countyscore
57.9
County Score
Safety 94.6Cost of Living 93.3Disaster Risk 80.3

County Report Card

About Mitchell County, Texas

Strong National Livability Standing

Mitchell County earns a 57.9 composite score, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. It is a high-performing rural county that offers several significant advantages.

Exceeding Texas State Averages

The county's score of 57.9 is nearly 16 points higher than the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks among the more desirable and stable counties in its region.

Outstanding Value and Public Safety

The county boasts an elite cost score of 93.3, with a very low median home value of $85,700 and rent of $481. Safety and environmental risk are also high points, scoring 94.6 and 80.3 respectively.

Healthcare and High Tax Burden

A tax score of 3.6 reflects a high 1.960% effective tax rate, which may strain property owners. Healthcare access is also a weak point, evidenced by a score of 15.8.

Ideal for Budget-Minded Movers

Mitchell County is a top selection for those prioritizing extremely low housing costs and high physical safety. It provides a very secure environment for those who can manage higher property tax rates.

Score breakdown

Tax3.6Cost93.3Safety94.6Health15.8Schools68.5Income27.8Risk80.3Water45Weather39.4
🏛3.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡94.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤15.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧45
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱21
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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Deep Dives

Mitchell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mitchell County

via TaxByCounty

Mitchell's rate among nation's highest

Mitchell County's effective tax rate of 1.960% substantially exceeds the national median of 1.048%, ranking it among the highest-taxed counties in the United States. Despite a median home value of just $85,700, the median property tax reaches $1,680—notably lower than the national median of $2,690 due to lower property values.

Texas's steepest tax burden

Mitchell County's 1.960% effective rate is the highest among these eight counties and well above the Texas state average of 1.276%. This aggressive rate means residents pay an outsized percentage of their property value annually, despite modest home prices.

Significant premium over all peers

Mitchell County's 1.960% rate dramatically exceeds every neighboring jurisdiction, including Menard County (1.659%), Medina County (1.310%), and Midland County (1.262%). The county stands alone in this region for its punitive effective tax rate.

Steep rate on small home values

On an $85,700 home in Mitchell County, annual property taxes total approximately $1,680—a substantial percentage burden despite modest property values. Homeowners with mortgages face an estimated $3,035 annual obligation, reflecting the county's aggressive rate structure.

Prioritize assessment appeals

Given Mitchell County's exceptionally high effective rate, homeowners should seriously pursue property tax appeals to challenge inflated assessments. Rural properties in high-rate counties are especially vulnerable to overvaluation, making formal challenges a fiscally prudent move.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mitchell County

via CostByCounty

Mitchell's rock-bottom rents hide income crisis

Mitchell County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.3% appears exceptional, but it masks a troubling reality: median household income of just $56,033 is 25% below the national average. At $481 monthly rent, Mitchell offers the cheapest housing in this comparison, yet residents earn among the lowest incomes, creating genuine economic distress despite favorable affordability metrics.

Lowest income, lowest rent

Mitchell ranks among Texas's most economically distressed counties, with median income in the bottom quartile statewide. The $481 monthly rent reflects declining rural demand and depressed property values rather than prosperity—a cautionary tale of affordability without economic opportunity.

Affordability through economic hardship

Mitchell's superior rent-to-income ratio stems from collapsed incomes and rents, not balanced markets like Mills County. Compared to Menard ($48,191 income, $810 rent) and McMullen ($45,833 income), Mitchell sits at the economic margins, signaling limited job growth or outmigration.

The affordability paradox

Renters spend just 10.3% of their meager $56,033 income on $481 rent, while homeowners allocate 12% to $573 monthly costs. These favorable ratios reflect housing so cheap that even low incomes can bear the burden—a sign of economic distress, not prosperity.

Cheap living comes with cost

Mitchell's bargain rents suit only those with outside income sources—remote workers, retirees, or those with independent business. Without portable income, Mitchell's low rents offer little benefit in a county where local job opportunities remain severely limited.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mitchell County

via IncomeByCounty

Mitchell Well Below National Median

Mitchell County's median household income of $56,033 is 25.1% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among lower-income regions nationally. The county's earnings reflect the economic constraints of a small West Texas community with limited industrial diversity.

Below Texas State Average

Mitchell's median household income of $56,033 trails Texas's state average of $64,737 by 13.5%, ranking it in the lower-income quartile statewide. Per capita income of $28,277 falls 14.8% below state average of $33,197, suggesting limited earning capacity across the population.

Lower Income Than Most Regional Peers

Mitchell's $56,033 income exceeds only McMullen County ($45,833) and Menard County ($48,191) among the peer group. The county faces economic headwinds similar to other rural West Texas communities, with limited job diversity and smaller employer base.

Housing Highly Affordable

Mitchell's rent-to-income ratio of 10.3% is the lowest in the entire peer group, indicating renters spend just over one-tenth of earnings on housing—exceptionally affordable. Median home values of $85,700 are the lowest regionally, making homeownership highly accessible for local households.

