Lipscomb County

Texas · TX

#74 in Texas
65.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Lipscomb County, Texas

Lipscomb County surpasses national livability standard

Lipscomb County's composite score of 68.6 stands 37% above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating strong livability across measured dimensions. This performance places the county well above the average U.S. county.

Solid performer above Texas average

With a score of 68.6 compared to the Texas state average of 66.8, Lipscomb County edges out the typical Texas county in overall livability. It occupies the upper-middle tier of the state's 254 counties.

Highest income and excellent housing value

Lipscomb County boasts the highest income score (30.0) among these eight counties, backed by a median household income of $71,442 that enables stronger financial positioning. A cost score of 81.8 with median home values of $128,400 provides exceptional affordability even with higher incomes.

Elevated tax rates cut into household earnings

The tax score of 63.9 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.363%, the highest among this group, meaningfully reducing take-home income despite strong earnings. Absence of safety, health, school, and environmental data limits a complete assessment of overall livability quality.

Best for higher-income families seeking value

Lipscomb County suits working professionals and middle- to upper-income families who earn solid incomes and seek exceptional home values and affordability. Despite higher taxes, the strong income foundation creates opportunity for families building long-term wealth.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax63.9Cost81.8SafetyComing SoonHealth54.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome30Risk72.1WaterComing Soon
🏛63.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠81.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼30
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
54.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
72.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Lipscomb County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lipscomb County

via TaxByCounty

Lipscomb County taxes above national median

At 1.363% effective rate, Lipscomb County's tax burden exceeds the national norm and ranks in the higher half nationally. The median tax of $1,750 falls short of the national median of $2,690, but the rate itself is steeper than most counties.

Ranks above Texas state average

Lipscomb County's 1.363% effective rate tops Texas's state average of 1.276%, making it one of the higher-taxing counties in the state. The median tax of $1,750 runs about $443 below the state median, reflecting lower home values rather than lower rates.

Highest rates among regional peers

Lipscomb County's 1.363% rate exceeds both Liberty County (1.251%) and Limestone County (1.187%) nearby. It ranks as one of the steeper tax burdens in this area of the state.

What Lipscomb County homeowners pay yearly

On a median home valued at $128,400, Lipscomb County residents pay roughly $1,750 annually in property taxes. Including mortgage taxes, the total reaches approximately $2,147 per year.

Know your right to challenge assessments

With higher tax rates in play, it's especially important to verify your home's assessed value against market comparables. The appraisal district must document its valuation methods, and you can request a formal review if the assessment appears inflated.

Cost of Living in Lipscomb County

via CostByCounty

Lipscomb leads the region on affordability

Lipscomb County renters spend just 13.6% of household income on rent, substantially beating the national average and standing among the most affordable U.S. counties. At $807/month with a median household income of $71,442, housing costs sit remarkably low relative to earnings.

Texas's affordability champion in this group

Lipscomb's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio crushes the Texas state average of 18.1%, making it one of the state's most renter-friendly counties. Rents run $156 below the state median, and residents enjoy significantly higher median income, creating a rare affordability sweet spot.

Unmatched value across the region

Lipscomb's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio outpaces Liberty (19.2%), Limestone (17.2%), and Lubbock (21.5%), delivering the region's tightest housing-cost squeeze. At $807/month rent and $795/month for owners, Lipscomb offers twin bargains few rural Texas counties match.

Rent and mortgages run nearly equal

Lipscomb renters pay $807/month while homeowners with median home value of $128,400 pay $795/month—nearly identical despite home values being among the region's lowest. This affordability extends across housing types, leaving residents more income for savings, healthcare, and education.

Lipscomb is the region's affordability pick

If maximum housing affordability matters most, Lipscomb County is your best bet—housing consumes the smallest slice of income in this entire cluster. Plan your move here if you value both cost savings and above-average local earnings.

Income & Jobs in Lipscomb County

via IncomeByCounty

Lipscomb keeps pace with America

Lipscomb County's median household income of $71,442 sits just 5% below the national median of $74,755, making it one of the strongest earners among the eight counties profiled. The relatively small $3,313 gap reflects robust local employment and wages.

Above Texas average income

Lipscomb's $71,442 median household income exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by roughly $6,700, positioning the county in the upper third of Texas counties. Per capita income of $34,127 also surpasses the state average of $33,197.

Lipscomb leads the regional pack

Lipscomb County outearns all seven peer counties, with the next-closest being Llano County at $65,636. The $5,800+ income advantage reflects stronger local industries and economic activity in the Texas Panhandle.

Best affordability in the group

Lipscomb boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 13.6%—well below the 30% affordability threshold—and a median home value of $128,400. Higher income combined with lower housing costs creates the most favorable financial flexibility in this county cohort.

Maximize wealth-building advantage

Lipscomb residents enjoy the best position to invest aggressively, with above-average income and below-average housing costs freeing up capital. Maximize tax-deferred savings in 401(k)s and IRAs, then consider real estate or index fund investments to accelerate wealth.

Health in Lipscomb County

via HealthByCounty

Lipscomb County outperforms national average

Residents of Lipscomb County enjoy a life expectancy of 76.2 years, significantly exceeding the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Just 23% report poor or fair health, below the national rate of roughly 18%—a strong indicator of community wellbeing.

Above Texas average on longevity

Lipscomb County's 76.2-year life expectancy runs 1.9 years ahead of the Texas average of 74.3 years. The 23% poor/fair health rate sits slightly above state trends but remains respectable relative to many Texas counties.

Among the healthiest in its region

Lipscomb's 76.2-year life expectancy ties with Llano County as among the region's best. At 21.7% uninsured, the rate edges higher than Llano's 19.6%, but overall Lipscomb ranks favorably among peers in health outcomes.

Good health outcomes, limited provider data

Lipscomb County boasts strong health metrics with a 76.2-year life expectancy and relatively low poor/fair health rates. However, specific data on primary and mental health providers is unavailable, making it difficult to assess the full healthcare infrastructure supporting these positive outcomes.

Maintain your health coverage

While Lipscomb County enjoys above-average health, keeping insurance active is essential to sustaining these gains. If you're uninsured or underinsured, contact your local health agency to ensure continuous, affordable coverage.

Disaster Risk in Lipscomb County

via RiskByCounty

Lipscomb County: Very Low Risk

Lipscomb County scores just 27.89 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting 43% below the Texas state average of 49.00. This makes Lipscomb one of Texas's safest counties for natural disaster exposure, though wildfire risk presents a notable exception.

Lipscomb's Safe Standing in Texas

Lipscomb County ranks among Texas's lowest-risk counties overall, with a composite score of 27.89 that reflects minimal exposure to floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes. The county's risk profile is dramatically better than most Texas peers.

Lipscomb Among the Panhandle

Lipscomb County (27.89) is substantially safer than all nearby counties, including Leon County (58.30), Llano County (70.39), and Liberty County (79.52). Its very low risk aligns more closely with Loving County (0.03), Texas's lowest-risk county, and contrasts sharply with Lubbock County (96.25) to the south.

Lipscomb's One Main Threat

Wildfire risk (84.57) stands out dramatically in Lipscomb County, representing the county's only significant natural hazard exposure. All other hazard types—flood (4.36), tornado (29.83), earthquake (18.54), and hurricane (16.73)—remain minimal.

Focused Protection for Lipscomb Homes

Lipscomb County residents should prioritize wildfire insurance or a comprehensive homeowners policy with wildfire coverage, particularly if living near grasslands or rangeland. Standard flood and hurricane insurance remains affordable if you're risk-averse, but the county's overall exposure is among the lowest in Texas.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.