countyscore
36.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 62.2Cost of Living 60.6Schools 58.4

County Report Card

About Nolan County, Texas

Nolan County trails national median benchmarks

Nolan County earns a composite score of 36.4, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural landscape where housing affordability currently outpaces economic growth.

Falling short of the Texas average

The county's overall score of 36.4 sits below the Texas state average of 41.9. While it provides a quieter pace of life, it lags behind more urbanized Texas peers in health and tax metrics.

Strong schools and environmental stability

With a risk score of 62.2 and a school score of 58.4, Nolan County offers a safe environment for education and low natural disaster threats. Housing is exceptionally affordable, featuring a median home value of just $98,300.

Economic and healthcare hurdles remain

The county faces challenges with an income score of 14.8 and a matching health score of 14.8. These figures stem from a median household income of $50,160 and limited local medical infrastructure.

A stable choice for budget-conscious families

Nolan County best suits families seeking very low housing costs and a stable school system away from the bustle of big cities. It is an ideal spot for those who prioritize community and affordability over high-growth career opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax12.5Cost60.6Safety29.5Health14.8Schools58.4Income14.8Risk62.2Water36.7Weather41.5
🏛12.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤14.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡62.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.3
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Nolan County?

Many homeowners in Nolan County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Nolan County with Solano County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Solano County
California
Median income: $99,994
36.4
Lee County
Florida
Median income: $73,099
36.4
Tunica County
Mississippi
Median income: $38,402
36.4
Silver Bow County
Montana
Median income: $57,504
36.4
Creek County
Oklahoma
Median income: $61,849
36.4
Orangeburg County
South Carolina
Median income: $43,214
36.4
Pinellas County
Florida
Median income: $70,293
36.3
Sampson County
North Carolina
Median income: $53,159
36.3

Nearby counties

Coke County
Texas
48.8
Taylor County
Texas
41.9
Mitchell County
Texas
57.9
Runnels County
Texas
42.3
Fisher County
Texas
42.3
Jones County
Texas
30.1
Sterling County
Texas
51.8
Scurry County
Texas
35.5

Deep Dives

Nolan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Nolan County

via TaxByCounty

Nolan's rate tops the national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nolan County

via CostByCounty

Nolan County shows moderate affordability stress

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nolan County

via IncomeByCounty

Nolan County lags national income levels

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nolan County

via CrimeByCounty

Nolan County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Nolan County maintains a strong safety score of 97.3 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,685.2 per 100,000 residents sits significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Staying Ahead of the Texas Average

The county's overall safety score exceeds the Texas state average of 96.8. Local law enforcement reports a total crime rate that is nearly 18% lower than the state's average of 2,052.5 per 100,000 people.

Comparing Regional Safety Trends

Nolan County presents a safer profile than nearby Palo Pinto County, which sees over 700 more crimes per 100,000 residents. While its property crime is low, Nolan faces a higher violent crime rate than several of its regional neighbors.

The Balance of Violent and Property Crimes

Property crimes make up the majority of local incidents at 1,207.6 per 100,000 residents. However, the violent crime rate of 477.6 stands above the national benchmark of 369.8, signaling a specific area for community focus.

Prioritizing Local Security

With property crime accounting for over 70% of reported incidents, home security remains a vital precaution. Installing smart lighting and reinforced locks provides an effective deterrent in these rural and suburban neighborhoods.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Nolan County

via HealthByCounty

Nolan falls short of national life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Nolan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Innovative Education and High Enrollment

Nolan County supports 12 public schools serving 8,511 students through four districts. The landscape is unique, featuring six elementary, one middle, and two high schools, along with three campuses classified as 'other.' This structure includes a significant mix of traditional and non-traditional school models.

High Investment and Competitive Scores

The county earns a school score of 58.0, which is higher than the state average of 55.3. Per-pupil expenditure is notably high at $9,821, though the 86.9% graduation rate sits just below the state average. This indicates a high level of financial commitment to student learning and local school infrastructure.

Roscoe Collegiate and Sweetwater Leads

Roscoe Collegiate ISD serves 6,191 students, while Sweetwater ISD operates six schools for 1,942 students. A major feature of the county is its charter school presence, with three campuses representing 25% of all schools. This includes the massive Lone Star Online Academy, which serves over 5,500 students.

