countyscore
54.5
County Score
Safety 91.8Disaster Risk 90.3Income & Jobs 79.1

County Report Card

About Oldham County, Texas

Outperforming the national median for livability

Oldham County shines with a composite score of 54.5, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the more desirable rural locations in the country by composite standards.

Exceeding the Texas state average

With a score of 54.5, Oldham County comfortably beats the Texas state average of 41.9. Its high performance in safety and income sets it apart from many other Texas counties.

Elite safety and financial security

The county boasts an exceptional safety score of 91.8 and a risk score of 90.3, indicating almost no disaster threat. High incomes further bolster this, with a median household earning of $76,402.

Higher costs and tax rates

Oldham County faces a cost score of 27.8 and a tax score of 21.0, noting a 1.297% tax rate. While incomes are high, housing is less affordable than in neighboring Panhandle counties.

Ideal for high-earning rural families

This county is perfect for families who want a rural lifestyle without sacrificing safety or high-income potential. It offers peace of mind through extremely low crime and robust educational standards.

204060801002127.891.839.177.279.190.331.848.5Tax21Cost27.8Safety91.8Health39.1Schools77.2Income79.1Risk90.3Water31.8Weather48.554.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Oldham County DNA

Foverall

How Oldham County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Oldham County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (90.3/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (21/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
21-31
Cost
27.8-20.2
Safety
91.8+36.8
Health
39.1-10.899999999999999
Schools
77.2+23.200000000000003
Income
79.1+28.099999999999994
Risk
90.3+43.3
Water
31.8-26.2
Weather
48.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Oldham County?

Many homeowners in Oldham 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

$144,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,125/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$144,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,402/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

95.4

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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Nelson County
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Nearby counties

Hartley County
Texas
47.7
Deaf Smith County
Texas
30.6
Potter County
Texas
21
Moore County
Texas
34.5
Randall County
Texas
44.5
Dallam County
Texas
35
Quay County
New Mexico
53.3
Castro County
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52.4

Deep Dives

Oldham County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Oldham County

via TaxByCounty

Oldham taxes well below national median

With a 1.297% effective rate, Oldham County homeowners pay just $1,878 in annual property taxes versus the national median of $2,690. This places Oldham in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties—among the nation's most tax-friendly.

Right at Texas average

Oldham's 1.297% rate sits virtually on Texas's 1.276% state average, making it a perfectly typical Texas county for property tax burden. The $1,878 median tax falls modestly below the state median of $2,193.

Consistent with regional peers

Oldham's 1.297% rate matches closely with nearby Ochiltree (1.402%) and sits below Parmer County (1.566%) in the broader Texas Panhandle. All three counties operate in a similar tax-rate ecosystem.

Your Oldham County tax estimate

On the county median home value of $144,800, the typical annual property tax bill runs $1,878. Mortgage-inclusive calculations push this to $3,413 once applicable fees are added.

Appeal your appraisal if overvalued

Many Oldham County residents assume their appraisal is accurate when it may not be, leaving money on the table year after year. A quick appraisal review and potential appeal could unlock real savings with the county appraisal district.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Oldham County

via CostByCounty

Oldham slightly below national burden

Oldham County renters spend 17.7% of income on housing, slightly better than the national average and well-positioned for affordability. Despite modest incomes, residents here enjoy housing costs that don't crowd out other necessities.

Better than Texas average housing costs

Oldham's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio beats Texas's 18.1% state average, placing it in the more affordable half of Texas counties. Median rent of $1,125 is just 17% above the state median, a relatively small gap.

Mid-range costs in panhandle context

Oldham's $1,125 rent sits between Ochiltree's bargain $905 and regional competitors, with higher incomes ($76,402) helping offset slightly elevated housing costs. Its rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% is notably better than Panola County's 18.9%.

Housing takes ~18% of income

Oldham's median household earns $76,402 yearly and dedicates about $13,500 to rent annually. Homeowners spend $944 monthly on ownership costs—slightly below the state average despite the county's relatively affluent median income profile.

Balance of affordability and income

Oldham County works well if you want small-town panhandle living with decent income levels and reasonable housing ratios. Renters from higher-cost areas like Nueces might find meaningful relief, especially if your household income is $70,000 or above.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oldham County

via IncomeByCounty

Oldham County leads Texas county earners

Oldham County's median household income of $76,402 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $1,647, placing it in the top tier nationally. The county's robust energy sector and smaller, affluent population create above-average earning potential.

Among Texas's highest-earning counties

Oldham County ranks well above the Texas state median of $64,737, earning $11,665 more and placing it in the top 15% of state counties. This position reflects the county's economic strength and demographic profile.

