countyscore
44.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 88.3Schools 70.7Cost of Living 68.5

County Report Card

About Haskell County, Texas

Trailing Slightly Behind National Medians

Haskell County holds a composite score of 44.5, which is just below the national median of 50.0. While it lags in income, it makes up for it in security and housing affordability.

Beating the Texas State Average

The county's score of 44.5 is higher than the Texas average of 41.9. This indicates that Haskell County provides a better quality-of-life balance than many other parts of the state.

Safe, Affordable, and Stable Schools

A risk score of 88.3 and a school score of 70.7 are the primary highlights. The county is also very affordable, with a cost score of 68.5 and a median home value of only $92,000.

Economic and Healthcare Barriers

The income score is low at 22.9, with a median household income of $54,044. Health and water scores are also quite low, sitting at 17.6 and 5.6, respectively.

Great for Retirees and Educators

Haskell County is an excellent choice for those with a fixed income or those who value a low-cost, low-risk lifestyle. Its strong schools make it a hidden gem for families prioritizing education over high-salary careers.

2040608010029.968.534.717.670.722.988.35.641.3Tax29.9Cost68.5Safety34.7Health17.6Schools70.7Income22.9Risk88.3Water5.6Weather41.344.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Haskell County DNA

Foverall

How Haskell County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Haskell County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (88.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (5.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
29.9-22.1
Cost
68.5+20.5
Safety
34.7-20.299999999999997
Health
17.6-32.4
Schools
70.7+16.700000000000003
Income
22.9-28.1
Risk
88.3+41.3
Water
5.6-52.4
Weather
41.3-14.700000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Haskell County?

Many homeowners in Haskell County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$92,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$824/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$92,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,044/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

37.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Haskell County with Baxter County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Baxter County
Arkansas
Median income: $48,427
44.5
Charlotte County
Florida
Median income: $66,154
44.5
Bartow County
Georgia
Median income: $79,431
44.5
Lamar County
Georgia
Median income: $68,457
44.5
Henry County
Missouri
Median income: $56,621
44.5
Grafton County
New Hampshire
Median income: $84,021
44.5
Person County
North Carolina
Median income: $64,927
44.5
Latimer County
Oklahoma
Median income: $41,048
44.5

Nearby counties

Throckmorton County
Texas
57.4
Stonewall County
Texas
57.6
Jones County
Texas
30.1
Knox County
Texas
49.1
Shackelford County
Texas
52.8
Baylor County
Texas
57.7
King County
Texas
65.5
Fisher County
Texas
42.3

Deep Dives

Haskell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Haskell County

via TaxByCounty

Haskell offers steep discounts below national norms

Haskell County's effective tax rate of 1.117% sits well below the national median of 1.80%, placing it in the lowest quartile of American counties. The median property tax of just $1,028 is 62% below the national median of $2,690, making it exceptionally affordable.

Among Texas's lowest-taxing counties

Haskell County's 1.117% effective rate runs 12% below the Texas state average of 1.276%, putting it among the most tax-friendly regions in the state. This low burden reflects both modest home values and conservative local tax rates.

Second-cheapest in this eight-county group

Haskell County's 1.117% rate ranks second-lowest, trailing only Harrison County's 1.016% and beating Hardeman County's 1.183%. For rural homeowners seeking minimal tax exposure, Haskell is an excellent choice in west Texas.

Lowest tax bill among all eight counties

The median Haskell County home valued at $92,000 carries just $1,028 in annual property taxes—the absolute lowest in this group. Even with mortgage considerations, the cost rises only to $1,780, making Haskell unbeatable for tax-conscious buyers.

Still worth checking your property's value

Low overall rates don't guarantee accurate individual assessments—some Haskell homes may still be overvalued relative to market comps. Request your appraisal and compare to recent similar sales; if your assessment seems high, a protest costs nothing.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Haskell County

via CostByCounty

Haskell County: rural affordability champion

Haskell County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the Texas state average of 18.1% and dramatically better than the national average of roughly 30%. This West Texas county delivers genuine rental affordability with rock-bottom median rent of $824.

Excellent value among Texas counties

Haskell County ranks in the top affordability tier of Texas's 254 counties, with a 18.3% rent-to-income ratio and the second-lowest median rent in our comparison group. This reflects authentic rural West Texas pricing.

Cheapest rents, lowest home prices

Haskell County's $824 median rent undercuts most comparison counties, with only Hardeman at $688 cheaper. Median home values of just $92,000 rank among the absolute lowest, making ownership accessible for any family.

Tiny housing slice of income

With a median household income of $54,044, Haskell County residents spend just 18.3% on rent or roughly 13.8% on mortgage payments. This leaves the vast majority of income for other essentials and savings.

