countyscore
37.8
County Score
Schools 83.3Income & Jobs 80.2Disaster Risk 80.1

County Report Card

About Martin County, Texas

Martin County Features Unique Economic Strengths

Martin County earns a composite score of 37.8, falling below the national median of 50.0. While its overall score is modest, it features some of the highest individual dimension scores in the region.

Specialized Performance in West Texas

The county’s 37.8 score is lower than the Texas average of 41.9. However, it outperforms many neighboring counties in wealth and educational metrics, making it a regional economic outlier.

High Incomes and Elite Schools

Martin County excels with an income score of 80.2 and a school score of 83.3. The median household income is a robust $77,083, reflecting a wealthy local economy.

Addressing Safety and Water Infrastructure

The county faces a safety score of 0.0, suggesting significant concerns or data reporting gaps that need resolution. Water infrastructure is another challenge, with a low score of 2.6.

A Fit for High-Earning Professionals

This county is best for professionals who prioritize high salaries and excellent schools. Residents must be prepared to handle the trade-offs of an industrial landscape and infrastructure limitations.

Score breakdown

Tax46.2Cost41.8Safety0Health11.6Schools83.3Income80.2Risk80.1Water2.6Weather31.5
🏛46.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡0
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤11.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓83.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧2.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨13.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱19.7
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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Nearby counties

Midland County
Texas
38.7
Howard County
Texas
25.1
Dawson County
Texas
32.6
Glasscock County
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57.7
Andrews County
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Borden County
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Ector County
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Gaines County
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Deep Dives

Martin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Martin County

via CrimeByCounty

Extreme Crime Rates Reported in Martin County

Martin County reports a safety score of 0.0, driven by an exceptionally high total crime rate of 63,332.1 per 100,000 residents. This figure is many times higher than the national average of 2,385.5, suggesting significant local safety challenges.

A Notable Outlier in Texas Safety Data

While the average Texas safety score is 96.8, Martin County's score of 0.0 marks it as a major statistical outlier in the state. The reported crime rate is nearly 30 times higher than the Texas state average of 2,052.5.

Unusual Trends Compared to Regional Neighbors

With only three reporting agencies, the massive crime rate of 63,332.1 per 100,000 may reflect unique local data reporting or specific high-crime incidents. It stands in stark contrast to the moderate safety levels found in neighboring Texas counties.

Significant Property and Violent Crime Presence

Violent crime is reported at an alarming 12,509.6 per 100,000, while property crime reaches 50,822.5. These numbers imply that a very large percentage of the population is impacted by crime annually.

Maximum Security for Local Residents

Given these extreme figures, residents must treat home security as a top priority. Invest in comprehensive security systems, reinforced doors, and stay highly vigilant about your surroundings at all times.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Martin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Robust Rural Infrastructure in Martin

Martin County’s education infrastructure consists of four public schools spread across two school districts. A total of 1,339 students are enrolled in a mix of elementary, middle, high, and multi-grade schools.

Exceptional Scores and Strong Funding

The county boasts a high 95.6% graduation rate and a school score of 60.3, well above the state average of 55.3. Funding is also robust for the region, with $8,761 spent per pupil compared to the Texas average of $7,498.

Stanton and Grady Lead the Way

Stanton ISD is the largest district, serving 1,081 students across three schools. Grady ISD manages the remaining 258 students at the Grady School, which provides PK-12 education.

Quiet Campuses with Personal Attention

All four schools are located in rural locales, creating a community-centric learning environment with an average size of 335 students. Stanton Elementary is the largest campus with 518 students, while Grady School provides a smaller, all-in-one grade experience.

High-Quality Living in Martin County

With high academic scores and strong per-pupil investment, Martin County is an attractive destination for families. Look for properties within the Stanton or Grady districts to benefit from this high-performing rural system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Martin County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry High Desert Conditions

While specific annual temperature data is unavailable, Martin County is characterized by a dry, semi-arid climate. Its 15.8 inches of annual rain is less than half the national average for precipitation.

