countyscore
53.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 83.5Schools 81.7

County Report Card

About Hemphill County, Texas

Beating the National Livability Median

Hemphill County outperforms most of the country with a composite score of 53.4, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in a competitive position for quality of life on a national scale. It represents a rare high-performer in its region.

A Top Performer in Texas

The county's score of 53.4 is over 10 points higher than the Texas state average of 41.9. This makes Hemphill one of the more desirable locations in the state when looking at balanced data metrics. It offers a level of stability that many neighboring counties lack.

Exceptional Schools and Low Risk

The county boasts an impressive school score of 81.7 and a resilient risk score of 83.5. Water quality is another major asset, scoring 86.0 to ensure long-term sustainability. These high marks reflect a well-managed community with strong public investments.

High Taxes and Average Healthcare

The tax score of 27.2 is the county's weakest dimension, reflecting an effective tax rate of 1.164%. Healthcare accessibility is moderate with a score of 47.7, suggesting some room for improvement in medical infrastructure. Despite these points, the county maintains a very high floor for livability.

Ideal for Education-Focused Families

Hemphill County is a premier choice for families who prioritize top-tier public schools and environmental safety. It suits those looking for a stable, low-risk community with solid middle-class incomes. The higher tax burden is a direct investment in the county's excellent public services.

Score breakdown

Tax27.2Cost40.1Safety54Health47.7Schools81.7Income71.5Risk83.5Water86Weather53.3
🏛27.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤47.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓81.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡83.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨22.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.5
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

Wheeler County
Texas
48.8
Lipscomb County
Texas
51.2
Ellis County
Oklahoma
54.6
Roger Mills County
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58.7
Roberts County
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64.4
Gray County
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31.1
Ochiltree County
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Beckham County
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42.9

Deep Dives

Hemphill County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hemphill County

via TaxByCounty

Hemphill slightly below national average

Hemphill County's 1.164% effective tax rate falls below the national median of 1.199%, placing it roughly at the 45th percentile. Homeowners pay $2,502 annually on a median home valued at $214,900—modestly above the national median tax of $2,690 due to lower home values.

Below average for Texas

At 1.164%, Hemphill County's effective rate ranks below Texas's 1.276% state average, making it a relatively affordable county by state standards. The median property tax of $2,502 sits above the state median of $2,193, driven by this county's slightly higher home valuations.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Hemphill's 1.164% rate sits comfortably between Henderson County (0.981%) and Hill County (1.234%), making it moderately taxed for the region. The $2,502 median tax is among the most affordable in this part of the Panhandle.

What $214,900 home costs yearly

A median-priced Hemphill County home generates $2,502 in annual property taxes under standard conditions, or $3,663 with a mortgage. That amounts to roughly $209 per month—a reasonable tax burden for this rural county.

Appeal if assessed too high

Even in modestly taxed Hemphill County, overassessment happens—particularly for properties that haven't sold recently. Filing a formal assessment challenge costs nothing and could reduce your tax bill; many county appraisers overvalue agricultural and rural properties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hemphill County

via CostByCounty

Hemphill punches above affordability weight

With a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio, Hemphill County renters enjoy one of Texas's better affordability stories, beating the national norm. Despite median income of $72,052—below the national $74,755—low rents keep housing accessible here.

Texas's most affordable rental county

Hemphill's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in Texas, well below the state's 18.1% average. At just $946 monthly rent—nearly $20 cheaper than the Texas median—this rural Panhandle county offers genuine affordability.

The budget champion of the region

Hemphill's $946 rent is the lowest among this group, undercut only by Hockley County's $813. Homeowners face similarly gentle costs at $865 monthly, making this one of Texas's true affordability havens.

Housing claims just 23% of income

Combined rent and owner costs total roughly $1,811 monthly—about 30% of the $72,052 median income. Renters alone allocate only 15.8% of their paychecks to housing, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Affordability seekers should explore Hemphill

If you're priced out of urban Texas, Hemphill offers ranch-land living with modest $946 rents and $214,900 median home prices. Factor in lower incomes here, but the math favors anyone seeking genuine housing affordability in the Panhandle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hemphill County

via IncomeByCounty

Hemphill County slightly below U.S. average

Hemphill County's median household income of $72,052 falls just 3.6% below the national median of $74,755. The county's per capita income of $45,325 is notably robust, suggesting productive earning power across diverse demographics.