Outearns all comparable neighbors

Oldham County's $76,402 median substantially exceeds nearby Ochiltree ($64,988), Palo Pinto ($64,972), and Panola ($62,593). The gap underscores Oldham's economic advantages, likely driven by concentrated energy and ranching wealth.

Strong financial capacity

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.7%, Oldham County households allocate less than 18% of income to housing, providing substantial cushion for savings and lifestyle flexibility. Higher median income combined with controlled housing costs creates genuine wealth-building capacity.

Build generational wealth now

Oldham County's above-average income positions residents to maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts, invest in diversified portfolios, and explore real estate wealth-building strategies. Consider working with a financial advisor to develop long-term wealth strategies that compound advantages into generational assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Oldham County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Oldham County

Oldham County is one of the safest areas in the nation, boasting a near-perfect safety score of 99.8. Its total crime rate of 138.2 per 100,000 residents is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Public Safety

With a safety score of 99.8, Oldham County far exceeds the Texas average of 96.8. It reports one of the lowest crime rates in the state, offering residents a uniquely secure lifestyle.

A Standout Among Panhandle Neighbors

Oldham County's crime rate is significantly lower than nearby Ochiltree County and other Panhandle peers. It maintains these elite safety levels with just two dedicated reporting agencies overseeing the area.

Zero Violent Crime Reported

The county reported a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents in 2022. All recorded incidents were property-related, occurring at an incredibly low rate of 138.2 per 100,000 people.

Preserving Your Peaceful Environment

Even in an exceptionally safe county, basic precautions like locking doors and vehicles prevent crimes of opportunity. Maintaining these simple habits helps keep Oldham County’s crime rates among the lowest in Texas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Oldham County

via SchoolsByCounty

Personalized Rural Education

Oldham County supports a small but diverse network of eight public schools serving 886 students across four districts. The infrastructure includes two elementary, two middle, and two high schools, alongside two specialized campus types.

High Scores and Strategic Investment

The county boasts an impressive school score of 65.3, well above the state average of 55.3. Investment is a priority here, as the per-pupil expenditure of $12,159 nearly doubles the state average and approaches the national spending benchmark of $13,000.

Vega and Boys Ranch Lead the Way

Vega ISD is the largest traditional provider with 370 students, while Boys Ranch ISD manages three schools for its 164 students. The county contains no charter schools, keeping the focus entirely on local public district performance.

Purely Rural Learning Environments

All eight schools in the county are classified as rural, offering an average enrollment of just 111 students per campus. The Wildorado School is the largest at 232 students, providing a PK-12 experience that feels truly community-oriented.

Your Rural Escape with Great Schools

For those seeking small class sizes and high academic scores, Oldham County offers a unique rural advantage. Explore homes in Vega or Wildorado to find a property that balances quiet living with excellent educational outcomes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Oldham County

via RiskByCounty

Oldham is America's safest county option

At 9.70, Oldham County ranks among the lowest composite risk scores in the entire United States, earning a Very Low rating. This score is 80% below Texas's state average of 49.00, making Oldham an exceptionally secure place to live.

Lowest-risk county in Texas

Oldham County stands at the very bottom of the risk hierarchy statewide, with minimal exposure to nearly all major hazard types. Its geographically isolated Panhandle location and sparse population density contribute to this remarkably favorable disaster profile.

Dramatically safer than regional peers

Oldham (9.70) is drastically safer than Ochiltree County (34.86), Palo Pinto (55.22), and Panola (55.44). In fact, Oldham's risk score is less than one-fifth that of its nearest neighboring county, creating a remarkable safety advantage in the Texas Panhandle.

Wildfire is the only meaningful concern

Wildfire risk sits at 66.13 in Oldham County—the sole hazard exceeding minimal thresholds. All other risks remain negligible, with flood at 1.62, tornado at 19.08, and earthquake at 15.20, making this county extraordinarily safe from multi-hazard exposure.

Standard coverage sufficient with vigilance

Oldham County's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. Focus wildfire preparedness on property maintenance and defensible space around structures, while standard policies handle the minimal flood and wind risks present in this uniquely safe county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Oldham County

via WaterByCounty

Grade F with a Single Violation

Oldham County received a Grade F for drinking water compliance despite recording only one health violation in five years. Its violation rate of 57.7 per 100K remains much lower than the Texas state average of 581.9. In small-population counties, even a single incident can trigger a failing grade under strict EPA standards.

Clean Water Act Data N/A

Water bodies in Oldham County are not yet covered by the federal ATTAINS reporting system for §303(d) impairments. There is no current data on what percentage of local waters fail to meet health standards. This lack of assessment is common in rural counties with intermittent streamflow.

