countyscore
31.7
County Score
Schools 63.2Income & Jobs 54.3Lawn Care 46

County Report Card

About Palo Pinto County, Texas

Palo Pinto trails the national median

Palo Pinto County earns a composite score of 31.7, which is notably lower than the national median of 50.0. The score suggests a trade-off between natural beauty and infrastructure quality.

Below the Texas state average

The county's 31.7 score falls behind the Texas state average of 41.9. While it offers a unique rural character, it underperforms in key safety and infrastructure categories compared to state peers.

Reliable schools and solid incomes

Palo Pinto shows strength with a school score of 63.2 and an income score of 54.3. Median household earnings of $64,972 provide a stable foundation for local families.

Poor water quality and safety scores

Infrastructure is a concern, with a water score of 8.5 and a safety score of 14.8. These low marks point to significant needs in public safety and utility investment.

Suited for families seeking decent schools

Palo Pinto is a reasonable fit for families who prioritize quality education and have access to stable local incomes. It appeals most to those who value the region's geography and can overlook current infrastructure limitations.

2040608010021.633.814.82363.254.344.88.534.5Tax21.6Cost33.8Safety14.8Health23Schools63.2Income54.3Risk44.8Water8.5Weather34.531.7/100
This county
National avg
6 below average

Palo Pinto County DNA

Foverall

How Palo Pinto County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Palo Pinto County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (8.5/100), though Schools (63.2/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
21.6-30.4
Cost
33.8-14.200000000000003
Safety
14.8-40.2
Health
23-27
Schools
63.2+9.200000000000003
Income
54.3
Risk
44.8
Water
8.5-49.5
Weather
34.5-21.5
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Think property taxes are too high in Palo Pinto County?

Many homeowners in Palo Pinto 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

$167,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,024/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$167,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,972/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.8

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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Halifax County
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Davidson County
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Osceola County
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Saginaw County
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Nearby counties

Parker County
Texas
32.9
Stephens County
Texas
37
Young County
Texas
46.2
Hood County
Texas
37.4
Jack County
Texas
49.9
Eastland County
Texas
45.9
Erath County
Texas
38.6
Somervell County
Texas
48.7

Deep Dives

Palo Pinto County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Palo Pinto County

via TaxByCounty

Palo Pinto keeps taxes modest

Palo Pinto County's 1.283% effective rate results in a median property tax of $2,147, falling short of the national median of $2,690. This places the North Central Texas county comfortably in the bottom third nationally.

Slightly above Texas average

Palo Pinto's 1.283% effective rate sits marginally above Texas's 1.276% state average, putting it right in the middle of the pack statewide. The $2,147 median tax inches below the state median of $2,193.

Comparable to surrounding counties

Palo Pinto's 1.283% rate falls between Parker County's higher 1.449% and Oldham's 1.297%, reflecting the diversity of North Texas and Panhandle tax structures. The $2,147 median tax is typical for the region's property values.

Palo Pinto County tax breakdown

On the median home value of $167,300, residents pay roughly $2,147 annually in property taxes. With mortgage fees included, the total reaches $3,426.

Review your assessment this year

Palo Pinto County homeowners often overlook the fact that appraisals can be challenged, potentially lowering their tax bills significantly. File an appeal with the appraisal district if you believe your property is assessed higher than comparable homes in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Palo Pinto County

via CostByCounty

Palo Pinto slightly above national average

Palo Pinto County renters spend 18.9% of income on housing, modestly above the national median, yet still manageable. The county's lower median income of $64,972 makes this ratio noteworthy relative to household earnings.

Slightly above Texas affordability norm

Palo Pinto's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Texas's 18.1% average by less than 1 percentage point, placing it near the state midline. Median rent of $1,024 is only 6% higher than the Texas median.

Moderate costs for north-central Texas

Palo Pinto's $1,024 rent falls between Parker County's pricey $1,440 and more affordable counties, with a competitive 18.9% burden. It represents a middle ground for renters in the Dallas-Fort Worth exurban region.

Nearly 1/5 of income toward housing

Palo Pinto's median household earns $64,972 but dedicates $12,288 annually to rent—18.9% of gross income. Homeowners spend $892 monthly on ownership costs, roughly 16.5% of income, reflecting modestly better affordability for buyers.

Affordable exurban alternative to Dallas

Palo Pinto offers reasonable housing costs for workers priced out of Dallas-Fort Worth proper, with rent nearly $400 cheaper than Parker County. If you're seeking exurban living with acceptable affordability, this north-central Texas county merits comparison with farther-out options.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Palo Pinto County

via IncomeByCounty

Palo Pinto County trails U.S. median income

Palo Pinto County's median household income of $64,972 falls 13% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting a smaller regional economy. The county's energy and ranching sectors provide solid middle-class jobs despite limited population scale.

