With a composite score of 65.7, Nolan County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper third nationally. This score reflects a county where cost of living and tax burden offer real advantages for residents seeking affordability.
2 / 5
Slightly below Texas average
Nolan ranks just beneath Texas's state average composite score of 66.8, holding steady among the state's mid-tier counties. The county remains solidly competitive within Texas, where livability varies considerably across 254 counties.
3 / 5
Affordability is Nolan's strong suit
The county excels in housing costs, earning a score of 82.5 with a median home value of just $98,300 and rent averaging $866 monthly. Combined with a reasonable tax burden (1.511% effective rate), Nolan delivers genuine purchasing power for budget-conscious families.
4 / 5
Income levels lag behind peers
With a median household income of $50,160 and an income score of just 16.1, Nolan's wage levels fall significantly below most comparable counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable, limiting a fuller picture of livability.
5 / 5
Best for retirees and remote workers
Nolan County suits individuals and couples prioritizing low costs over high incomes—retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or those seeking an affordable small-town lifestyle. The county's greatest appeal is financial: stretch your dollar further while maintaining reasonable tax obligations.
With a composite score of 65.7, Nolan County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper third nationally. This score reflects a county where cost of living and tax burden offer real advantages for residents seeking affordability.
Slightly below Texas average
Nolan ranks just beneath Texas's state average composite score of 66.8, holding steady among the state's mid-tier counties. The county remains solidly competitive within Texas, where livability varies considerably across 254 counties.
Affordability is Nolan's strong suit
The county excels in housing costs, earning a score of 82.5 with a median home value of just $98,300 and rent averaging $866 monthly. Combined with a reasonable tax burden (1.511% effective rate), Nolan delivers genuine purchasing power for budget-conscious families.
Income levels lag behind peers
With a median household income of $50,160 and an income score of just 16.1, Nolan's wage levels fall significantly below most comparable counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable, limiting a fuller picture of livability.
Best for retirees and remote workers
Nolan County suits individuals and couples prioritizing low costs over high incomes—retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or those seeking an affordable small-town lifestyle. The county's greatest appeal is financial: stretch your dollar further while maintaining reasonable tax obligations.
Score breakdown
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🏛59.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.511%, Nolan County's effective tax rate is 18% above the national median of 1.276%, placing it in the upper quartile nationally. Homeowners here pay significantly more per dollar of assessed value than typical Americans.
Higher than typical for Texas
Nolan County's 1.511% rate exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276% by 0.235 percentage points. Among Texas counties, Nolan ranks as a higher-tax jurisdiction.
Nolan ranks among the region's highest
At 1.511%, Nolan trails only Moore (1.526%) but significantly exceeds Motley (1.097%), Morris (1.178%), Nacogdoches (0.925%), and Newton (1.030%). Nolan is the second-most-taxed county in its immediate region.
Median home costs about $1,485 yearly
With a median home value of just $98,300, Nolan County homeowners pay roughly $1,485 in annual property taxes. The relatively modest home values help offset the high effective rate.
Challenge your assessment if overvalued
Nolan County residents with inflated assessed values should consider appealing to the appraisal district. Successful challenges can recover significant annual tax savings.
Nolan County renters spend 20.7% of income on housing, exceeding the Texas average of 18.1% and indicating measurable affordability strain. The $50,160 median household income falls well below the national average, limiting financial flexibility for housing-cost shocks.
Above-average Texas housing burden
Nolan County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks above the state average, placing it among Texas's less affordable counties. The median home value of $98,300 offers accessible homeownership but with limited margin for household financial stress.
Nolan balanced between extremes
Nolan County's $866 median rent falls between Motley County ($725) and Navarro County ($1,039), while its $50,160 median income is the region's lowest. This combination produces a middle-range affordability challenge at 20.7%, better than Navarro/Newton but worse than Motley/Moore.
Nolan's housing-budget allocation
Renters dedicate $866 monthly while homeowners pay $674 against a $50,160 median household income. At just over one-fifth of income consumed by rent, Nolan households face real budgeting constraints and limited savings capacity.
Nolan County for calculated relocators
Nolan County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio suggests affordability challenges; consider it primarily if relocating from a more expensive area or with clear employment prospects exceeding the county median. If you're currently spending 20% or less on housing, carefully evaluate whether a move here makes financial sense.
Nolan County's median household income of $50,160 falls 33% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom third nationally. This gap reflects the county's reliance on smaller-scale agriculture and regional industries compared to more diversified national markets.
Below average for Texas households
Nolan County ranks in the lower half of Texas counties, with median income trailing the state average of $64,737 by $14,577. The gap suggests local economic challenges that many other Texas regions have managed to overcome.
Neighbors earn noticeably more
Surrounding counties like Ochiltree ($64,988) and Palo Pinto ($64,972) earn 29% more than Nolan County. This income gap indicates economic disparities within the region that may reflect differences in job diversity and industry strength.
Rent remains affordable here
With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.7%, Nolan County stays well within the sustainable 30% threshold, meaning housing costs are manageable relative to earnings. However, the lower overall income leaves less room for savings and emergencies compared to higher-earning regions.
Build financial security early
Nolan County residents should prioritize emergency funds and low-cost index funds to grow wealth over time, starting with even modest monthly contributions. Consider seeking employer retirement plans or opening an IRA—compound growth over decades can significantly bridge income gaps.
Nolan County residents live to an average of 73.5 years, about 5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With 27% of adults reporting poor or fair health, the county faces significant health challenges that mirror broader struggles in rural Texas.
Below Texas average in life expectancy
At 73.5 years, Nolan County trails Texas's state average of 74.3 years. This 0.8-year gap reflects ongoing health disparities that affect daily life across the county.
Nolan's mental health providers stand out
Nolan County offers 91 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—double the rate in neighboring Palo Pinto County (27 per 100K). However, primary care access remains limited at 48 providers per 100,000, barely matching local demand.
Nearly 1 in 5 Nolan residents uninsured
At 18.9%, Nolan's uninsured rate runs slightly below the state average of 19.8%, but thousands still lack coverage. Limited primary care capacity means those without insurance often delay preventive care, driving up costs downstream.
Check your health insurance options today
With nearly 1 in 5 residents uninsured, finding affordable coverage matters now. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to explore plans that fit your family's needs and budget.
With a composite risk score of 37.85 and a Very Low rating, Nolan County faces significantly less natural disaster risk than the typical U.S. county. The county's overall exposure is roughly 23% lower than the state average of 49.00, positioning it among the safer regions in Texas for residents and property owners.
Among Texas's safest counties
Nolan County ranks in the bottom tier of risk across all Texas counties, thanks to its very low composite score. This favorable standing reflects limited exposure to most major hazard types, making it a relatively stable place to build and invest.
Safer than surrounding West Texas
Compared to nearby counties, Nolan sits in the lower-risk spectrum with its 37.85 score. Neighbors like Palo Pinto County (55.22) and Panola County (55.44) face meaningfully higher composite risk, making Nolan a relative haven in the region.
Wildfire and tornado are top concerns
Wildfire risk peaks at 86.61—the county's dominant hazard—followed by tornado risk at 62.69, both well above typical thresholds. Flood, hurricane, and earthquake risks all remain minimal, with scores under 30, so property protection should focus on wind and fire resilience.
Prioritize windstorm and fire coverage
Standard homeowners insurance should cover tornado damage, but verify your wildfire coverage—especially if you live near grassland or have brush nearby. Consider a separate windstorm policy if your standard homeowners plan excludes it, since Nolan's wildfire and tornado exposure warrant comprehensive wind and fire protection.