countyscore
36.6
County Score
Cost of Living 71.1Weather & Climate 56.8Schools 50.6

County Report Card

About Hale County, Texas

Below-Average National Livability Ranking

Hale County scores 36.6 on the composite index, notably lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is heavily reliant on its low cost of living. It remains a more affordable, yet challenged, pocket of the United States.

Lacking Behind the Texas Median

The county's score of 36.6 puts it five points below the Texas average of 41.9. While it beats the state average in housing affordability, it falls behind in healthcare and income. It represents a more traditional, lower-cost Texas agricultural region.

Exceptional Affordability and Solid Schools

Housing is incredibly accessible with a Cost Score of 71.1 and a median rent of only $798. The School Score of 50.6 is respectable and provides a reliable anchor for the community. Median home values of $106,100 make ownership a realistic goal.

Poor Health Access and Low Incomes

The county faces significant hurdles with a Health Score of 9.5 and an Income Score of 20.2. A median household income of $52,788 limits the purchasing power of local residents. Water access also scores poorly at 19.5, suggesting long-term resource concerns.

A Haven for Budget-First Living

Hale County is an excellent fit for those looking to minimize expenses above all else. With some of the lowest housing costs in the state, it suits retirees or young families on a tight budget. It is a practical choice for those who don't require specialized healthcare.

Score breakdown

Tax17.7Cost71.1Safety32.8Health9.5Schools50.6Income20.2Risk21.6Water19.5Weather56.8
🏛17.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡32.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤9.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.5
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 →
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Nearby counties

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35.2
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Lamb County
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Lubbock County
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Castro County
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Crosby County
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Deep Dives

Hale County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hale County

via TaxByCounty

Hale County taxes above state average

Hale County's effective tax rate of 1.386% ranks among the highest in this group and well above the Texas state average of 1.276%. Its median property tax of $1,471 remains 45% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values at $106,100.

Hale ranks in upper tax tier statewide

With a 1.386% effective rate, Hale County sits in the upper range of Texas counties for tax burden. Its median annual tax of $1,471 falls $722 short of the state average, but the rate itself signals above-average pressure on property owners.

Hale's rate matches Panhandle pattern

Hale County's 1.386% rate is comparable to nearby Gray County's 1.429%, placing both in the Panhandle's higher-taxing counties. Yet Hale homeowners pay less in absolute dollars due to lower property valuations.

Hale County annual property tax

Own a median-valued home at $106,100 in Hale County and you'll pay approximately $1,471 annually in property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments, the figure rises to about $2,471 per year.

Check your assessment value now

Hale County homeowners can benefit from challenging assessments that exceed recent market sales in their neighborhoods. A free appeal to the county appraisal district is an easy way to ensure your tax bill is fair.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hale County

via CostByCounty

Hale County matches national average

At 18.1%, Hale County's rent-to-income ratio exactly matches the national average of 18.1%, placing renters in a typical affordability position. The median rent of $798 is notably lower than national markets, though incomes are also below the national median.

Exactly at Texas state average

Hale County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio mirrors the Texas state average precisely, making it a benchmark for affordability across the state. The median home value of $106,100 is among the lowest, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

Rents near the lowest in region

Hale's $798 median rent trails only Hall County ($610) among the eight counties, undercutting Gonzales ($837), Gray ($898), and all others substantially. The county offers genuine affordability for renters with limited budgets.

Low rents, modest incomes align

Against a median household income of $52,788, renters paying $798 monthly spend 18.1% of income on housing, while homeowners invest $634 (14.4%). Both figures sit near or below state averages, creating balanced affordability across housing types.

Hale County suits budget-first movers

Hale County delivers genuine affordability with rents and home values among the lowest in the state while matching national cost-of-living ratios. If you're prioritizing low absolute housing costs over economic dynamism, Hale offers reliable value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hale County

via IncomeByCounty

Hale County income well below U.S.

Hale County's median household income of $52,788 is 29.4% below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks among Texas's lowest-income areas, reflecting agricultural dependence and limited job diversity.

Significant income gap vs. Texas

At $52,788, Hale County falls 18.4% short of the state median of $64,737. The per-capita income of $24,606 is substantially below the Texas average of $33,197, indicating systemic earnings challenges.

Lowest-earning in comparison group

Hale County ($52,788) ranks among the lowest, surpassing only Hall County ($46,728). The per-capita income of $24,606 is the second-lowest in the group, reflecting limited earning opportunities per capita.

