countyscore
57.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.4Schools 82.5Cost of Living 76.8

County Report Card

About Hardeman County, Texas

Exceeding the National Livability Median

Hardeman County earns a composite score of 57.2, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. It ranks favorably among rural counties for its balance of cost and security.

A Strong Performer Across Texas

With a score of 57.2, Hardeman County significantly outperforms the Texas state average of 41.9. It offers a much higher quality of life profile than many urban and rural counties in the state.

Low Risk and Affordable Living

A stellar risk score of 91.4 and a cost score of 76.8 define this county's appeal. Low median rents of $688 and high-performing schools with a score of 82.5 create a very accessible environment.

Significant Water and Health Limitations

The water score is critically low at 3.8, highlighting a major infrastructure or resource challenge. Healthcare access also trails other dimensions with a score of 22.1.

Perfect for Retirees and Low-Cost Seekers

Hardeman County is an excellent fit for those prioritizing low housing costs and minimal environmental risk. It suits residents who can navigate limited local healthcare in exchange for peaceful, affordable living.

Score breakdown

Tax26.3Cost76.8Safety75.1Health22.1Schools82.5Income42.7Risk91.4Water3.8Weather42.4
🏛26.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓82.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧3.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.7
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

Jackson County
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36.9
Foard County
Texas
55.3
Childress County
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42.6
Wilbarger County
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Harmon County
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Cottle County
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Greer County
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Deep Dives

Hardeman County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hardeman County

via TaxByCounty

Hardeman boasts lowest taxes in this group

Hardeman County's effective tax rate of 1.183% ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median of 1.80%. At just $905, the median property tax is 66% below the national median, making it a haven for tax-conscious homeowners.

Below-average burden across Texas

Hardeman County's 1.183% effective rate falls nearly 8% below Texas's state average of 1.276%, placing it among the most affordable counties for property tax in the state. This low rate reflects both modest home values and restrained local tax collections.

Clearly the cheapest option in the region

Hardeman's 1.183% rate is the lowest among all eight counties examined, undercutting even Harrison County (1.016%... wait, actually Harrison is lower). Hardeman still ranks second-lowest, with only Harrison County's 1.016% beating it out.

Just $905 annually on median homes

The median Hardeman County home valued at $76,500 generates only $905 in annual property taxes—the lowest in this group. Even with mortgage deductions factored in, the bill reaches just $1,831, making it ideal for retirees and budget-conscious buyers.

Even low assessments warrant a review

Don't assume a low tax bill means an accurate assessment—some Hardeman homeowners still overpay relative to market value. Filing an appeal with the appraisal district takes minimal effort and could yield further savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hardeman County

via CostByCounty

Hardeman County: Texas's housing bargain

Hardeman County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio beats the Texas state average of 18.1% and drastically undercuts the national average near 30%. Renters here enjoy some of the cheapest housing costs in the nation relative to income.

Elite affordability in Texas

Hardeman County ranks in the top tier of Texas's 254 counties for housing affordability, with a median rent of just $688—the lowest among our comparison group. This reflects a genuinely affordable rural market.

The cheapest rents in the cluster

Hardeman County's $688 median rent is the lowest among neighboring counties, with only Hamilton County at $847 coming close. Median home values of just $76,500 make homeownership an option for nearly any family.

Housing barely dents your budget

With a median household income of $61,179, Hardeman residents spend just 13.5% on rent or roughly 14.3% on mortgage payments. This leaves the majority of income available for food, healthcare, education, and savings.

Hardeman is the ultimate bargain

For families prioritizing affordability above all else, Hardeman County offers rock-bottom housing costs—median rent under $700 and homes under $77,000. This west Texas county is ideal for those seeking maximum income flexibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hardeman County

via IncomeByCounty

Hardeman earns below national mark

Hardeman County's median household income of $61,179 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by approximately $13,600. However, per capita income of $29,505 falls below Texas's state average of $33,197, suggesting lower individual earning power.

Below Texas average but stable

Hardeman County's $61,179 median household income trails Texas's state average of $64,737 by $3,558, placing it in the lower-middle range of Texas counties. The county's per capita income ranks below state average, indicating limited high-earning opportunities.

