Hale County's composite score of 68.2 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle range of American counties. This strong national performance is anchored by exceptional housing affordability that offsets modest income levels.
2 / 5
Above Texas average with solid fundamentals
Hale County scores 68.2 against the Texas state average of 66.8, maintaining a competitive edge among state peers with slightly above-average livability. The county's performance reflects strength in cost efficiency despite earning-power challenges.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing affordability drives appeal
Hale County leads this group in housing affordability with a cost score of 84.4, median home values at just $106,100, and rents averaging only $798 monthly. The tax score of 63.3 with an effective rate of 1.386% adds to the overall financial advantage.
4 / 5
Income levels lag significantly behind costs
The income score of 17.9 with median household income of only $52,788 represents the lowest earning potential among most counties in this group. Limited data on safety, health, education, and infrastructure prevents a complete livability picture.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-conscious retirees and fixed-income
Hale County is perfectly suited for retirees, fixed-income households, and those seeking maximum purchasing power through minimal housing expenses. The county's exceptional affordability makes it an excellent choice for stretching limited income and achieving financial security.
Hale County's composite score of 68.2 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle range of American counties. This strong national performance is anchored by exceptional housing affordability that offsets modest income levels.
Above Texas average with solid fundamentals
Hale County scores 68.2 against the Texas state average of 66.8, maintaining a competitive edge among state peers with slightly above-average livability. The county's performance reflects strength in cost efficiency despite earning-power challenges.
Exceptional housing affordability drives appeal
Hale County leads this group in housing affordability with a cost score of 84.4, median home values at just $106,100, and rents averaging only $798 monthly. The tax score of 63.3 with an effective rate of 1.386% adds to the overall financial advantage.
Income levels lag significantly behind costs
The income score of 17.9 with median household income of only $52,788 represents the lowest earning potential among most counties in this group. Limited data on safety, health, education, and infrastructure prevents a complete livability picture.
Ideal for budget-conscious retirees and fixed-income
Hale County is perfectly suited for retirees, fixed-income households, and those seeking maximum purchasing power through minimal housing expenses. The county's exceptional affordability makes it an excellent choice for stretching limited income and achieving financial security.
Score breakdown
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🏛63.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.