countyscore
38.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.4Safety 80.4Health 35.7

County Report Card

About Midland County, Texas

Trailing National Livability Norms

Midland County's composite score of 38.7 falls short of the national median of 50.0. High costs and environmental factors weigh down its overall ranking despite strong economic indicators.

Slightly Below the Texas Average

The county’s 38.7 score is just below the Texas state average of 41.9. While it is an economic powerhouse, other livability metrics keep it from ranking in the top half of the state.

High Earners and Safe Neighborhoods

Economic power is the headline here, with an elite income score of 93.4 and a median household income of $93,984. Community safety also remains a strength, earning a high score of 80.4.

High Living Costs and Water Issues

Affordability is a major hurdle with a low cost score of 9.0 and a median gross rent of $1,383. Environmental scores for water (15.2) and risk (18.8) reflect the challenges of the local climate.

A Haven for Career Professionals

Midland is a premier destination for high-earning professionals who value safety and a strong job market. It is less ideal for those looking for budget-friendly housing or high environmental stability.

2040608010022.6980.435.734.993.418.815.232.1Tax22.6Cost9Safety80.4Health35.7Schools34.9Income93.4Risk18.8Water15.2Weather32.138.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average7 below average

Midland County DNA

Foverall

How Midland County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Midland County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (93.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (15.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
22.6-29.4
Cost
9-39
Safety
80.4+25.400000000000006
Health
35.7-14.299999999999997
Schools
34.9-19.1
Income
93.4+42.400000000000006
Risk
18.8-28.2
Water
15.2-42.8
Weather
32.1-23.9
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Compare mortgage rates in Midland County

Whether buying or refinancing in Midland County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$293,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,383/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$293,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$55,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $93,984/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Counties with similar scores

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Clinton County
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Penobscot County
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Davidson County
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Racine County
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Craighead County
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Dawes County
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Nearby counties

Martin County
Texas
37.8
Ector County
Texas
21.2
Glasscock County
Texas
57.7
Upton County
Texas
55.8
Andrews County
Texas
32.2
Howard County
Texas
25.1
Crane County
Texas
53.5
Reagan County
Texas
55.4

Deep Dives

Midland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Midland County

via TaxByCounty

Midland's rate slightly below national median

Midland County's effective tax rate of 1.262% sits just below the national median of 1.048%, making it a near-average tax jurisdiction nationally. With a median home value of $293,000—above the national median of $281,900—residents pay median property taxes of $3,697, well above the national median of $2,690.

Right at Texas average

Midland County's 1.262% effective rate closely mirrors the Texas state average of 1.276%, placing it squarely in the middle of state rankings. The median property tax of $3,697 is substantially higher than the state median of $2,193, driven by higher home values and stronger property markets.

Moderate rate, premium home values

Midland County's 1.262% rate ranks lower than Medina County (1.310%) and Menard County (1.659%), but its much higher median home value of $293,000 results in larger annual tax bills. The county's stronger real estate market is evident compared to most neighboring rural counties.

Premium market, premium taxes

On a typical $293,000 Midland County home, annual property taxes reach approximately $3,697 before mortgage deductions. Homeowners with mortgages face an estimated $4,517 annual obligation, reflecting both the county's rate and its robust housing market.

Review assessments in strong markets

Midland County's competitive real estate market can sometimes lead to overassessed property values on tax rolls, even in relatively stable markets. Homeowners should request a professional assessment review if they believe their tax basis doesn't align with recent comparable sales in the area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Midland County

via CostByCounty

Midland's income makes housing affordable

Midland County's median household income of $93,984 is 26% above the national average, giving residents strong purchasing power despite housing costs that rank among Texas's highest. At 17.7% rent-to-income, Midland sits just below the state average of 18.1%, demonstrating how high incomes offset premium prices.

Highest incomes, highest prices

Midland ranks as Texas's most expensive housing market by absolute dollars, with median rents of $1,383 and home values of $293,000 fueled by oil and gas prosperity. Yet strong incomes make affordability ratios competitive with slower-growing counties, creating a uniquely balanced market.

West Texas income powerhouse

Midland's $93,984 median income dwarfs Mitchell County's $56,033 and McMullen's $45,833, while housing costs remain proportionally manageable. This income advantage reflects the region's energy sector dominance, setting Midland apart as a high-cost, high-opportunity market.

Premium prices, premium paychecks

Renters allocate 17.7% of income to $1,383 rent, while homeowners spend roughly 19% on $1,503 monthly ownership costs. The slight mortgage premium reflects newer or larger homes, yet both remain sustainable due to Midland's elevated income base.

For high earners seeking opportunity

Midland attracts professionals in energy, healthcare, and business services where six-figure incomes are common. If your earning potential aligns with the region's job market, housing affordability follows—but on a high-cost, high-income ladder.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Midland County

via IncomeByCounty

Midland Far Exceeds National Income

Midland County's median household income of $93,984 is 25.7% above the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting the wealth generated by the Permian Basin oil and gas economy. The county ranks among the highest-income regions in the nation, demonstrating exceptional economic performance.

