Parker County achieves a composite score of 57.6, outperforming the national median of 50.0 by 15%. However, this score masks significant trade-offs between income potential and housing costs.
2 / 5
Below average for Texas
At 57.6, Parker ranks below Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it in the lower tier of Texas counties on this composite measure. The county's score reflects the strain of higher housing costs on overall livability.
3 / 5
Highest incomes offset housing premium
Parker County dominates in income, boasting a stellar median household income of $102,099—the highest in this eight-county cohort with a perfect 50.0 income score. These strong earnings reflect the county's appeal as a Dallas suburb.
4 / 5
Housing costs and affordability lag significantly
The county's Achilles heel is affordability: median home values reach $343,600 with rent at $1,440 monthly, producing the lowest cost score at 56.6 in this group. Safety, health, schools, risk, and water data are not yet available.
5 / 5
For high-income families near Dallas
Parker County attracts affluent professionals and families earning six figures who prioritize suburban proximity to Dallas and strong schools over affordability. This county is a wealth-based livability play: you need high income to thrive here.
Parker County achieves a composite score of 57.6, outperforming the national median of 50.0 by 15%. However, this score masks significant trade-offs between income potential and housing costs.
Below average for Texas
At 57.6, Parker ranks below Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it in the lower tier of Texas counties on this composite measure. The county's score reflects the strain of higher housing costs on overall livability.
Highest incomes offset housing premium
Parker County dominates in income, boasting a stellar median household income of $102,099—the highest in this eight-county cohort with a perfect 50.0 income score. These strong earnings reflect the county's appeal as a Dallas suburb.
Housing costs and affordability lag significantly
The county's Achilles heel is affordability: median home values reach $343,600 with rent at $1,440 monthly, producing the lowest cost score at 56.6 in this group. Safety, health, schools, risk, and water data are not yet available.
For high-income families near Dallas
Parker County attracts affluent professionals and families earning six figures who prioritize suburban proximity to Dallas and strong schools over affordability. This county is a wealth-based livability play: you need high income to thrive here.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛61.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Parker County renters spend 16.9% of income on housing despite $1,440 monthly rent—beaten only by their exceptional median income of $102,099. This Dallas-Fort Worth exurb shows how high earnings can sustain elevated housing costs while maintaining affordability ratios.
Affluent county with strong affordability
Parker's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio beats Texas's 18.1% average, despite housing costs 50% above the state median. Its median household income of $102,099—the highest among these eight counties—explains the paradox of expensive housing yet solid affordability.
Priciest rents, but highest incomes
Parker's $1,440 rent is the highest of any county surveyed, yet its 16.9% burden remains competitive because median income ($102,099) far exceeds peers. Homeowners pay $1,665 monthly—reflecting median home values of $343,600, the region's most expensive.
High incomes sustain premium housing
Parker County's $102,099 median household income means $1,440 rent represents only 16.9% of gross income—quite reasonable given the county's affluence. Homeowners dedicate $1,665 monthly to ownership costs on homes averaging $343,600, reflecting Dallas-Fort Worth's booming residential market.
Premium suburban living near Dallas
Parker County suits high-earning households seeking exurban Dallas-Fort Worth access; its 16.9% rent ratio justifies costs for six-figure earners. If your household income exceeds $90,000 and you value suburban amenities over affordability, Parker's newer housing stock and strong schools merit serious consideration.
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.
Parker County residents live to an average of 76.9 years—among the healthiest in Texas and only 2 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Just 16.1% report poor or fair health, the best rate in this eight-county group.
Parker leads Texas in life expectancy
At 76.9 years, Parker County exceeds Texas's 74.3-year average by 2.6 years—a substantial advantage reflecting strong healthcare infrastructure and community health. This ranks Parker among the state's healthiest counties.
Strong provider access across both specialties
Parker offers 38 primary care providers and 73 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—solid availability that exceeds most peers. This balanced provider network supports both preventive and behavioral health across the county.
Second-lowest uninsured rate in the group
Parker's 15.7% uninsured rate ranks second-best among the eight counties, 4.1 points below Texas's 19.8% average. Strong employment and reliable insurance access correlate directly with the county's outstanding health outcomes.
Maintain your health insurance continuity
While Parker's uninsured rate is low, gaps in coverage can disrupt care and health outcomes. Review your plan annually at healthcare.gov to ensure continuous, comprehensive coverage for your family.
At 81.11, Parker County's composite risk score is 66% above the Texas state average of 49.00, earning a Relatively Moderate rating. This North Texas county ranks among the nation's more hazardous regions, reflecting its position in a tornado and wildfire-prone zone.
Upper-risk tier among Texas counties
Parker County ranks in the high-risk band statewide, driven by extreme wildfire and tornado exposure that characterizes North Texas. The county's composite score places it well into the upper quartile of Texas risk profiles, making disaster preparedness a serious priority.
Riskier than most surrounding areas
Parker County (81.11) significantly exceeds Palo Pinto (55.22) and Panola (55.44), approaching the vulnerability levels of Orange County (85.91) and Nueces County (96.63). Its exceptional wildfire and tornado exposure makes it one of North Texas's most hazardous counties for property owners.
Wildfire and tornado are existential
Wildfire risk soars to 96.25 and tornado risk reaches 96.22—both among the highest in Texas and the nation. Flood risk at 72.42 adds a third significant concern, while earthquake (41.44) and hurricane (45.18) remain secondary, making Parker County a fire-and-wind-dominated disaster zone.
Wildfire and tornado coverage are critical
Verify that your homeowners policy covers both wildfire and tornado damage with appropriate deductibles and limits—these are non-negotiable in Parker County. Consider a separate windstorm policy if available, review your flood coverage, and invest in property hardening (defensive landscaping, metal roofing) to reduce vulnerability to the county's twin fire-and-wind threats.