countyscore
47.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.3Schools 64.3Safety 55

County Report Card

About Irion County, Texas

Close to the National Median

Irion County's composite score of 47.3 puts it just shy of the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high level of overall livability for a rural Texas county. It effectively balances environmental resilience with a stable community atmosphere.

Outperforming Most Texas Counties

With a score of 47.3, Irion County sits well above the Texas state average of 41.9. It is one of the more desirable rural locations in the state when considering its total livability profile. This performance suggests a well-managed local environment compared to its state peers.

Unmatched Resilience and Solid Schools

The Risk Score of 98.3 is nearly perfect, suggesting extreme resilience to environmental disasters. The School Score is also strong at 64.3, complemented by a low effective tax rate of 0.954%. These factors create a secure and supportive environment for raising a family.

Water Quality and Health Access

The county struggles with a Water Score of 22.3 and a Health Score of 27.6. These rural infrastructure challenges are common but require attention to ensure long-term community wellness. Additionally, the Income Score of 33.2 reflects more modest local earning potential.

A Haven for Safe Rural Living

Irion County is ideal for families and retirees who want a low-risk, safe environment with quality schools. While it lacks high-income jobs, it offers a secure lifestyle with a low tax burden. It is a premier choice for those prioritizing safety and stability in a rural Texas setting.

Score breakdown

Tax41.4Cost45.5Safety55Health27.6Schools64.3Income33.2Risk98.3Water22.3Weather30.8
🏛41.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤30.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36.1
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

Tom Green County
Texas
23.6
Reagan County
Texas
55.4
Schleicher County
Texas
55.4
Sterling County
Texas
51.8
Coke County
Texas
48.8
Glasscock County
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57.7
Crockett County
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Sutton County
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55.9

Deep Dives

Irion County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Irion County

via TaxByCounty

Irion County taxes modestly below national median

At 0.954%, Irion County's effective tax rate runs below the national median of 1.1%, positioning it in the lower-tax quartile nationally. The median property tax of $1,456 represents just 54% of the national median property tax of $2,690.

Irion County ranks low on Texas tax spectrum

Irion County's 0.954% effective rate falls well below the state average of 1.276%, ranking it among Texas's lowest-taxing counties. Homeowners pay $1,456 annually versus the statewide average of $2,193.

Irion County offers lighter taxes than most regional peers

Irion County's 0.954% rate beats Howard County (1.093%), Hunt County (1.297%), and Hutchinson County (1.482%), though it trails Houston County's 0.921%. At $1,456 in median taxes, Irion County remains competitive for affordability.

What Irion County homeowners actually pay

The median Irion County home valued at $152,600 generates an estimated $1,456 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $1,744; without, around $1,334.

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 reduce your annual tax bill—especially valuable in lower-income areas like Irion County.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Irion County

via CostByCounty

Irion County faces housing headwinds

Irion County's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the highest burden among these eight counties and well above the national baseline. With median household income of $58,125—22% below the national average—residents struggle with both limited wages and elevated housing costs.

Tightest affordability in Texas comparison

Irion County's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio stands 3.1 points above Texas's 18.1% state average, marking it as the state's most housing-stressed option in this eight-county group. Median rent of $1,028 runs 7% above the state average, compounding the affordability challenge.

Highest burden, steep rent costs

Irion County's 21.2% burden exceeds all peers, and its $1,028 median rent ranks second only to Hunt County ($1,184) in the region. This combination of high rents and modest income ($58,125) creates the region's most constrained rental market.

Irion County's affordability crisis

Renters pay $1,028 monthly while homeowners pay $727, and against median income of just $58,125 annually, rents consume 21.2% of household income. This burden exceeds the comfortable 15-18% range and leaves limited flexibility for emergencies, savings, or other major expenses.

Irion County: weigh costs carefully

Only consider Irion County if relocating for a job that significantly boosts your income above the county median of $58,125, offsetting the region's elevated housing burden. If your current rent or mortgage payment already exceeds $1,028 monthly, Irion offers little advantage; if it's below, carefully compare your income against local wages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Irion County

via IncomeByCounty

Irion County income below national median

Irion County's median household income of $58,125 falls $16,630 short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting limited economic opportunity in this rural region. This gap places Irion County in the lower half of U.S. counties by household income.

Below Texas average despite local strengths

At $58,125, Irion County trails the Texas state average of $64,737 by $6,612, though its per capita income of $32,883 nearly matches the state average of $33,197. This suggests a more balanced income distribution than the state overall.

Mid-range income in a varied region

Irion County's $58,125 income ranks in the middle tier of this county group, above Hudspeth ($39,336) and Houston ($54,563) but below Howard ($71,457). This positioning reflects modest economic challenges relative to stronger regional neighbors.