Well above Texas state average

At $72,052, Hemphill County's median household income exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by $7,315 per household. The per capita income of $45,325 ranks 36.5% higher than the state average of $33,197, indicating strong individual earning capacity.

Competitive with regional peers

Hemphill County's $72,052 median income positions it between regional neighbors, competing favorably with Henderson County ($63,955) but trailing Hood County ($86,802). The county's income profile reflects a stable, diversified local economy.

Housing highly affordable relative to income

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 15.8%, Hemphill County residents enjoy one of the lowest housing cost burdens, meaning housing consumes less than 1 in 6 dollars of gross income. At $214,900, median home values remain accessible to households earning the county median.

Leverage low housing costs for savings

Hemphill County's exceptional rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% frees up significant monthly cash flow compared to national averages. Consider directing these savings into emergency funds, retirement accounts, and investment portfolios to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hemphill County

via CrimeByCounty

Hemphill County Ranks Among the Safest

Hemphill County maintains an impressive safety score of 98.4, signaling a very secure environment for its residents. The total crime rate of 1,038.3 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Texas Average

The county performs exceptionally well against the state average, staying well below the Texas mean crime rate of 2,052.5 per 100K. With a safety score of 98.4, it outperforms the typical Texas county score of 96.8.

Stability in the Texas Panhandle

Located in the Panhandle, Hemphill County shows lower crime rates than many of its neighbors, though data comes from a single reporting agency. This centralized reporting suggests a tight-knit community where crime remains rare.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is notably low at 178.0 per 100K, while property crime sits at 860.3 per 100K. These figures remain well below national benchmarks, indicating a stable and peaceful local climate.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

Maintaining this high level of safety starts with basic home security and community awareness. Even in low-crime areas, keeping doors locked and reporting suspicious activity helps preserve the county’s 98.4 safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hemphill County

via HealthByCounty

Hemphill County outpaces nation in longevity

Hemphill County's life expectancy of 80.6 years exceeds the U.S. average by over 6 years, placing residents among America's longest-living communities. Yet 19.5% still experience poor or fair health, suggesting that higher longevity masks some underlying health challenges.

Top life expectancy in Texas

At 80.6 years, Hemphill County boasts the highest life expectancy in this dataset, surpassing the Texas average of 74.3 years by 6.3 years. However, its 20.8% uninsured rate creeps above the state average of 19.8%, indicating some residents lack coverage despite living longer.

Hemphill leads in longevity, not access

While Hemphill County beats neighboring Hays County (79.4 years) and Hood County (76.0 years) in life expectancy, its uninsured rate of 20.8% is higher than both peers. The county's 122 primary care providers per 100K suggest strong doctor availability but uninsured residents may struggle to use these services.

High provider density, coverage gaps remain

Hemphill County excels with 122 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 94 mental health providers per 100,000, among the highest in the comparison. Yet 20.8% of residents lack insurance, meaning access to these providers is uneven across the population.

Don't skip insurance despite good providers

Even in a county with excellent doctor availability, the 20.8% uninsured rate puts families at financial risk. Explore health plans at healthcare.gov or speak with a local navigator to find coverage you can afford.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hemphill County

via SchoolsByCounty

Personalized Education in Canadian ISD

Hemphill County operates a focused system of four public schools within a single district. These campuses serve a total of 829 students across elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Scores

The county boasts a 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 91.6%. With a school score of 59.7 and per-pupil spending of $8,153, the county invests heavily in student success.

Canadian ISD: The Sole Provider

Canadian ISD manages all 829 students in the county, ensuring a unified educational approach. There are currently no charter schools, keeping the focus entirely on traditional public excellence.

Small-Town Feel with Big Results

Every school in the county is located in a town setting, with an average enrollment of just 207 students. Canadian High School is the largest campus, yet still maintains an intimate size of 297 students.

Small Classes Await Your Family

For those seeking high-performing schools where every teacher knows your name, Hemphill County is a premier choice. Discover homes within this high-achieving district today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hemphill County

via RiskByCounty

Hemphill is exceptionally safe nationally

Hemphill County's composite risk score of 16.51 earns a "Very Low" rating, placing it well below the national average and among the safest counties in America. This exceptional profile makes Hemphill one of the lowest-risk places to live in the country.

Lowest-risk county in Texas

Hemphill County's score of 16.51 is dramatically lower than Texas's state average of 49.00, making it the safest county in the state by a wide margin. The county's remote panhandle location insulates it from many of the hazards that affect more populated areas of Texas.

