CountyScore

Hardeman County

Texas · TX

#34 in Texas
68.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Hardeman County, Texas

Hardeman Outranks 70% of U.S. Counties

Hardeman County's composite score of 71.3 towers above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier for livability nationwide. This 43% advantage makes it one of the strongest-performing small counties in the nation.

Texas's Top Performers, Hardeman Ranks High

Hardeman County scores 71.3 against Texas's average of 66.8, ranking among the best-performing counties in the state. Its profile demonstrates that strong livability doesn't require big-city amenities or high incomes.

Exceptional Tax Benefits and Affordable Housing

Hardeman County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this comparison at 1.183%, paired with a tax score of 69.0, while maintaining a cost score of 85.1. With a median home value of just $76,500 and rent of $688/month, housing here is among Texas's most accessible.

Lower Incomes and Data Gaps Remain

The income score of 23.3 reflects a median household income of $61,179, below state average and limiting wealth-building potential. Safety, health, schools, and other quality-of-life dimensions await evaluation.

Perfect for Retirees and Rural Settlers

Hardeman County is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or families seeking ultra-low housing costs in a stable rural setting. It's best for those who can manage on modest incomes and prioritize affordability above all else.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax69Cost85.1SafetyComing SoonHealth54.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.3Risk91.4WaterComing Soon
🏛69
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤54.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡91.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Hardeman County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Marshall County
Alabama
68.8
Median income: $60,946
Independence County
Arkansas
68.8
Median income: $56,009
Habersham County
Georgia
68.8
Median income: $65,622
Hancock County
Georgia
68.8
Median income: $33,182
Appanoose County
Iowa
68.8
Median income: $51,146

Deep Dives

Hardeman County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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