countyscore
63.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.1Safety 86.6Property Tax 80.9

County Report Card

About Jeff Davis County, Texas

A National Leader in Livability

Jeff Davis County excels with a composite score of 63.3, far outpacing the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the higher-performing counties in the country for overall quality of life.

Outperforming the Lone Star State

This county is a standout in Texas, with its 63.3 score easily clearing the state average of 41.9. Its unique profile offers a different experience than the typical Texas metropolitan or agricultural hub.

Safety and Environmental Resilience

The county boasts an incredible risk score of 97.1 and a safety score of 86.6. Residents also benefit from a very low 0.547% effective tax rate, the source of its high tax score of 80.9.

Limited Local Economic Growth

The income score is nearly zero at 0.5, reflecting a median household income of only $32,625. While housing is moderately priced at $234,400, the local job market for high earners is extremely thin.

A Secure Haven for Retirees

This county is a perfect match for retirees or remote workers who value safety and low taxes over local job availability. It offers a rare combination of physical security and fiscal efficiency.

Score breakdown

Tax80.9Cost54.3Safety86.6Health37.4Schools72.2Income0.5Risk97.1Water31.3Weather55.5
🏛80.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓72.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧31.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨35.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.9
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

Presidio County
Texas
55.1
Culberson County
Texas
57.6
Reeves County
Texas
39.8
Ward County
Texas
50.2
Hudspeth County
Texas
56.9
Loving County
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40.4
Brewster County
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Crane County
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53.5

Deep Dives

Jeff Davis County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jeff Davis County

via TaxByCounty

Jeff Davis has one of the lowest rates

Jeff Davis County's effective tax rate of 0.547% ranks in the bottom 5% nationally—among the most tax-friendly counties in America. The national median effective rate is 1.264%, making Jeff Davis less than half the typical burden.

Texas's tax bargain

Jeff Davis County's 0.547% rate is the lowest among comparable Texas counties, falling well below the state average of 1.276%. This exceptional rate makes Jeff Davis a true outlier in property tax affordability statewide.

Significantly lower than regional peers

Jeff Davis's 0.547% rate dramatically undercuts neighbors like Karnes County (0.982%), Jasper County (1.036%), and especially Jefferson County (1.575%). For homeowners choosing where to buy in West Texas, Jeff Davis offers unmatched tax savings.

Only $1,283 on a $234,400 home

The median home value in Jeff Davis County is $234,400, and at 0.547%, homeowners pay just $1,283 annually in property taxes. This is a stark contrast to the national median tax of $2,690 and ranks among the lowest actual tax bills in Texas.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even in low-tax counties like Jeff Davis, some homeowners are overassessed relative to comparable properties. A free assessment review could confirm you're paying fairly—or uncover additional savings on an already favorable bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jeff Davis County

via CostByCounty

Jeff Davis rents devour nearly half income

Renters in Jeff Davis County face the most severe affordability crisis among these eight counties, spending 48.3% of income on housing—nearly three times the national comfort threshold of 30%. With a median household income of just $32,625, the lowest in this group, Jeff Davis households struggle under a crushing rent burden of $1,314 monthly.

Texas's toughest county for renters

Jeff Davis County ranks as one of Texas's least affordable counties, with a 48.3% rent-to-income ratio that towers over the state average of 18.1%. The county's median rent of $1,314 exceeds the state average by 36%, creating an affordability emergency.

Dramatically pricier than surrounding areas

Jeff Davis's $1,314 median rent soars above every neighbor in this analysis, including Jefferson County ($1,079) and Johnson County ($1,343 in a much wealthier area). For renters, Jeff Davis represents the region's most punishing housing market.

Rent consumes nearly half of all income

At $1,314 monthly, gross rent claims 48.3% of the median household income—leaving renters with barely half their earnings for food, transportation, and utilities. Homeowners fare better at $459 monthly, but the county's median home value of $234,400 remains out of reach for most households.

Renters should look elsewhere in Texas

Jeff Davis County's brutal rent-to-income ratio makes it a cautionary case for job seekers considering relocation. Compare this county's 48.3% burden against any other Texas option—you'll find substantially better affordability almost everywhere else.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jeff Davis County

via IncomeByCounty

Jeff Davis faces steepest income challenge

At just $32,625, Jeff Davis County's median household income ranks among the lowest in Texas—56% below the national median of $74,755. This West Texas county confronts significant economic headwinds requiring focused investment and economic development.

Texas's lowest household incomes

Jeff Davis County ranks at the bottom of Texas counties, earning barely half the state median of $64,737. The gap of over $32,000 per household underscores the economic divide between rural West Texas and more developed regions.

