countyscore
56.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.7Cost of Living 95.2Safety 92.3

County Report Card

About Hudspeth County, Texas

Outperforming the National Median

Hudspeth County achieves a composite score of 56.9, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking is driven by exceptional safety and environmental factors despite low income levels. It stands out as a unique pocket of stability in West Texas.

A Leader in West Texas Performance

Surpassing the state average of 41.9, Hudspeth County is one of the higher-scoring rural counties in Texas. It offers a distinct profile compared to its neighbors, prioritizing safety and low costs over urban convenience. Its overall score of 56.9 reflects a very high level of relative livability.

Exceptional Safety and Extreme Affordability

The county delivers an incredible Safety Score of 92.3 and an even higher Risk Score of 97.7. Housing is remarkably affordable, with a Cost Score of 95.2 and median home values of just $57,400. For those looking to minimize cost and risk, these numbers are nearly unbeatable.

Significant Income and Health Barriers

The Income Score is a major outlier at just 2.5, reflecting a median household income of only $39,336. Health access is also limited, evidenced by a score of 13.5 in that dimension. These figures highlight the trade-offs of living in a remote, low-cost frontier.

Ideal for Seekers of Security

Hudspeth County is the perfect destination for individuals seeking extreme peace of mind and very low living expenses. It rewards those who are self-sufficient and not reliant on high-paying local employment. It is a true haven for those who value safety and solitude above all else.

Score breakdown

Tax26.6Cost95.2Safety92.3Health13.5Schools46.3Income2.5Risk97.7Water35Weather46
🏛26.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠95.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱11.7
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hudspeth County?

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

Check My Assessment

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 Hudspeth County with Randolph County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Randolph County
Alabama
Median income: $51,551
56.9
Marshall County
Indiana
Median income: $68,041
56.9
Talbot County
Maryland
Median income: $84,378
56.9
Huron County
Ohio
Median income: $65,972
56.9
Greensville County
Virginia
Median income: $56,759
56.9
Jefferson County
Florida
Median income: $56,984
57
Washington County
Idaho
Median income: $53,608
56.8
Saline County
Illinois
Median income: $54,945
56.8

Nearby counties

Culberson County
Texas
57.6
El Paso County
Texas
26.3
Jeff Davis County
Texas
63.3
Presidio County
Texas
55.1
Otero County
New Mexico
44.4
Doña Ana County
New Mexico
41
Reeves County
Texas
39.8
Eddy County
New Mexico
36

Deep Dives

Hudspeth County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hudspeth County

via TaxByCounty

Hudspeth County taxes just above national median

At 1.179%, Hudspeth County's effective tax rate slightly exceeds the national median of 1.1%, though its median property tax of just $677 is one-quarter the national median of $2,690. Lower home values—with a median of $57,400—keep actual tax bills remarkably affordable.

Hudspeth County ranks below Texas state average

Hudspeth County's 1.179% effective rate falls just below the state average of 1.276%, placing it in the lower tier statewide. Residents pay only $677 in median annual property taxes, dramatically below the state average of $2,193.

Hudspeth County offers lowest tax bills in region

Hudspeth County's $677 median tax bill significantly undercuts neighboring Irion County ($1,456) and Houston County ($1,429), though its 1.179% rate sits between them. The county's affordability stems from lower home values rather than lower tax rates.

What Hudspeth County homeowners actually pay

The median Hudspeth County home valued at $57,400 generates an estimated $677 in annual property taxes—the lowest in this regional comparison. With a mortgage, expect $1,027; without, around $660.

Your property tax assessment may be inflated

Many Texas homeowners discover their homes are assessed above fair market value, making them eligible to challenge their appraisals. Filing a protest costs nothing and could lower your annual tax bill—particularly valuable in counties like Hudspeth where home values are already modest.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hudspeth County

via CostByCounty

Hudspeth County: lowest incomes, lowest costs

Hudspeth County's 20.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national baseline, but this burden reflects genuinely low wages rather than high rents—median household income stands at just $39,336, or 47% below the national average. The silver lining: rents of only $664 monthly are among the cheapest in Texas.