Housing costs create affordability concerns

A rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% exceeds the ideal affordability threshold of 20%, suggesting modest housing cost pressure on households. Combined with a median home value of $152,600, homeownership requires careful financial planning for many residents.

Focus on income growth and savings

Irion County residents earning $58,125 should prioritize building emergency reserves before pursuing aggressive investments. Skill development, career advancement, and conservative real estate strategies can gradually increase financial security and wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Irion County

via CrimeByCounty

Quiet Rural Safety in Irion County

Irion County enjoys a total crime rate of 1,025.0 per 100,000 residents, less than half of the national average of 2,385.5. The county achieves a strong safety score of 98.4 out of 100.

Exceeding the State Safety Average

With a safety score of 98.4, Irion County is safer than the typical Texas county, which averages 96.8. Only one agency reports data here, so these figures likely represent a specific local jurisdiction.

Lower Crime than Neighboring Hubs

Irion County's total crime rate of 1,025.0 is much lower than the 1,646.0 seen in Hutchinson County. It ranks as one of the quieter regions among its central Texas peers.

A Balance of Property and Violent Crimes

The violent crime rate is 320.3 per 100,000, while property crime is slightly higher at 704.7. Both categories remain significantly below national benchmarks for safety.

Small Town Security Strategies

Low crime rates don't mean residents should be complacent about home security. Ensuring all entry points are well-lit and locked helps maintain the county's low property crime levels.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Irion County

via HealthByCounty

Limited data on Irion's health

Life expectancy data for Irion County is unavailable, limiting national comparison. However, the county's 18.7% poor/fair health rate is among the lowest in the region, suggesting baseline health strength despite data gaps.

Small county, incomplete picture

Irion County's life expectancy data are not published, reflecting its small population size. The county's 18.7% poor/fair health rate aligns with the healthier end of the Texas distribution, though comprehensive trend data remain limited.

Provider data unavailable

Healthcare provider information is not available for Irion County, typical of sparsely populated West Texas counties. This data absence itself signals limited healthcare infrastructure and may indicate residents travel to larger regional centers for specialized care.

Uninsured above state average

Irion County's uninsured rate of 20.5% exceeds Texas's 19.8% average despite the county's relatively strong self-reported health status. Limited published provider data suggests residents may face geographic barriers to care, especially for specialized services.

Bridge the coverage gap

Irion County's uninsured rate is above state average—if you're uninsured, enrollment assistance is available. Contact nearby health districts or visit healthcare.gov to explore coverage options and identify accessible providers in your region.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Irion County

via SchoolsByCounty

One District, Two Schools, Total Focus

Irion County operates a consolidated educational system through a single school district. Just two schools—one elementary and one high school—serve the county's 333 total students. This simplified structure allows for a unified community approach to education.

High Per-Pupil Investment and Strong Scores

Irion County invests $8,954 per pupil, well above the Texas average of $7,498. This investment pays off with a 90% graduation rate and a school score of 57.7, which outpaces the state average of 55.3. These metrics demonstrate a strong commitment to academic quality.

Irion County ISD Manages All Education

Irion County ISD is the sole provider of public education in the county, overseeing both campuses. The district manages 333 students, ensuring a highly consistent curriculum and student experience from pre-K through 12th grade. No charter schools exist within the county.

Intimate Rural Learning with Small Classes

Both schools in the county are situated in rural settings, offering a very small average enrollment of 167 students. Irion Elementary is the larger campus with 211 students, while Irion High School serves just 122. Students here benefit from a highly personalized and quiet learning environment.

Small-Town Living with Big Educational Support

If you are looking for a community where every teacher knows every student, Irion County is a top choice. The high per-pupil spending and above-average school scores reflect a community that values its youth. Start your home search here to experience the benefits of a single-district county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Irion County

via RiskByCounty

Irion County ranks among safest nationally

Irion County scores just 1.78 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low category and far below the national average. This exceptionally low score reflects one of the most benign natural hazard environments in the United States.

Lowest-risk county in West Texas

At 1.78, Irion County ranks dramatically below Texas's state average composite risk of 49.00, positioning it among the state's safest counties. The county's risk score represents roughly one-quarter of the state average, indicating minimal natural disaster exposure.

Exceptional safety in the region

Irion County's composite risk of 1.78 makes it substantially safer than all neighboring counties including Crockett, Sterling, and Tom Green counties. This West Texas desert location provides natural protection from major storm systems and seismic activity.

Wildfire represents modest concern

Wildfire at 83.08 ranks as the county's highest risk exposure, though it remains isolated from other hazard types. All other risks—earthquake, tornado, hurricane, and flood—individually score below 30, creating an exceptionally low-hazard environment overall.

