countyscore
21
County Score
Water Quality 71.1Weather & Climate 51.3Lawn Care 50.5

County Report Card

About Potter County, Texas

A Significant National Underperformer

Potter County scores 21.0, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates severe challenges across almost every dimension of the livability index.

Struggling Within the Texas Landscape

Potter County’s score is less than half of the Texas state average of 41.9. It faces some of the most difficult socio-economic conditions in the Panhandle region.

Reliable Water Infrastructure

Water quality is a rare strength for Potter County, earning a high score of 71.1. It also offers relatively low home values, with the median house priced at $134,900.

Severe Safety and Health Concerns

Safety is an acute issue, with a score of only 0.8, among the lowest in the state. Health and income scores are also critically low, reflecting deep systemic challenges.

Suited for Specialized Industrial Workers

Potter County is largely a destination for those tied to specific local industries. While housing is cheap and water is plentiful, residents must navigate significant public safety risks.

Score breakdown

Tax12.7Cost37.9Safety0.8Health5.4Schools37.8Income15.6Risk9.5Water71.1Weather51.3
🏛12.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠37.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡0.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤5.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.5
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

Moore County
Texas
34.5
Carson County
Texas
49.3
Randall County
Texas
44.5
Oldham County
Texas
54.5
Hutchinson County
Texas
41.1
Armstrong County
Texas
37.1
Hartley County
Texas
47.7
Deaf Smith County
Texas
30.6

Deep Dives

Potter County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Potter County

via TaxByCounty

Potter pays above Texas average

At 1.503%, Potter County's effective tax rate runs 18% above the Texas state average of 1.276%, placing it in the higher tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,028 remains 25% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower property values in the Panhandle.

Potter ranks among Texas's higher-tax counties

Potter County sits in the upper third of Texas counties by effective tax rate, meaning residents shoulder above-average state burdens. At $2,028 median annual tax versus the state average of $2,193, Potter is close to statewide norms despite its smaller home values.

Higher taxes than Panhandle peers

Potter County's 1.503% rate exceeds neighboring Randall County's 1.577% and significantly outpaces Hutchinson and Moore counties in the region. The median home value of $134,900 reflects typical Panhandle property dynamics, making Potter's higher rate more burdensome.

What a $135K home costs yearly

The median Potter County homeowner pays $2,028 per year in property taxes on a $134,900 home. With mortgage-related deductions and school tax exemptions included, that climbs to $2,615, though homestead exemptions can bring the effective burden down.

Challenge your appraisal for free

Potter County homeowners who believe their assessments are unfair can file a no-cost appeal with the appraisal district before the May 15 deadline. Overassessments are common and recovering even one year of overpayment can offset the appeal effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Potter County

via CostByCounty

Potter faces significant affordability stress

Potter County's 23.5% rent-to-income ratio represents the most burdensome housing costs among these eight counties and far exceeds the Texas average of 18.1%. With a median household income of just $50,448—32% below the national median of $74,755—renters here struggle most with housing affordability.

Among Texas's least affordable counties

Potter County ranks toward the bottom of Texas counties for rental affordability, where the combination of low incomes and moderate rents creates significant household strain. This reflects broader economic challenges in the county that warrant consideration for prospective residents.

Rents higher than regional peers

At $989 monthly, Potter's median rent exceeds the state average of $963 while incomes lag peer counties. This unfavorable income-to-rent ratio makes Potter one of the region's tougher markets for renters.

Both housing paths demand careful planning

Renters spend $989 monthly while homeowners pay $862, narrowing the ownership advantage typical in other counties. At $50,448 median income, nearly a quarter of gross earnings already go to rent for typical renters—leaving little room for other expenses.

Potter demands stronger financial footing

Relocating to Potter County requires careful financial planning given its tight housing affordability; prioritize secure employment and savings before the move. If you're considering Potter, compare it carefully against more affordable counties on this list to ensure it matches your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Potter County

via IncomeByCounty

Potter County Faces Income Deficit

Potter County's median household income of $50,448 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $24,300, marking a substantial gap. The county ranks in the lowest quintile nationally, reflecting post-industrial challenges in the Amarillo region.

Well Below Texas Average

At $50,448, Potter County's median household income falls $14,289 short of the Texas state average of $64,737, the largest deficit among peer counties. This places Potter in the lowest decile statewide for household earnings.

Lowest Income in Region

Potter County's $50,448 significantly underperforms regional peers: Randall County earns $80,905, Reagan County $70,288, and even Pecos County $67,689. The gap reflects Amarillo's economic restructuring away from traditional sectors.

