countyscore
61.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 99Safety 97.5Income & Jobs 69.8

County Report Card

About Kent County, Texas

Kent Outperforms the National Median

Kent County secures a strong composite score of 61.4, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier of American counties for overall livability.

A Top Performer in Texas

With a score of 61.4, Kent County far surpasses the Texas state average of 41.9. It stands out as one of the most livable rural options in the state, offering high stability.

Exceptional Safety and Resilience

The county's profile is anchored by a near-perfect risk score of 99.0 and a safety score of 97.5. Residents also enjoy an affordable life with a median home value of just $108,900.

Critical Water Concerns

The water score of 1.4 is among the lowest in the state, indicating severe issues with quality or supply. While the cost of living is low, the school score of 45.6 suggests there is room for educational growth.

A Haven for Safety Seekers

Kent County is an excellent choice for retirees or remote workers looking for maximum safety and low costs. It is ideal for those who value peace of mind and financial flexibility over modern water infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax44.7Cost63Safety97.5Health46.9Schools45.6Income69.8Risk99Water1.4Weather41.9
🏛44.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡99
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧1.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨14.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱21.3
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

Scurry County
Texas
35.5
Garza County
Texas
46.6
Fisher County
Texas
42.3
Stonewall County
Texas
57.6
Dickens County
Texas
60.3
Borden County
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67
Crosby County
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52.9
King County
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65.5

Deep Dives

Kent County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kent County

via TaxByCounty

Kent County offers the nation's lowest rates

At 0.907%, Kent County's effective tax rate sits below the national median of 0.92%, placing it in the bottom 10% of U.S. counties—one of the most tax-friendly regions in America. Homeowners here keep substantially more of their income than typical Americans.

Kent ranks among Texas's most affordable

Kent's 0.907% rate falls 29% below the Texas state average of 1.276%, making it one of the least-taxed counties statewide. Fewer than 10% of Texas counties offer comparable tax relief.

Kent edges out all nearby West Texas counties

Kent's 0.907% rate beats Kendall (1.202%), Kimble (1.255%), and every other region peer, making it the tax-friendliest address in its neighborhood. A home worth $108,900 here costs under $1,000 annually in property tax.

Median Kent homeowner pays just $988

On a median home valued at $108,900, Kent residents owe only $988 in annual property taxes—less than one-third the national median. Even with mortgage debt factored in, Kent homeowners spend $1,766, a fraction of what most Americans pay.

Low rates don't mean skip appeals

Even in tax-friendly Kent, overassessed properties exist and cost homeowners unnecessary dollars year after year. A brief appeal review could confirm your assessment is fair or uncover hundreds in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kent County

via CostByCounty

Kent's rents consume minimal income

Kent County achieves the lowest rent-to-income ratio among comparable Texas counties at just 14.4%, far below the national norm. With median rents of only $856 and household incomes of $71,420, Kent residents spend less than half on housing what higher-income counties typically allocate.

Texas's most affordable rents

Kent County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio and $856 median rent rank among the lowest in Texas, well below the state average of 18.1% and $963. The county offers genuine affordability for lower-income households seeking stability without housing cost strain.

Most affordable in the region

Kent's $856 rent and $655 owner costs are substantially cheaper than all comparable counties, including Kimble ($795/$705) and Kinney ($771/$545). Only King County approaches Kent's affordability, though limited rental data makes direct comparison difficult.

Under 20% of income to housing

Kent households dedicate roughly 19% of income to combined housing costs ($1,511 monthly against $5,952 monthly income). This exceptional affordability ratio leaves more resources for other essentials—a genuine advantage for working families.

Kent: genuine affordability in West Texas

If housing affordability is your priority, Kent County delivers unmatched value with minimal rent burden and low home values. Remote workers and retirees on fixed incomes should strongly consider Kent's genuine cost-of-living advantage.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kent County

via IncomeByCounty

Kent's income slightly below national average

Kent County's median household income of $71,420 falls slightly short of the U.S. median of $74,755, lagging by about 4.5%. This modest shortfall reflects the county's rural character and limited economic diversification in West Texas.

Above Texas average despite rural setting

Kent County's median household income of $71,420 exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by 10%, a notable achievement for a sparsely populated rural county. Per capita income of $35,087 also surpasses the state average of $33,197, indicating solid local earning power.

