CountyScore

Martin County

Texas · TX

#59 in Texas
66.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Martin County, Texas

Martin County well above national average

Martin County's composite score of 71.3 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the nation's upper echelon. This 43% advantage demonstrates above-average livability across key dimensions.

Strong performer within Texas

Martin County scores 71.3 against the Texas average of 66.8, ranking among the state's better-performing counties. Its profile reflects solid performance across multiple livability factors.

Highest incomes and moderate tax burden

Martin County leads these eight counties with a median household income of $77,083 and an income score of 33.7. Combined with a competitive tax score of 77.4 and effective rate of 0.884%, the county offers strong earning potential with reasonable tax obligations.

Housing costs notably higher

With a cost score of 76.1, homes valued at $162,200, and rent at $1,175 monthly, Martin County is the most expensive among these eight counties. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data remain unavailable for a fuller assessment.

Best for higher-income professionals

Martin County suits dual-income families, professionals, and entrepreneurs who can afford higher housing costs while benefiting from the strongest incomes in this group. It offers the best balance of earning potential and tax efficiency for those with solid financial footing.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.4Cost76.1SafetyComing SoonHealth49.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.7Risk80.1WaterComing Soon
🏛77.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤49.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡80.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Martin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Broomfield County
Colorado
66.6
Median income: $121,025
Pueblo County
Colorado
66.6
Median income: $62,250
Coffee County
Georgia
66.6
Median income: $50,175
Wayne County
Georgia
66.6
Median income: $49,562
Tippecanoe County
Indiana
66.6
Median income: $58,622

Deep Dives

Martin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Martin County

via TaxByCounty

Martin County taxes rank in bottom 20% nationally

Martin's effective rate of 0.884% places it well below the national median, with homeowners paying roughly 53% less than the typical U.S. county resident. The median property tax of $1,434 is about half the national median of $2,690.

Martin runs 31% below Texas state average

At 0.884%, Martin County's effective tax rate undercuts the state average of 1.276% by nearly a third, ranking among Texas's most affordable counties. The median tax payment of $1,434 is significantly lower than the state median of $2,193.

Martin competes well against regional peers

Martin's 0.884% rate edges out Mason County (0.815%) as one of the region's lowest, though Marion County (0.787%) holds the title. Moving east and south brings higher rates: Matagorda (1.255%), McCulloch (1.375%), and Maverick (1.394%) all cost considerably more.

Median Martin homeowner pays $1,434 yearly

On Martin's median home value of $162,200, residents pay approximately $1,434 in annual property taxes—roughly $120 per month. When factoring in mortgage and other tax obligations, the total reaches $2,337 per year.

Martin homeowners should check their assessments

Studies show many homeowners nationwide are overassessed, and Martin County is no exception. Filing a formal protest with the appraisal district during the designated window can result in lower assessments and immediate tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Martin County

via CostByCounty

Martin's rents reflect oil-economy income

Martin County residents spend 18.3% of their income on rent, nearly matching the Texas state average of 18.1% despite earning $77,083—above the national median. The county's $1,175 median rent is notably higher than most Texas peers, reflecting the energy sector's influence on both wages and housing demand.

Mid-range affordability for Texas

Martin County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio places it squarely at the state average, making it neither notably affordable nor severely strained compared to other Texas counties. The county's higher incomes help offset its above-average rents, maintaining a balanced position statewide.

Premium rents on higher-income foundation

Martin's $1,175 median rent is the highest among its regional peers—about 41% above Madison County and 38% above Marion—but the county's median income of $77,083 is also substantially higher. This income advantage allows Martin households to absorb housing costs that would strain residents of neighboring lower-income counties.

Housing's share of the Martin budget

A typical Martin household earning $77,083 annually devotes roughly $1,408 to housing (rent and utilities), consuming 22% of gross income. Homeowners face a steeper burden, with median monthly costs of $713, but the county's $162,200 median home value still positions ownership as accessible for income earners in the energy sector.