High burden despite low rents

Hudspeth County's 20.3% rent-to-income ratio runs 2.2 percentage points above Texas's 18.1% state average, making it one of the state's more housing-stressed counties. Yet its median rent of $664 runs 31% below the state average, revealing that the problem is income, not prices.

Cheapest rents in the region

Hudspeth County's $664 rent undercuts every peer county—Houston County ($873), Howard County ($993), Hunt County ($1,184)—by wide margins, yet its 20.3% burden ratio ranks among the region's highest. This paradox shows that low wages matter more than low rents in determining affordability stress.

Income challenges in Hudspeth

Renters pay just $664 monthly and homeowners pay $375, representing the region's most accessible entry prices for housing. However, against median household income of only $39,336 annually, these costs still consume 20.3% of renter income—a squeeze that reflects limited local economic opportunity rather than expensive housing.

Hudspeth: only if income is portable

Consider Hudspeth County only if you're relocating with a higher-paying job or remote income—the ultra-low housing costs ($664 rent, $57,400 home values) won't help if local wages remain depressed. Compare the median income here ($39,336) against your own earnings; if you're coming with significantly higher income, you could enjoy remarkable affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hudspeth County

via IncomeByCounty

Hudspeth County faces severe income challenges

Hudspeth County's median household income of $39,336 is less than half the national median of $74,755, creating a $35,419 gap that ranks it among the poorest counties nationally. This extreme disparity reflects limited job availability and economic opportunity in this remote West Texas region.

Lowest earners in Texas by far

At $39,336, Hudspeth County's median household income is $25,401 below Texas's state average of $64,737, making it one of the lowest-earning counties in the state. Per capita income of $19,142 is also well below the state average of $33,197.

Significantly lagging all nearby counties

Hudspeth County's $39,336 income trails every neighboring county in this analysis, with Houston County ($54,563) earning $15,000 more and Howard County ($71,457) earning nearly double. This isolation from regional economic centers creates persistent income challenges.

Housing costs strain limited incomes

A rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% is concerning given the low overall income, and a median home value of $57,400 remains difficult for many families to afford. While homes are affordable in absolute terms, the ratio of home value to household income makes homeownership challenging.

Prioritize stability and community resources

Hudspeth County residents earning $39,336 should focus first on emergency savings and local financial assistance programs before pursuing investments. Community development resources, skill-building initiatives, and remote work opportunities may offer pathways to income growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hudspeth County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptionally Low Reported Crime Levels

Hudspeth County reports a total crime rate of only 120.2 per 100,000 people, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a near-perfect safety score of 99.8 out of 100.

One of the Safest Counties in Texas

A safety score of 99.8 puts Hudspeth County well ahead of the Texas state average of 96.8. However, users should note that these figures come from a single reporting agency, which may limit the data's scope.

Quiet Border Region Activity

The reported crime rate here is a fraction of the 1,693.0 seen in Hunt County. This extremely low activity level makes Hudspeth a statistical outlier compared to more populated Texas regions.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes in 2022

Hudspeth County reported zero violent crimes per 100,000 residents during the reporting period. The total crime rate of 120.2 consists entirely of property crimes.

Maintaining Peace in Hudspeth County

With virtually no violent crime reported, the risk to residents remains exceptionally low. Basic property maintenance and visible security signage are often enough to discourage any opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hudspeth County

via HealthByCounty

Paradox: average lifespan, poor health

Hudspeth County's life expectancy of 74.3 years matches the national average, yet 39% of residents report poor or fair health—nearly double the national rate. This disconnect suggests acute health challenges despite baseline longevity, reflecting concentrated disease burden in the population.

