countyscore
32.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 96Schools 53.2Health 52

County Report Card

About Parker County, Texas

Wealthy but lagging national median scores

Parker County has a composite score of 32.8, which sits below the national median of 50.0. Despite high incomes, extremely high housing costs relative to the national average impact the score.

Below the Texas state average

Parker's 32.8 composite score trails the Texas average of 41.9. The county's rapid growth has created a high-cost environment that outweighs its high-income benefits for some residents.

Exceptional income and solid health

Parker County dominates in income with a near-perfect score of 95.9, fueled by a median household income of $102,099. It also maintains a healthy community with a health score of 52.0.

High cost of living and taxes

Cost is a major hurdle, with a score of 6.8 and a median home value of $343,600. The tax score of 15.2 reflects the financial pressure of maintaining property in this high-value area.

Perfect for high-earning suburbanites

Parker County is best for affluent families and high-income professionals who want premier earning potential and can afford luxury housing. It suits those who prioritize local wealth and good schools over general affordability.

20406080100156.831.45253.29618.916.537Tax15Cost6.8Safety31.4Health52Schools53.2Income96Risk18.9Water16.5Weather3732.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Parker County DNA

Foverall

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

Parker County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (16.5/100), though Income (96/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
15-37
Cost
6.8-41.2
Safety
31.4-23.6
Health
52
Schools
53.2
Income
96+45
Risk
18.9-28.1
Water
16.5-41.5
Weather
37-19
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Compare mortgage rates in Parker County

Whether buying or refinancing in Parker County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$375,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,500/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$375,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$60,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $104,443/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.0

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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Counties with similar scores

Maricopa County
Arizona
Median income: $89,300
32.8
Baldwin County
Georgia
Median income: $54,403
32.8
Grant County
Washington
Median income: $73,267
32.8
Fresno County
California
Median income: $74,201
32.7
Rogers County
Oklahoma
Median income: $80,067
32.7
Colleton County
South Carolina
Median income: $51,114
32.7
Andrews County
Texas
Median income: $72,242
32.7
San Joaquin County
California
Median income: $92,179
32.9

Nearby counties

Hood County
Texas
38.2
Palo Pinto County
Texas
32.2
Wise County
Texas
36.7
Tarrant County
Texas
31.7
Somervell County
Texas
52.1
Johnson County
Texas
32.5
Jack County
Texas
52.4
Erath County
Texas
38.4

Deep Dives

Parker County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Parker County

via TaxByCounty

Parker County taxes above national norm

Parker County's 1.449% effective rate generates a median property tax of $4,978—significantly higher than the national median of $2,690. This places Parker in the top 40% of U.S. counties by tax burden, driven by substantially higher home values.

Among Texas's highest-tax counties

Parker's 1.449% effective rate tops Texas's 1.276% state average by 17%, making it one of the pricier counties for property owners statewide. The $4,978 median tax far exceeds the state median of $2,193, reflecting Parker's booming real estate market.

Premium taxes for premium property

Parker County's 1.449% rate outpaces all nearby counties in this analysis, including Palo Pinto (1.283%) and Oldham (1.297%). The $4,978 median tax reflects Parker's status as a high-growth Dallas suburb with premium property values.

Your Parker County tax bill

On the county median home value of $343,600, the annual property tax comes to approximately $4,978—the highest in this group. Including mortgage-related fees, the total reaches $6,097.

High-value homes deserve appraisal review

Parker County homeowners with substantial properties should be especially diligent about appraisal accuracy, as even small percentage errors can cost thousands in annual taxes. File an appeal with the appraisal district if your assessment doesn't align with recent comparable sales in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Parker County

via IncomeByCounty

Parker County significantly exceeds national income

Parker County's median household income of $102,099 towers 37% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the top 10% nationally. The county's proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth and strong suburban employment base generate exceptional earning opportunities.

Highest income among Texas counties

Parker County ranks in the top 5% of Texas counties, earning $37,362 more than the state median of $64,737. This exceptional position reflects the county's status as a premier Dallas-Fort Worth suburban destination.

Dramatically outearns all peers

Parker County's $102,099 median income dwarfs every comparable county—nearly $26,000 more than Oldham County ($76,402), the second-highest earner in this group. The gap reflects Parker's unique advantage as a prosperous DFW suburb.

Strong wealth-building position

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% and median home value of $343,600, Parker County households allocate minimal income to housing relative to earnings. This combination of high income and controlled housing ratios creates substantial financial security and discretionary wealth.

Aggressive wealth accumulation strategies

Parker County residents should maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts, diversify into investment properties, and explore high-yield investment strategies with professional guidance. The county's strong income trajectory supports generational wealth building and financial independence goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Parker County

via CrimeByCounty

Parker County Earns High Safety Marks

Parker County is safer than the national average, sporting a robust safety score of 97.4. Its total crime rate of 1,617.2 per 100,000 residents is 32% lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

A Safety Leader in North Texas

Parker County exceeds the Texas state safety average of 96.8. With 11 reporting agencies, the county effectively maintains crime rates that are significantly lower than the state average of 2,052.5.