A Blend of Small Town and Digital Learning

School locales are evenly split between rural and town settings, with an average enrollment of 709 students. While Sweetwater High School offers a traditional town experience for 545 students, the county is also home to large-scale virtual programs. This mix creates an educational character that values both local presence and digital innovation.

Find Your Place in an Innovative Hub

Homebuyers in Nolan County benefit from a school system that blends high per-pupil spending with innovative charter options. Whether you prefer the traditional Sweetwater district or the collegiate model in Roscoe, the area offers diverse educational paths. Use these strong school scores as a foundation for your local real estate search.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nolan County

via RiskByCounty

Nolan County sits well below national risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nolan County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Dry High Plains Living

Nolan County averages 63.6°F annually, which is about 10 degrees warmer than the national median. The climate is semi-arid, offering a stark contrast to the wetter eastern half of the country.

Lower Temperatures than Central Texas

At 63.6°F, Nolan County is cooler than the state average of 65.5°F. Its 21.2 inches of annual rain also falls well below the statewide average of 31.9 inches.

Arid Climate of the Big Country

Nolan receives 10 fewer inches of rain than the state average, typical for its region. It is much drier than the coastal regions, favoring ranching over heavy agriculture.

Intense Heat and Light Snow

Summer is defined by 97 days of extreme heat and a July average of 83.0°F. Winters are crisp and dry, averaging 45.1°F with about 2.3 inches of annual snow.

Plan for a Dry Environment

Low 21.2-inch rainfall makes water conservation and xeriscaping vital for local residents. Reliable HVAC systems are a must for the 97 days of 90-plus degree weather.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nolan County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline ground in North Central Texas

The average soil pH in Nolan County is 7.54, which is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. This alkaline profile is typical for the region and affects nutrient availability.

Balanced particle mix aids stability

The soil composition includes 37.1% sand, 32.3% silt, and 27.0% clay. This balanced distribution helps the soil retain nutrients while maintaining a stable physical structure.

High water capacity beats state average

Organic matter is healthy at 1.77%, exceeding the Texas average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.150 in/in also ranks high, providing a significant advantage during dry Texas summers.

Low infiltration poses runoff risks

Classified under hydrologic group D, this soil has a very slow infiltration rate when wet. This can lead to increased runoff, meaning water conservation and erosion control are vital.

Peppers and native grasses love 8a

Hardiness zone 8a is perfect for heat-loving vegetables like peppers and tomatoes. Use the soil's high water capacity to establish a deep-rooted, drought-resistant landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nolan County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Lawn Conditions in West Texas

Nolan County earns a low lawn difficulty score of 26.3, making it significantly harder to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. While the state average sits at 31.7, homeowners in hardiness zone 8a face an uphill battle with arid conditions.

Searing Heat and Sparse Rain

The county records 97 extreme heat days annually where temperatures top 90°F, stressing most traditional grass types. With only 21.2 inches of annual precipitation, you fall well below the 30-50 inches ideal for healthy lawns, necessitating heavy supplemental irrigation.

Alkaline Soil Challenges Local Roots

A soil pH of 7.54 is notably alkaline compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which often restricts nutrient uptake. The ground contains 27.0% clay and 37.1% sand, creating a dense environment that benefit from organic matter to improve aeration.

Managing Constant Dry Spells

The county spent 21 weeks in drought over the past year, and currently, the entire area is classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation and build deeper root systems.

Hardy Choices for Nolan Lawns

Bermuda and Buffalo grass are excellent choices for this 8a climate due to their high drought tolerance. Plan your seeding or sodding after the last spring frost on March 30 to give your lawn time to establish before the summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nolan County's county score?
Nolan County, Texas has a composite county score of 36.4 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 Nolan County rank among counties in Texas?
Nolan County ranks #175 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 Nolan County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Nolan County is $1,485, with an effective tax rate of 1.51%. This earns Nolan County a tax score of 12.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nolan County?
The median household income in Nolan County, Texas is $50,160 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nolan County earns an income score of 14.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nolan County, Texas a good place to live?
Nolan County scores 36.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #175 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Nolan 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 Nolan County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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