countyscore
20.3
County Score
Weather & Climate 50.4Income & Jobs 49.2Schools 43.6

County Report Card

About Lubbock County, Texas

Lubbock Trails National Livability Trends

Lubbock County's composite score of 20.3 is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates that the county faces more challenges than the vast majority of U.S. counties.

Behind the State Average Score

The county's score of 20.3 is less than half of the Texas state average of 41.9. While it serves as a major regional hub, its livability metrics lag behind many other Texas metropolitan areas.

Mid-Range Incomes Support Residents

The Income Score of 49.2 is the county's brightest spot, backed by a median household income of $63,367. This provides residents with more financial flexibility than other local metrics might suggest.

Safety and Risk Scores Lag

Safety (2.1) and Risk (3.8) are critically low, reflecting high urban crime rates and natural hazard vulnerability. A high tax rate of 1.563% also contributes to a low Tax Score of 10.3.

A Working City with Trade-offs

Lubbock County suits those who are focused on the $63,367 income potential and regional employment opportunities. Residents must be comfortable navigating a higher-risk environment with significant tax burdens.

Score breakdown

Tax10.3Cost18Safety2.1Health25.7Schools43.6Income49.2Risk3.8Water7.8Weather50.4
🏛10.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠18
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡2.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧7.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.1
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

Crosby County
Texas
52.9
Hockley County
Texas
32.2
Lynn County
Texas
37.2
Hale County
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Terry County
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Floyd County
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Garza County
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Lamb County
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Deep Dives

Lubbock County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lubbock County

via TaxByCounty

Lubbock County taxes among nation's highest

At 1.563% effective rate, Lubbock County ranks among the highest property tax counties nationally, well above the implied national median rate. The median annual tax of $3,119 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by about 16%.

Lubbock leads Texas counties in tax burden

Lubbock County's 1.563% rate is the highest among all counties reviewed here and significantly exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276%. The median tax of $3,119 surpasses the state median of $2,193 by roughly $926 annually.

Steepest taxes in West Texas

Lubbock County's 1.563% rate vastly exceeds Lynn County (1.734%), though both rank among the region's heaviest tax burdens. Combined with higher home values, Lubbock creates a significant property tax cost for residents.

What Lubbock County homeowners pay yearly

On a median home valued at $199,600, Lubbock County residents pay approximately $3,119 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage taxes, the total reaches roughly $3,822 per year.

High taxes make appeals especially worthwhile

With tax bills exceeding $3,100 annually, even a 5% overassessment error means leaving money on the table. Review your appraisal notice carefully and file a protest if comparable sales suggest your home is valued above market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lubbock County

via CostByCounty

Lubbock's housing costs outpace incomes

Lubbock County renters spend 21.5% of household income on housing, exceeding national averages and ranking among America's more affordability-challenged counties. At $1,134/month rent with a $63,367 median income, renters here face substantially tighter budgets than typical U.S. households.

Lubbock pressures renters above Texas average

Lubbock's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, marking it among the state's least affordable major counties. Rents run $171 above the Texas median, indicating strong demand pressure for a region with below-average household earnings.

Tightest squeeze alongside Live Oak

Lubbock's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio rivals Live Oak (21.1%) as the region's worst affordability and far exceeds Lipscomb (13.6%), Limestone (17.2%), and Llano (18.2%). This county's combination of elevated rents and modest incomes creates serious housing stress.

Mortgages exceed rents—homebuying escalates costs

Lubbock homeowners with median home value of $199,600 pay $1,223/month, exceeding renters by $89 and consuming roughly 23% of household income. Unlike most counties, Lubbock makes ownership more expensive than renting, complicating the traditional path to affordability.

Lubbock works best for above-average earners

If you're considering Lubbock, plan to earn significantly above the county median—this is one of the region's least affordable options for typical households. Tech workers, healthcare professionals, and remote employees with outside income will fare better than traditional job seekers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lubbock County

via IncomeByCounty

Lubbock trails the national median

Lubbock County's median household income of $63,367 falls 15% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income tier. The $11,388 annual shortfall reflects economic conditions in this West Texas metro area.

Below Texas average income

Lubbock's $63,367 median income trails Texas's state average of $64,737 by $1,370, ranking it slightly below the statewide norm. Per capita income of $35,170 edges the state average of $33,197, but household-level earnings lag the state.

Mid-pack in regional comparison

Lubbock outearns Live Oak ($53,869), Leon ($59,975), and Limestone ($58,109), but earns less than Liberty ($64,773), Llano ($65,636), and Lipscomb ($71,442). The county sits squarely in the middle of the eight-county cohort.

Highest rental burden in study

Lubbock's rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% is the second-highest among the eight counties, consuming over one-fifth of household income on rental housing. Median home values of $199,600 add pressure on homeowning households already stretched by modest incomes.

