countyscore
42.8
County Score
Schools 68.8Safety 62.9Income & Jobs 62.2

County Report Card

About Parmer County, Texas

Parmer Trails the National Median

Parmer County earns a composite score of 42.8, which sits below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural profile that balances strong local institutions against specific infrastructure hurdles.

Slightly Above the Texas Average

Parmer County edges out the Texas state average of 41.9. It maintains a competitive position among the Panhandle's agricultural hubs due to its consistent economic performance.

Strong Schools and Steady Incomes

Education is a major highlight with a school score of 68.8. The county also supports a healthy economy, boasting a median household income of $68,164 and a solid 62.9 safety rating.

Navigating High Taxes and Environmental Risks

A high effective tax rate of 1.566% results in a low tax score of 10.1. Additionally, the county faces challenges in health access and environmental risk, which both score below 21.0.

A Solid Choice for Young Families

With its high school performance and safe environment, Parmer suits families focused on child-rearing. It offers a stable, high-income rural lifestyle for those willing to manage higher property tax burdens.

Score breakdown

Tax10.1Cost43.8Safety62.9Health20.7Schools68.8Income62.2Risk18.2Water38.1Weather50.4
🏛10.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼62.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡62.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡18.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨28.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Bailey County
Texas
56.4
Curry County
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33.5
Lamb County
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45.8
Deaf Smith County
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Quay County
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Deep Dives

Parmer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Parmer County

via TaxByCounty

Parmer County taxes above national average

Parmer County's 1.566% effective rate results in a median property tax of $1,994, falling below the national median of $2,690 despite its above-average rate. The discrepancy reflects Parmer's relatively modest home values in the Texas Panhandle.

Parmer ranks among Texas's highest rates

At 1.566%, Parmer County's effective rate exceeds Texas's 1.276% state average by 22%—making it one of the highest-tax counties in the state. The $1,994 median tax edges slightly below the state median of $2,193 only because of lower property values.

Priciest option in the Panhandle

Parmer's 1.566% rate significantly exceeds neighboring Ochiltree (1.402%) and Oldham (1.297%), making it the highest-tax county in this Panhandle cluster. Despite lower home values, the effective rate burden is noticeably heavier.

Parmer County tax estimate

On the median home value of $127,300, residents pay approximately $1,994 in annual property taxes. With mortgage fees included, the bill rises to $3,584.

Challenge your appraisal in Parmer

Parmer County's high effective rate makes it especially important for homeowners to verify their appraisal is accurate and fair. Contact the county appraisal district to request a review and file an appeal if you believe your assessment is out of line with nearby properties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Parmer County

via CostByCounty

Parmer renters slightly above national norm

Parmer County renters spend 17.9% of income on housing, just under 1 percentage point above the national average. The panhandle county's modest median income of $68,164 means this ratio, while reasonable, requires careful budgeting.

Close to Texas state affordability average

Parmer's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just 0.2 percentage points below Texas's 18.1% state average, making it representative of typical Texas housing burden. Median rent of $1,015 is only 5.4% above the state median of $963.

Moderate costs in panhandle tier

Parmer's $1,015 rent falls between Ochiltree's budget $905 and Oldham's $1,125, positioning it as the panhandle's middle-ground option. Its 17.9% burden is better than Palo Pinto County's 18.9% despite similar income levels.

Housing takes ~18% of gross income

Parmer's median household earns $68,164 yearly and dedicates roughly $12,180 to rent annually. Homeowners spend just $754 monthly on ownership costs—merely 13.3% of income—showing that buyers here enjoy notably better affordability than renters.

Solid option for panhandle relocation

Parmer County works well if you're relocating to the Texas panhandle and value balanced affordability over minimum costs. Renters from higher-burden areas (like Nueces at 22.3%) could save $200+ monthly, while buyers benefit from sub-$130,000 median home values and low ownership ratios.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Parmer County

via IncomeByCounty

Parmer County Income vs Nation

Parmer County's median household income of $68,164 falls slightly below the U.S. median of $74,755, a gap of about $6,600. Despite this, Parmer ranks comfortably above many rural Texas counties and maintains solid household financial standing compared to national averages.

Above-Average Earnings Statewide

At $68,164, Parmer County's median household income exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by roughly $3,400. This positions Parmer in the upper-middle tier of Texas counties for household earnings power.

Parmer Leads Panhandle Peers

Parmer County's $68,164 median income outpaces nearby Pecos County ($67,689) and significantly exceeds Potter County ($50,448) in the same region. The county's earning strength reflects a stable agricultural and small-business economy.