Outperforming isolated West Texas peers

Kent's $71,420 median income ranks above King County ($70,192) but trails Kaufman ($88,606) and Kendall ($110,498). Among fellow rural West Texas counties, Kent holds its own despite geographic isolation and limited job diversity.

Excellent housing affordability ratio

Kent residents spend just 14.4% of household income on rent—far below the 30% affordability threshold and among the best ratios in the state. With a median home value of just $108,900, homeownership is highly accessible here.

Leverage Kent's low cost of living

With housing costs consuming less than 15% of income and home values under $110,000, Kent households enjoy exceptional savings capacity. Channel that surplus into emergency funds, retirement accounts, and small business ventures to build lasting wealth in this affordable county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kent County

via CrimeByCounty

A Flawless Safety Record in Kent County

Kent County achieves a perfect safety score of 100.0, with zero reported crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. This stands in stark contrast to the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Kent County Surpasses State Safety Levels

With its flawless safety score, Kent County far exceeds the Texas average of 96.8. Because these figures come from a single reporting agency, they represent a highly localized snapshot of the area's security.

A Rare Sanctuary of Peace

Kent’s lack of reported crime makes it an outlier compared to the state average of 2,052.5 per 100K. It offers a level of tranquility that is rare even among its quietest rural neighbors.

Zero Reported Incidents Across the Board

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0, significantly lower than the national averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7. In practical terms, this suggests a year with no major incidents reported to the local authorities.

Maintaining a Perfect Safety Score

A perfect score is rare, and maintaining it requires ongoing vigilance and community cooperation. Simple steps like locking doors and monitoring property boundaries help ensure Kent County remains incident-free.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kent County

via HealthByCounty

Kent's small population, strong coverage

Kent County's 11.3% uninsured rate significantly beats the U.S. average of 10.9%, reflecting strong community health coverage. With just 18% reporting poor or fair health—below the national average of 17.8%—Kent residents report relatively good wellness despite limited demographic data.

Small county, big coverage wins

Kent County's 11.3% uninsured rate stands well below Texas's 19.8% average, suggesting effective health insurance uptake in this small community. While life expectancy data isn't available, Kent's health-reporting rate of 18% exceeds Texas averages.

Coverage leader among peers

Kent's 11.3% uninsured rate outperforms most neighboring counties, rivaling Kinney County (12.9%) and beating Kaufman (16.8%) and Kerr (19%). Provider data gaps limit comparison, but coverage rates suggest Kent residents have better access to health services.

Small but stable healthcare

Kent County's low uninsured rate (11.3%) is a bright spot, though provider data isn't available to assess capacity in this rural community. The county's 18% poor/fair health rate suggests residents generally manage their health despite potential access limitations.

Protect your family's health

Kent County leads in coverage rates, but if you're among the 11% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to maintain or obtain coverage. Regular insurance ensures you access preventive care and avoid catastrophic medical debt.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kent County

via SchoolsByCounty

Unified Education in a Single Campus

Kent County operates a centralized education model with one public school serving all grades. Jayton-Girard ISD manages this single facility, which enrolls 175 students from across the county. There are no separate elementary or middle school buildings, nor are there any charter schools.

Focused Spending in a Small Community

The county spends $10,011 per pupil, outstripping the Texas average of $7,498 to support its students. The current graduation rate is 75.0%, which is lower than both the state and national averages. Despite this, the county maintains a school score of 52.1, which is competitive with the national median.

The Jayton-Girard ISD Identity

Jayton-Girard ISD is the only district in the county, providing a comprehensive PK-12 experience. Its 175 students attend the Jayton Schools campus, ensuring a consistent educational path from start to finish. This district serves as the primary social and academic hub for the local rural population.

An All-In-One Rural Campus

School life in Kent County centers entirely on the Jayton Schools campus, which is classified as a rural locale. With an average school size of 175, the environment is intimate and multi-generational. Students of all ages share the same grounds, creating a unique community-wide school spirit.

Find Your Place in Jayton

If you are looking for a home where the local school is the center of community life, Kent County is a perfect fit. The Jayton-Girard ISD offers a stable environment with higher-than-average per-pupil funding. Explore the local market to find a residence within this unique, single-campus school district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kent County

via RiskByCounty

Kent is among America's safest counties

With a composite score of just 1.08, Kent County ranks among the lowest-risk counties nationally, earning a "Very Low" rating. Residents here experience minimal exposure to most natural disasters.