Reduce housing costs to save more

Lubbock residents should prioritize reducing housing burden—whether through refinancing, downsizing, or roommates—to free capital for retirement savings. Tech industry growth in West Texas offers emerging job opportunities; workers should upskill to capture higher-wage positions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lubbock County

via CrimeByCounty

Urban Safety Challenges in Lubbock

Lubbock County has a safety score of 92.3, reflecting the higher crime rates often found in urban centers. Its total crime rate of 4,862.1 per 100,000 is double the national average of 2,385.5.

Lubbock vs Texas State Averages

Lubbock County's safety score of 92.3 is below the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 4,862.1 is significantly higher than the statewide average of 2,052.5.

Regional Crime Trends

Lubbock serves as a major hub, resulting in a crime rate that is higher than the state average of 2,052.5. It faces typical metropolitan safety pressures compared to its more rural neighbors.

Significant Violent and Property Crime

The county reports a violent crime rate of 963.7 and a property crime rate of 3,898.4 per 100,000. These figures indicate that residents should stay alert regarding both personal safety and property security.

Prioritizing Home and Personal Safety

With higher rates of property crime, robust home security like cameras and alarm systems is highly recommended. Staying aware of your surroundings in public areas also helps mitigate the higher local violent crime risk.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lubbock County

via HealthByCounty

Lubbock County below national health average

Life expectancy in Lubbock County is 73.4 years, about 5.5 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Just over 21% report poor or fair health, above the national average of 18%, but better than many comparable Texas counties.

Below Texas average on longevity

Lubbock County's 73.4-year life expectancy trails the Texas average of 74.3 years by nearly one full year. The 21.1% poor/fair health rate sits slightly above state norms but reflects stronger performance than several peer counties.

Healthcare infrastructure stands out

Lubbock's 73.4-year life expectancy lags neighboring Llano (76.2 years) by 2.8 years but exceeds Leon (73.3 years) marginally. However, Lubbock's 16.3% uninsured rate is the lowest in its broader region, and its 222 mental health providers per 100,000 are unmatched.

Strong provider network and coverage

Lubbock County boasts 79 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an exceptional 222 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest in the region. An uninsured rate of 16.3%, well below the state average of 19.8%, reflects stronger healthcare access.

Access Lubbock's robust health network

Lubbock County's excellent provider infrastructure is available to those with insurance—ensure you're not among the 16% uninsured. Contact Lubbock County Health Department or visit healthcare.gov to enroll in coverage and access these local resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lubbock County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Major Educational Hub in West Texas

Lubbock County features a massive educational infrastructure of 99 public schools serving 52,495 students. This extensive system is spread across 12 districts and includes 53 elementary, 21 middle, and 21 high schools.

Broad Success Across a Massive Population

The county maintains a 91.8% graduation rate, slightly exceeding the Texas state average. Schools operate with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,427 and hold a composite score of 53.2, demonstrating steady performance across a diverse urban and rural student body.

Lubbock ISD and Frenship Lead the Way

Lubbock ISD is the region's largest district with 49 schools and 25,247 students. Frenship ISD and Lubbock-Cooper ISD also serve thousands, while 11 charter schools provide specialized options for over 10% of the county's campuses.

Urban Centers and Suburban Growth

While 66 schools are located in the city, the county also maintains 22 rural and three suburban campuses, with an average size of 536 students. Frenship High School is the county's largest with 3,247 students, offering a large-scale high school experience.

Limitless Choices for Every Family

Whether you prefer a large urban district like Lubbock ISD or a growing suburban feel in Frenship, this county has it all. The diversity of school sizes and locales ensures that home buyers can find a perfect match for their children's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lubbock County

via RiskByCounty

Lubbock County: Highest Risk Zone

Lubbock County scores 96.25 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively High rating and sitting 96% above the Texas state average of 49.00. This makes Lubbock one of the state's highest-risk counties, with exceptional exposure to tornadoes, floods, and wildfires.

Lubbock's Top-Tier Risk Ranking

Lubbock County's composite risk score of 96.25 places it among Texas's most dangerous counties for natural disaster exposure, with hazard scores dramatically exceeding the state average across nearly every category. The county faces complex, multi-directional disaster threats requiring serious preparedness.

Lubbock: The Region's High-Risk Outlier

Lubbock County (96.25) carries dramatically higher risk than all comparison counties, including Lipscomb County (27.89), Live Oak County (33.75), Leon County (58.30), and Llano County (70.39). Its risk level reflects the South Plains' severe weather geography and vulnerability to multiple hazard types.

Lubbock's Severe Multi-Hazard Profile

Tornado risk (98.79) is Lubbock County's most acute threat, with the county ranking at the highest exposure level statewide for storm-driven wind damage. Flood risk (92.11) and wildfire risk (86.20) create additional major threats, making Lubbock a complex disaster environment where residents face compounding seasonal hazards.

