Ochiltree's composite score of 67.0 bests the national median of 50.0 by 34%, positioning the county in the upper quartile nationally. This strong performance reflects a well-balanced livability profile across available metrics.
2 / 5
Matches Texas average exactly
With a score of 67.0, Ochiltree aligns perfectly with Texas's state average of 66.8, ranking in the middle-upper tier of the state's counties. The county represents a balanced Texas livability experience.
3 / 5
Low taxes and affordable housing lead the way
Ochiltree excels in tax efficiency (1.402% effective rate, score 62.8) and housing affordability (80.5 cost score, $905 median rent). The county also offers solid income potential with a median of $64,988, creating a well-rounded value proposition.
4 / 5
Data gaps on health, safety, and schools
While financial metrics are strong, Ochiltree lacks reported data on safety, health outcomes, schools, and environmental risk. These missing dimensions prevent a complete assessment of overall quality of life beyond affordability.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-conscious families seeking balance
Ochiltree County appeals to families and individuals prioritizing low taxes, affordable homes, and decent incomes in a stable, mid-size community. The county offers genuine value without the extreme trade-offs of ultra-low-cost regions.
Ochiltree's composite score of 67.0 bests the national median of 50.0 by 34%, positioning the county in the upper quartile nationally. This strong performance reflects a well-balanced livability profile across available metrics.
Matches Texas average exactly
With a score of 67.0, Ochiltree aligns perfectly with Texas's state average of 66.8, ranking in the middle-upper tier of the state's counties. The county represents a balanced Texas livability experience.
Low taxes and affordable housing lead the way
Ochiltree excels in tax efficiency (1.402% effective rate, score 62.8) and housing affordability (80.5 cost score, $905 median rent). The county also offers solid income potential with a median of $64,988, creating a well-rounded value proposition.
Data gaps on health, safety, and schools
While financial metrics are strong, Ochiltree lacks reported data on safety, health outcomes, schools, and environmental risk. These missing dimensions prevent a complete assessment of overall quality of life beyond affordability.
Ideal for budget-conscious families seeking balance
Ochiltree County appeals to families and individuals prioritizing low taxes, affordable homes, and decent incomes in a stable, mid-size community. The county offers genuine value without the extreme trade-offs of ultra-low-cost regions.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛62.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.402% effective rate, Ochiltree County homeowners pay less than the national median of $2,690 annually—residents here fork over just $1,924. This puts the county in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties by tax burden, well below the national average.
Above average within Texas
Ochiltree's 1.402% effective rate edges above Texas's 1.276% state average, ranking it in the middle tier among all Texas counties. The median tax bill of $1,924 sits slightly below the state median of $2,193, reflecting the county's lower property values.
Similar to the Texas Panhandle
Ochiltree compares closely to neighboring Panhandle counties like Oldham (1.297% rate) and Parmer (1.566% rate), all within the same effective rate band. The $1,924 median tax is typical for this rural region's property values.
Your tax bill in Ochiltree
A homeowner with the county median home value of $137,200 pays roughly $1,924 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,738 when including additional fees.
Check if you're overassessed
Many Ochiltree County homeowners never review their property tax appraisal and may be paying more than they owe. Filing a simple appeal with your county appraisal district could lower your assessment and save you hundreds annually.
Ochiltree County renters spend just 16.7% of income on housing, nearly 3 full percentage points below the national median. This panhandle county offers surprisingly robust affordability relative to the rest of America.
Well below Texas rent burden
At 16.7%, Ochiltree's rent-to-income ratio outperforms Texas's 18.1% average and ranks among the state's more affordable counties. Median rent is a modest $905 monthly, well under the state's $963 median.
Cheapest rents in its region
Ochiltree's $905 rent undercuts Parmer County's $1,015 and Oldham County's $1,125, making it the most budget-friendly option for renters in the Texas panhandle. The affordability advantage compounds when factoring in lower median home values too.