Texas's Income Leader

Midland's median household income of $93,984 exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by 45.2%, ranking it among the top-earning counties statewide. Per capita income of $48,908 is 47.2% above state average, indicating both household and individual prosperity throughout the county.

Dominant Economic Power in Region

Midland's $93,984 median income vastly outpaces all regional peers: nearly double McMullen County ($45,833) and Menard County ($48,191), and significantly ahead of Medina County ($73,462). The county's energy-based economy creates a distinct income advantage across West Texas.

Strong Earnings Support Homeownership

Midland's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% is among the lowest in the region, showing renters easily afford housing on local wages. Median home values of $293,000 are accessible for households earning the county median, supported by the area's robust employment market.

Aggressive Wealth-Building Opportunity

With a median household income of $93,984 and affordable housing, Midland residents enjoy exceptional capacity for wealth accumulation through diversified investments, retirement savings, and real estate. The combination of high earnings and strong job security creates ideal conditions for building generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Midland County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Midland County

Midland County boasts a high safety score of 99.3, far exceeding the national average. Its total crime rate of 465.2 per 100,000 residents is roughly one-fifth of the national average.

A Top Performer in Texas

Midland outperforms the Texas state average safety score of 96.8. Despite its rapid industrial growth, the county maintains a much lower crime profile than many similarly sized Texas communities.

Safer Than Regional Neighbors

When compared to neighboring Ector County, Midland consistently shows a more favorable safety profile. Seven reporting agencies work together to monitor and manage public safety across the district.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is very low at 80.3 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 384.9. Both metrics are substantially lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Protecting Your Midland Property

Low crime rates suggest a safe community, but residents should still practice basic security. High-quality deadbolts and home security cameras provide an extra layer of peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Midland County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Major Urban Education Hub

Midland County hosts a massive infrastructure of 49 public schools serving 32,620 total students. This network includes 30 elementary schools and a significant presence of 13 charter campuses.

Stable Performance in a Large System

The county maintains an 88.3% graduation rate, slightly above the national average. Despite the large scale, the per-pupil expenditure of $6,625 remains efficient compared to state and national spending levels.

Midland ISD and Charter Choice

Midland ISD is the dominant force with 27,842 students across 40 schools. Charter schools are a major factor here, representing over 26% of all schools, led by institutions like IDEA Travis Academy.

Urban Density and Large Campus Life

With 42 schools in city settings, the average enrollment reaches 666 students per campus. Legacy High School and Midland High School are the largest, each serving over 2,490 students in a bustling urban environment.

Find Your Place in Midland's Schools

From massive high schools to specialized charter programs, Midland County offers unparalleled variety for families. Start your home search today to take advantage of the diverse educational opportunities in this thriving city.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Midland County

via RiskByCounty

Midland faces above-average disaster risk

Midland County's composite risk score of 81.20 significantly exceeds the national average of roughly 50, landing in the Relatively Moderate category. This Permian Basin county confronts genuine multi-hazard exposure that demands resident preparedness.

Among Texas's higher-risk counties

Midland's score of 81.20 towers above Texas's state average of 49.00, positioning it in the state's top tier of vulnerable counties. The county's composite risk is second only to McLennan in this eight-county set.

Significantly riskier than most neighbors

Midland's score of 81.20 far exceeds nearby Mitchell County (19.75) and Menard County (3.05), reflecting its exposed geographic position. Only McLennan County (91.22) faces comparable overall hazard exposure in the broader region.

Wildfire and tornado lead the threats

Wildfire risk scores 93.10 and tornado risk hits 91.44 in Midland County—both exceptionally high exposure levels. Flood risk at 80.50 adds a third serious hazard that residents must prepare for year-round.

Invest in comprehensive multi-hazard coverage

Midland residents should layer homeowners insurance with separate windstorm and flood policies to cover all major exposures. Review and test your evacuation plan twice yearly and maintain 30 feet of defensible space around your home.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Midland County

via WaterByCounty

Midland County Logs 325 Violations

Midland County carries a Water Quality Grade of F with 325 health violations reported over the last five years. The violation rate of 193.5 per 100,000 people is much higher than many neighbors, though still below the Texas average of 581.9. The high raw count indicates significant ongoing challenges for the county's water infrastructure.

Watershed Assessments Not Available

There are currently no assessed water bodies in Midland County under the federal §303(d) program. The ATTAINS reporting cycle has not yet provided data on impaired water percentages for this area. Residents should rely on local public water system reports for quality indicators.

No Federal Monitoring Records Found

There are currently no monitoring records for Midland County in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal. This absence of data means there are no active federal sites or measurements to analyze for the past five years. Local utility data remains the primary source for understanding water quality trends.