Critical Coverage for Lubbock Homes

Lubbock County residents must obtain comprehensive homeowners insurance with strong wind and hail coverage, plus separate flood insurance given the county's 92.11 flood risk. Consider additional wildfire coverage if near vegetation, and maintain an emergency preparedness plan for the county's exceptional tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lubbock County

via WeatherByCounty

Semi-Arid Highs on the South Plains

Lubbock County averages 61.4°F annually, which is roughly 7 degrees warmer than the national median. This region is known for its wide temperature swings and dry, windy conditions.

Cooler and Drier Than the State

At 61.4°F, Lubbock is cooler than the 65.5°F state average, reflecting its higher elevation on the Llano Estacado. It is also significantly drier, receiving only 18.9 inches of rain compared to the 31.9-inch Texas average.

A Regional Weather Hub

Lubbock shares similar climate patterns with neighboring Lynn and Hale counties, though its 92 extreme heat days are slightly higher than some immediate neighbors. Snowfall here reaches 6.6 inches annually, which is high for Texas but low by national standards.

Four Distinct and Rugged Seasons

The year ranges from a chilly 41.1°F January average to a warm 81.2°F July. Residents deal with 92 days of extreme heat and a winter average of 42.6°F that brings regular frosty mornings.

Adapting to Wind and Dust

The dry 18.9-inch annual rainfall requires xeriscaping or efficient irrigation for local gardens. With 6.6 inches of snow and 92 days of heat, HVAC systems must be versatile enough to handle both freezing nights and triple-digit afternoons.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lubbock County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline plains of the Llano Estacado

Lubbock County's soil is slightly alkaline with an average pH of 7.28, which is higher than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is sparse, the chemistry supports the large-scale agriculture the region is famous for.

Balanced sand and silt

The soil consists of 46.0% sand and 24.7% silt, providing a grit that helps with aeration. With 20.6% clay, it maintains enough body to hold moisture through the windy Panhandle seasons.

Solid moisture capacity

The available water capacity is 0.137 in/in, slightly beating the Texas state average. Organic matter levels sit at 1.59%, which is just below the state average of 1.66% but remains productive for hardy crops.

High runoff potential

As part of hydrologic group D, these soils exhibit very slow infiltration and high runoff rates. This makes water conservation and smart irrigation critical for maintaining healthy soil moisture levels.

Cotton and grapes in 7b

Lubbock is a powerhouse for cotton and increasingly wine grapes in hardiness zone 7b. Your soil's moisture capacity is a gift, so plant a garden that thrives in the high plains sun!

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lubbock County

via LawnByCounty

High Plains Living in Zone 7b

Lubbock County has a lawn difficulty score of 31.1, which almost perfectly matches the Texas state average. While it is significantly harder than the national average of 50.0, it is typical for the semi-arid High Plains region. In Zone 7b, gardeners must prepare for colder winters and drier summers than their counterparts in East Texas.

Semi-Arid Weather with Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation is only 18.9 inches, which is well below the 30-50 inches preferred by most turf varieties. However, with 92 extreme heat days, Lubbock is slightly cooler than the state average of 105. The 5,167 growing degree days provide enough energy for a productive season, provided you supplement the meager rainfall.

Alkaline Soils on the High Plains

The soil pH in Lubbock is 7.28, placing it on the alkaline side of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While the texture is a balanced mix of 20.6% clay and 46.0% sand, the lack of drainage data suggests a need for careful moisture monitoring. Iron chlorosis can be an issue here, so look for fertilizers that include chelated iron to keep grass green.

Severe Drought Affecting the Entire County

Currently, 100% of Lubbock County is in severe drought after enduring 23 weeks of drought over the last year. These conditions make efficient irrigation critical for anyone trying to maintain a lawn. To conserve water, mow at a higher setting to provide shade to the soil and reduce the rate of evaporation.

Timing Your High Plains Lawn Prep

Buffalograss and Bermuda are the champions of the Lubbock climate due to their exceptional drought tolerance. Plan your seeding after the last spring frost on April 4 and before the first fall frost on November 2. With 100% of the area in severe drought, establishing new grass requires careful water management until roots are deep.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lubbock County's county score?
Lubbock County, Texas has a composite county score of 20.3 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 Lubbock County rank among counties in Texas?
Lubbock County ranks #250 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 Lubbock County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Lubbock County is $3,119, with an effective tax rate of 1.56%. This earns Lubbock County a tax score of 10.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lubbock County?
The median household income in Lubbock County, Texas is $63,367 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lubbock County earns an income score of 49.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lubbock County, Texas a good place to live?
Lubbock County scores 20.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #250 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Lubbock 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 Lubbock 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.