Haskell County: extreme affordability

For families seeking maximum affordability in a genuine West Texas community, Haskell County delivers—median rent at $824, homes under $92,000, and minimal housing burden. This county works for those prioritizing financial breathing room over urban amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Haskell County

via IncomeByCounty

Haskell lags well below national income

Haskell County's median household income of $54,044 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $20,711, placing it among the lowest-earning counties nationally. Per capita income of $37,896 exceeds Texas's state average of $33,197, despite modest household earnings.

Lowest earner in Texas sample

Haskell County's $54,044 median household income falls nearly $10,700 below Texas's state average of $64,737, ranking it in the lowest tier of Texas counties. The county faces significant economic challenges relative to state norms.

Struggles compared to region

Haskell County's median income of $54,044 ranks lowest among all eight counties in this group, trailing Hamilton County ($55,339) and significantly lagging Hardeman ($61,179) and all higher-earning neighbors. The county faces the starkest economic headwinds.

Affordable housing is a lifeline

Haskell County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% and median home value of $92,000 provide critical affordability for residents earning the lowest median income in this cluster. Housing costs remain manageable, preventing deeper financial strain.

Start small, save consistently

Haskell County residents facing below-average income should prioritize building emergency reserves before investing, targeting 3-6 months of expenses. Even modest monthly contributions to savings accounts or employer 401(k)s—starting at $50-100—can build wealth over decades through consistent discipline.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Haskell County

via CrimeByCounty

Haskell County Stays Below National Averages

Haskell County reports a total crime rate of 1,516.2 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 97.6.

Outpacing the State Average

The county’s safety score of 97.6 is higher than the Texas average of 96.8. Its total crime rate is also notably lower than the state’s overall average of 2,052.5 per 100,000 residents.

Regional Context for Haskell Safety

Haskell County’s crime rate of 1,516.2 is nearly identical to Harrison County’s 1,522.5. However, it is higher than Hardeman County’s 593.1, indicating variations in safety across North-Central Texas.

Property Crimes Lead Local Data

Violent crime is low at 147.9 per 100,000, while property crime is more common at 1,368.3. Even so, the violent crime rate is less than half the national average of 369.8.

Practical Security for Haskell Residents

Because property crime represents the vast majority of local incidents, securing valuables is key. Homeowners should utilize window locks and smart security sensors to protect against the property crime rate of 1,368.3.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Haskell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Schools for a Small Community

Haskell County maintains five public schools for its 772 students. The infrastructure is divided among three districts and includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school.

Strong Scores and Local Investment

The county achieves a school score of 59.6, which outperforms the Texas average of 55.3. A graduation rate of 91% and per-pupil spending of $9,564 indicate a strong local commitment to educational outcomes.

Haskell CISD Serves the Majority

Haskell CISD is the central district, managing three schools and 539 students. The remainder of the county's students are served by Rule ISD and Paint Creek ISD, with no charter schools present.

Small Rural and Town Locales

Schools here are very small, averaging just 154 students per campus across rural and town locales. Haskell Elementary is the largest at 267 students, while Paint Creek School provides a PK-12 environment for only 100 students.

Big Education in a Small Package

Haskell County's high school scores and generous per-pupil spending make it a competitive choice for rural living. Families can find affordable homes within the boundaries of these small, high-performing districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Haskell County

via RiskByCounty

Haskell County ranks among safest areas

Haskell County's composite risk score of 11.70 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 storm damage.

Texas's lowest-risk counties

Haskell County ranks among Texas's safest jurisdictions with a composite score of 11.70—76% below the state average of 49.00. Few Texas counties match its exceptional resilience across all natural disaster hazards.

Safest county in the region

Haskell County's disaster profile significantly outperforms neighboring West Texas and Rolling Plains counties, offering superior natural disaster resilience. Its geographic isolation and semi-arid terrain minimize exposure across multiple hazard types.

Wildfire and tornado risks remain minor

Haskell County's primary hazards are wildfire at 79.64 and tornado risk at 32.16, both well below state averages. Earthquake and hurricane risks are negligible, making the county exceptionally stable for property protection planning.

Basic coverage meets regional needs

Haskell County's low disaster risk means standard homeowner's insurance with wildfire and wind provisions offers adequate protection. Leverage your favorable risk profile to secure competitive insurance rates and maintain routine property maintenance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Haskell County

via WaterByCounty

Haskell County Faces High Violation Rates

Haskell County receives an F grade with 35 health violations recorded over five years. Its violation rate of 652.6 per 100,000 residents is higher than the Texas state average of 581.9. This indicates that local water systems are struggling to maintain federal health standards.