Sparse Monitoring Records in Oldham

Only one monitoring site is active in the county, recording 147 measurements over the past five years. Data collection centers on physical and inorganic properties, with a small focus on microbiological markers. This minimal monitoring footprint makes it difficult to assess broader environmental trends.

No USGS Streamgage Signals Available

Oldham County lacks an active USGS streamgage to monitor real-time discharge or streamflow percentage. Without this live data, it is impossible to determine current river levels relative to long-term means. Drinking water compliance records remain the primary source of water intelligence for the area.

Stay Vigilant with Small Systems

A Grade F rating, even from one violation, highlights the vulnerability of small rural water systems. Residents should use basic carbon filtration and stay informed on system-wide maintenance notices. Because monitoring is sparse, testing private wells annually for bacteria and minerals is a wise precaution.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Oldham County

via WeatherByCounty

A Climate Aligned with the Median

Oldham County averages 56.8°F annually, making it one of the few Texas counties close to the national median temperature. It represents the high, dry, and cool western edge of the state.

Coldest Territory in the Lone Star State

The county is nearly 9 degrees cooler than the Texas average of 65.5°F. It is also quite dry, receiving only 18.0 inches of rain compared to the state average of 31.9 inches.

Arid and Snowy High Plains

Oldham receives significantly less rain than most of Texas but compensates with 7.7 inches of annual snowfall. Its 18 inches of precipitation is less than half of what East Texas counties receive.

Brisk Winters and Balanced Summers

The county sees 74 extreme heat days, with July temperatures peaking at a relatively mild 78.1°F. Winter is cold and snowy, with a January average of 36.2°F and 7.7 inches of snow.

Prepare for the Texas Chill

Residents should focus on home insulation and heating to manage the 37.5°F winter average. Because annual rainfall is only 18.0 inches, water conservation is a critical lifestyle consideration.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Oldham County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Loamy Mollisols

Oldham County is dominated by Mollisols, a soil order known for its deep, fertile surface horizons. The average pH of 7.62 is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. These loamy soils provide a solid foundation for both ranching and farming across the plains.

The Ideal Loam Mix

The soil composition features 40.8% sand, 32.0% silt, and 25.8% clay, classifying it as a classic loam. This texture allows for excellent root penetration and easy tilling compared to heavier clay soils. It strikes a functional balance between drainage and structural integrity.

Productive Organic Foundations

Organic matter sits at 1.71%, which is slightly higher than the Texas state average of 1.66%. With an available water capacity of 0.147 in/in, the soil holds more moisture than the typical Texas plot. These metrics support consistent plant growth even during dry spells.

Efficient Well-Drained Land

The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group B. This group indicates a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet, reducing the risk of surface runoff. Such characteristics make the land reliable for building and diverse agricultural use.

Hardy Crops for Zone 7a

Hardiness Zone 7a allows for a wide range of hardy vegetables and native prairie grasses. The well-drained loam is perfect for deep-rooted perennials and traditional Panhandle crops like cotton. Local gardeners can find great success by focusing on water-wise landscaping and wind-resistant plants.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Oldham County

via LawnByCounty

High Performance in Hard Conditions

Oldham County boasts a strong lawn difficulty score of 44.7, approaching the national average and far exceeding the Texas average of 31.7. Despite the dry air in hardiness zone 7a, the environment here is surprisingly conducive to stable lawn growth.

Short Seasons and Very Low Rainfall

The county receives just 18.0 inches of rain annually, which is significantly below the 30-inch ideal for most turf. With only 74 extreme heat days, you deal with less summer burnout than most of Texas, though the 4,087 growing degree days limit the growing window.

Excellent Drainage with Loam Soil

The soil is classified as well-drained loam, an ideal texture for root health and water movement. While the pH of 7.62 is slightly high, the 40.8% sand content ensures your lawn won't suffer from the heavy waterlogging found elsewhere.

Rare Resilience in a Dry Climate

Oldham only saw 4 weeks of drought over the past year, though the entire county is currently flagged as abnormally dry. Because rainfall is so low even in good years, installing a rain barrel or drip irrigation can help sustain your lawn efficiently.

Optimal Planting for Oldham County

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass can work here with irrigation, though native Buffalo grass is the most sustainable choice. Wait for the spring frost to pass on April 27 before you start any new seeding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oldham County's county score?
Oldham County, Texas has a composite county score of 54.5 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 Oldham County rank among counties in Texas?
Oldham County ranks #38 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 Oldham County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Oldham County is $1,878, with an effective tax rate of 1.30%. This earns Oldham County a tax score of 21/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oldham County?
The median household income in Oldham County, Texas is $76,402 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oldham County earns an income score of 79.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oldham County, Texas a good place to live?
Oldham County scores 54.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Oldham 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 Oldham County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.