countyscore
40.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 65.2Income & Jobs 62.3Schools 62.2

County Report Card

About Ochiltree County, Texas

Ochiltree nears the middle national tier

Ochiltree County earns a composite score of 39.6, remaining below the national median of 50.0 but showing strength in specific categories. It performs better than many rural neighbors in the Panhandle region.

Close to the Texas state average

The county's 39.6 composite score is just slightly behind the Texas average of 41.9. This indicates a quality of life that is relatively competitive within the state's diverse geography.

Resilient schools and low environmental risk

A risk score of 65.2 and a school score of 62.2 highlight the county's safe environment and solid educational system. Incomes remain healthy at $64,988, earning an income score of 54.4.

Health and tax burdens lag

The county sees lower marks in health at 17.0 and tax burden at 17.2, reflecting a 1.402% effective tax rate. These scores suggest limited healthcare access and higher local levies relative to income.

A solid pick for rural families

Ochiltree County is an excellent fit for families seeking a safe, disaster-resistant community with good schools. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those who appreciate small-town stability and reliable household earnings.

2040608010014.155.733.31762.262.365.245.556.9Tax14.1Cost55.7Safety33.3Health17Schools62.2Income62.3Risk65.2Water45.5Weather56.940.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Ochiltree County DNA

Foverall

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

Ochiltree County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (65.2/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (14.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
14.1-37.9
Cost
55.7
Safety
33.3-21.700000000000003
Health
17-33
Schools
62.2+8.200000000000003
Income
62.3+11.299999999999997
Risk
65.2+18.200000000000003
Water
45.5-12.5
Weather
56.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Ochiltree County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$134,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$891/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$134,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,183/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Ochiltree County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ochiltree County

via TaxByCounty

Ochiltree's taxes run lean nationally

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.

Income & Jobs in Ochiltree County

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Safety in Ochiltree County

via CrimeByCounty

Ochiltree County: A Panhandle Safety Leader

Ochiltree County earns a high safety score of 97.5, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1,561.9 per 100,000 residents is 34% lower than the national average.

Outperforming the Texas Safety Average

The county ranks well above the Texas safety average score of 96.8. With total crime rates significantly below the state average of 2,052.5, Ochiltree stands as one of the quieter areas in the region.

Regional Comparison of Crime Rates

Ochiltree is safer than nearby Nolan County, boasting lower rates in both violent and total crime categories. Two reporting agencies work together to maintain these competitive safety metrics across the county.

Understanding Local Crime Distribution

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,179.0 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime sits at 382.9. These numbers represent a relatively stable environment, though violent crime slightly edges out the national average.

Maintaining a Secure Household

Strong community bonds and basic home security measures help maintain the county's high safety rating. Motion-activated lights and neighborhood watch participation are effective ways to deter property-related incidents.

Weather & Climate in Ochiltree County

via WeatherByCounty

The Cooler Side of the Panhandle

Ochiltree County averages 59.1°F annually, which is closer to the national median than most of Texas. Its high-plains location provides a much different climate than the rest of the state.

Well Below the Texas Temperature Mean

The county is over 6 degrees cooler than the Texas average of 65.5°F. Its 21.7 inches of annual rain also puts it in the drier third of the state's counties.

Snowy Peaks in a Dry Region

Ochiltree receives 9.1 inches of snow annually, which is extremely high for Texas. It is much colder in winter than its southern neighbors, with a January average of only 37.2°F.

Cold Winters and Moderate Summers

Summers are shorter here, with 74 days of extreme heat compared to over 100 in South Texas. Winter is the dominant season, featuring a chilly Dec-Feb average of 38.6°F.

Winterize for Cold and Snow

Residents must maintain reliable heating systems and snow removal equipment for the 9.1 inches of annual snowfall. Water-efficient landscaping is also necessary due to the 21.7-inch rainfall average.

Soil Quality in Ochiltree County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline High Plains Earth

Ochiltree County features a notably alkaline soil profile with an average pH of 7.72. This level stands significantly higher than the national median of 6.5 and the Texas state average of 7.09. While taxonomy data is limited, the high pH suggests a mineral-rich environment common in the Panhandle.

A Balanced Textural Trio

The soil contains a balanced mixture of 32.9% sand, 35.9% silt, and 28.1% clay. This relatively even distribution provides a stable structure that avoids the extremes of pure sand or heavy clay. Growers find this mix offers decent workability for large-scale agricultural operations.

Stronger Than Average Fertility

Organic matter reaches 1.89%, outperforming the Texas state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.158 in/in also beats the state benchmark of 0.133 in/in. These figures indicate a superior ability to retain nutrients and moisture for thirsty crops.

Water Retention Mastery

While specific drainage classes are unlisted, the soil score of 31.7 suggests performance above the state average of 28.8. The high available water capacity implies the soil holds onto rainfall effectively rather than letting it leach away. This is critical for success in the semi-arid climate of Northern Texas.

Wheat and Sorghum Territory

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, this county is a powerhouse for winter wheat and grain sorghum. The alkaline soil supports these hearty crops well, provided growers manage the high pH levels. Start your garden with drought-tolerant varieties that thrive in cool winters and hot summers.

Lawn Care in Ochiltree County

via LawnByCounty

Manageable Lawns in the Panhandle

Ochiltree County is actually easier to manage than many Texas neighbors, with a lawn difficulty score of 36.0. While this is better than the state average of 31.7, it still trails the national median of 50.0 due to high plains aridity.

Moderate Heat but Limited Rain

Homeowners enjoy fewer extreme heat days (74) than the state average of 105, providing some relief for cool-season grasses. However, the 21.7 inches of annual precipitation means you must rely on irrigation to keep your lawn from going dormant.

High Alkalinity Requires Attention

The soil pH of 7.72 is quite high, often requiring sulfur amendments to bring it closer to the ideal 6.5 level. With 28.1% clay and 32.9% sand, your soil may suffer from compaction, so annual aeration is highly recommended.

Preparing for Dry Panhandle Winds

The county experienced 14 weeks of drought last year and currently remains 100% abnormally dry. To conserve water, mow at a higher setting to shade the soil and reduce the evaporation caused by constant winds.

Zone 7a Planting Window

In hardiness zone 7a, Buffalo grass or drought-tolerant Fescue blends are your best bets for success. Aim to seed after the final frost on April 14, but ensure you finish before the first fall frost arrives around October 30.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ochiltree County's county score?
Ochiltree County, Texas has a composite county score of 40.6 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 Ochiltree County rank among counties in Texas?
Ochiltree County ranks #141 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 Ochiltree County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Ochiltree County is $1,906, with an effective tax rate of 1.42%. This earns Ochiltree County a tax score of 14.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ochiltree County?
The median household income in Ochiltree County, Texas is $70,183 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ochiltree County earns an income score of 62.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ochiltree County, Texas a good place to live?
Ochiltree County scores 40.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #141 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Ochiltree 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 Ochiltree County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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