Housing Costs Stay Reasonable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.9%, Parmer County residents spend well below the 30% affordability benchmark, meaning housing remains genuinely affordable. At a median home value of $127,300, homeownership is within reach for median-earning households.

Build Security Through Planning

Parmer County's healthy income-to-housing ratio creates room for savings and investment. Consider automating monthly contributions to retirement accounts or building an emergency fund—your affordable cost of living gives you a real advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Parmer County

via CrimeByCounty

Parmer County Outpaces National Safety Benchmarks

Parmer County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.6. Its total crime rate of 856.4 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading Texas in Local Security

With a safety score exceeding the Texas average of 96.8, Parmer ranks among the safer regions in the state. Local agencies report a crime rate that is less than half the statewide average of 2,052.5.

A Secure Profile in the Panhandle

Parmer County maintains a strong safety profile compared to its West Texas neighbors. While nearby metropolitan areas face higher crime volumes, Parmer’s total rate remains well below the regional average.

Property Concerns Outweigh Violent Incidents

The county reports 61.2 violent crimes and 795.2 property crimes per 100K. Most local law enforcement activity involves property issues, though both figures remain far below national averages.

Maintaining a Safe Community

Home security systems and neighborhood watch programs help preserve Parmer's exceptional safety standing. Residents can bolster local security by ensuring outbuildings and vehicles remain locked.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Parmer County

via HealthByCounty

Parmer outlives the nation

At 75.7 years, Parmer County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—nearly matching national benchmarks despite rural geography. Yet 27.2% report poor or fair health, above the national rate, suggesting that longevity masks underlying wellness challenges.

Better than Texas average

Parmer's 75.7-year life expectancy runs 1.4 years ahead of the Texas average of 74.3 years, placing the county in the healthier tier statewide. The county also beats Texas on uninsured rates, with 24.4% uninsured versus the state average of 19.8%.

Healthier than Pecos, trailing Randall

Parmer residents live 3.2 years longer than Pecos County (72.5 years) and report better health than Potter County's 28.6% poor/fair rate. Yet Randall County (76.3 years) edges out Parmer on life expectancy, and its 13.0% uninsured rate is far lower.

Limited doctors, high uninsurance

With only 10 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Parmer faces acute shortages—less than one-fourth of Potter County's 88 per 100K. Over one in four Parmer residents (24.4%) lack health insurance, straining access to preventive care.

Take the next step in Parmer

If you're among Parmer's uninsured, marketplace plans and Medicaid expansions can close gaps in coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health navigator to explore options that fit your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Parmer County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Town Learning in Parmer

Parmer County supports 11 public schools and 2,224 students across four local districts. The school landscape is designed for intimacy, with four elementary schools and three high schools serving the community.

High Investment and Strong Results

The county's 92.8% graduation rate beats the state and national averages, supported by a school score of 57.2. At $8,004 per pupil, the county invests more per student than the Texas state average of $7,498.

Friona ISD Leads the County

Friona ISD is the largest district, educating 1,063 students across four campuses. Farwell and Bovina ISDs also provide critical services, and the county operates with 100% traditional public schools and no charter facilities.

Quiet Rural Classrooms

With seven rural schools and four in town, the average school size is just 202 students. Friona Elementary is the largest campus with 312 students, ensuring that every child receives personalized attention in a small-scale setting.

Discover Parmer County Living

If you are looking for a community where school spending is high and class sizes are small, Parmer County is a hidden gem. Look for homes in Friona or Farwell to secure a place in this high-achieving rural school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Parmer County

via RiskByCounty

Parmer ranks moderate for disaster risk

Parmer County's composite risk score of 81.81 places it well above the national average, marking it as a relatively moderate-risk area. This score reflects a mix of hazards, with wildfire and tornado risks particularly elevated compared to most U.S. counties.

Above Texas average on the risk scale

With a composite score of 81.81, Parmer County exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking it among the higher-risk counties statewide. This elevated risk is driven primarily by wildfire hazards and tornado exposure.

High-risk panhandle county compared to peers

Parmer's risk profile (81.81) is substantially higher than neighboring Presidio County (10.24) to the southwest and comparable to fellow panhandle counties Randall (86.77) and Potter (90.49). The county's isolation in the northern plains amplifies exposure to wind-driven threats.

Wildfire and tornado dominate the hazard profile

Parmer faces exceptional wildfire risk (67.18) and notable tornado risk (41.95), making these dual threats the primary natural disaster concerns for residents. Hurricane risk (40.97) remains moderate but more distant than the immediate wildfire and severe weather threats.

