countyscore
41.1
County Score
Schools 67.4Cost of Living 62.6Income & Jobs 55.8

County Report Card

About Hutchinson County, Texas

Moderate Performance in the Panhandle

Hutchinson County earns a composite score of 41.1, trailing the national median of 50.0. It functions as a stable industrial hub with strengths that are balanced by infrastructure needs. This score reflects a typical middle-American industrial county profile.

Matching the Texas State Average

At 41.1, Hutchinson County is performing nearly at the Texas state average of 41.9. It represents a standard Texas experience, offering a mix of industrial employment and small-town living. It remains competitive with other counties in the northern Panhandle region.

Great Schools and Low Housing Costs

The School Score of 67.4 is the county's standout metric, indicating a high-performing educational environment. Housing is also very accessible, with a Cost Score of 62.6 and a low median home value of $102,200. These factors make it an attractive spot for families looking to plant roots.

High Tax Burden and Health Gaps

The Tax Score is quite low at 13.5, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.482% which is higher than many neighbors. Health services also face challenges, reflected in a modest score of 22.9. Residents pay a premium in taxes for a system that still needs improvement in wellness infrastructure.

Stable Living for Industrial Families

This county is a great fit for blue-collar families who value strong local schools and very affordable real estate. The steady income from local industry ($65,470 median) provides a comfortable lifestyle despite higher taxes. It offers a solid, predictable environment for those working in the Panhandle's energy or manufacturing sectors.

2040608010013.562.630.622.967.455.832.338.455.2Tax13.5Cost62.6Safety30.6Health22.9Schools67.4Income55.8Risk32.3Water38.4Weather55.241.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Hutchinson County DNA

Foverall

How Hutchinson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hutchinson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (62.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (13.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
13.5-38.5
Cost
62.6+14.600000000000001
Safety
30.6-24.4
Health
22.9-27.1
Schools
67.4+13.400000000000006
Income
55.8
Risk
32.3-14.700000000000003
Water
38.4-19.6
Weather
55.2
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hutchinson County?

Many homeowners in Hutchinson 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

$102,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$852/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$102,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,470/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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
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Nearby counties

Carson County
Texas
49.3
Hansford County
Texas
57.9
Roberts County
Texas
64.4
Moore County
Texas
34.5
Potter County
Texas
21
Gray County
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31.1
Sherman County
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52.1
Ochiltree County
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39.6

Deep Dives

Hutchinson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hutchinson County

via TaxByCounty

Hutchinson County taxes well above national median

At 1.482%, Hutchinson County's effective tax rate ranks among the highest in the nation, well above the national median of 1.1%. The median property tax of $1,515 remains below the national median of $2,690, primarily due to lower median home values of $102,200.

Hutchinson County ranks among Texas's highest-tax counties

Hutchinson County's 1.482% effective rate significantly exceeds the state average of 1.276%, placing it in the top tier of Texas counties by tax burden. While the median tax of $1,515 sits below the state average of $2,193, the rate itself is notably high.

Hutchinson County carries the region's steepest rates

Hutchinson County's 1.482% rate dramatically exceeds all regional peers—Houston County (0.921%), Irion County (0.954%), Howard County (1.093%), and even Hunt County (1.297%). Homeowners shoulder a proportionally heavier tax burden despite modest home values.

What Hutchinson County homeowners actually pay

The median Hutchinson County home valued at $102,200 generates an estimated $1,515 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $2,042; without, around $1,284.

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. In a high-tax county like Hutchinson, filing a protest is especially worthwhile and costs nothing.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hutchinson County

via CostByCounty

Hutchinson County: Texas affordability champion

Hutchinson County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio is the best in this eight-county group and beats the national norm, delivering genuine housing relief to residents. With median household income of $65,470—just 12% below the national average—residents enjoy above-average affordability compared to the broader U.S.

Well below Texas average burden

Hutchinson County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio runs 2.5 points below Texas's 18.1% state average, placing it among the state's most affordable housing markets. Median rent of $852 undercuts the state average of $963 by 11%, creating genuine savings for renters.

Second-best affordability in the region

Only Howard County (16.7%) matches Hutchinson County's rental affordability, while all other peer counties rank notably higher in housing burden. At $852 median rent, Hutchinson undercuts Hunt County ($1,184) and Irion County ($1,028) by significant margins.

Hutchinson County's balanced housing

Renters pay $852 monthly and homeowners pay $668, among the region's lowest costs in both categories, against median income of $65,470 annually. Housing claims just 15.6% of renter income—well within the sustainable 30% threshold—leaving ample room for savings and other necessities.

Hutchinson: affordability meets stability

If you value balanced housing costs without sacrificing income potential, Hutchinson County ranks among Texas's smartest relocation choices, with $102,200 median home values and sub-16% rent burdens. Check whether your current housing costs exceed $852 rent or $668 ownership; if so, you could redirect thousands annually toward building wealth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hutchinson County

via IncomeByCounty

Hutchinson County moderately below national income

Hutchinson County's median household income of $65,470 trails the national median of $74,755 by $9,285, placing it slightly below the national average. This positions Hutchinson as a middle-income county with moderate economic stability.