Housing Absorbs Large Income Share

Potter County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.5% is the highest among peer counties, meaning housing costs consume nearly a quarter of median earnings. The median home value of $134,900 presents real affordability strain for median-income households.

Prioritize Debt and Skills

Potter County households face tighter financial margins and should prioritize reducing high-interest debt before investing. Investing in career skills, certifications, or education often yields higher returns than stock market investing when income is constrained.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Potter County

via CrimeByCounty

High Crime Activity in Potter

Potter County faces significant public safety challenges with a safety score of 88.1. Its total crime rate of 7,559.5 per 100K is more than triple the national average of 2,385.5.

Trailing State Safety Benchmarks

Potter sits well below the Texas average safety score of 96.8 and the state crime rate of 2,052.5. This data marks it as one of the most active counties in the state for law enforcement reporting.

A Stark Contrast to Neighbors

Potter's crime rate is considerably higher than its neighbor Randall County. This disparity highlights a heavy concentration of reported incidents within the Amarillo metropolitan core compared to surrounding areas.

Significant Violent and Property Rates

The county reports 1,377.4 violent crimes and 6,182.1 property crimes per 100K. These figures indicate a high frequency of both person-related incidents and property-based theft across the county.

Prioritizing Home Security Measures

High local crime rates necessitate robust home security measures like monitored alarm systems and reinforced entries. Residents should stay informed through law enforcement alerts to mitigate personal risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Potter County

via HealthByCounty

Potter struggles on national stage

At 70.8 years, Potter County life expectancy runs 5.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly three in ten residents (28.6%) report poor or fair health—among the highest rates in this county survey and a signal of widespread chronic disease.

Texas's most challenged health profile

Potter County ranks near the bottom statewide on life expectancy (70.8 vs. Texas average of 74.3 years) and reports the highest poor/fair health rate in this data set at 28.6%. The county's 22.9% uninsured rate also exceeds Texas's 19.8% average.

Best provider access, poorest outcomes

Potter County leads all peers with 88 primary care and 306 mental health providers per 100K—extraordinary density for any region. Yet life expectancy remains the second-lowest, suggesting that provider availability cannot overcome deeper health determinants or care utilization barriers.

Abundance of doctors, persistent uninsurance

Potter's 88 primary care and 306 mental health providers per 100K represent the richest health infrastructure in this survey. However, 22.9% of residents lack insurance, and the high poor/fair health rate indicates that access to providers alone is insufficient without coverage and engagement.

Potter: use providers with coverage

Potter County's exceptional provider base goes underused when patients lack insurance. Nearly one in four Potter residents are uninsured; visit healthcare.gov or contact the Potter County health department to match yourself with a plan and unlock your doctors.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Potter County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Urban Schooling in the Panhandle

Potter County manages a large-scale education system with 48 public schools serving 22,426 students. The landscape is dominated by 29 elementary and 12 middle schools, primarily located in city environments. While three districts operate here, the vast majority of schools are concentrated within the city limits of Amarillo.

Meeting National Graduation Benchmarks

The county's graduation rate stands at 87.8%, placing it just above the national average but below the Texas state average of 91.6%. Potter County spends $6,972 per pupil, which is approximately $500 less than the state average and well below the $13,000 national figure. The composite school score of 52.3 reflects the challenges and opportunities of a high-volume urban district.

Amarillo's Major Educational Hub

While River Road ISD and Bushland ISD serve significant student populations, the city-center schools of Amarillo dominate the landscape. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning traditional public schools manage 100% of the local student body. This unified structure allows for large-scale programs in athletics and the arts.

Large City Campuses and Urban Diversity

Tascosa High School and Palo Duro High School are the giants of the county, both enrolling roughly 2,000 students each. With 39 of the 48 schools classified as "City" locales, students here experience a bustling, diverse educational environment. The average school size of 467 students is skewed by these massive high schools, providing a classic urban-suburban mix.

Invest in a Home Near Top Amarillo Schools

Potter County offers the most diverse array of educational opportunities in the Panhandle, from large high schools to specialized elementary campuses. If you are looking for a home, proximity to these central schools can be a major driver of property value and community life. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods that feed into Potter County's most storied districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Potter County

via RiskByCounty

Potter County ranks among highest-risk areas

Potter County's composite risk score of 90.49 places it well above the national average, marking it as a relatively moderate-risk area for natural disasters. This elevated score reflects exceptional exposure to tornado and wildfire hazards.

Texas's most hazardous county cluster

With a composite score of 90.49, Potter County significantly exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00 and ranks among the state's highest-risk counties. The panhandle's exposed geography drives this dangerous profile.