Housing takes under 1/6 of income
Ochiltree's median household income of $64,988 paired with $905 rent means renters spend just $10,860 yearly on housing. Homeowners pay $761 monthly in ownership costs, or about 14% of gross income—excellent affordability across both rental and ownership markets.
Great affordability, small-town living
Ochiltree offers some of Texas's best housing value for renters and buyers alike, ideal if you prioritize affordability over urban amenities. Compare your current rent-to-income ratio: if it exceeds 18%, this panhandle county could meaningfully improve your financial flexibility.
Ochiltree County approaches national income parity
Ochiltree County's median household income of $64,988 sits 13% below the U.S. median of $74,755, though it performs better than many rural Texas peers. The county's agricultural and energy sectors generate middle-class opportunities despite smaller population scale.
Right at Texas median income level
Ochiltree County nearly matches the Texas state median of $64,737, sitting just $251 above the statewide average. This positioning puts the county in the middle of Texas's economic distribution.
Competitive with similar-sized counties
Ochiltree County's $64,988 income aligns closely with Palo Pinto County ($64,972) and outpaces Panola County ($62,593). These similarities reflect comparable regional economies built on natural resources and agriculture.
Housing costs are lowest here
Ochiltree County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 16.7%, well below the 30% sustainability threshold, meaning housing consumes the smallest share of household earnings. This affordability advantage provides more financial flexibility for savings and other needs.
Capitalize on housing affordability
Ochiltree County's low housing costs free up income for investments—consider maximizing retirement contributions or starting a side business to accelerate wealth building. The county's affordable real estate also makes homeownership an accessible path to long-term wealth accumulation.
Ochiltree's life expectancy trails national average
Ochiltree County residents live to 73.9 years on average, about 5 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's strong 24.7% poor/fair health rate—better than many peers—suggests untapped potential for improvement.
Below Texas state life expectancy line
At 73.9 years, Ochiltree trails Texas's average of 74.3 years by 0.4 years. The gap reflects rural healthcare challenges and limited preventive care access.
Ochiltree struggles with provider shortages
Ochiltree's 41 primary care providers per 100,000 fall short of Nolan County's 48, creating access barriers in the Panhandle. Mental health provider availability is particularly scarce at just 21 per 100K—among the lowest in the region.
Uninsured rate nearly doubles state average
At 28.1%, Ochiltree's uninsured rate is the highest among these eight counties—nearly 9 percentage points above Texas's 19.8% average. This coverage crisis means urgent care visits and emergency room use spike, while preventive screenings plummet.
Affordable coverage is within reach
More than 1 in 4 Ochiltree residents lack insurance—a burden that forces families to choose between health and finances. Visit healthcare.gov to compare plans, or call the Texas Health Insurance Pool for help finding coverage you can afford.
With a composite risk score of 34.86 and a Very Low rating, Ochiltree County is substantially safer than the national average. The county scores 29% below Texas's state average of 49.00, offering residents a genuinely low-risk environment.
Panhandle county with minimal exposure
Ochiltree ranks in the safest tier of Texas counties, with risk levels far below the state median. Its geographic position in the Texas Panhandle shields it from coastal and major storm corridors, creating a protective natural advantage.
Safer than most surrounding counties
Ochiltree (34.86) sits slightly below Oldham County (9.70) but well below Palo Pinto (55.22) and Panola (55.44). Among Texas Panhandle neighbors, Ochiltree ranks as one of the least hazardous places, though wildfire risk remains a localized concern.
Wildfire and tornado are isolated threats
Wildfire risk reaches 76.24 in Ochiltree, marking the county's primary natural disaster exposure, followed by tornado at 45.13. Flood, hurricane, and earthquake risks all remain minimal, with scores under 32, making targeted wind and fire preparedness the main focus.
Emphasize wildfire and wind coverage
Verify that your homeowners policy includes full coverage for wildfire and windstorm damage, as both present localized risks in Ochiltree. Standard coverage usually applies, but confirm deductibles and exclusions with your agent, particularly if you live near grassland or have timber on your property.