Highest health burden in Texas

At 39%, Hudspeth County's poor/fair health rate far exceeds Texas's baseline, indicating the worst self-reported health status across the state. This is the starkest health equity challenge among the eight counties examined.

Data gaps hinder comparison

Provider data is unavailable for Hudspeth County, making direct comparison to neighbors like Hunt County and Jack County impossible. This data gap itself reflects limited healthcare infrastructure—a common marker of rural, underserved communities.

Uninsured rate highest in region

Hudspeth County's uninsured rate of 25.6% is the highest among the eight counties and 5.8 percentage points above Texas average. Combined with limited documented provider availability, residents face dual barriers: both affording and accessing care.

Don't delay—get covered now

If you're among Hudspeth County's uninsured, enrollment windows exist year-round for special life events. Call 211 Texas or visit healthcare.gov immediately to find low-cost plans and local health centers serving the community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hudspeth County

via SchoolsByCounty

Vast Landscapes and Intimate School Settings

Hudspeth County manages just five public schools across three districts, serving a total of 554 students. The infrastructure is unique, featuring one elementary, one middle, and one high school, alongside two specialized K-12 campuses. This lean system serves a sprawling, sparsely populated region.

Steady Performance in a Rural Environment

The county maintains a graduation rate of 83.5%, trailing the state average but nearing the national benchmark. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,655, which exceeds the Texas average of $7,498. The overall school score of 53.7 is very close to the state median of 55.3.

Fort Hancock Leads Local Education Efforts

Fort Hancock ISD is the largest district in the county, managing three schools and 377 students. Sierra Blanca ISD and Dell City ISD operate single-school districts for their respective communities. There are currently no charter schools in operation within the county.

Fully Rural Schools with Small Classes

Every school in Hudspeth County is classified as rural, providing an average enrollment of just 111 students per campus. Benito Martinez Elementary is the largest school with 165 students, while Dell City School serves only 61 students across all grades. This creates an environment where every student receives individual attention.

Embrace Small-Town Education in West Texas

For families looking for a truly rural lifestyle, Hudspeth County offers exceptionally small class sizes and dedicated local districts. School quality and campus proximity are vital considerations for any home search in this vast region. Start your journey by exploring homes near Fort Hancock or Sierra Blanca.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hudspeth County

via RiskByCounty

Hudspeth County faces minimal natural risks

Hudspeth County scores just 2.29 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low category and far below the national average. This exceptionally low risk reflects a relatively benign natural hazard environment with no significant threat concentration across major disaster types.

Among Texas's safest counties

At 2.29, Hudspeth County ranks dramatically below Texas's state average composite risk of 49.00, placing it among the state's lowest-risk counties. The county's risk score represents roughly one-twentieth of the state average, indicating substantially lower natural disaster exposure.

Safest county in the region

Hudspeth County's composite risk of 2.29 makes it significantly safer than all immediate neighbors, including Culberson, Jeff Davis, and Reeves counties. This West Texas location benefits from isolation from major storm systems and low seismic activity relative to surrounding areas.

Risks remain minimal across all hazards

No single hazard type presents meaningful risk in Hudspeth County, with wildfire at 25.48 and earthquake at 24.40 ranking as the highest exposures. Tornado, flood, and hurricane risks all remain well below 10, reflecting the remote desert environment.

Standard coverage meets local needs

Despite low overall risk, Hudspeth County homeowners should maintain basic homeowners insurance as protection against unexpected events and lender requirements. The county's risk profile doesn't warrant specialized hazard coverage beyond typical policies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hudspeth County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Aridity in Hudspeth County

Hudspeth County is one of the driest places in the country, receiving just 10.1 inches of rain annually. Its 61.8°F annual average temperature is influenced by high desert elevations.

Far Below the Texas Rainfall Average

At 10.1 inches of rain, Hudspeth is significantly drier than the Texas state average of 31.9 inches. Its average temperature is also cooler than the state's 65.5°F, reflecting its mountainous terrain.