Part of a high-risk panhandle corridor

Potter County (90.49) shares extreme risk with neighboring Randall County (86.77) and Parmer County (81.81), creating a panhandle hotspot for natural disasters. All three counties face nearly identical tornado and wildfire threats from the plains geography.

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate

Potter County faces exceptional tornado risk (97.71) and wildfire risk (95.13), along with elevated earthquake risk (79.07) and flood risk (68.03). Notably, hurricane risk is zero due to the county's distance from coastal areas.

Prepare for severe wind and fire

Potter County residents should prioritize comprehensive wind and hail insurance to protect against tornado damage, plus wildfire coverage for properties in vulnerable areas. Ensure your policy specifically covers wind-driven damage and test your basement or safe room annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Potter County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temps and High Snow Potential

Potter County averages 57.4°F annually, which is quite close to the national median temperature. It is a dry region, receiving only 19.5 inches of precipitation each year.

Coldest and Snowiest Part of Texas

Potter County is significantly cooler than the 65.5°F Texas average. Its 17.2 inches of annual snowfall is among the highest in the state, contrasting sharply with the 31.9-inch state rain average.

Defining the Texas Panhandle Climate

Alongside Parmer County, Potter defines the cooler, high-altitude climate of the Panhandle. It experiences much harsher winters and more frequent snow than the rest of the state.

Frigid Winters with Substantial Snowfall

Winter temperatures average 38.5°F with a notable 17.2 inches of snow. Summers are shorter than in the south, with 72 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 78.2°F.

Equip Your Home for Winter Weather

Snow tires and heavy winter gear are essentials here for the 17.2 inches of snow. Homeowners should insulate pipes and prepare for freezing winter averages of 38.5°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Potter County

via SoilByCounty

Dark, rich Mollisols of the Panhandle

Potter County features Mollisols, a soil order prized for its dark surface and natural fertility. Its pH of 7.18 is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 but remains very close to the state average.

The ideal workability of loam

The soil is a balanced loam composed of 36.0% sand, 30.8% silt, and 25.4% clay. This specific mix provides excellent nutrient retention while remaining easy to work with traditional gardening tools.

Excellent water storage for crops

Organic matter levels sit at 1.63%, which is nearly identical to the state average. The soil's available water capacity of 0.141 in/in exceeds the Texas average, providing a reliable reservoir for thirsty plants.

Well-drained land for stable building

Classified as well-drained and part of Hydrologic Group B, this soil manages rainfall efficiently. It offers a stable foundation for construction and prevents the root rot issues common in heavier soils.

Hardy growth in Zone 7a

Potter County's Zone 7a climate supports hardy perennials and traditional Panhandle crops like winter wheat. With a soil score of 34.4, this land outperforms the state average for agricultural quality.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Potter County

via LawnByCounty

The best lawn conditions in the region

Potter County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 50.5, making it one of the few Texas counties to beat the national average. This score is significantly higher than the Texas average of 31.7, indicating a relatively friendly environment for turf. Zone 7a gardeners here have a distinct advantage over most of the state.

Milder summers and moderate growth

With 72 extreme heat days, Potter County is much cooler than the state average of 105 days. Precipitation is lower than ideal at 19.5 inches, but the 4,238 growing degree days indicate a manageable growth rate. The growing season typically kicks off after the final spring frost on April 22.

Well-drained loam provides a solid base

The soil is a favorable loam texture with a pH of 7.18, which is very close to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. It is classified as well-drained, meaning roots are less likely to suffer from saturation issues. This balanced foundation makes nutrient uptake efficient for most grass species.

Resilient against recent dry spells

Potter County has seen only 4 weeks of drought over the past year, though the area is currently 100% abnormally dry. This low drought frequency compared to the rest of Texas helps maintain lawn health with less supplemental water. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain the moisture you do apply.

Ideal conditions for cool and warm mixes

Tall Fescue can succeed here in shaded areas, while Bermudagrass remains the king of the sunny spots. Start your seeding projects in late April once the frost risk has passed. Because the soil is so high-quality, a little supplemental water is all you need to achieve a lush result.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Potter County's county score?
Potter County, Texas has a composite county score of 21 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 Potter County rank among counties in Texas?
Potter County ranks #249 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 Potter County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Potter County is $2,028, with an effective tax rate of 1.50%. This earns Potter County a tax score of 12.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Potter County?
The median household income in Potter County, Texas is $50,448 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Potter County earns an income score of 15.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Potter County, Texas a good place to live?
Potter County scores 21/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #249 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Potter 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 Potter 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.