57.9
County Score
Safety 89.2Schools 78.3Cost of Living 68.8

County Report Card

About Hansford County, Texas

Hansford County Surpasses National Standards

Hansford County achieves a composite score of 57.9, notably higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high standard of living that outpaces much of the country.

A High Ranker in the Texas Panhandle

Exceeding the state average of 41.9 by a wide margin, Hansford County stands as a top performer in Texas. Residents benefit from a higher level of service and safety than the average Texan.

Public Safety and High Educational Standards

The county boasts an impressive safety score of 89.2 and a school score of 78.3. These strengths are bolstered by a healthy income score of 62.4, driven by a median household income of $68,299.

Managing High Property Taxes

The tax score is a low 8.7, reflecting a higher-than-average effective tax rate of 1.639%. Health accessibility is also a secondary concern, with the health score currently at 32.9.

Ideal for Career-Minded Families

Hansford County is a premier choice for families looking for high-earning potential and exceptionally safe communities. It offers a premium lifestyle for those willing to pay higher local taxes for better services.

Score breakdown

Tax8.7Cost68.8Safety89.2Health32.9Schools78.3Income62.4Risk58Water45.9Weather51.2
🏛8.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠68.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼62.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡89.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
32.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓78.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
58
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧45.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤51.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨31
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱39.2
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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Deep Dives

Hansford County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hansford County

via TaxByCounty

Hansford's tax rate edges above national norm

Hansford County's effective tax rate of 1.639% slightly exceeds the national median of 1.80%, placing it near the middle of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,165 remains 19% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's modest home values.

Highest rate among the counties examined

At 1.639%, Hansford County has the highest effective tax rate among these eight Texas counties, exceeding the state average of 1.276% by 28%. Only Harris County's 1.718% tops Hansford in this group, making it one of Texas's higher-taxing rural areas.

Notably higher than nearby Hardeman County

Hansford's 1.639% rate significantly outpaces Hardeman County's 1.183%, even though both serve rural populations. The difference means a homeowner with a $130,000 property would pay roughly $180 more annually in Hansford than in Hardeman County.

Expect a $2,165 tax bill on median homes

A median-valued home of $132,100 in Hansford County carries an annual property tax of $2,165. With mortgage interest deductions factored in, the after-tax cost climbs to $2,993, making Hansford notably more expensive than the state average.

Appeal if your assessment seems inflated

Hansford homeowners should review their property assessments carefully, as overvaluation is common statewide. Texas law allows homeowners to protest assessed values before April 30th each year if they believe their property has been appraised above market value.

Cost of Living in Hansford County

via CostByCounty

Hansford County beats the affordability test

Hansford County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.5% is well below both the Texas state average of 18.1% and the national average of roughly 30%. This panhandle county offers genuine affordability for renters and buyers alike.

Top tier for Texas affordability

Hansford County ranks among Texas's most affordable counties, with a 13.5% rent-to-income ratio placing it in the best quartile statewide. The $770 median rent significantly undercuts the state average of $963.

Best value in the panhandle cluster

Hansford County's $770 rent is the lowest among nearby panhandle and north Texas counties, while maintaining a solid median household income of $68,299. Median home values of $132,100 make buying accessible without sacrificing income.

Income goes far in Hansford

At $68,299 median household income, Hansford residents allocate just 13.5% to rent or roughly 12.6% to mortgage payments. This leaves substantial room in household budgets for savings, education, and quality of life.

Hansford punches above its weight

If affordability is your top priority, Hansford County delivers excellent value—lowest rents in its region, solid incomes, and homes under $135,000. This panhandle community offers genuine housing security for families and remote workers.

Income & Jobs in Hansford County

via IncomeByCounty

Hansford earns near national average

Hansford County's median household income of $68,299 sits just $6,456 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the middle-to-upper range nationally. The county's per capita income of $34,184 also outperforms Texas's state average of $33,197.

Above-average for Texas

Hansford County exceeds Texas's median household income of $64,737 by $3,562, ranking solidly in the upper-middle tier of Texas counties. This positions Hansford as a stronger-than-average earner within the state.

Competitive with regional peers

Hansford County's $68,299 median income matches or exceeds most neighbors, surpassing Hamilton County ($55,339) and Hardeman County ($61,179). Only Hartley County ($82,122) significantly outearns Hansford in this regional cluster.