Slightly above Texas statewide average

At $65,470, Hutchinson County slightly exceeds the Texas state median of $64,737, gaining a $733 advantage over the state baseline. This modest edge reflects stable, competitive employment relative to other Texas counties.

Mid-range earnings among surrounding counties

Hutchinson County's $65,470 income places it in the middle tier of this region, above Houston ($54,563) but below Howard ($71,457) and Hunt ($70,112). This positioning reflects moderate economic opportunity within a diverse regional landscape.

Excellent housing affordability

A rent-to-income ratio of just 15.6% is among the best in this county group, well below the 28% affordability threshold and indicating comfortable housing costs. A median home value of only $102,200 makes homeownership genuinely accessible for most households.

Leverage affordable housing to invest

With strong housing affordability and stable income of $65,470, Hutchinson County residents can afford homeownership while maintaining investment capacity. Focus on equity building through mortgages combined with diversified retirement accounts for durable wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hutchinson County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Living in the Texas Panhandle

Hutchinson County reports 1,646.0 total crimes per 100,000 people, which is well below the national mark of 2,385.5. This low frequency gives the county an impressive safety score of 97.4.

Consistent Performance Against Texas Standards

The county's safety score of 97.4 beats the Texas average of 96.8. Its total crime rate is also roughly 20% lower than the state average of 2,052.5 crimes per 100,000 residents.

Mirroring Regional Safety Trends

Hutchinson's crime rate of 1,646.0 is very close to Hunt County's 1,693.0. Both counties are significantly safer than urban-adjacent areas with higher transient populations.

Property Offenses Represent Majority of Incidents

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 344.7 per 100,000, which is nearly identical to the Texas state average. Property crime accounts for 1,301.3 of the total reported incidents per 100,000 people.

Prioritizing Local Property Protection

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, securing garage doors and sheds is vital. High-quality deadbolts and window sensors offer cost-effective peace of mind for panhandle residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hutchinson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Twelve Schools Powering the Panhandle

Hutchinson County manages 12 public schools across four independent districts, serving 3,830 total students. The system includes five elementary, three middle, and three high schools. This focused infrastructure provides comprehensive coverage for the county's various communities.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates and High Scores

At 96.3%, the county's graduation rate is among the highest in the state, easily beating the national 87% benchmark. The composite school score of 57.1 also exceeds both the Texas and national averages. While per-pupil spending of $7,104 is slightly below the state average, student outcomes remain excellent.

Borger ISD Serves the Majority of Students

Borger ISD is the primary district, educating 2,477 students across six campuses. Sanford-Fritch ISD and Plemons-Stinnett-Phillips CISD serve the remaining students with five campuses between them. No charter schools are currently operating in the county, emphasizing the role of traditional public districts.

Town-Based Schools with Moderate Sizes

Most students attend one of the nine schools located in town settings, where the average campus size is 319 students. Borger High School is the largest campus in the county with 761 students. This creates a balance between a larger student body and the close-knit feel of a Texas town.

Join a High-Achieving Education Community

Hutchinson County's stellar graduation rates and high school scores make it an attractive spot for families. Moving here means joining a community that clearly prioritizes academic success across all its districts. Explore local homes for sale to find the perfect spot near Borger or Sanford-Fritch schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hutchinson County

via RiskByCounty

Hutchinson County shows elevated risk profile

Hutchinson County scores 67.68 on the composite risk scale, notably above the national average and reflecting a relatively low overall rating despite concentrated wildfire and tornado exposure. The score positions the county in the upper-middle risk band nationally.

Above-average risk for the Panhandle

At 67.68, Hutchinson County runs significantly above Texas's state average composite risk of 49.00, placing it in the elevated-risk tier among the state's 254 counties. The elevation stems almost entirely from extreme wildfire and tornado threats.

Panhandle hotspot for multiple hazards

Hutchinson County's composite risk substantially exceeds neighboring Potter, Carson, and Ochiltree counties, driven by wildfire risk of 94.94 and tornado risk of 78.34. These paired threats create a more hazardous environment than the typical Panhandle county.

Wildfires and tornadoes define exposure

Wildfire risk reaches 94.94, representing one of the state's highest exposures and reflecting the Panhandle's dry grasslands and fire season intensity. Tornado risk at 78.34 creates substantial spring and fall vulnerability, while flood risk remains relatively low at 21.37.

Wildfire and wind coverage are critical

Hutchinson County homeowners must ensure their policies include comprehensive wildfire coverage and strong wind/hail protection given the dual tornado-wildfire threat environment. Defensible space maintenance—clearing dead vegetation and managing tree canopy—provides essential supplementary protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Hutchinson County

via WaterByCounty

Failing Water Grade for Hutchinson County

Hutchinson County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance with 8 recorded health violations. Despite the failing grade, the violation rate of 36.1 per 100,000 residents is much lower than the state average of 581.9.

Local Watersheds Await Clean Water Assessment

Federal §303(d) assessments are not yet available for the water bodies in Hutchinson County. The current ATTAINS reporting cycle does not list any local impairments for this region.