Maximize Advantages of Low Cost Living

While Mitchell's median household income of $56,033 is modest, the extremely low housing costs (10.3% rent ratio) and affordable home prices create unusual wealth-building opportunities. Residents should maximize this advantage by channeling housing savings into emergency funds, retirement accounts, and long-term investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mitchell County

via CrimeByCounty

Mitchell County's Near-Zero Crime

Mitchell County achieves a perfect 100.0 safety score, indicating an exceptionally safe environment. Its total crime rate of just 11.2 per 100,000 residents is a fraction of the national average.

A Leader in Texas Safety

Mitchell’s safety score of 100.0 sits well above the Texas state average of 96.8. This makes it one of the most secure counties for residents in the entire state.

Exceptionally Safe Neighbors

The county reports significantly less activity than many of its West Texas neighbors. Two reporting agencies document a community where crime is an extreme rarity.

Practical Safety and Zero Violence

The data shows zero violent crimes and a property crime rate of only 11.2 per 100,000 residents. In practical terms, this represents a near-total absence of major criminal incidents.

Keep Your Community Safe

Maintaining a secure home helps keep Mitchell County's crime rates near zero. Even in the safest counties, locking doors and securing outbuildings remains a wise daily habit.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mitchell County

via HealthByCounty

Mitchell faces significant health headwinds

At 73.3 years, Mitchell County's life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 74.5 years, and the county's 26.9% poor/fair health rate far exceeds the national average of 18%. This combination signals a county facing serious chronic disease burden and health challenges that shorten lives. Mitchell residents experience substantially worse health outcomes than typical Americans, requiring urgent attention to health equity and access.

Lowest life expectancy in West Texas

Mitchell's 73.3-year life expectancy is well below Texas's 74.3-year average, making it a clear outlier statewide for premature mortality. The county's 26.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the worst in the state, indicating high chronic disease prevalence. With a 16.7% uninsured rate—actually better than state average—coverage is not the primary problem; health disparities and access to quality care are.

Mitchell lags far behind regional peers

Mitchell's 73.3-year life expectancy trails all neighbors: Midland (75.5), Mills (75.4), McLennan (75.3), and Medina (76.7)—a striking gap of 2-3 years. The county's 26.9% poor/fair health rate is the worst in its peer group, suggesting systemic health challenges beyond insurance coverage. Despite a relatively low uninsured rate (16.7%), Mitchell residents face the bleakest health profile in the region, pointing to deeper social and economic factors.

Moderate care access masks outcomes crisis

Mitchell offers 55 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a solid number on paper—yet the county's poor health outcomes suggest care quality or timeliness issues. Mental health provider data is unavailable, but the high rate of poor/fair health suggests behavioral health services may be inadequate. The disconnect between provider supply and health outcomes indicates Mitchell residents face barriers beyond simple access—poverty, education, and preventive care gaps likely play major roles.

Get covered and seek preventive care

Mitchell's 16.7% uninsured rate is competitive, yet health outcomes remain poor—if you're among the uninsured, coverage through healthcare.gov is step one. Once covered, prioritize preventive care: screenings, vaccinations, and chronic disease management can extend life and reduce the 26.9% poor/fair health rate dragging down the county. Your health plan is most valuable when used for prevention, not just emergencies.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mitchell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Rural Learning in Mitchell

Mitchell County educates 1,344 students within five public schools across three districts. The system includes two high schools and one large elementary and middle school campus.

Excellent Graduation Rates and Scores

The county boasts a 93.8% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 87%. A school score of 57.0 indicates high performance, supported by $7,699 in per-pupil spending, which exceeds the Texas average.

Colorado ISD Dominates the Landscape

Colorado ISD is the largest district, serving 949 students across three schools. Westbrook ISD and Loraine ISD provide additional rural options, with no charter schools operating in the county.

Classic Small-Town Texas Schools

Every school in the county is classified as rural, with an average size of 269 students. Colorado Elementary and Middle is the largest hub with 708 students, while Wallace Accelerated High serves just 14 students.

Quality Education in a Rural Setting

Mitchell County combines high graduation rates with a traditional community feel. Families looking for strong academic results should consider homes within the Colorado ISD or Westbrook ISD boundaries.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mitchell County

via RiskByCounty

Mitchell's risk well below national norms

Mitchell County's composite risk score of 19.75 falls solidly in the Very Low category, substantially below the national average of roughly 50. The county enjoys meaningful protection from most major natural disaster hazards.

Well below Texas's average exposure

At 19.75, Mitchell's score is less than 40 percent of Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it among the state's safer counties. The county's West Texas location and geography create favorable natural disaster conditions.

Safer than most, riskier than a few

Mitchell's score of 19.75 beats most peers but ranks higher than Menard County (3.05) and Mills County (5.60), though far below Midland (81.20). Its position reflects typical West Texas disaster vulnerability—relatively contained.