Drier Than Most of Texas

Martin County is significantly drier than the state average, receiving only 15.8 inches of rain compared to the 31.9 inches seen across Texas. Temperature data remains limited for this specific county compared to the state average of 65.5°F.

A Typical West Texas Environment

The county shares a similar landscape with neighboring Midland and Howard counties. Like its neighbors, it experiences low humidity and a relatively high annual snowfall of 3.9 inches for the region.

Arid Days and Snowy Dustings

Specific seasonal temperature averages are not recorded, but the county maintains a dry profile year-round. It receives 3.9 inches of snow annually, providing a cold contrast to the generally arid West Texas climate.

Focus on Arid-Ready Landscaping

With only 15.8 inches of rain, residents should utilize drought-resistant plants and water-saving techniques. Winter preparations should account for nearly 4 inches of snow, even in this generally dry landscape.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Martin County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Inceptisols of the High Plains

Martin County sits on Inceptisols with an average pH of 7.81, which is significantly more basic than the national median of 6.5. These relatively young soils are less weathered than those in wetter climates. The alkaline nature reflects the arid conditions of the West Texas landscape.

Fine Sandy Loam Dynamics

The soil is a fine sandy loam made of 56.9% sand, 22.8% silt, and 20.3% clay. This high sand content ensures excellent workability and easy root penetration for crops. However, this mix also means the soil drains quickly and may struggle to hold onto mobile nutrients like nitrogen.

Arid Fertility Challenges

Organic matter is lower than average at 1.22%, trailing the Texas state benchmark of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.131 in/in sits just below the state average of 0.133. These numbers indicate that consistent irrigation and organic amendments are vital for successful farming here.

Well-Drained Ground for Steady Building

These soils are classified as well-drained and belong to hydrologic group B. This group represents a moderate infiltration rate and a relatively low risk of runoff compared to heavier clays. These characteristics make the county well-suited for stable construction and traditional cotton farming.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 8a

Martin County resides in USDA hardiness zone 8a, supporting heat-hardy staples like cotton, sorghum, and peppers. Success depends on choosing drought-tolerant varieties that can handle the alkaline soil pH. Local gardeners should prioritize mulching to conserve moisture in this sun-drenched environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Martin County

via LawnByCounty

Stark Challenges in West Texas

Martin County is one of the toughest places for lawns, with a difficulty score of 19.7. This is well below the state average of 31.7 and the national benchmark of 50.0. Success in this Zone 8a region requires a specialized approach to turf management and significant resource inputs.

Arid Climate Limits Natural Growth

The county receives only 15.8 inches of annual rain, which is less than half of the ideal 30-50 inch range. This extreme lack of moisture means supplemental irrigation is the primary factor for lawn survival. Limited climate data suggests a harsh environment where heat and wind further accelerate moisture loss.

Alkaline Sandy Loam Foundations

Local soils are alkaline with a pH of 7.81, often requiring sulfur amendments to bring levels closer to the 6.0-7.0 ideal. The well-drained fine sandy loam, composed of 56.9% sand, moves water through the profile quickly. Without organic matter to improve retention, lawns here can dry out in a matter of hours.

Persistent Drought Conditions

Lawns in Martin County faced 29 weeks of drought over the past year, making it a high-stress environment. Currently, the entire county is abnormally dry, though only 2.3% faces severe drought levels. Xeroscaping or utilizing native desert-adapted grasses is the most sustainable path forward in this water-scarce region.

Focusing on Native Resilience

Standard turfgrasses will struggle here; consider drought-hardy Buffalograss as a more sustainable alternative for Zone 8a. While local frost dates are variable, prioritize planting during the warmest months when supplemental water can be most effectively managed. Success requires working with the desert environment rather than against it.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Martin County's county score?
Martin County, Texas has a composite county score of 37.8 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 Martin County rank among counties in Texas?
Martin County ranks #160 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 Martin County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Martin County is $1,434, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Martin County a tax score of 46.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Martin County?
The median household income in Martin County, Texas is $77,083 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Martin County earns an income score of 80.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Martin County, Texas a good place to live?
Martin County scores 37.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #160 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Martin 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 Martin County with other counties side by side.

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