Matches Texas state average

Palo Pinto County's $64,972 income effectively ties the Texas state median of $64,737, placing it squarely in the middle tier of state counties. This alignment reflects the county's representative economic structure within the larger state context.

Peer earnings with nearby counties

Palo Pinto County's $64,972 mirrors Ochiltree County ($64,988) closely and outearns Panola County ($62,593), but trails Orange County ($73,372). These patterns reflect shared rural and small-regional economic characteristics.

Housing costs are reasonable

Palo Pinto County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% keeps housing costs well below the 30% sustainability threshold, freeing up income for other priorities. The median home value of $167,300 remains accessible for households earning the county median.

Start with employer retirement plans

Palo Pinto County residents should enroll in workplace 401(k) or 403(b) plans early to build long-term retirement security. The county's stable energy sector employment supports consistent contributions over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Palo Pinto County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Metrics Near National Averages

Palo Pinto County has a safety score of 96.2, which aligns closely with national safety norms. The total crime rate of 2,401.2 per 100,000 residents is just slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5.

Palo Pinto vs. Texas Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 96.2 sits just below the Texas average of 96.8. Its total crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 2,052.5, though violent crime remains relatively low.

Comparing Neighbors in North Central Texas

Palo Pinto County sees more crime per capita than adjacent Parker County. While Parker County maintains a lower property crime rate, both counties benefit from multiple reporting agencies monitoring the region.

Property Crime Drives Local Figures

Property crimes make up nearly 92% of all reported incidents at a rate of 2,208.7 per 100,000 residents. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 192.5 is much lower than the national average of 369.8.

Focusing on Property Protection

With property crime as the dominant issue, homeowners should invest in theft-prevention measures like gated driveways or security systems. Keeping valuables out of sight reduces the likelihood of being targeted in this area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Palo Pinto County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in the Heart of North Texas

Palo Pinto County operates 10 public schools that serve a total of 4,729 students across six districts. The infrastructure is well-balanced with three elementary schools, three high schools, and three multi-level 'other' campuses.

Outperforming State Standards

With a 92.9% graduation rate, the county exceeds both the state and national averages. Local districts spend $7,502 per pupil, perfectly aligned with the Texas average, while achieving a solid composite school score of 56.1.

Mineral Wells Leads the District Mix

Mineral Wells ISD is the dominant provider, serving 3,352 students—over 70% of the county's total enrollment. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning education is managed entirely through traditional public districts like Santo and Gordon ISD.

Rural Roots and Local Towns

Education here is primarily rural, with seven of the ten schools located in country settings. Mineral Wells Elementary is the largest campus with 1,915 students, significantly larger than the county's average school size of 473 students.

Build Your Future in Palo Pinto

From the larger Mineral Wells community to the quiet rural stretches of Santo, this county offers excellent school performance for growing families. Start your home search here to take advantage of graduation rates that beat the state average.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Palo Pinto County

via RiskByCounty

Palo Pinto ranks moderately above average

At 55.22, Palo Pinto County's composite risk score exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00 by about 13%, earning a Relatively Low rating. While above-average for Texas, the county remains well below the riskiest counties nationally, positioning it as moderately exposed.

Mid-tier risk among Texas counties

Palo Pinto ranks in the moderate-risk band statewide, with exposure slightly above the state median. The county's North Texas location puts it in a zone where wildfire and tornado represent ongoing concerns, though hurricane and flood risks remain comparatively modest.

Higher risk than West Texas peers

Palo Pinto (55.22) exceeds Nolan (37.85) and Ochiltree (34.86) but closely mirrors Panola County (55.44). Compared to higher-risk neighbors like Parker County (81.11), Palo Pinto sits in a safer middle ground, though its wildfire exposure still warrants attention.

Wildfire leads with tornado as second

Wildfire risk dominates at 90.27, placing Palo Pinto among Texas's most fire-prone counties, while tornado risk follows at 61.83. Flood (59.89) and hurricane (43.47) risks are moderate, making fire and wind the primary concerns for property owners in this North Texas region.

Prioritize wildfire and wind protection

Ensure your homeowners policy explicitly covers wildfire and tornado damage, as Palo Pinto's elevated exposure makes these critical protections. Review deductibles carefully—higher wind deductibles may reduce premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs when storms strike, so balance affordability with realistic coverage needs.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Palo Pinto County

via WaterByCounty

Grade F for Palo Pinto Systems

Palo Pinto County recorded 162 health violations over five years, leading to a Grade F for drinking water safety. Its violation rate of 399.3 per 100K is substantial, though it stays under the state average of 581.9. These numbers indicate recurring issues with meeting Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Watershed Health Data Unavailable

Palo Pinto's water bodies are not currently represented in the federal ATTAINS database for §303(d) assessments. There is no reported data on the percentage of impaired waters or the primary causes of pollution. Until an assessment cycle is completed, surface water health remains officially unquantified.