Isolated in far West Texas economy

Jeff Davis County's $32,625 median income is significantly lower than every other county profiled here, reflecting its remote location and limited economic diversification. The nearest peer, Jim Hogg County, earns $42,230—still 30% more than Jeff Davis households.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

A 48.3% rent-to-income ratio means Jeff Davis households spend nearly half their income on rent—far exceeding the 30% affordability threshold and creating genuine hardship. The median home value of $234,400 compounds the challenge, remaining out of reach for many local earners.

Strategic savings despite income constraints

With median household income under $33,000, focus first on cutting housing costs and building a small emergency fund of $1,000–$2,000. Explore employer retirement plans, tax credits, and local nonprofit financial counseling to maximize every resource available.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jeff Davis County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in the High Desert

Jeff Davis County boasts an elite safety score of 99.5, making it one of the most secure areas in the country. The total crime rate of 301.2 per 100,000 is a small fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Benchmark for Texas Safety

This county significantly outperforms the Texas safety average of 96.8. Because only one agency reports data, residents should interpret these remarkably low numbers as a snapshot of local law enforcement activity.

Setting the Standard for West Texas

Compared to larger regional hubs, Jeff Davis County remains a quiet sanctuary with very few reported incidents. The total crime rate sits over 85% lower than the Texas state average of 2,052.5.

Minimal Violent and Property Incidents

Violent crime is nearly non-existent with a rate of just 50.2 per 100,000 residents. Property crime follows this trend, totaling only 251.0 incidents per 100,000 people.

Stay Vigilant in a Quiet County

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but community awareness is still vital for rural safety. Simple measures like securing outbuildings and sharing news with neighbors help maintain this high level of security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jeff Davis County

via HealthByCounty

Jeff Davis exceeds U.S. life expectancy

At 79.7 years, Jeff Davis County residents live nearly 3.3 years longer than the national average of 76.4 years, placing it among the healthiest small counties in Texas. Only 23.9% report poor or fair health, below both the national (21.0%) and state (around 24%) averages. This rural county defies expectations, demonstrating that remote location does not preclude good health outcomes.

A Texas health outlier—in the best way

Jeff Davis's 79.7-year life expectancy ranks it 5.4 years above Texas's state average of 74.3 years, placing it among the state's top performers. Its 23.9% poor/fair health rate is notably low, suggesting strong preventive care practices and community health. For a county of fewer than 2,500 residents, these metrics reflect exceptional health stewardship.

Outpacing larger, more resourced neighbors

Jeff Davis residents outlive those in Brewster County (72.8 years) and Presidio County (71.5 years) by 7+ years despite serving a smaller population. Its mental health provider density (216 per 100K) is unmatched in Far West Texas, nearly 4 times higher than Jim Hogg County and Karnes County combined. This small county punches well above its weight in healthcare infrastructure.

High uninsured rate despite strong health

Paradoxically, 22.2% of Jeff Davis residents lack health insurance, the highest rate among its peers—0.4 percentage points above the state average. With 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, access is solid, and 216 mental health providers per 100K suggests proactive mental health integration. The disconnect between insurance status and health outcomes hints at strong community networks and preventive care culture.

Close the coverage gap in your county

Jeff Davis residents without insurance can enroll in Medicaid, CHIP, or Marketplace plans year-round; many qualify for zero-premium coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-844-211-7899 to explore free or low-cost options tailored to your income. Bridging the insurance gap strengthens your long-term health security.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jeff Davis County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in the Mountains

Jeff Davis County maintains an intimate education system with only 2 public schools serving 227 students. These schools are managed by two separate districts, providing a PK-12 experience for the entire community.

High Investment and Strong Results

The county invests $11,509 per pupil, which is nearly $4,000 more than the Texas state average. This investment yields a 90.0% graduation rate and an impressive school score of 63.3, well above the state and national medians.

Focusing on Local District Excellence

Fort Davis ISD is the larger of the two districts, enrolling 183 students at Fort Davis School. Valentine ISD serves the remainder of the county with 44 students, and there are currently no charter schools in the area.

A Truly Rural Educational Experience

Both schools in the county are located in rural settings, fostering a close-knit learning environment. With an average school size of just 114 students, every child receives significant individual attention from educators.

Personalized Education in a Scenic Setting

For families seeking small class sizes and high per-pupil spending, Jeff Davis County offers a rare opportunity. Consider this high-scoring district when searching for your next home in West Texas.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jeff Davis County

via RiskByCounty

Jeff Davis enjoys lowest-risk status

With a composite risk score of just 2.93, Jeff Davis County ranks in the very low category—one of Texas's safest counties nationally. This score sits dramatically below the state average of 49.00, reflecting exceptional geographic protection.

Among Texas's safest counties

Jeff Davis County's 2.93 score places it near the bottom of the risk spectrum across Texas's 254 counties. This isolated location in West Texas provides natural advantages that few Texas counties can match.