High Desert Heat and Winter Snow

Despite the cooler annual average, the county still records 110 days above 90°F. It also sees 2.1 inches of snow, more than many coastal or central Texas counties.

Intense Sun and Chilly Desert Nights

Summer averages 79.1°F, but the dry air allows for 110 extreme heat days. Winters are cool, averaging 44.1°F, with clear skies and low humidity dominating most months.

Prepare for Drought and Temperature Fluctuations

Desert living requires extreme water efficiency and protection against 110 days of intense heat. Layered clothing is essential to handle the rapid temperature drops that occur after sunset.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hudspeth County

via SoilByCounty

A rugged Trans-Pecos landscape

Current data for Hudspeth County's specific soil pH and taxonomic order remains limited at this time. However, the region typically mirrors the high alkalinity found across the arid Trans-Pecos desert. Nearby counties often exceed the state average pH of 7.09 due to mineral-rich caliche layers.

The texture of the desert

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded in the current dataset for this county. Local landscapes often alternate between rocky mountainous terrain and fine-grained desert basins. Gardeners generally find that the lack of organic material makes soil workability a primary challenge.

Nurturing life in arid conditions

The organic matter and water capacity data are currently unavailable for Hudspeth County. In these arid environments, organic matter is typically much lower than the national average of 2.0%. Success in this region requires intensive soil building and specialized irrigation techniques.

Hydrology of the West

Detailed drainage and hydrologic group classifications are currently absent from our records for this area. In this high-desert climate, water management is the defining factor for any agricultural or building project. Understanding local topography is crucial for navigating potential runoff during monsoon season.

Growing in Zone 8a

Hudspeth County falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, allowing for a variety of heat-hardy perennials. Native species like agave, sotol, and honey mesquite are the most reliable choices for this climate. Start a garden of desert giants that thrive where other plants might struggle.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hudspeth County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Difficulty in the High Desert

Hudspeth County has a lawn difficulty score of 11.7, one of the lowest in the state and far below the national average of 50.0. The Zone 8a environment is characterized by extreme aridity that challenges even the toughest native grasses. Maintaining a traditional green lawn here is a major undertaking compared to eastern Texas.

Low Precipitation and High Sun

With only 10.1 inches of annual precipitation, Hudspeth receives less than a third of the Texas state average. The county faces 110 days of extreme heat, creating a high-evaporation environment that rapidly dries out vegetation. Growing degree days total 5,072, reflecting a climate that favors desert-adapted plants over thirsty turf.

Managing Unmapped Desert Soils

Comprehensive soil data is currently unavailable for Hudspeth County, though regional trends suggest high alkalinity and rocky textures. Local growers should conduct individual soil tests to determine pH and nutrient needs before investing in new sod. Amending the soil with high-quality compost is a standard practice for improving moisture retention in this region.

Year-Round Drought Conditions

The county has spent a staggering 53 weeks in drought over the last year, representing a permanent challenge for lawn care. While 0% of the area is currently in severe drought, 88.7% remains abnormally dry. Xeriscaping or using native bunchgrasses are the most sustainable ways to maintain a landscape here.

Focus on Native Resilience

Native Buffalo grass is your best bet for a lawn-like appearance with minimal water in Hardiness Zone 8a. Plan your seeding after the late spring frost on April 13 to avoid cold snaps. The growing window closes relatively early with the first fall frost expected by November 6.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hudspeth County's county score?
Hudspeth County, Texas has a composite county score of 56.9 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 Hudspeth County rank among counties in Texas?
Hudspeth County ranks #26 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 Hudspeth County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Hudspeth County is $677, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Hudspeth County a tax score of 26.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hudspeth County?
The median household income in Hudspeth County, Texas is $39,336 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hudspeth County earns an income score of 2.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hudspeth County, Texas a good place to live?
Hudspeth County scores 56.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Hudspeth 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 Hudspeth 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.