six schools and educating 3,441 students. In contrast, small rural districts like Grandview-Hopkins ISD serve as few as 44 students, providing a diverse range of educational environments.

A Blend of Town and Country

Five schools sit in town while four serve rural areas, maintaining an average enrollment of 430 students per campus. Pampa High School stands as the largest institution with 1,046 students, offering a comprehensive high school experience.

Settling Down in Gray County

If you are looking for a community with proven graduation results and manageable school sizes, Gray County is an excellent choice. Start your home search in Pampa or the surrounding rural areas to join this high-performing district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gray County

via RiskByCounty

Gray County faces moderate wildfire risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gray County

via WeatherByCounty

A cooler, seasonal Panhandle climate

Gray County averages 58.8°F annually, which is much closer to the national median than most of Texas. It experiences true seasonal variety, including significant winter weather.

One of the coolest Texas counties

At 58.8°F, Gray County is significantly cooler than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Its 23.8 inches of annual rain is also below the state average, typical for the High Plains.

Coldest winters in the region

With a January average of 38.2°F, Gray County is much colder than central or southern Texas neighbors. It receives 11.6 inches of snow, far surpassing the state's more southern regions.

Distinct winters and manageable summers

The county sees 11.6 inches of snow annually and a winter average of 39.5°F. Summers are warm but less extreme than the rest of Texas, with 69 heat days and a 78.0°F summer average.

Prepare for snow and cold winds

Unlike most of Texas, residents here need snow removal tools and heavy winter gear for the 11.6 inches of annual snowfall. Homes require robust heating systems to handle the 38.2°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gray County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline profiles define the High Plains

Gray County soil averages a pH of 7.53, which is significantly higher than the 6.5 national median. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the high alkalinity influences which nutrients plants can absorb.

Gritty textures dominate the earth

Sand makes up 51.5% of the soil, paired with 24.5% silt and 19.6% clay. This gritty composition suggests a sandy loam that is easy to work but requires careful nutrient management.

High water capacity despite low organic matter

Organic matter measures 1.42%, trailing the 1.66% state average. However, the available water capacity of 0.135 in/in slightly exceeds the state average, providing a buffer during dry spells.

High runoff potential in group D

The soil falls into hydrologic group D, which indicates a higher potential for runoff and slower water infiltration. Gardeners should watch for surface pooling after heavy Panhandle storms.

Cooler climate gardening in zone 7a

Zone 7a supports hardy grains and cool-season vegetables like kale and carrots. Supplement the low organic matter with compost to give your home garden a boost.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gray County

via LawnByCounty

Exceeding State Averages for Lawn Ease

Gray County scores a 45.4 on the lawn difficulty scale, significantly outperforming the Texas average of 31.7. This zone 7a region offers a more temperate environment for grass compared to the hotter southern counties.

Dry Conditions and Moderate Heat

The county receives just 23.8 inches of rain annually, which falls below the ideal 30-50 inch range for most standard turf. With only 69 extreme heat days, you deal with less sun scorch than most Texans, but supplemental irrigation is essential.

Alkaline Soil Needs Targeted Testing

The soil pH of 7.53 is slightly alkaline, which can sometimes lock out essential micronutrients like iron. While specific drainage data is limited, the 51.5% sand content suggests a soil structure that generally resists heavy compaction.

Relatively Stable Water Conditions

Gray County only experienced 5 weeks of drought over the past year, and current severe drought levels are at 0%. This relative stability makes it easier to maintain a lush lawn without the constant threat of strict watering bans.

Prepare for a Spring Start

Buffalo grass or drought-tolerant fescues work well in this zone 7a environment. Aim to establish your lawn after the last spring frost on April 14 to ensure young roots aren't damaged by a late cold snap.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gray County's county score?
Gray County, Texas has a composite county score of 31.1 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 Gray County rank among counties in Texas?
Gray County ranks #208 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 Gray County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Gray County is $1,435, with an effective tax rate of 1.43%. This earns Gray County a tax score of 16.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gray County?
The median household income in Gray County, Texas is $56,082 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gray County earns an income score of 27.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gray County, Texas a good place to live?
Gray County scores 31.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #208 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Gray 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 Gray County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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