countyscore
65.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.7Safety 97.5Cost of Living 97.3

County Report Card

About King County, Texas

King County Leads National Rankings

With a high composite score of 65.5, King County far exceeds the national median of 50.0. It is among the most resilient and affordable counties in the entire nation.

A Texas Quality Leader

King County's score of 65.5 is vastly superior to the Texas state average of 41.9. Its unique profile offers a level of safety and affordability rarely seen elsewhere in the state.

Maximum Safety and Affordability

The county earns an incredible risk score of 99.7 and a safety score of 97.5. It is also exceptionally affordable, boasting a cost score of 97.3 for residents living on a median income of $70,192.

Health and Water Infrastructure Gaps

Extreme isolation leads to a health score of 3.9 and a water score of 0.5. While the county is safe and cheap, access to medical care and water quality are significant concerns.

Best for Extreme Privacy and Safety

King County is the ultimate destination for those who want total peace of mind and rock-bottom living costs. It best suits individuals who don't require frequent medical access or robust water utilities.

Score breakdown

TaxComing SoonCost97.3Safety97.5Health3.9Schools50.1Income66.8Risk99.7Water0.5Weather43
🏛
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠97.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤3.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡99.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.7
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 →
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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Knox County
Texas
49.1
Dickens County
Texas
60.3
Cottle County
Texas
61.5
Stonewall County
Texas
57.6
Foard County
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Haskell County
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Motley County
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Kent County
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Deep Dives

King County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in King County

via TaxByCounty

King County's tax rate data remains limited

While King County's median property tax of just $541 suggests an extremely low tax environment, complete assessment data is unavailable due to the county's small, rural population. This figure alone runs 80% below the national median property tax of $2,690, hinting at exceptional affordability.

King County ranks among Texas's cheapest

A $541 median tax bill places King County far below the Texas state average of $2,193, suggesting rates well below the statewide average of 1.276%. King remains one of the most affordable corners of the state for property owners.

King County undercuts all regional peers

King's $541 median tax is roughly half that of Kinney County ($1,244) and a fraction of Kendall ($5,890) or Kaufman ($5,036). In West Texas, King offers exceptional tax relief.

King County residents pay under $600

The median property tax bill in King County stands at just $541 annually, making it one of the nation's most affordable taxing jurisdictions. Without mortgage debt, residents pay $533, underscoring the county's extremely low effective rate.

Even low assessments warrant review

Rural properties sometimes hide assessment errors that work in the county's favor—but mistakes can cut both ways. File an appeal if you suspect your assessment is incorrect, ensuring your records remain accurate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in King County

via CostByCounty

King offers mysterious, minimal costs

King County's extremely low median owner cost of $466/month suggests exceptional affordability, though limited rental market data prevents full comparison to national standards. The county's $70,192 median income supports housing costs that rank among Texas's lowest.

Data gaps hide King's true picture

King County lacks sufficient rental data to calculate a rent-to-income ratio, limiting state-level comparison. However, the $466 monthly owner cost (nearly half the state median) indicates King ranks among Texas's most affordable counties for homeowners.

Owner costs rival any Texas county

King's $466 monthly owner cost substantially undercuts comparable counties—Kent ($655), Kimble ($705), and Kinney ($545)—though limited data prevents rental comparison. The figure suggests King's housing stock is either extremely modest or features unusually low-value properties.

Owner costs consume just 8% of income

King County homeowners dedicate only about 8% of the $70,192 median income to monthly owner costs ($466). This exceptionally low burden suggests either very affordable real estate or a county with limited economic diversity.

King: research before you relocate

King County's extremely low housing costs demand investigation—understand whether affordability reflects modest inventory, limited services, or genuine value. Contact local government and employers to assess job opportunities before committing to this remote West Texas location.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in King County

via IncomeByCounty

King's income moderately below national average

King County's median household income of $70,192 runs 6% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting its small rural economy in West Texas. The county's isolation and limited employment base constrain overall earning potential.

Exceeds Texas state average modestly

King County's median household income of $70,192 tops the Texas state average of $64,737 by 8%, a solid performance for a county with fewer than 300 residents. Per capita income of $30,890 trails the state average of $33,197, revealing income concentration among fewer households.