Primary Streamflow Gauging Not Available

Midland County currently lacks a representative USGS streamgage to provide live flow data. Without this NWIS data, current discharge levels relative to historical means cannot be calculated. This lack of data often occurs in arid regions with few persistent surface water bodies.

Focus on Filtration and Testing

With 325 health violations and a lack of environmental monitoring data, Midland residents should be proactive about water safety. Installing a home filtration system can help mitigate the risks associated with the county's Grade F compliance status. Regularly check with local utilities for the most recent Safe Drinking Water Act compliance updates.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Midland County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Arid West Texas Climate

Midland's annual average temperature of 65.3°F is significantly higher than the national median of 53°F. The county receives just 13.5 inches of rain per year, characterizing it as a semi-arid region.

Matching the Texas Temperature Average

The county's 65.3°F average temperature sits right alongside the Texas state average of 65.5°F. However, its 13.5 inches of rain is far below the state average of 31.9 inches.

Drier than Its Eastern Neighbors

Midland is considerably more arid than Mitchell County to the east, which receives 22.0 inches of annual precipitation. Both counties share similar heat profiles with over 110 days of extreme heat annually.

Intense Summers and Gentle Winters

Summers bring 121 days of temperatures at or above 90°F with a July average of 83.5°F. Winters are mild, averaging 47.4°F with only 3.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Strategies for Heat and Drought

Residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling to manage the 121 days of extreme heat. Xeriscaping is a practical choice given the low 13.5-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Midland County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Sands of the Permian Basin

Midland County features a high average pH of 7.78, which is much more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. While the taxonomic order is not currently classified, the soil is characterized by its sandy nature. This high pH can often lead to iron deficiencies in non-native plant species.

The Dominance of Fine Sand

With 54.6% sand and only 18.5% clay, the soil is classified as fine sand. This high sand content allows for rapid water movement but results in poor nutrient retention. It is easy to dig and work, though it requires frequent amendments to maintain productivity.

Low Organic Matter Challenges Growers

Organic matter content is 1.32%, falling below the state average of 1.66% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.129 in/in is also lower than the state average of 0.133. These numbers highlight the arid, desert-like conditions that local vegetation must endure.

Rapid Infiltration in Group A

The soil is well-drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group A, indicating high infiltration rates and low runoff potential. This makes it ideal for preventing puddles, but it also means water and fertilizers leach away quickly. It provides an excellent, stable base for urban development and construction.

Xeriscaping for Hardiness Zone 8a

Hardiness Zone 8a in Midland is perfect for desert-adapted plants like agave, yucca, and honey mesquite. Because the soil is sandy and low in nutrients, gardeners should focus on drought-tolerant natives that don't mind alkaline conditions. Start a rock garden or use raised beds to better manage soil fertility and moisture.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Midland County

via LawnByCounty

Midland’s extreme lawn environment

Midland County is one of the toughest places in the nation to grow a lawn, with a difficulty score of only 13.1. In Hardiness Zone 8a, homeowners face a harsh combination of extreme aridity and significant heat. This score is less than half of the state average, highlighting the intense dedication required for green space here.

Severe aridity and scorching summers

Midland receives just 13.5 inches of rain annually, far below the 30-inch minimum most grasses need to thrive. With 121 days of extreme heat, the climate creates a high-evaporation environment that rapidly depletes soil moisture. The growing season begins after the March 26 frost, but the intense sun quickly becomes the primary challenge.

Sandy, alkaline soil drains rapidly

With a high sand content of 54.6% and an alkaline pH of 7.78, the local soil is poorly suited for water-hungry turf. While the soil is well-drained, it lacks the organic matter needed to hold onto nutrients and moisture in the heat. Significant soil building with compost is mandatory to give grass roots any chance of survival.

Chronic drought requires smart watering

Midland has endured 31 weeks of drought in the last year, with 43% of the area currently in severe drought. In this desert-like climate, traditional lawns are increasingly difficult to justify without high-efficiency irrigation systems. Focus on drought-tolerant landscaping and use greywater where local regulations allow to sustain plant life.

Choosing survivors over aesthetics

Buffalo grass is the only realistic turf option that can handle Midland's combination of low water and alkaline soil. Avoid seeding until April when the soil temperature consistently stays above 65°F. For many residents, native bunchgrasses or desert landscaping provide a more sustainable and attractive alternative to traditional lawns.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Midland County's county score?
Midland County, Texas has a composite county score of 38.7 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 Midland County rank among counties in Texas?
Midland County ranks #154 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 Midland County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Midland County is $3,697, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Midland County a tax score of 22.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Midland County?
The median household income in Midland County, Texas is $93,984 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Midland County earns an income score of 93.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Midland County, Texas a good place to live?
Midland County scores 38.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #154 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Midland 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 Midland County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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