countyscore
43.9
County Score
Schools 68.8Safety 62.9Income & Jobs 61.3

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.

2040608010020.142.362.920.768.861.318.238.150.4Tax20.1Cost42.3Safety62.9Health20.7Schools68.8Income61.3Risk18.2Water38.1Weather50.443.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Parmer County DNA

Foverall

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

Parmer County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (68.8/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (20.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
20.1-31.9
Cost
42.3
Safety
62.9
Health
20.7-29.3
Schools
68.8+14.799999999999997
Income
61.3+10.299999999999997
Risk
18.2-28.8
Water
38.1-19.9
Weather
50.4
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Many homeowners in Parmer 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

$146,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,081/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$146,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,735/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Bailey County
Texas
51.1
Curry County
New Mexico
31.4
Lamb County
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44.9
Deaf Smith County
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Castro County
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Roosevelt County
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Quay County
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Deep Dives

Parmer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 43.9 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 #113 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 $1,872, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Parmer County a tax score of 20.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Parmer County?
The median household income in Parmer County, Texas is $69,735 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Parmer County earns an income score of 61.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Parmer County, Texas a good place to live?
Parmer County scores 43.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #113 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.
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.