Comparable to sparse rural West Texas peers

King's $70,192 median income ranks just below Kent County ($71,420) and above Kinney ($66,341). Among the region's smallest and most isolated counties, King's earnings are typical of rural West Texas.

Housing affordability data unavailable

Complete rent-to-income and median home value data for King County is not available, limiting full affordability assessment. Residents should consult local sources for current housing cost information in this sparsely populated county.

Maximize savings in King County

With income modestly below the national median, King County households should prioritize maximizing employer retirement benefits and building emergency savings. Explore remote work opportunities to supplement local income, and work with a local financial advisor to develop a sustainable wealth-building strategy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in King County

via CrimeByCounty

King County Achieves Rare Perfect Score

King County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0, with no crimes recorded per 100,000 residents in 2022. This pristine record is exceptional when compared to the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Setting the Standard for Texas Safety

By recording no crimes, King County easily surpasses the Texas average safety score of 96.8. As a single-agency county, these results reflect a tight-knit community where incidents are extremely rare.

Unmatched Security in the Region

King County stands as a beacon of safety, with its 0.0 crime rate comparing favorably to the state average of 2,052.5. it offers a level of security that is unmatched by most other counties in the state.

Absence of Violent and Property Crimes

Both violent and property crime rates are non-existent at 0.0, compared to national averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7. Residents live in an environment where major criminal activity is effectively absent from the data.

Maintain Your Safe Community

Maintaining a crime-free environment relies on the community's continued attention to their surroundings. Simple home security habits and looking out for neighbors are the best ways to preserve this rare status.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in King County

via HealthByCounty

King County health data limited

King County reports a 28.6% poor or fair health rate—significantly above the U.S. average of 17.8%—indicating a struggling population. Life expectancy data is unavailable, but this health burden suggests King residents face serious wellness challenges.

Well above state health concerns

King's 28.6% poor/fair health rate far exceeds typical Texas patterns, and its 20.3% uninsured rate edges above the state average of 19.8%. The absence of life expectancy data limits full assessment, but available indicators suggest King faces above-average health stress.

Health distress among peers

King's 28.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds most nearby counties; only Kenedy's 46.5% surpasses it in distress. Provider data gaps and above-average uninsured rates suggest King residents struggle with access challenges similar to other rural West Texas counties.

Limited data, clear distress

More than one-quarter of King County residents (28.6%) report poor or fair health, and 20.3% lack health insurance. Provider data isn't available, but the combination of uninsured residents and high health burden suggests critical access gaps.

Coverage is your first step

If you're uninsured in King County, health coverage isn't a luxury—it's a necessity given the high health burden in your community. Call 211 Texas or visit healthcare.gov to find Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health center options immediately.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in King County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Tiny But Robust Rural School

King County features one of the smallest public school footprints in Texas, with only one school serving the entire county. Guthrie CSD manages this single campus, which provides a K-12 education for 119 students. There are no other public, charter, or alternative schools in this rural region.

Significant Per-Pupil Investment

King County spends $12,630 per pupil, nearly double the state average, to maintain its localized education system. The current graduation rate is 75.0%, and the county holds a strong school score of 57.8. This score is notably higher than both the state average of 55.3 and the national median of 50.0.

Guthrie CSD: The Sole Provider

Guthrie CSD is the exclusive school district in King County, centered on the Guthrie School campus. This single district serves 119 students, creating a highly personalized learning environment. Every student in the county follows the same academic path from their first day of school to graduation.

The Ultimate Small-School Feel

Attending the Guthrie School means being part of a 119-student community in a purely rural setting. The campus serves as an "other" type school, covering all grade levels under one roof. It offers an experience where every teacher knows every student, and the community is deeply involved in school life.

Invest in a Community-Centric Lifestyle

For those who prioritize small class sizes and high per-pupil spending, King County offers a unique rural opportunity. Guthrie is the heart of this county, and living here means having a direct stake in the local school. Look for homes in this area if you want a truly personalized and well-funded education for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in King County

via RiskByCounty

King is among America's safest counties

King County's composite score of 0.32 ranks it among the nation's lowest-risk areas, with a "Very Low" rating across virtually all hazard categories. Residents face minimal natural disaster exposure.