Wildfire is the primary local hazard

Wildfire risk of 83.97 is Mitchell's highest exposure, reflecting dry conditions and vegetation typical of West Texas. Tornado risk at 35.40 represents a secondary but manageable threat; all other hazards remain minimal.

Basic insurance with wildfire awareness

Standard homeowners policies suffice for Mitchell's overall low-risk profile, though emphasize wildfire prevention and property maintenance. Keep gutters cleared, trim tree branches away from structures, and maintain defensible space around your home.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mitchell County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures and Limited Rainfall

Mitchell's average temperature of 63.6°F is over 10 degrees higher than the national median of 53°F. It is a dry region, receiving only 22.0 inches of precipitation annually.

Drier than the Texas State Average

The county receives roughly 10 inches less rain than the Texas average of 31.9 inches. Its 63.6°F average temperature is slightly cooler than the state mean of 65.5°F.

A Bridge Between Arid and Humid

Mitchell is wetter than Midland to the west but drier than the counties in Central Texas. It shares a similar extreme heat profile with its neighbors, seeing 112 days above 90°F.

High Heat Days and Mild Winters

July averages a hot 83.7°F, part of a long summer with 112 extreme heat days. Winters are generally mild at 44.5°F and see only 1.6 inches of snowfall.

Managing Constant Sun and Dryness

Sun protection and water conservation are vital given the 112 days of extreme heat and 22.0 inches of rain. Air conditioning systems should be serviced before the peak July heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mitchell County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of West Texas

Mitchell County soils have an average pH of 7.64, which is notably more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This high pH is common in arid regions where minerals like calcium carbonate accumulate near the surface. Taxonomic data is not currently specified for this county.

A Sandy Loam Influence

The soil composition consists of 43.9% sand, 26.2% clay, and 28.4% silt. This blend creates a texture that is relatively easy to till while still providing enough clay to hold some nutrients. It represents a transition between the deep sands further west and the heavier clays to the east.

Strong Water Retention Despite Low Organic Matter

At 1.51%, the organic matter is slightly below the Texas average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.141 in/in is quite high, beating the state average of 0.133. This suggests the soil is surprisingly good at holding onto precious rainfall for later plant use.

High Runoff Risk in Group D

Mitchell County is characterized by Hydrologic Group D, indicating soils with very low infiltration rates. This means that during intense storms, water is more likely to run off the surface than soak into the ground. Careful management of surface water is vital for preventing erosion and flash flooding.

Drought-Tolerant Gardening in Zone 8a

Hardiness Zone 8a favors tough, sun-loving plants like cotton, sorghum, and native sunflowers. The soil's high water capacity helps plants survive the dry spells common in this part of Texas. Home gardeners should focus on drought-resistant varieties and use plenty of mulch to protect the soil surface.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mitchell County

via LawnByCounty

Mitchell County’s arid lawn struggle

Mitchell County is a tough environment for traditional lawns, scoring a 21.0 on the difficulty scale. Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, it is significantly more challenging than the state average and far below the national benchmark. Success here depends on working with the environment rather than against it.

High heat and low rainfall totals

With only 22.0 inches of annual precipitation, Mitchell County falls well below the 30-50 inch ideal range for turf. Growers must also manage 112 days of extreme heat, which is higher than the state average of 105 days. These factors create a high-stress climate for any plant that isn't naturally drought-tolerant.

Alkaline soil with drainage needs

The soil pH of 7.64 is on the alkaline side, which may require specialized fertilizers to prevent yellowing in some grass types. While specific texture data is limited, the region typically features soils that require careful management to retain moisture. Adding organic matter is the best way to improve the growing environment in this 8a zone.

Managing water in severe conditions

The county has faced 27 weeks of drought in the past year, with 21.5% of the area currently under severe drought status. This ongoing water stress means that every drop of irrigation must be used efficiently to maintain a green lawn. Consider using drip irrigation for landscape beds and keeping turf areas small and manageable.

Tough grass for a tough climate

Buffalo grass and Bermuda are the most reliable options for surviving the low rainfall and alkaline soil of Mitchell County. Since the last frost doesn't pass until April 4, hold off on any major planting until mid-spring when the ground is warm. Choosing the right native or adapted grass is your best strategy for a sustainable yard.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mitchell County's county score?
Mitchell County, Texas has a composite county score of 57.9 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 Mitchell County rank among counties in Texas?
Mitchell County ranks #16 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 Mitchell County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Mitchell County is $1,680, with an effective tax rate of 1.96%. This earns Mitchell County a tax score of 3.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mitchell County?
The median household income in Mitchell County, Texas is $56,033 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mitchell County earns an income score of 27.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mitchell County, Texas a good place to live?
Mitchell County scores 57.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Mitchell 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 Mitchell 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.