Safest in sparsely-settled region

Jeff Davis County's risk profile stands well below other West Texas counties, with particularly low flood (7.86), tornado (6.46), and hurricane (8.97) scores. Its remote location and elevation provide natural protection unavailable in more populated areas.

Wildfire remains the primary concern

While Jeff Davis County enjoys remarkably low overall risk, wildfire represents the one significant hazard at 88.49—the county's only high-scoring risk category. All other hazards score well below statewide averages, creating an unusually stable disaster risk environment.

Wildfire protection is prudent

Jeff Davis County's low overall risk means most residents can rely on standard homeowners policies without special flood or hurricane coverage. However, wildfire insurance or wildfire-resistant property upgrades remain worth considering given the local landscape.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jeff Davis County

via WeatherByCounty

High Altitude Coolness in West Texas

Jeff Davis County averages a mild 61.8°F, which is cooler than much of the state due to its high elevation. It is very dry, receiving only 14.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Notably Cooler and Drier Than Texas

At 61.8°F, the county is nearly four degrees cooler than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Its 14.9 inches of rain is less than half of the statewide average of 31.9 inches.

A Mountainous Oasis in the Desert

Compared to its low-desert neighbors, Jeff Davis County gets more snow, averaging 3.9 inches annually. This precipitation and elevation create a unique climate compared to the surrounding arid plains.

Mild Summers and Crisp, Snowy Winters

The county enjoys relatively mild summers with only 67 days over 90°F and a July average of 76.5°F. Winter brings an average of 46.6°F and several inches of snowfall.

Dress in Layers for Elevation Changes

With 67 heat days and 3.9 inches of snow, residents need a versatile wardrobe for all conditions. High-altitude sun protection is a must, as is water conservation due to the low 14.9-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jeff Davis County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in the High Desert

Jeff Davis County features an average pH of 6.70, which sits remarkably close to the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity creates a versatile foundation for a wide range of desert flora. The soil score of 35.8 beats the Texas state average of 28.8.

Sandy Profiles in the Mountains

The soil composition is 34.2% sand, 31.6% silt, and 21.3% clay. This mixture provides decent drainage while the silt and clay components help retain essential minerals for plant health. You will find the soil is generally workable but requires careful management to avoid surface crusting.

Conserving Water in Lean Soil

Organic matter averages 1.59%, falling just below the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is 0.109 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.133 in/in. These numbers suggest you should prioritize mulching to keep your garden hydrated.

Managing High Runoff Potential

The county belongs to hydrologic group D, which indicates very slow infiltration rates when the soil is wet. This characteristic means heavy rains can lead to significant runoff rather than deep soaking. You should design your landscape to capture and slow down water flow.

Drought-Hardy Growing in Zone 8a

Jeff Davis County is in Hardiness Zone 8a, making it suitable for tough, drought-tolerant species. Native mountain mahogany and hardy herbs like rosemary flourish in this high-altitude environment. Embrace the local climate by choosing plants that require minimal supplemental water.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jeff Davis County

via LawnByCounty

Arid conditions challenge Jeff Davis lawns

A lawn difficulty score of 30.9 puts this county nearly in line with the Texas state average of 31.7. However, it remains much tougher than the national median of 50.0 due to the high-altitude desert environment of zone 8a.

Scant rainfall requires careful irrigation

Annual precipitation is just 14.9 inches, far below the 30-50 inches that most lawns prefer. While 67 extreme heat days are fewer than the state average of 105, the dry air increases the evaporation rate for your turf.

Excellent soil pH for healthy roots

The soil pH sits at a near-perfect 6.70, squarely within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. The composition is roughly 34.2% sand and 21.3% clay, providing a balanced structure that supports stable growth.

A full year of constant drought

The county has spent all 53 of the last 53 weeks in drought, with 19.3% of the area currently in severe conditions. Prioritize deep, infrequent watering at dawn to maximize moisture retention in this perpetually dry climate.

Plant native grasses for desert success

Buffalograss is an excellent choice for this zone 8a climate as it requires far less water than traditional turf. Wait until the final spring frost around April 11 before seeding to ensure a successful start.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jeff Davis County's county score?
Jeff Davis County, Texas has a composite county score of 63.3 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 Jeff Davis County rank among counties in Texas?
Jeff Davis County ranks #8 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 Jeff Davis County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Jeff Davis County is $1,283, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Jeff Davis County a tax score of 80.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jeff Davis County?
The median household income in Jeff Davis County, Texas is $32,625 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jeff Davis County earns an income score of 0.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jeff Davis County, Texas a good place to live?
Jeff Davis County scores 63.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Jeff Davis 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 Jeff Davis County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.