Middle performer among region

Hardeman County's median income of $61,179 sits between Haskell County ($54,044) and Hansford County ($68,299), positioning it as a moderate earner regionally. The county outearns Hamilton County ($55,339) but trails Hartley County ($82,122).

Excellent housing affordability

Hardeman County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.5% is exceptionally low, meaning households spend less than one-seventh of income on housing. With a median home value of just $76,500, Hardeman offers significant affordability that buffers modest wage levels.

Stretch savings with low housing costs

Hardeman County residents benefit from housing costs consuming only 13.5% of income, freeing substantial resources for investing. Opening a high-yield savings account, starting an IRA, or investing in index funds can help residents build wealth despite below-average wages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hardeman County

via CrimeByCounty

Hardeman County Maintains High Safety Marks

Hardeman County reports a total crime rate of 593.1 per 100,000, which is approximately four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a robust safety score of 99.1.

Strong Standings Against State Averages

The county's safety score of 99.1 comfortably beats the Texas average of 96.8. Law enforcement agencies report a total crime rate that is nearly 71% lower than the state average of 2,052.5.

A Local Leader in Safety

Hardeman County is significantly safer than nearby Haskell County, where the crime rate reaches 1,516.2 per 100,000. This disparity highlights Hardeman as a particularly secure pocket in North Texas.

Low Risk Across Crime Categories

The violent crime rate stands at 113.0, while property crime is 480.1 per 100,000 residents. Both figures are drastically lower than national levels, where the violent crime rate is 369.8 and property crime is 2,015.7.

Proactive Security for Hardeman Homes

The low property crime rate of 480.1 suggests that simple preventive measures are highly effective here. Homeowners can maintain this safety standard by using deadbolts and basic outdoor lighting to discourage trespassers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hardeman County

via HealthByCounty

Hardeman residents face shorter lives

At 73.8 years, Hardeman County residents live about 6 years less than the national average of 79.8 years and slightly below Texas's 74.3-year average. With 22.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county reflects broader health challenges common to rural Texas.

Below-average life expectancy, near-average uninsured

Hardeman County's 73.8-year life expectancy ranks below Texas's state average of 74.3 years. At 19.9% uninsured, the county is nearly aligned with the state average of 19.8%, suggesting healthcare coverage isn't the sole factor in shorter lifespans.

Best primary care access in the region

Hardeman County leads this eight-county group with 113 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 115 mental health providers per 100,000. Despite these strong provider numbers, the county's below-average life expectancy suggests other social and health factors are at play.

Strong provider access, persistent health gaps

With 113 primary care providers per 100,000 and 115 mental health providers per 100,000, Hardeman County has healthcare workforce resources that rival many urban areas. Yet 22.2% of residents report poor or fair health, pointing to upstream factors—poverty, lifestyle, or chronic disease burden—beyond access alone.

Check your coverage status today

Though Hardeman's uninsured rate is near the state average, 1 in 5 residents still lacks coverage. Visit healthcare.gov to verify your insurance status and explore options that can support preventive and chronic disease management.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hardeman County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in North Texas

Hardeman County supports a focused educational system with just four public schools serving 664 total students. The infrastructure includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, alongside a single K-12 campus.

High Scores and Robust Investment

The county earns a high school score of 61.8, well above the state average of 55.3. Investment is significant at $9,985 per pupil, supporting a graduation rate of 93.4% that easily clears the national 87% benchmark.

Quanah and Chillicothe Share Responsibility

Quanah ISD serves as the primary district with 462 students across three schools. Chillicothe ISD manages the county's largest single campus, the Chillicothe School, which enrolls 202 students in an all-grade setting.

Exclusively Rural School Environments

All schools in Hardeman County are classified as rural, offering an average enrollment of 166 students. This small-scale environment is exemplified by Travis Middle School, which serves only 103 students.

Quality Education in a Quiet County

With one of the highest school scores in the region, Hardeman County is a hidden gem for families. Moving here means joining a community that invests heavily in its students' academic outcomes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hardeman County

via RiskByCounty

Hardeman County ranks among safest areas

Hardeman County's composite risk score of 8.65 places it in the safest tier nationally, with a Very Low disaster rating across all major hazard categories. This West Texas county experiences minimal exposure to floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and severe storms.

Texas's lowest overall disaster risk

Hardeman County ranks among Texas's safest jurisdictions with a composite score of 8.65—82% below the state average of 49.00. Few Texas counties offer comparable protection across the full spectrum of natural disaster hazards.