Secure comprehensive coverage today

Parmer County residents should prioritize wind and hail insurance to guard against tornado damage, plus wildfire coverage if they live in at-risk areas. Standard homeowners policies may not cover all storm-related damage, so review your policy specifics with your agent.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Parmer County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler, Semi-Arid High Plains Climate

Parmer County's 56.8°F average annual temperature is much closer to the national median than most of Texas. With only 19.3 inches of rain, it is significantly drier than the average U.S. county.

Much Cooler Than the Rest of Texas

While the Texas average temperature is 65.5°F, Parmer County sits at a much lower 56.8°F. It is also quite dry, receiving 19.3 inches of rain compared to the 31.9-inch state average.

Shared Trends with the Northern Panhandle

Parmer County shares the cold-winter, dry-summer profile of neighboring Potter County. It is one of the few places in Texas where snowfall is a regular part of the annual weather cycle.

True Winters and Modest Summer Heat

Winter is cold, averaging 38.2°F with 13 inches of annual snow. Summer is more manageable than elsewhere in the state, with only 68 days topping 90°F and a July average of 77.3°F.

Winterize for Snow and Cold Winds

Unlike most Texans, Parmer County residents need snow shovels and heavy coats for the 13 inches of annual snowfall. Summer cooling needs are lower here, as extreme heat days are relatively limited.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Parmer County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Alkaline High Plains

Parmer County has a high pH of 7.82, making it much more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is common in the semi-arid Panhandle where minerals accumulate in the soil. Successful growing here often requires choosing plants that can tolerate high calcium levels.

Well-Rounded Silt and Sand

The soil is a mix of 45.9% sand, 28.9% silt, and 25.3% clay. This distribution creates a fairly heavy but stable soil that holds its shape well. The clay content helps retain nutrients that might otherwise wash away in sandier regions.

Rich in Organic Matter

The soil boasts 1.96% organic matter, which is significantly higher than the Texas average of 1.66%. Its available water capacity of 0.150 in/in also beats the state benchmark of 0.133. These metrics indicate a fertile environment capable of supporting high-yield agriculture.

Slow Infiltration Risks

Despite its high water capacity, the soil falls into Hydrologic Group D, indicating slow infiltration. This means that while the soil can hold a lot of water, it takes a long time for that water to soak in. Irrigation should be managed carefully to avoid pooling on the surface.

Cotton and Corn Country

In Zone 7a, this county is a prime location for cotton, corn, and sunflowers. The high organic matter provides a great boost for these heavy-feeding crops. Home gardeners should look for alkaline-tolerant shrubs and hardy root vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Parmer County

via LawnByCounty

A manageable landscape in the Panhandle

Parmer County earns a lawn difficulty score of 42.4, which is significantly higher than the Texas state average of 31.7. While it sits slightly below the national median of 50.0, the Zone 7a climate provides a fair environment for dedicated gardeners. Homeowners here face fewer obstacles than many of their southern neighbors.

Low precipitation requires careful irrigation

The county receives just 19.3 inches of annual rainfall, well below the 30-50 inches lawns typically prefer. While 68 extreme heat days are milder than the Texas average of 105, the 4,057 growing degree days require a steady watering schedule. Mowing begins in earnest after the last spring frost on April 22.

Alkaline soil and sandy textures

Soil here is noticeably alkaline with a pH of 7.82, exceeding the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0. With a composition of 45.9% sand and 25.3% clay, the ground likely drains quickly but may struggle to hold nutrients. Gardeners should consider sulfur applications to lower pH and improve grass health.

Managing moisture in dry conditions

The county has spent 10 weeks in drought over the last year, with 100% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. Because rainfall is scarce, deep and infrequent watering is essential to establish deep root systems. Avoiding mid-day irrigation prevents water loss to evaporation in this arid environment.

Best grass choices for Zone 7a

Buffalograss and Bermudagrass are excellent choices for this region due to their high drought tolerance and heat resistance. Aim to seed or sod after the April 22 frost date but before the July heat peaks to ensure survival. With the right species, your Parmer County lawn can thrive despite the dry air.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Parmer County's county score?
Parmer County, Texas has a composite county score of 42.8 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 Parmer County rank among counties in Texas?
Parmer County ranks #115 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 Parmer County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Parmer County is $1,994, with an effective tax rate of 1.57%. This earns Parmer County a tax score of 10.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Parmer County?
The median household income in Parmer County, Texas is $68,164 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Parmer County earns an income score of 62.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Parmer County, Texas a good place to live?
Parmer County scores 42.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #115 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Parmer 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 Parmer County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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