King ranks as one of Texas's safest

Scoring 0.32 against the Texas state average of 49.00, King ranks among the very safest counties in the state. Its remote West Texas location and sparse development shield it from significant natural hazards.

King is the safest county in its region

King's score of 0.32 is dramatically lower than Kaufman (76.18), Kendall (65.49), and Kerr (77.16), making it an exceptional outlier. Its isolated West Texas plains setting provides unmatched protection.

No single hazard emerges as a threat

All hazard categories score below 12 for King County, with wildfire risk of 55.95 being the highest but still well below statewide averages. The county experiences minimal natural disaster risk in any form.

Standard insurance suffices here

Basic homeowner's insurance provides ample coverage for King County's minimal hazard exposure. Focus on routine maintenance and standard fire prevention rather than specialized disaster mitigation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in King County

via WeatherByCounty

King County's Moderate Plateau Weather

King County averages 62.5°F, keeping it warmer than the U.S. median but cooler than the Texas average. It sees 23.6 inches of rain, notably less than the 31.9-inch state average.

Cooler than Central Texas

At 62.5°F, King County is three degrees cooler than the 65.5°F state average. It ranks among the more moderate counties in the Rolling Plains region.

Higher Heat than Kent County

Its 114 extreme heat days exceed Kent County's 105. However, King receives less snow than Kent, averaging 3.3 inches compared to 4.1.

Hot Summers and Chill Winters

The July average hits 83.5°F, contributing to 114 days of heat over 90°F. Winter brings a chill at 42.9°F with a reliable 3.3 inches of annual snow.

Summer Cooling and Winter Pipes

Residents should prepare for 114 days over 90°F with robust cooling and hydration. Winterize pipes before January when temperatures dip to a 41.4°F average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in King County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils in King County

The soil here has a pH of 7.54, making it significantly more alkaline than the national 6.5 benchmark. This level is also higher than the typical Texas average of 7.09.

Sandy Mix for Aeration

The soil mix is 46.2% sand, balanced by 31.8% silt and 20.9% clay. This lighter texture provides decent aeration for roots while maintaining enough clay to hold some nutrients for plant growth.

Moderate Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter is low at 1.22%, trailing the state average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.144 in/in is higher than the state average, meaning the soil holds moisture well.

High Runoff Potential Concerns

As part of hydrologic group D, these soils generally have very slow infiltration rates despite the higher sand content. Dense sub-layers may cause water to pool or run off quickly during storms.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 8a

Zone 8a offers a long season for warm-weather crops like melons and okra. Focus on building up soil health with mulch and organic amendments to support more demanding vegetable varieties.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in King County

via LawnByCounty

King's Challenging Turf Environment

With a difficulty score of 24.7, King County is one of the more difficult places in Texas for a traditional lawn. This falls well below the national median score of 50.0.

Intense Heat, Sparse Rain

The county receives just 23.6 inches of rain annually while enduring 114 days of extreme heat. These conditions create 5,565 growing degree days that can quickly scorch sensitive grass varieties.

Sandy Soil and High pH

The soil features a high sand content of 46.2%, which allows for fast drainage but poor water retention. A pH level of 7.54 means homeowners may need to add organic matter to improve soil health.

Severe Drought Persistence

Severe drought currently impacts 57.1% of the county, and residents dealt with 28 weeks of drought last year. Water conservation is essential, as 100% of the county remains abnormally dry.

Resilient Grasses for Zone 8a

Buffalo grass is ideally suited for these sandy, dry conditions. To ensure the best start for your lawn, wait to plant until after the final frost on April 5.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is King County's county score?
King County, Texas has a composite county score of 65.5 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 King County rank among counties in Texas?
King County ranks #3 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 King County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in King County is $541.
What is the median household income in King County?
The median household income in King County, Texas is $70,192 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. King County earns an income score of 66.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is King County, Texas a good place to live?
King County scores 65.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Texas. The best way to evaluate King 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 King 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.