countyscore
37.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 77Safety 59.7Cost of Living 52.8

County Report Card

About Lynn County, Texas

Lynn County Trails National Livability Standards

Lynn County earns a composite score of 37.2, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural profile where certain local costs and infrastructure challenges weigh down the overall ranking.

Falling Short of the Texas Average

With a score of 37.2, Lynn County lags behind the Texas state average of 41.9. It struggles to remain competitive with higher-performing counties in the region due to its tax and health metrics.

Exceptional Resilience and Low Rent

The county excels in environmental stability, boasting a high risk score of 77.0. Residents also benefit from affordable housing, with a median gross rent of just $933 per month.

High Tax Burdens and Water Concerns

A tax score of 6.4 highlights a significant burden, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.734%. Additionally, the water score of 0.4 and health score of 10.9 represent major areas for infrastructure improvement.

A Haven for the Disaster-Conscious

Lynn County best suits individuals who prioritize natural disaster resilience and affordable rent over low tax rates. It offers a quiet, predictable lifestyle for those who can navigate its limited public health resources.

Score breakdown

Tax6.4Cost52.8Safety59.7Health10.9Schools39.6Income31.4Risk77Water0.4Weather49.5
🏛6.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤10.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡77
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨15.3
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Lynn County?

Many homeowners in Lynn County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Lynn County with La Paz County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

La Paz County
Arizona
Median income: $49,506
37.2
Washington County
Arkansas
Median income: $66,426
37.2
Riverside County
California
Median income: $89,672
37.2
Barrow County
Georgia
Median income: $77,477
37.2
Scott County
Iowa
Median income: $76,363
37.2
Branch County
Michigan
Median income: $61,958
37.2
St. Francois County
Missouri
Median income: $54,813
37.2
Lewis County
Washington
Median income: $69,690
37.2

Nearby counties

Dawson County
Texas
32.6
Garza County
Texas
46.6
Terry County
Texas
30.4
Lubbock County
Texas
20.3
Borden County
Texas
67
Crosby County
Texas
52.9
Hockley County
Texas
32.2
Scurry County
Texas
35.5

Deep Dives

Lynn County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lynn County

via TaxByCounty

Lynn County taxes among nation's steepest

At 1.734% effective rate, Lynn County has one of the highest property tax rates nationally, ranking in the top tier of all U.S. counties. The median annual tax of $2,268 surpasses the national median of $2,690, though lower home values keep the dollar amount manageable.

Highest rate among Texas counties reviewed

Lynn County's 1.734% effective rate is the steepest of any county in this analysis and far exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276%. The median tax of $2,268 exceeds the state median of $2,193 by roughly $75 annually.

Steepest taxes in the region by far

Lynn County's 1.734% rate towers above all regional peers, nearly 0.2 percentage points above Lubbock County (1.563%) and more than 0.9 percentage points above Live Oak County. It stands out as one of the most expensive tax jurisdictions in West Texas.

What Lynn County homeowners pay yearly

On a median home valued at $130,800, Lynn County residents pay approximately $2,268 in annual property taxes. With mortgage taxes included, the total reaches roughly $3,191 per year.

Challenge assessments in high-tax counties

With the state's steepest tax rate cutting into budgets, it's crucial to ensure your assessed value matches the market. Lynn County homeowners should request a detailed assessment explanation and file a formal protest if the valuation appears inflated relative to recent sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lynn County

via CostByCounty

Lynn's rents run slightly above national norms

Lynn County renters spend 19.5% of household income on housing, exceeding national averages and indicating moderate affordability pressure. At $933/month rent paired with a $57,411 median household income, Lynn residents face noticeably tighter housing budgets than typical Americans.

Above Texas average but not extreme

Lynn's 19.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, placing it among less affordable state counties though not among the extremes. Rents run $30 above the Texas median, reflecting moderate demand pressure in a region with lower-than-average incomes.

Middle-of-the-pack affordability challenge

Lynn's 19.5% ratio sits between affordability leaders Lipscomb (13.6%) and Limestone (17.2%), and alongside Liberty (19.2%), while beating pressured counties Live Oak (21.1%) and Lubbock (21.5%). Lynn represents the regional middle ground on housing stress.

Homeownership offers modest monthly savings

Lynn homeowners with median home value of $130,800 pay $698/month, saving $235 monthly compared to renters ($933/month). Ownership consumes about 14.6% of household income versus 19.5% for renters, making the mortgage path measurably more affordable.

Lynn suits homebuyers on tight budgets

If you're ready to buy and seeking modest home values with meaningful monthly savings, Lynn County delivers solid value relative to its peer group. Budget-conscious homebuyers will find their dollars stretch here better than renting, though renters should carefully weigh monthly costs against their income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lynn County

via IncomeByCounty

Lynn County trails national income average

At $57,411, Lynn County's median household income falls 23% below the national median of $74,755. This positions the county in the lower half of U.S. income rankings, reflecting economic challenges common to rural Texas communities.

Below-average for Texas

Lynn County earns 11% less than the Texas state average of $64,737, placing it among the lower-income counties statewide. The county's per capita income of $33,044 matches the state average exactly at $33,197, suggesting income inequality typical of rural areas.