Housing costs manageable but tight

Hale County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% is favorable, but low household income limits discretionary spending despite affordable rent. The median home value of $106,100 is accessible, though homeownership requires careful financial planning.

Start small, build systematically

Hale County residents should prioritize emergency savings and financial stability before investing. Explore local workforce development programs, skill-building opportunities, and employer benefits to gradually increase earning potential and wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hale County

via CrimeByCounty

Hale County Maintains Strong Safety Records

Hale County earns a high safety score of 97.5, well above many other regions in the country. Its total crime rate of 1,577.3 per 100,000 residents is roughly 34% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This indicates a significantly lower-than-average risk for the general population.

Exceeding Texas Safety Expectations

The county's safety score of 97.5 is better than the Texas state average of 96.8. Hale County's total crime rate of 1,577.3 is also much lower than the state average of 2,052.5. Six reporting agencies work together to keep the community safe and crime rates stable.

Safer Than Regional Peers

Hale County is safer than neighboring Gray County, which reports a higher crime rate of 2,336.4. It also maintains a more secure profile than Gonzales County's rate of 2,016.7. These comparisons place Hale County in a favorable position within the regional safety landscape.

Analyzing the Types of Crime

The violent crime rate in Hale County is 246.0, which is comfortably below the national average of 369.8. Property crime follows this trend at 1,331.3, well below the national mark of 2,015.7. This balanced safety profile means residents face lower risks across the board.

Home Security Tips for Hale County

Continuing the trend of low crime requires consistent home security habits from all residents. Motion-sensor lights and alarm systems are excellent tools for deterring the property crimes that do occur. Staying connected with neighbors through local social groups can further enhance the security of your street.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hale County

via HealthByCounty

Hale County faces serious health challenges

Hale County residents live just 72.6 years on average, falling 6.3 years short of the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years. The county's 28.9% poor or fair health rate is alarming—nearly 11 percentage points above the national average of 18%.

Among Texas's lowest health indicators

At 72.6 years, Hale County trails the state average of 74.3 years by 1.7 years, ranking among Texas's lowest-longevity counties. The 22.3% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 19.8%, compounding barriers to the medical care residents urgently need.

Most burdened county in the region

Hale County's 72.6-year life expectancy ranks second-lowest in its group, ahead only of Gray (72.3) but trailing all other peers from Gonzales (74.2) through Guadalupe (78.2). The county's 28.9% poor or fair health rate—the highest in this cluster—signals a population under significant health stress.

Uninsured and in poor health

More than 1 in 5 Hale residents (22.3%) lack health insurance, a critical barrier when 28.9% already report poor or fair health. The county offers 40 primary care and 154 mental health providers per 100,000, but cost and uninsured status mean many residents cannot access these services.

Healthcare coverage can save your life

Hale County's residents face steep health challenges—getting insured is a concrete step toward better outcomes. Visit Healthcare.gov, call 211, or visit your county health department immediately to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and free clinic services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hale County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Resources in the Plains

Hale County operates 20 public schools serving 6,459 students across five districts. This network includes five elementary, four middle, and four high schools, along with seven specialized campuses.

Steady Academic Performance

The county maintains a graduation rate of 91.7%, which sits just above the Texas state average and beats the national average. Per-pupil spending stands at $7,006, supporting a school quality score of 54.4.

Plainview ISD at the Core

Plainview ISD is the cornerstone of the county’s education system, managing seven schools and 4,662 students. Abernathy ISD and Hale Center ISD provide smaller-scale alternatives for families in the surrounding areas.

Comfortable Town-Based Schooling

Fourteen schools are located in town settings, providing a central hub for student life with an average school size of 359 students. Plainview High School is the largest campus, serving ,1442 students.

Plant Roots in Hale County

Hale County offers a stable educational environment with graduation rates that consistently beat the national benchmark. Explore homes in Plainview or Abernathy to find a community that values its public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hale County

via RiskByCounty

Hale County faces moderate wildfire risk

Hale County's composite risk score of 78.44 ranks as relatively low but exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00. The county's wildfire risk of 77.67 and tornado risk of 85.50 are both elevated, reflecting its Panhandle location.

Panhandle wildfire exposure stands out

Hale County ranks moderately on the statewide risk scale, with wildfire (77.67) and tornado (85.50) scores both well above Texas averages. The county's location in the Panhandle creates conditions for both grass fires and severe spring weather.