Intense Monitoring Across 12 Local Sites

Twelve monitoring sites in Palo Pinto County have generated 13,985 measurements over the last five years. The focus is largely on physical, inorganic, and microbiological characteristics, providing a detailed look at local conditions. This high measurement count relative to site density indicates frequent and thorough sampling.

Brazos River Flow Severely Reduced

The Brazos River near Palo Pinto is currently flowing at 148 cfs, just 17% of its long-term mean of 857 cfs. This significant drop in flow indicates major drought stress in the watershed. Low discharge can concentrate contaminants and impact the quality of water entering local treatment plants.

Drought Stress Impacts Water Quality

The combination of a Grade F rating and severe low flow on the Brazos River suggests a need for caution. Residents should use filtration to mitigate potential contaminant concentration caused by low water levels. Pay close attention to local microbiological reports, as this is a heavily monitored area.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Palo Pinto County

via WeatherByCounty

Above Average Heat in North-Central Texas

Palo Pinto County averages 65.2°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. The region sees 33.2 inches of precipitation, which is fairly typical for the American heartland.

Mirroring the Broader Texas Climate

With an average temperature of 65.2°F, the county sits just below the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Its annual rainfall of 33.2 inches also closely aligns with the statewide average of 31.9 inches.

Typical Conditions for the Cross Timbers

Palo Pinto shares a similar temperature profile with nearby Parker County (64.7°F) and remains significantly drier than Eastern Texas counties. It bridges the gap between the wet eastern forests and the arid west.

Over One Hundred Days of Extreme Heat

Summers are punishing with 104 days hitting at least 90°F and a July average of 85.1°F. Winters are cool but dry, averaging 46.3°F with only a trace of snow at 0.3 inches annually.

Prepare for a Triple-Digit Summer Run

With over 100 days of extreme heat, residents should invest in powerful home insulation and reliable cooling. Winter prep is minimal, as heavy snowfall is virtually non-existent at just 0.3 inches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Palo Pinto County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Neutral Ground

Palo Pinto County features a nearly neutral pH of 7.08, almost identical to the Texas state average of 7.09. This balance is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than many neighboring counties. This neutral profile provides an incredibly versatile base for a wide variety of plant life.

Dominantly Sandy Textures

The soil contains 52.6% sand, making it grittier and more permeable than heavy clay soils. Silt at 26.4% and clay at 21.0% round out the composition to prevent it from being overly loose. This mix ensures that the soil remains workable even after heavy rains.

Solid Growth Potential

Organic matter content is 1.69%, slightly outpacing the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.130 in/in is just below the state benchmark of 0.133. This combination yields a soil score of 33.5, which is notably better than the Texas average of 28.8.

Challenges with Slow Infiltration

Despite the sandy texture, the county is categorized under Hydrologic Group D. This group is known for very slow infiltration rates and high runoff potential when the soil is wet. Careful site planning is needed to manage water flow and prevent erosion on sloped terrain.

Pecans and Grapes Flourish

The neutral pH and sandy base in Zone 8a are ideal for pecans and various wine grape varieties. Heat-tolerant perennials thrive here, benefiting from the soil's respectable organic matter. Start your garden today to take advantage of the county's above-average soil quality.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Palo Pinto County

via LawnByCounty

A Top Choice for Texas Turf

Palo Pinto County is a standout with a lawn difficulty score of 46.0, much higher and easier than the state average of 31.7. Homeowners in this zone 8a region find the environment very supportive of healthy, lush green spaces.

Ideal Precipitation Meets Texas Heat

With 33.2 inches of annual precipitation, you are right in the sweet spot for grass health without over-saturation. You will still need to manage 104 extreme heat days, which requires a robust irrigation schedule during the peak of summer.

Sandy Foundations and Neutral pH

The soil pH is a near-perfect 7.08, providing the ideal chemical balance for most turfgrasses. The high 52.6% sand content ensures excellent drainage, though you may need to fertilize more frequently as nutrients can wash through sandy soil.

Resilient Against Short Dry Spells

The county only faced 7 weeks of drought last year, though current conditions are abnormally dry across the board. Your sandy soil drains fast, so use light, frequent watering during dry spells to keep the upper root zone moist.

Growing Success in Palo Pinto

Bermuda grass is the reliable standard for this area, but Zoysia also thrives in the balanced 33-inch rainfall. The prime planting window opens after March 23, giving your new lawn plenty of time to establish before the November frosts.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palo Pinto County's county score?
Palo Pinto County, Texas has a composite county score of 31.7 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 Palo Pinto County rank among counties in Texas?
Palo Pinto County ranks #203 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 Palo Pinto County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Palo Pinto County is $2,147, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Palo Pinto County a tax score of 21.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Palo Pinto County?
The median household income in Palo Pinto County, Texas is $64,972 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Palo Pinto County earns an income score of 54.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Palo Pinto County, Texas a good place to live?
Palo Pinto County scores 31.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #203 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Palo Pinto 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 Palo Pinto County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.