Income snapshot among peers

Lynn County ($57,411) sits in the middle range of comparison counties: above Maverick ($51,270) and McCulloch ($51,919), but below Martin ($77,083) and Mason ($68,750). The $26,000 spread reflects significant diversity across this West Texas region.

Rent remains manageable here

At 19.5%, Lynn County's rent-to-income ratio sits just above the healthy 15-20% range, meaning housing costs are reasonable relative to earnings. With a median home value of $130,800, homeownership remains within reach for many households earning the county median.

Build wealth despite income constraints

Lynn County residents earning near the median should prioritize emergency savings and low-cost index funds to build long-term wealth. Even modest monthly investments can compound significantly over time, helping households bridge the gap to higher income counties nearby.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lynn County

via CrimeByCounty

Lynn County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Lynn County maintains an impressive safety score of 98.5, significantly higher than most U.S. jurisdictions. Its total crime rate of 925.5 per 100,000 residents is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Secure Leader in the Lone Star State

With a safety score of 98.5, Lynn County ranks well above the Texas state average of 96.8. This high performance indicates a level of security that distinguishes it from many faster-growing Texas counties.

Safer Streets Than the Texas Average

The county's total crime rate of 925.5 per 100,000 is notably lower than the state average of 2,052.5. Local law enforcement across three reporting agencies keeps the community much safer than regional peers.

Low Rates for Both Property and Violent Crime

Property crime remains the primary concern at 747.5 per 100,000, though this is still far below the national average. Violent crime is also remarkably low, recorded at just 178.0 per 100,000 residents.

Maintaining a Safe Home Environment

Despite low crime rates, residents should remain proactive with basic home security measures. Simple steps like motion-activated lighting can further deter property crimes in this high-safety area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lynn County

via HealthByCounty

Lynn County's health gap widening

Residents of Lynn County live to an average of 71.9 years—2.1 years below the U.S. average of 74.0 years. With 27.8% of adults reporting poor or fair health, the county significantly exceeds the national benchmark of 17%, signaling serious chronic disease and wellness challenges across the population.

Below Texas average on lifespan

Lynn County's life expectancy of 71.9 years trails Texas's state average of 74.3 years. The uninsured rate of 16.7% beats the state average of 19.8%, but the higher rate of poor health reports suggests that insured residents still face access or quality-of-care barriers.

Strongest primary care in region

Lynn County has 106 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—significantly higher than neighboring Marion County (limited data) and Martin County (19 per 100K). Mental health providers at 52 per 100K suggest better-than-average mental health infrastructure compared to surrounding rural counties.

Uninsured rate masks access gaps

Although 83.3% of Lynn County residents have insurance, the abundance of primary care providers hasn't translated into better health outcomes. The persistent 27.8% poor/fair health rate suggests that transportation, specialist availability, or health literacy barriers remain significant obstacles to care.

Insurance alone won't close gaps

With one in six residents uninsured, Lynn County should prioritize enrollment in Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community health programs. Check healthcare.gov or contact the Lynn County Health Department to explore options—coverage is the first step toward better preventive and chronic disease care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lynn County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but Specialized School System

Lynn County supports 1,634 students across six public schools and four districts. The infrastructure features a unique mix of one elementary, one middle, and one high school, alongside three comprehensive K-12 'other' campuses.

High Investment per Student

The county spends $7,966 per pupil, which is higher than the Texas state average of $7,498. While the graduation rate of 82.8% trails the state benchmark, the composite school score of 51.8 remains above the national median of 50.0.

New Home and Tahoka Districts Provide Stability

New Home ISD serves the most students in a single school with 626 enrolled, while Tahoka ISD manages three separate campuses for 595 students. O'Donnell and Wilson ISDs round out the local offerings with specialized K-12 schools.

Balanced Between Town and Country

Educational life is evenly split between three town-based schools and three rural campuses, averaging 272 students each. New Home School is the largest campus at 626 students, while Wilson School offers a very intimate setting with just 125 students.

Discover Rural Living with Personal Focus

Lynn County is an ideal spot for those seeking a rural or small-town lifestyle with high per-student funding. Prospective buyers should explore the New Home or Tahoka areas to find a home near these dedicated community schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lynn County

via RiskByCounty

Lynn County's disaster risk is well below average

With a composite risk score of 23.00, Lynn County sits significantly below the national average and poses minimal overall natural disaster threat to residents. The county's "Very Low" rating reflects relatively modest exposure across most major hazard categories. This favorable standing provides residents with lower baseline insurance and preparation needs compared to most U.S. counties.

Among Texas' safest counties for disaster risk

Lynn County ranks near the bottom of Texas' disaster risk spectrum with its 23.00 composite score, well below the state average of 49.00. The county is one of the lowest-risk counties in Texas, placing it in the top tier for safety. This advantage reflects its geographic isolation from major storm corridors and seismic zones.