Thirteen Sites Track Local Water Quality

Active monitoring at 13 sites has yielded 4,116 measurements over the past five years. Researchers focus primarily on physical properties and inorganic nutrients to track environmental health.

Live Streamflow Data Currently Unavailable

No representative USGS streamgage is available to provide real-time discharge data for this county. Local water management relies on the drinking water compliance signal in the absence of river flow metrics.

Awareness Advised Following F Grade

The F grade signals a need for residents to stay informed about their local drinking water quality reports. Periodic testing for inorganic nutrients is recommended given their prevalence in the county's monitoring data.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hutchinson County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Climate with Panhandle Extremes

Hutchinson County averages 60.0°F annually, keeping it warmer than many northern states but cooler than the Texas average. The region is relatively dry, seeing only 20.1 inches of precipitation each year.

Cooler Than the Average Texas County

At 60.0°F, Hutchinson County is notably cooler than the Texas statewide average of 65.5°F. It also receives about 11 inches less rain than the state average, reflecting its high plains geography.

The Snowiest Corner of the Region

While much of Texas sees no snow, Hutchinson County averages a significant 15.0 inches annually. This sets it apart from central and coastal neighbors that rarely see any winter accumulation.

Hot High-Plains Summers and Snowy Winters

The county experiences 90 extreme heat days per year with July temperatures averaging 81.8°F. Winter brings a sharp contrast, dropping to an average of 40.2°F with frequent snowfall.

Prepare for Snow and Summer Sun

Homeowners need reliable heating and snow removal equipment to handle the 15.0-inch annual snowfall. Proper insulation is vital to maintain comfort during both the 90 heat days and chilly 39.0°F January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hutchinson County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline plains of the Panhandle

Hutchinson County features an average pH of 7.53, which is more alkaline than both the national median and the state average. This chemistry reflects the calcium-rich parent materials common in the High Plains. While the taxonomic order is not specified, the alkalinity influences which native grasses thrive here.

A sandy loam foundation

The soil contains 46.4% sand and 20.4% clay, offering a relatively coarse texture that allows for good aeration. With 29.9% silt, the soil has enough fine material to assist with some nutrient stability. This composition is easy to plow but can be susceptible to wind erosion if left uncovered.

Moisture retention in dry lands

Despite a lower organic matter content of 1.35%, the soil boasts a high available water capacity of 0.146 in/in. This exceeds the state average of 0.133, providing a critical buffer for plants during dry Panhandle summers. The overall soil score of 25.7 reflects the challenges of lower organic matter in this climate.

Slow infiltration and high runoff

The county is primarily in hydrologic group D, signaling very slow infiltration rates despite the significant sand content. This often happens because of dense subsurface layers that impede the downward movement of water. Landowners should manage for runoff to prevent soil loss during heavy storms.

Cooler winters in Zone 7a

Hutchinson County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, allowing for plants that need a bit more winter chill like apples and certain berries. The high water capacity supports resilient native grasses like blue grama and buffalograss. Start a prairie-inspired landscape that honors the strength of the Texas Panhandle.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hutchinson County

via LawnByCounty

Cooler Panhandle Conditions

Hutchinson County has a lawn difficulty score of 39.6, placing it above the state average of 31.7 despite its northern location. As part of USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, it experiences colder winters than most of Texas. This unique climate allows for a different mix of grass varieties than the southern part of the state.

Lower Heat but Scant Rain

The county enjoys a relatively mild summer with only 90 extreme heat days, well below the state average of 105. However, annual precipitation is low at 20.1 inches, making supplemental irrigation a necessity. The 4,956 growing degree days reflect a shorter, more intense growing season.

Alkaline Soils in the High Plains

Soil pH is 7.53, which is more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range but manageable for many turf types. The soil contains 46.4% sand and 20.4% clay, providing a texture that typically allows for decent root penetration. Homeowners may need to add sulfur to lower the pH for certain grass species.

Low Recent Drought Pressure

Hutchinson County has only experienced 3 weeks of drought over the past year, far less than the state average. While 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry, none of it is in severe drought. This makes it an ideal time to establish a lawn before more intense dry cycles return.

Try Cool-Season Grass Blends

Zone 7a is one of the few places in Texas where Tall Fescue can thrive alongside Bermuda grass. Wait until the last frost on April 12 to begin spring planting for the best results. Be mindful that the first fall frost arrives early on October 28, shortening the window for autumn repairs.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hutchinson County's county score?
Hutchinson County, Texas has a composite county score of 41.1 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 Hutchinson County rank among counties in Texas?
Hutchinson County ranks #130 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 Hutchinson County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Hutchinson County is $1,515, with an effective tax rate of 1.48%. This earns Hutchinson County a tax score of 13.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hutchinson County?
The median household income in Hutchinson County, Texas is $65,470 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hutchinson County earns an income score of 55.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hutchinson County, Texas a good place to live?
Hutchinson County scores 41.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #130 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Hutchinson 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 Hutchinson 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.