Standard homeowners insurance suffices

Irion County homeowners benefit from minimal natural disaster exposure and typically need only standard homeowners insurance to meet lender requirements. The county's risk profile does not warrant specialized hazard coverage or elevated premium expectations.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Irion County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid Conditions in the Heart of Texas

While specific annual temperature data for Irion County is limited, its 19.4 inches of rain indicates a semi-arid climate. This is significantly drier than the national average for precipitation.

Drier and Sunnier Than State Averages

With only 19.4 inches of annual precipitation, Irion County is much drier than the Texas average of 31.9 inches. This lack of moisture is a defining characteristic of this Edwards Plateau region.

Consistent Dryness Across the Plateau

Irion County shares a dry profile with its neighbors, recording 0.0 inches of annual snowfall. Its precipitation levels are typical for the transition zone into West Texas.

Year-Round Dryness with Zero Snowfall

Snow is virtually non-existent here, with an annual average of 0.0 inches. While temperature extremes are not fully recorded, the low rainfall suggests hot summers and dry, clear winters.

Focus on Water Conservation and Sun

Because the county only sees 19.4 inches of rain, xeriscaping and water storage are practical local strategies. Residents should focus on sun protection and heat mitigation during the long, dry summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Irion County

via SoilByCounty

High-alkalinity Alfisols of Irion

Irion County has a significantly alkaline soil pH of 8.02, far exceeding the national median of 6.5. These Alfisols are common in this part of the Edwards Plateau and are more alkaline than the Texas average of 7.09. This chemical profile requires gardeners to select plants that can tolerate high calcium levels.

Silty textures and fine clay

Dominant silt loam textures define the area, with silt comprising 46.4% of the soil. This is balanced by 31.1% clay and a lower sand content of 22.5%, resulting in a soil that feels smooth and holds moisture well. The high silt and clay percentages provide excellent nutrient-holding capacity for local flora.

Exceptional organic matter levels

At 2.77%, the organic matter in Irion County is much higher than the Texas average of 1.66% and even exceeds the national average. The available water capacity is also strong at 0.144 in/in, surpassing the state benchmark. These numbers indicate a surprisingly rich soil foundation for a semi-arid region.

Superior drainage for plateau life

The soil is classified as well-drained and falls into hydrologic group B, meaning it has a moderate infiltration rate when wet. This is superior for most agricultural uses as it prevents waterlogging while still absorbing rainfall effectively. This makes the county particularly well-suited for ranching and native range management.

Resilient growth in Zone 8a

USDA Hardiness Zone 8a supports hardy plants like Texas persimmon, agarita, and drought-resistant herbs like sage. The high organic matter gives gardeners a head start on producing robust native landscapes or vegetable plots. Plant your roots in Irion County and watch these fertile silts perform.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Irion County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Challenges in Central Texas

Irion County scores a 36.1 for lawn difficulty, outperforming the state average but still trailing the national median. Situated in Hardiness Zone 8a, the climate requires tough, drought-resistant vegetation. It is a transition zone where lawn success depends heavily on choosing the right species.

Dry Conditions in a Silt Loam Basin

Annual precipitation is limited to 19.4 inches, nearly 12 inches less than the Texas state average. While specific local temperature data is sparse, the regional trend suggests high summer evaporation rates. Lawns here must be designed to survive on roughly half the water of an ideal landscape.

High Alkalinity and Silt Texture

The soil pH is 8.02, which is highly alkaline and can lead to nutrient deficiencies in traditional turf. The texture is a well-drained silt loam, containing 31.1% clay and 22.5% sand. This structure is excellent for root growth, provided you manage the high pH with appropriate soil amendments.

Moderate Recent Drought Impact

The county has faced 9 weeks of drought over the past year, a relatively mild figure compared to its neighbors. Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, but none of it has reached severe D2+ levels. This provides a temporary window of opportunity for lawn maintenance before harsher conditions arise.

Focus on Alkaline-Tolerant Turf

Buffalo grass and certain Bermuda hybrids are best suited for the high 8.02 pH found in Zone 8a. Since specific frost dates are not available, watching local weather patterns in late March is the safest way to start. Ensure your lawn is well-established by early fall to handle the winter dormancy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Irion County's county score?
Irion County, Texas has a composite county score of 47.3 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 Irion County rank among counties in Texas?
Irion County ranks #87 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 Irion County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Irion County is $1,456, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Irion County a tax score of 41.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Irion County?
The median household income in Irion County, Texas is $58,125 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Irion County earns an income score of 33.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Irion County, Texas a good place to live?
Irion County scores 47.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #87 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Irion 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 Irion 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.