Safest county in the region

Hardeman County's risk profile significantly outperforms surrounding West Texas and Panhandle counties, offering exceptional natural disaster resilience. Its geographic isolation and high plains terrain minimize exposure to multiple hazard types.

Wildfire and tornado are minor concerns

Hardeman County's primary hazards are wildfire at 62.02 and tornado risk at 35.11, both well below state and national averages. Earthquake and hurricane risks remain minimal, making the county exceptionally stable for long-term planning.

Basic coverage sufficient for this region

While Hardeman County's disaster risk is minimal, standard homeowner's insurance with wildfire and wind provisions offers adequate protection. Use your lower-risk status to maintain competitive insurance rates and focus on routine property maintenance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hardeman County

via WeatherByCounty

High heat on the Red River

Hardeman County averages 62.9°F annually, sitting comfortably above the national median temperature. The region is known for its intense summer heat and relatively dry atmosphere.

Slightly cooler and drier than average

The county's average temperature of 62.9°F is lower than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. With 26.0 inches of annual rain, it is also drier than the 31.9-inch state typical.

High heat days compared to peers

Hardeman experiences 105 extreme heat days annually, more than many counties in the northern Panhandle. It maintains a July average of 84.9°F, which is higher than several surrounding regions.

Long hot summers and brief snow

The county endures 105 days over 90°F, peaking in a hot July where averages hit 84.9°F. Winters are generally dry and mild, featuring 1.8 inches of snowfall and a 41.3°F January average.

Focus on heat safety and water

Managing 105 days of extreme heat requires reliable cooling systems and sun protection. With only 26 inches of rain per year, residents should also prioritize drought-resistant landscaping and water conservation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hardeman County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Inceptisols Near the Red River

Hardeman County's Inceptisols are slightly alkaline with a pH of 7.28, exceeding the national median of 6.5. These soils represent a younger geologic stage and typically feature a clay loam texture.

Gritty Textures Aid Easy Tilling

The soil contains a high sand content of 47.4% paired with 22.3% clay. This combination creates a workable surface that resists the heavy compaction often found in wetter regions.

Standard Water Capacity, Low Organic Matter

Available water capacity sits at 0.134 in/in, which aligns with the state average of 0.133. However, the organic matter content is low at 1.14%, suggesting a need for compost amendments to boost productivity.

Moderately Moving Well-Drained Soils

The county features well-drained soils in hydrologic group B. This allows for a moderate rate of water transmission, making the land suitable for both farming and stable construction.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7b

The 7b hardiness zone allows for long summers perfect for growing melons and cotton. Despite a 24.4 soil score, targeted fertilization can unlock the potential of these well-draining clay loams.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hardeman County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in Hardeman County

With a lawn difficulty score of 29.7, Hardeman County sits below the state average of 31.7 and the national median of 50.0. Growing a lush lawn in this 7b hardiness zone requires significant effort and resource management.

Intense Heat and Moderate Rain

The county averages 105 extreme heat days annually, matching the state average and placing immense stress on turf. Combined with 26.0 inches of rain, the climate necessitates a careful balance of watering and heat-protection strategies.

Managing Clay Loam Drainage

The soil is a well-drained clay loam with a pH of 7.28 and a high sand content of 47.4%. This composition allows for good oxygen flow to roots, but the slightly alkaline pH may require sulfur treatments for acid-loving grasses.

Severe Drought Strains Local Resources

More than half the county is currently in severe drought, following 24 weeks of drought conditions over the past year. To protect your investment, allow grass to grow taller during these periods to shade the soil and reduce water loss.

Prepare for a November Frost

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda thrive in these high-heat conditions but will go dormant after the first frost around November 4. Wait until the spring frost passes in early April before attempting to seed new areas.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hardeman County's county score?
Hardeman County, Texas has a composite county score of 57.2 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 Hardeman County rank among counties in Texas?
Hardeman County ranks #25 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 Hardeman County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Hardeman County is $905, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Hardeman County a tax score of 26.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hardeman County?
The median household income in Hardeman County, Texas is $61,179 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hardeman County earns an income score of 42.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hardeman County, Texas a good place to live?
Hardeman County scores 57.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Hardeman 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 Hardeman 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.