Unassessed Watersheds in Haskell County

Federal assessments under §303(d) have not yet been conducted for the water bodies in this county. As a result, there is no official record of impairment causes or percentages for this cycle. Monitoring gaps can hide the impact of agricultural runoff or other pollutants.

Single Site Provides County Monitoring Data

Haskell County has only one monitoring site, which has recorded 560 measurements in the last five years. These measurements primarily track physical characteristics and inorganic non-metals. While valuable, a single site cannot provide a comprehensive view of the entire county's water quality.

Brazos River Flow Falls Below Mean

The Brazos River gauge near Rule shows a current discharge of 13 cfs, just 15% of the 84 cfs long-term mean. This low flow reflects the arid conditions of the Rolling Plains region. Reduced volume often leads to higher salinity and temperature in the remaining water.

Vigilance Required for Haskell Water Users

With a violation rate exceeding the state average and low river flows, residents should be proactive about water safety. Consider using a high-quality water filter for all drinking water to mitigate compliance issues. Regularly check for updates from your local utility regarding violation remediation.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Haskell County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Semi-Arid Plains

Haskell County averages 63.1°F, which is warmer than the national median. It receives a modest 26.9 inches of annual rainfall.

Slightly Drier Than Texas Average

The county's 26.9 inches of rain falls just below the state average of 31.9 inches. Its average temperature is also slightly lower than the statewide norm of 65.5°F.

High Heat on the Rolling Plains

Haskell experiences 110 days of extreme heat, which is more than its eastern neighbor Harrison. It is significantly drier than the humid East Texas counties.

Persistent Heat and Light Snow

July temperatures peak at 83.4°F, contributing to 110 days over 90°F. Winters average 43.8°F and typically bring 3.1 inches of snowfall.

Drought and Heat Resilience

With 110 days of extreme heat, high-efficiency cooling is a necessity. Landscape with drought-tolerant plants to account for the lower 26.9-inch rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Haskell County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Entisols of North Central Texas

Haskell County features Entisols with an alkaline pH of 7.61, compared to the 7.09 state average. These are geologically young soils that provide a fine sandy loam texture for local growers.

Fine Sandy Loam with High Clay

The composition is a balanced mix of 40.3% sand and 29.2% clay. This relatively high clay percentage for a loam provides excellent nutrient retention while the sand ensures decent aeration for roots.

Impressive Water Storage Potential

Organic matter sits at 1.60%, very close to the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is impressive at 0.144 in/in, clearly beating the Texas state benchmark of 0.133.

Fast-Draining Soils in Group A

These soils are well-drained and belong to hydrologic group A, the highest tier for water infiltration. This means the land absorbs rainfall quickly, significantly reducing the risk of surface runoff and erosion.

Diverse Planting Options in Zone 8a

In zone 8a, these fertile soils are ready for cotton, wheat, or a robust home vegetable patch. With a solid soil score of 26.9 and excellent drainage, Haskell is a premier spot to start your next gardening project.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Haskell County

via LawnByCounty

High Heat Challenges in North Texas

Haskell County scores 26.9 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the more challenging areas in the state. This 8a hardiness zone requires careful management to overcome intense summer heat and limited rainfall.

Frequent Extreme Heat Days

Lawns here must endure 110 days of extreme heat annually, surpassing the state average and putting turf in survival mode. The 26.9 inches of annual rain is below the ideal threshold, necessitating supplemental irrigation during the long summer.

Well-Drained Fine Sandy Loam

The soil is a well-drained fine sandy loam with a 29.2% clay and 40.3% sand balance. While the drainage is excellent, the 7.61 pH is alkaline and may require amendments to support optimal turf health.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Spells

Haskell County has experienced 23 weeks of drought over the past year and remains 100% abnormally dry. To conserve water, avoid mowing during the hottest parts of the day and maintain a higher blade height to shade the soil.

Planting for Heat Tolerance

Bermudagrass is the most resilient option for Haskell County's 110-day heat stretches. Plan your planting for late March after the final spring frost to give the grass time to establish before the summer peak.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Haskell County's county score?
Haskell County, Texas has a composite county score of 44.5 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 Haskell County rank among counties in Texas?
Haskell County ranks #107 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 Haskell County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Haskell County is $1,028, with an effective tax rate of 1.12%. This earns Haskell County a tax score of 29.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Haskell County?
The median household income in Haskell County, Texas is $54,044 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Haskell County earns an income score of 22.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Haskell County, Texas a good place to live?
Haskell County scores 44.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #107 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Haskell 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 Haskell County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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