Similar risk to surrounding counties

Hale County's score of 78.44 is comparable to Grayson County (80.31) and exceeds Gray County's overall composite (59.89), though Gray's wildfire risk is higher. The county faces a balanced hazard profile typical of the Panhandle region.

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate

Hale County's tornado risk of 85.50 and wildfire risk of 77.67 are its primary hazards, with spring bringing severe weather and drought seasons bringing fire danger. Earthquake risk (42.30) and flood risk (43.45) are moderate secondary concerns.

Prepare for spring and fire season

Hale County residents should develop a tornado safety plan with a designated shelter and maintain a weather alert system for spring storms. Clear defensible space around your home by removing dead vegetation and branches, and verify your homeowners policy covers wind and hail from severe weather.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hale County

via WeatherByCounty

A semi-arid High Plains climate

Hale County's annual average temperature of 59.2°F is closer to the national median than its neighbors to the south. The region is characterized by dry air and significant seasonal temperature swings.

Cooler and drier than the state average

The county is significantly cooler than the Texas average, with a 59.2°F mean compared to the state's 65.5°F. It also receives just 19.0 inches of rain annually, well below the state average of 31.9 inches.

Typical High Plains weather patterns

Hale County's climate mirrors the semi-arid conditions of the Texas Panhandle, featuring lower humidity than central and eastern counties. Its 7.2 inches of annual snowfall is typical for this elevated region of the state.

Cold winters with notable snowfall

Winter brings a chilly January average of 38.9°F and 7.2 inches of snow, providing a true seasonal shift. Summers are hot but manageable, with 75 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 79.3°F.

Prepare for dry spells and winter snow

Residents should invest in winter weather gear and vehicle maintenance to handle the 7.2 inches of annual snow. Irrigation planning is critical for any landscaping given the low 19.0-inch annual rainfall total.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hale County

via SoilByCounty

Highly alkaline soils of the Panhandle

Hale County has a high average pH of 7.72, well above the 6.5 national median and 7.09 state average. Taxonomic data is currently limited for this area, but the alkalinity is a defining trait.

Sand and silt provide structure

The soil contains 54.7% sand and 25.0% silt, creating a gritty texture. This coarse composition allows for easy root penetration despite the lack of a specific texture classification.

High water capacity beats state average

Organic matter measures 1.68%, slightly better than the 1.66% state average. The available water capacity of 0.142 in/in is quite high, which is critical for agricultural success in this dry climate.

Managing runoff in hydrologic group D

The soil belongs to hydrologic group D, indicating high runoff and low infiltration rates. Successful managers use conservation tillage to help water soak into the ground instead of running off.

Resilient crops for zone 7b

Zone 7b is perfect for winter wheat, sunflowers, and drought-resistant native shrubs. Focus on salt-tolerant plants to account for the high pH levels in your backyard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hale County

via LawnByCounty

A Typical Texas High Plains Challenge

Hale County's lawn difficulty score of 34.5 is slightly better than the Texas state average of 31.7. In hardiness zone 7b, gardeners must balance cold winters with dry, windy summers.

Limited Rainfall Requires Irrigation

With only 19.0 inches of annual rain, the county falls far below the 30-50 inches needed for a lush lawn. While there are only 75 extreme heat days, the lack of moisture means every drop of water must be managed carefully.

Addressing High Soil Alkalinity

The soil pH of 7.72 is quite high, which can lead to yellowing in grass due to iron deficiency. You may need to apply sulfur or iron supplements to help your lawn stay green in this alkaline environment.

Monitoring Seasonal Water Stress

Hale County spent 17 weeks in drought last year, and about 31.6% of the area currently faces severe conditions. Focus on improving soil organic matter to help your lawn retain what little moisture it receives.

Hardy Grasses for the High Plains

Drought-tolerant Buffalo grass is a native choice that excels in this 7b zone and low-rainfall environment. Wait until after the final frost on April 9 before you begin your spring seeding or sod work.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hale County's county score?
Hale County, Texas has a composite county score of 36.6 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 Hale County rank among counties in Texas?
Hale County ranks #173 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 Hale County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Hale County is $1,471, with an effective tax rate of 1.39%. This earns Hale County a tax score of 17.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hale County?
The median household income in Hale County, Texas is $52,788 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hale County earns an income score of 20.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hale County, Texas a good place to live?
Hale County scores 36.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #173 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Hale 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 Hale 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.