Far safer than surrounding panhandle counties

Hemphill County's 16.51 score stands alone—neighboring panhandle counties face substantially higher risks, with Hockley County at 51.43 and other regional peers ranging much higher. Hemphill's geographic isolation from major population centers contributes to its exceptional safety profile.

Wildfires are your primary concern

Wildfire risk at 89.79 is dramatically higher than all other hazards in Hemphill County, creating a clear and specific vulnerability. All other risks—flood (3.63), tornado (51.18), earthquake (15.59), and hurricane (22.70)—are well below state and national averages.

Focus on wildfire preparedness and coverage

While overall risk is very low, Hemphill residents should ensure homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage and maintain defensible space around structures. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude wildfire, so verify your coverage includes this critical peril.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hemphill County

via WeatherByCounty

Snowy and Semi-Arid Panhandle

Hemphill County receives 21.3 inches of rain and 7.9 inches of snow annually. While local temperature averages are unavailable, its climate is classified as semi-arid.

A Drier, Snowier Texas County

The county receives 10 inches less rain than the 31.9-inch state average. Its 7.9 inches of snow is significantly higher than the typical Texas county.

Northern Panhandle Extremes

Like Hartley County, Hemphill deals with significant winter snow. It is wetter than Hartley but remains much drier than the eastern half of the state.

Focus on Winter Precipitation

Seasonal temperature data for this station is limited, but 7.9 inches of snow falls annually. This indicates much colder winters than Central or South Texas.

Preparing for Panhandle Winters

Snow-clearing equipment and winterized vehicles are essential for the 7.9 inches of snowfall. Residents should plan for a dry climate with only 21.3 inches of rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hemphill County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Panhandle Soils

Hemphill County soils are distinctly alkaline with an average pH of 7.47. This is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5 and even exceeds the Texas state average of 7.09.

High Sand and Workability

The soil is dominated by a 54.3% sand content, paired with 25.9% silt and 18.1% clay. This sandy mix provides high workability but requires careful management to retain moisture and nutrients over time.

Low Organic Matter Potential

Organic matter sits at 1.28%, trailing behind the state average of 1.66% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.135 in/in slightly outperforms the state average of 0.133.

Surface Runoff Challenges

Classified in hydrologic group D, these soils exhibit high runoff potential despite the sandy texture. This combination means water moves quickly over the surface rather than soaking in during heavy Panhandle rain events.

Sturdy Zone 7a Plants

Gardening in zone 7a allows for a variety of cool-season vegetables and hearty grains. Wheat and native grasses perform well here, especially with supplemental irrigation to offset the alkaline pH.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hemphill County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in the Panhandle

Hemphill County scores a 44.5 on the lawn difficulty scale, which is notably better than the Texas state average of 31.7. In USDA Zone 7a, the cooler winters offer a slightly different rhythm for turf management than the rest of the state.

Dry Air and Limited Rainfall

Annual precipitation is light at 21.3 inches, falling well below the state average of 31.9 inches. This semi-arid climate means supplemental irrigation is vital to keep grass green through the growing season.

Sandy Soils With High Alkalinity

The soil here is sandy at 54.3% with a slightly alkaline pH of 7.47, exceeding the ideal lawn range of 6.0 to 7.0. You will likely need sulfur amendments to lower the pH and improve nutrient uptake for your turf.

Managing Abnormally Dry Conditions

Current conditions are manageable, with only 15 weeks spent in drought over the past year. While 100.0% of the county is currently abnormally dry, the absence of severe (D2+) drought provides a window for proactive lawn care.

Resilient Turf for Zone 7a

Buffalograss or heat-resistant Tall Fescue thrive well in Zone 7a's unique mix of Texas sun and cooler nights. Get your lawn established in late spring to capitalize on the early growing season before the dry summer peak.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hemphill County's county score?
Hemphill County, Texas has a composite county score of 53.4 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 Hemphill County rank among counties in Texas?
Hemphill County ranks #45 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 Hemphill County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Hemphill County is $2,502, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Hemphill County a tax score of 27.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hemphill County?
The median household income in Hemphill County, Texas is $72,052 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hemphill County earns an income score of 71.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hemphill County, Texas a good place to live?
Hemphill County scores 53.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Hemphill 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 Hemphill 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.