Martin suits oil industry workers best

If you work in energy and earning above-average income, Martin County's housing market makes sense despite premium rents—your paycheck keeps pace. Renters or workers in lower-wage sectors should compare Martin's 18.3% ratio against more affordable counties like Madison (14.9%) before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Martin County

via IncomeByCounty

Martin County exceeds national income average

At $77,083, Martin County's median household income surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 3%, ranking it among the higher-income counties in America. This energy-sector prosperity reflects the economic boost from oil and gas development in the Permian Basin.

Tops Texas averages by 19%

Martin County earns $77,083 compared to the state average of $64,737, placing it in Texas's top tier of income counties. The per capita income of $46,701 far exceeds the state average of $33,197, indicating broadly shared prosperity across the county.

Regional income leader

Martin County ($77,083) significantly outpaces all comparison counties, with earnings $10,000 above the next-closest county, Mason ($68,750). The gap reflects Martin's energy sector dominance and positions it as the regional economic engine.

Housing costs are very manageable

At 18.3%, Martin County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably in the healthy range, allowing households to cover housing and save. The median home value of $162,200 is highly affordable relative to county earnings, freeing significant income for other priorities.

Maximize energy boom prosperity

Martin County residents should treat income volatility with respect, knowing energy prices can fluctuate; locking in wealth through diversified investments protects against sector downturns. With strong income and reasonable housing costs, 15-20% savings rates are achievable and recommended.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Martin County

via HealthByCounty

Martin County trails national health benchmarks

Martin County residents live to an average of 71.5 years—2.5 years below the U.S. average of 74.0 years. With 24.3% reporting poor or fair health compared to the national 17% benchmark, the county reflects significant chronic disease burden and health disparities.

Below-average life expectancy, above-average uninsured

Martin County's life expectancy of 71.5 years falls 2.8 years short of Texas's 74.3-year average, while its 21.1% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 19.8%. Both metrics point to systemic healthcare access and affordability challenges across the county.

Minimal primary care, no mental health data

Martin County has just 19 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, and mental health provider data is unavailable—a significant gap in a rural population. Residents needing behavioral health services face substantial barriers and likely travel to larger regional centers for care.

Provider shortage worsens uninsured crisis

One in five Martin County residents lacks insurance, and the scarce primary care infrastructure means even insured residents struggle to access local physicians and mental health support. The combination creates cycles of delayed care and worsening chronic conditions.

Enrollment is the vital first step

Martin County residents should visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to check Medicaid, CHIP, and marketplace options and enroll immediately. Once covered, work with local providers and state health officials to advocate for expanded behavioral health and specialist services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Martin County

via RiskByCounty

Martin County is among America's safest counties

Martin County's composite risk score of 19.97 ranks it among the lowest-risk counties in the United States, well below the national average. The county earns a "Very Low" disaster risk rating, reflecting minimal exposure to most major natural hazards. This exceptional safety profile positions Martin County as a remarkably low-risk location for residents and properties.

One of Texas' lowest-risk counties overall

Martin County's score of 19.97 sits dramatically below Texas' state average of 49.00, making it one of the safest counties in the state. The county's West Texas location shields it from Atlantic hurricane paths and major tornado corridors. This geographic advantage creates a particularly favorable natural disaster risk environment.

Among the safest in West Texas region

Martin County (19.97) rivals McCulloch County (10.05) and Mason County (10.97) as West Texas' lowest-risk counties, far outpacing Lynn County (23.00). The county's Permian Basin location avoids the wildfire-prone terrain that affects higher-elevation West Texas regions. Its low composite score reflects genuine geographic advantages rather than sparse settlement or underestimation.

Wildfire is Martin's only notable hazard exposure

Wildfire risk (69.88) stands as Martin County's sole significant natural hazard, driven by semi-arid grasslands and seasonal fire conditions. All other hazards—tornado (23.63), hurricane (20.19), earthquake (10.50), and flood (28.63)—remain well below state averages. This concentrated risk profile simplifies disaster preparedness for county residents.

Focus wildfire prep; minimal other insurance needed

Homeowners should implement wildfire-defensible space with cleared vegetation and fire-resistant roofing and gutters, given the 69.88 wildfire risk score. Standard homeowners insurance covering wind and weather is sufficient for tornado and severe storm protection. Flood and earthquake insurance are generally unnecessary for most Martin County properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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