Safer than most surrounding West Texas counties

Lynn County's risk score of 23.00 compares favorably to nearby Martin County (19.97) and stands well below Dawson and Garza counties in the broader West Texas region. However, it experiences notably higher wildfire risk (56.84) than some immediate neighbors due to its semi-arid grassland geography. The county's relative safety positions it as a lower-risk area within the Texas plains.

Wildfire is your primary natural hazard concern

Wildfire risk in Lynn County registers at 56.84, making it the dominant natural hazard despite the county's overall low composite score. Tornado risk follows at 36.96, representing a secondary but meaningful threat during severe weather seasons. Flood, earthquake, and hurricane risks all remain minimal for county residents.

Prepare for wildfire; standard coverage handles other risks

Homeowners should prioritize wildfire-resistant landscaping and roof upgrades, as this represents Lynn County's most significant exposure. Standard homeowners insurance covering tornadoes and basic weather damage is advisable but adequate for most residents, given the county's low composite risk profile. Flood and earthquake insurance are generally unnecessary unless your property is in an unusual geographic position.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lynn County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Days in West Texas

Lynn County’s annual average temperature of 61.8°F is several degrees warmer than the national median of 54°F. This agricultural region experiences a semi-arid climate with moderate winters and hot summers.

Below the Average Texas Temperature

The county stays nearly 4 degrees cooler than the state average of 65.5°F, largely due to its high-plains geography. Rainfall is also sparse here, with 20.7 inches annually compared to the state's 31.9-inch average.

Mirroring the South Plains Climate

Lynn County’s weather is nearly identical to neighboring Lubbock, though it averages slightly less snowfall at 4.6 inches. Its 89 days of extreme heat annually are consistent with the regional pattern of the South Plains.

Hot Summers and Brisk Winters

Summer temperatures peak in July with an average of 81.0°F, contributing to 89 days of heat over 90°F. Winter is cold but manageable, with a December-to-February average of 43.6°F and occasional snow.

Focus on Water Conservation

Given the 20.7 inches of annual rain, water storage and drought-resistant crops are vital for the local economy. Residents should prepare for 89 extreme heat days by ensuring home cooling systems are serviced before the 79.8°F summer average hits.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lynn County

via SoilByCounty

High alkalinity on the High Plains

The soil in Lynn County is notably alkaline, with an average pH of 7.86. This is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5 and requires selecting plants that are tolerant of lime-rich conditions.

Sandy soils dominate

A high sand content of 55.0% makes this soil very porous and easy to till. With 21.0% clay and 23.8% silt, it lacks the heavy density of eastern Texas soils, allowing for deep root penetration.

Near-average moisture retention

Available water capacity is 0.132 in/in, virtually identical to the Texas state average. Organic matter levels are 1.46%, suggesting that adding compost could help boost the soil's natural productivity.

Slow water movement

Despite the sandy texture, this soil is classified in hydrologic group D, indicating slow infiltration and high runoff risk. Managing the surface to prevent crusting will help ensure water reaches the roots during rain events.

Thriving in hardiness zone 8a

Hardiness zone 8a is ideal for sorghum and heat-tolerant vegetables like okra. With such workable sandy soil, your garden will be easy to plant and maintain all season long!

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lynn County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging High Plains Landscape

Lynn County presents a difficult environment for turf, scoring just 24.7 on our lawn difficulty scale. This is significantly tougher than the Texas average of 31.7 and less than half the national median score of 50.0. Homeowners in this Zone 8a region face uphill battles compared to neighboring counties.

Low Rainfall and Steady Heat

Annual precipitation of 20.7 inches falls well short of the 30-50 inches preferred by most turfgrasses. With 89 days of extreme heat exceeding 90°F, lawns require intensive irrigation to survive the summer. The 5,234 growing degree days indicate a moderate growing season that demands a disciplined mowing schedule.

Alkaline Sandy Soil Challenges

The soil is notably alkaline with a pH of 7.86, which is higher than the 6.0-7.0 ideal range and can lock out essential nutrients. A high sand content of 55.0% means water drains quickly, requiring frequent, shallow watering. Targeted soil amendments are necessary to lower pH and improve water retention in this 21.0% clay mix.

Severe Drought Grips the Region

The county spent 23 weeks in drought over the past year, and currently, 98.4% of the area faces severe conditions. With 100% of the county classified as abnormally dry, water conservation is mandatory rather than optional. Mulching and deep-soak watering during early morning hours help maximize limited resources.

Timing Your Zone 8a Lawn

Heat-tolerant species like Buffalograss or Bermudagrass are best suited for this arid climate. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 2 but well before the first fall frost on November 8. Success in Lynn County depends on selecting native varieties that thrive in alkaline, low-moisture conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lynn County's county score?
Lynn County, Texas has a composite county score of 37.2 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 Lynn County rank among counties in Texas?
Lynn County ranks #163 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 Lynn County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Lynn County is $2,268, with an effective tax rate of 1.73%. This earns Lynn County a tax score of 6.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lynn County?
The median household income in Lynn County, Texas is $57,411 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lynn County earns an income score of 31.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lynn County, Texas a good place to live?
Lynn County scores 37.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #163 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Lynn 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 Lynn 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.