Safer Than Its Western Neighbors

Parker County is notably more secure than neighboring Palo Pinto County, showing lower rates in both violent and property crime. Its high number of reporting agencies ensures comprehensive coverage across the county.

Low Violent Crime Rates

The county's violent crime rate of 197.1 per 100,000 is nearly half the national average. Property crime sits at 1,420.1 per 100,000, which is also well below national levels.

Sustaining a Safe Community

Homeowners can help keep crime rates low by participating in community watch programs and installing smart doorbells. These small steps ensure that Parker County remains a top choice for safety-conscious families.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Parker County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistent Warmth North of the Metroplex

Parker County reports an annual average temperature of 64.7°F, staying well above the national median. It receives 33.5 inches of rain, placing it in a temperate but occasionally dry zone.

Slightly Cooler Than the Texas Average

At 64.7°F, the county is just a fraction cooler than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Rainfall is nearly identical to the state benchmark of 31.9 inches, totaling 33.5 inches annually.

Matching the North-Central Texas Pattern

Parker County's climate closely follows its neighbor Palo Pinto, though it is slightly cooler on average. It lacks the extreme humidity of the coast but faces similar heat challenges as the rest of the region.

Extended Summer Heat and Mild Winters

Summer dominates the calendar with 101 days reaching 90°F or more and a July average of 83.8°F. Winter stays around 46.5°F, and while snowfall data is currently unavailable, it remains a rare occurrence.

Plan for Triple-Digit Summer Peaks

Outdoor activities should be scheduled for early mornings given the 101 days of extreme heat. Residents should focus on water-efficient landscaping to thrive during the dry, hot summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Parker County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced North Texas Chemistry

Parker County maintains a very balanced pH of 7.06, nearly identical to the state average. This neutral profile is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 but is ideal for many native species. It provides a stable chemical baseline for most landscaping and farming projects.

Sandy Loam Characteristics

The soil contains 54.3% sand, balanced by 24.9% silt and 19.7% clay. This high sand percentage aids in aeration and makes the soil easier to work than the heavy clays found further east. It provides a resilient structure for gardens and small farms alike.

Competitive Soil Performance

At 1.46%, organic matter is slightly below the state average, but the overall soil score of 31.6 is quite healthy. The available water capacity sits at 0.132 in/in, right on par with the Texas average of 0.133. This makes for a reliable, if not extraordinary, growing medium.

Managing Slow Water Infiltration

Categorized in Hydrologic Group D, this soil often experiences slow water infiltration when saturated. This means that during heavy Texas rains, water is more likely to run off the surface than soak in deeply. Proper grading and mulch can help capture more of that vital rainwater.

Peaches and Summer Squash

Parker County is famous for its peaches, which love the well-aerated sandy soil of Zone 8a. Neutral pH also supports a huge variety of vegetables and ornamental flowers. Take advantage of the long growing season by starting your seeds in early spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Parker County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Conditions West of Fort Worth

Parker County is one of the easiest places in Texas to grow a lawn, with a difficulty score of 46.4. This is much better than the state average of 31.7 and only slightly more challenging than the national average.

Balanced Rain and Intense Summer Sun

An annual precipitation of 33.5 inches is nearly perfect for maintaining healthy turf without excessive watering. However, 101 days of extreme heat still pose a threat, so your grass needs to be hardy enough to survive the 90°F+ temperatures.

Balanced Soils for Healthy Roots

The soil pH is 7.06, which is effectively neutral and ideal for most common Texas grasses. With a composition of 54.3% sand and 19.7% clay, the ground offers great drainage while still holding onto essential nutrients.

Strong Resistance to Drought

With only 8 weeks of drought over the last year, Parker County remains relatively resilient compared to its neighbors. Even though the county is currently abnormally dry, the balanced soil texture helps lawns bounce back quickly once watering resumes.

The Best Turf for Parker County

Bermuda and Zoysia are the top recommendations for this zone 8a climate due to their heat tolerance and water efficiency. Get started on your lawn after March 25 to avoid the last spring frost and ensure a long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Parker County's county score?
Parker County, Texas has a composite county score of 32.8 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 Parker County rank among counties in Texas?
Parker County ranks #193 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 Parker County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Parker County is $5,249, with an effective tax rate of 1.40%. This earns Parker County a tax score of 15/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Parker County?
The median household income in Parker County, Texas is $104,443 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Parker County earns an income score of 96/100 on CountyScore.
Is Parker County, Texas a good place to live?
Parker County scores 32.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #193 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Parker 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 Parker 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.