Kent sits well below Texas hazard averages

Kent's score of 1.08 is 98% below Texas's state average of 49.00, making it one of the safest counties in the state. Only wildfire risk of 66.51 rises above modest levels, a reflection of the West Texas plains environment.

Kent is the safest county in its region

Kent's score of 1.08 dwarfs nearby counties like Kaufman (76.18), Kendall (65.49), and Kerr (77.16). Its remote West Texas location and flat terrain provide exceptional protection against most hazards.

Wildfires are the lone notable threat

Wildfire risk of 66.51 is the only hazard scoring significantly above baseline for Kent County; all other risks fall below 10. Grassland fires pose seasonal concerns during dry periods, particularly in late summer.

Focus insurance on wildfire preparedness

Standard homeowner's insurance usually covers wildfire damage, but verify your policy includes it—some insurers exclude it in fire-prone areas. Maintain defensible space by managing vegetation and keeping gutters clear of dry debris.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kent County

via WeatherByCounty

Kent County's Semi-Arid Rolling Plains

Kent County maintains a warm 63.1°F annual average, placing it significantly higher than the national median. This dry climate receives 23.3 inches of rain annually, well below the state average of 31.9 inches.

Cooler than the Texas Average

With a 63.1°F average, Kent remains slightly cooler than the 65.5°F Texas state average. It ranks as a more temperate option compared to the scorching southern border counties.

Snowier than Surrounding Counties

The county's 4.1 inches of snow is higher than the 3.3 inches seen in nearby King County. It also experiences 105 heat days, which is slightly fewer than King’s 114.

Hot Summers and Crisp Winters

Summer temperatures average 82.1°F, peaking with a July average of 83.6°F. Winters are relatively cool at 43.8°F, featuring a modest 4.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Planning for Heat and Aridity

Homeowners should prepare for 105 days over 90°F by optimizing HVAC systems. Gardeners should prioritize drought-resistant plants suited for the limited 23.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kent County

via SoilByCounty

Young Inceptisols Define Kent County

Kent County features Inceptisols, a young soil order showing moderate development. Its pH of 7.62 is noticeably more alkaline than the 6.5 national median, which is typical for the semi-arid rolling plains.

Sandy Loam for Easy Working

Fine sandy loam dominates the landscape with 54.0% sand and only 19.1% clay. This high sand content provides excellent workability and allows roots to penetrate the ground with ease compared to heavier soils.

A Need for Nutrient Support

Organic matter sits at just 0.88%, which is well below the Texas average of 1.66% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.124 in/in is also lower than the state average, requiring careful irrigation management.

Well-Drained Ground for Farming

These soils are well-drained and belong to hydrologic group B, indicating moderate infiltration rates. This makes the land suitable for various agricultural uses, as it moves water efficiently through the root zone.

Heat-Loving Crops in Zone 8a

Zone 8a temperatures and sandy loam are ideal for cotton, wheat, and peppers. To ensure success, begin your garden by adding plenty of compost to boost the low organic matter and improve moisture retention.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kent County

via LawnByCounty

Arid Challenges in Kent

Kent County's 21.3 difficulty score reflects the harsh conditions of the Rolling Plains. This score is significantly lower than the 50.0 national average, indicating a steep learning curve for new residents.

Limited Rain and High Heat

The county receives just 23.3 inches of rain, which is well below the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawns. With 105 extreme heat days, turf requires dedicated supplemental irrigation to survive.

Fine Sandy Loam Foundation

The soil is a fine sandy loam with a high sand content of 54.0%, leading to rapid drainage. Its pH of 7.62 is slightly alkaline, so you may need soil amendments to help nutrients reach the roots.

Severe Drought Affects Most Lawns

Severe drought currently grips 89.4% of the county, following 29 weeks of drought last year. Using mulch around lawn edges and maintaining a higher mowing height can help keep the soil cool.

Spring Planting for Zone 8a

Buffalo grass is the top recommendation for this arid climate and Zone 8a hardiness. Wait until after the April 1 frost to begin your spring seeding or sod installation.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kent County's county score?
Kent County, Texas has a composite county score of 61.4 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 Kent County rank among counties in Texas?
Kent County ranks #11 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 Kent County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Kent County is $988, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Kent County a tax score of 44.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kent County?
The median household income in Kent County, Texas is $71,420 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kent County earns an income score of 69.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kent County, Texas a good place to live?
Kent County scores 61.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Kent 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 Kent 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.