countyscore
35.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 62.2Cost of Living 58.7Schools 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.

204060801009.958.729.514.858.413.162.236.741.5Tax9.9Cost58.7Safety29.5Health14.8Schools58.4Income13.1Risk62.2Water36.7Weather41.535.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Nolan County DNA

Foverall

How Nolan County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Nolan County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (62.2/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (9.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
9.9-42.1
Cost
58.7+10.700000000000003
Safety
29.5-25.5
Health
14.8-35.2
Schools
58.4
Income
13.1-37.9
Risk
62.2+15.200000000000003
Water
36.7-21.299999999999997
Weather
41.5-14.5
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Many homeowners in Nolan County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$96,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$913/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$96,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,747/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.6

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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Nearby counties

Coke County
Texas
48
Taylor County
Texas
41.4
Mitchell County
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58.4
Runnels County
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43.7
Fisher County
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Jones County
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Sterling County
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Scurry County
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Deep Dives

Nolan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 35.6 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 #180 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 $1,475, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns Nolan County a tax score of 9.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nolan County?
The median household income in Nolan County, Texas is $50,747 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nolan County earns an income score of 13.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nolan County, Texas a good place to live?
Nolan County scores 35.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #180 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.