Strong affordability and financial cushion

At just 13.5% of income spent on rent, Hansford County residents enjoy excellent housing affordability compared to the national average of 20-25%. This low ratio frees up roughly 54% of household income for savings, debt repayment, and living expenses.

Leverage affordability for growth

Hansford County's combination of above-average income and low housing costs creates ideal conditions for wealth building. Residents should maximize 401(k) contributions, open IRAs, and explore real estate or diversified portfolio investments to capitalize on this financial advantage.

Safety in Hansford County

via CrimeByCounty

Incredible Safety Levels in Hansford County

Hansford County boasts a remarkable total crime rate of just 227.7 per 100,000 residents, a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional performance results in a near-perfect safety score of 99.6.

Leading the State in Public Safety

Hansford County significantly exceeds the Texas state average safety score of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 227.7 is roughly nine times lower than the state average of 2,052.5 per 100,000 people.

Comparing Panhandle Safety Trends

Hansford’s crime rate of 227.7 is highly competitive, though slightly higher than neighboring Hartley County’s 130.4. Both counties represent the safest tier of jurisdictions in the Panhandle region.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes

In 2022, Hansford County reported a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, which is virtually unheard of nationally. All reported incidents fall under property crime, yet the rate of 227.7 remains exceptionally low compared to the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Focusing on Property Deterrents

With zero violent crimes, residents can focus their security efforts on preventing theft and vandalism. Smart doorbell cameras and simple perimeter fencing provide effective peace of mind for local homeowners.

Health in Hansford County

via HealthByCounty

Hansford lives longer than Texas average

At 76.5 years, Hansford County residents outlive the Texas average by 2.2 years and approach the national average of 79.8 years. However, 21.2% report poor or fair health status, showing that longevity doesn't always reflect day-to-day wellness perceptions.

Above average lifespan, high uninsured rate

Hansford County's 76.5-year life expectancy ranks above Texas's 74.3-year average, yet its uninsured rate of 27.1% is the highest among these eight counties and significantly exceeds the state average of 19.8%. This gap suggests that despite longer lifespans, many residents struggle with healthcare access.

Fewer doctors, higher uninsured rates

Hansford County has only 58 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than half of what Hardeman County offers (113 per 100K). At 79 mental health providers per 100,000, Hansford trails similar rural counties, straining care availability for a population with higher uninsured rates.

Healthcare access is a real struggle

More than one in four Hansford County residents (27.1%) lack health insurance—the highest rate among Texas counties profiled here. Combined with only 58 primary care providers per 100,000, residents face significant barriers to preventive care and routine treatment.

Don't go uninsured in Hansford

With 27.1% of the county uninsured, coverage options matter urgently for your health and finances. Check healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find affordable plans available in Hansford County right now.

Schools in Hansford County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in the Northern Panhandle

Hansford County operates seven public schools that serve a total enrollment of 1,291 students. The network includes two elementary, two middle, and two high schools managed by three distinct districts.

Exceptional Graduation and School Scores

The county boasts an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87% average. A school score of 59.1 reflects high performance despite a per-pupil expenditure of $8,340, which is efficient compared to national spending levels.

Spearman and Gruver Drive Enrollment

Spearman ISD is the largest district, educating 743 students across three schools. Gruver ISD also plays a major role with 441 students, and no charter schools currently operate within the county borders.

Cozy Campuses in Rural Texas

Schools in Hansford County are predominantly rural or located in small towns, averaging just 184 students per campus. Gus Birdwell Elementary is the largest school with 357 students, while Pringle-Morse CISD operates the smallest specialized campus.

High Success in a Rural Setting

Families seeking top-tier graduation rates will find Hansford County an attractive option for home-buying. The small school sizes ensure personalized attention for every student in this close-knit community.

Disaster Risk in Hansford County

via RiskByCounty

Hansford County's below-average disaster risk

Hansford County scores 41.98 on the composite risk scale—well below national averages—with a Very Low overall rating despite being a Texas Panhandle county. The county's geographic position limits exposure to some major hazards, particularly hurricanes and significant flooding.

Safest Panhandle counties in Texas

Hansford County's composite score of 41.98 sits 14% below the Texas state average of 49.00, ranking it among the Panhandle's lowest-risk jurisdictions. Its location in the high plains protects it from coastal and subtropical hazards that drive risk in other regions.

Lower risk than Moore County neighbors

Hansford County maintains a safer profile than several adjacent Panhandle counties, with zero hurricane risk and minimal flood exposure at 3.91. This geographic advantage makes it a relative haven in the region for disaster resilience.

Wildfire dominates local hazard profile

Wildfire risk at 69.56 is Hansford County's primary concern, reflecting the Panhandle's grassland and brush environment. Tornado risk of 36.64 and moderate earthquake exposure round out the county's hazard profile, though neither reaches critical levels.

Wildfire preparedness is essential

Hansford County residents should prioritize wildfire preparation despite low overall risk, as the county's fire exposure exceeds state averages. Ensure your property insurance covers wildfire damage and maintain clear vegetation around buildings during fire season.

Weather & Climate in Hansford County

via WeatherByCounty

Coldest and snowiest in the region

Hansford County's annual average temperature of 58.4°F is one of the lowest in Texas, though still above the national median. It is a true High Plains climate with significant winter weather.

Cooler and snowier than most of Texas

The county's 58.4°F average is well below the state average of 65.5°F. It also receives 11.8 inches of snow annually, making it one of the few places in Texas where winter precipitation is a major factor.

A Panhandle outlier for winter weather

Hansford receives 11.8 inches of snow, which is higher than many of its southern neighbors in the Panhandle. Despite the cold winters, it still experiences 84 extreme heat days during the sharp summer peak.

Sharp seasons and significant snowfall

Winter is cold with a January average of 37.2°F and nearly a foot of annual snow. Summer heats up quickly, reaching a July average of 80.4°F with 84 days per year hitting the 90°F mark.

Prepare for real winter conditions

Residents need heavy winter coats and snow removal tools to manage the 11.8 inches of snowfall. Home insulation is as important for the 38.3°F winter average as it is for the 84 days of summer heat.

Soil Quality in Hansford County

via SoilByCounty

Mineral-Rich Soil in the High Plains

Hansford County soil maintains a pH of 7.49, standing significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the high alkalinity suggests a soil rich in calcium and other minerals.

Balanced Texture for Root Development

The soil mix includes 38.5% sand, 33.7% silt, and 24.9% clay. This distribution provides a stable environment for roots, balancing structural support with enough space for air and water movement.

Superior Water Storage Capacity

The available water capacity of 0.150 in/in beats the Texas average of 0.133, providing a vital buffer against drought. Organic matter measures 1.58%, slightly trailing the state's 1.66% average.

Slow Infiltration Requires Water Management

Classified under hydrologic group D, this soil typically experiences slower water infiltration. Residents should monitor for surface ponding after storms, as the ground takes more time to absorb heavy rainfall.

Resilient Growing in Zone 7a

Hansford's zone 7a climate supports hardy staples like winter wheat and leafy greens. Use the county's high water capacity to your advantage by starting a drought-resistant native plant garden.

Lawn Care in Hansford County

via LawnByCounty

Cooler Conditions in the Panhandle

Hansford County holds a lawn difficulty score of 39.2, making it easier to maintain a yard here than the typical Texas county. This 7a hardiness zone experiences cooler winters and milder summers than the rest of the state, though it remains more challenging than the national average.

Low Precipitation Requires Supplementation

Annual precipitation of just 20.6 inches falls well below the 30-50 inch ideal range for lawns. With 84 extreme heat days and a shorter growing season starting in late April, homeowners must rely heavily on irrigation to keep grass green.

Working with Alkaline High-Plains Soil

A soil pH of 7.49 indicates alkaline conditions that can sometimes lock out essential micronutrients like iron. While specific drainage data is limited, the mix of 24.9% clay and 38.5% sand suggests a soil structure that needs regular aeration.

Battling Persistent Dry Conditions

The county has endured 13 weeks of drought in the last year, and the entire area is currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Efficient irrigation systems and mulching around lawn edges help conserve what little moisture is available.

Selecting Hardy Grasses for Zone 7a

Buffalograss or heat-tolerant Tall Fescue varieties are well-suited for this region's temperature swings and limited water. Plan your primary planting for late April once the threat of the 04/21 frost has passed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hansford County's county score?
Hansford County, Texas has a composite county score of 57.9 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 Hansford County rank among counties in Texas?
Hansford County ranks #15 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 Hansford County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Hansford County is $2,165, with an effective tax rate of 1.64%. This earns Hansford County a tax score of 8.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hansford County?
The median household income in Hansford County, Texas is $68,299 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hansford County earns an income score of 62.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hansford County, Texas a good place to live?
Hansford County scores 57.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Hansford 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 Hansford County with other counties side by side.