countyscore
55.1
County Score
Cost of Living 93.4Safety 91.5Disaster Risk 89.8

County Report Card

About Presidio County, Texas

Beating the National Median

Presidio County earns a strong composite score of 55.1, exceeding the national median of 50.0. It is a standout performer that offers a unique mix of safety and affordability.

Leading the Texas Average

With a 55.1 score, Presidio far outpaces the Texas average of 41.9. It ranks as one of the most stable and attractive remote counties in the state.

Incredible Affordability and High Safety

The county boasts an exceptional housing cost score of 93.4, with median rents at just $445. Safety and natural risk management are also elite, both scoring around 90.0.

Low Incomes and Limited Water

Economic opportunity is the primary drawback, with an income score near zero and a median household income of $29,014. Water access is also a persistent concern in this desert climate.

A Haven for Remote Workers

Presidio is a paradise for those who earn an income elsewhere but want a safe, ultra-affordable place to live. It is ideal for digital nomads or retirees with fixed savings.

Score breakdown

Tax9.6Cost93.4Safety91.5Health32.4Schools48.3Income0.1Risk89.8Water4.5Weather28.7
🏛9.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡91.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧4.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤28.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱14.8
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

Jeff Davis County
Texas
63.3
Brewster County
Texas
55.4
Hudspeth County
Texas
56.9
Culberson County
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Reeves County
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Ward County
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Loving County
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Pecos County
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Deep Dives

Presidio County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Presidio County

via TaxByCounty

Presidio's rate is well above Texas

At 1.583%, Presidio County's effective tax rate ranks 24% above the Texas state average of 1.276%, positioning it among the state's pricier tax jurisdictions. The median property tax of $1,949 remains nearly 28% below the national median of $2,690, thanks to modest property values in far West Texas.

Presidio among Texas's highest-tax counties

Presidio County ranks in the upper quartile of Texas counties by effective tax rate, meaning West Texas residents bear a heavier burden than most. At $1,949 median annual tax, Presidio approaches the statewide average despite having the lowest median home value in this dataset.

Steepest taxes in the region

Presidio County's 1.583% rate ranks highest among neighboring Pecos, Brewster, and Alpine counties, making it the costliest place to own property in far West Texas. The median home value of just $123,100 makes this tax burden feel proportionally steeper.

What a $123K home costs yearly

The median Presidio County homeowner pays $1,949 per year in property taxes on a $123,100 home. Including mortgage-related deductions and exemptions, that can reach $2,235, though homestead protections help many owner-occupants.

Appraisals may not reflect market value

Presidio County homeowners can challenge their assessments free of charge—particularly important in an area where property values fluctuate with mining and agriculture cycles. A successful appeal could lower your annual bill by $150 to $400.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Presidio County

via CostByCounty

Presidio's lowest rents, lowest incomes

Presidio County offers Texas's lowest median rent at $445 monthly—less than half the state average of $963—but its median household income of $29,014 is equally low. The 18.4% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the state average, masking the county's deeper economic challenges.

Unique affordability through scarcity

Presidio County's rental affordability reflects limited housing supply and lower demand rather than robust local economy. The county's very low incomes position it among Texas's most economically challenged regions.

Dramatically cheaper housing nearby

Presidio's $445 rent is the lowest among all eight counties and reflects its remote West Texas location and smaller population. While rents are exceptionally low, incomes are also exceptionally low, creating a unique but economically constrained market.

Limited choices, but affordable monthly

Renters pay $445 monthly while homeowners pay $574—one of few markets where renting costs significantly less than owning. With median income at just $29,014, even the low $445 rent consumes 18.4% of gross earnings, limiting household flexibility.

Presidio suits remote or retired workers

Presidio County offers unmatched affordability for those with income sources independent of local employment, such as remote work or retirement income. Before relocating, verify that your income will sustain your lifestyle, as local job opportunities are limited and wages are correspondingly low.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Presidio County

via IncomeByCounty

Presidio County Earnings Severely Lag

Presidio County's median household income of $29,014 falls nearly $45,700 below the U.S. median of $74,755, the lowest among all peer counties. The county ranks in the bottom 5% nationally, reflecting extreme rural isolation and limited economic opportunity.

Lowest Income in Texas Sample

At $29,014, Presidio County's median household income is less than half the Texas state average of $64,737, a shortfall of $35,723. The county faces the steepest earnings challenge statewide among this peer group.

Presidio Trails All Peers Sharply

Presidio County's $29,014 median income is less than 42% of Randall County's $80,905 and trails even Potter County ($50,448) by $21,434. Extreme geographic isolation and limited labor market diversity explain the significant gap.

Housing Costs Manageable Percentage

Despite low absolute income, Presidio County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% remains reasonable, suggesting housing supply is abundant relative to demand. However, the median home value of $123,100 still represents nearly 4 years of median household income.

Focus on Stability and Safety Net

Presidio County households should prioritize building a basic emergency fund (3–6 months expenses) before considering investment. Government benefits, local employment training programs, and family support systems often matter more than portfolio growth in extremely constrained income environments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Presidio County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety Status in Presidio

Presidio County is exceptionally safe, earning a near-perfect safety score of 99.8. Its total crime rate of 146.0 per 100K is a tiny fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Texas Safety Leader

Ranking far above the Texas average safety score of 96.8, Presidio is among the safest counties in the state. Its crime rate is nearly 14 times lower than the state average of 2,052.5.

Outperforming West Texas Peers

In the vast landscape of West Texas, Presidio stands out as a beacon of security. It consistently reports lower crime figures than almost all of its neighboring rural counties.

Minimal Reported Crime Incidents

The county reports just 64.9 violent crimes and 81.1 property crimes per 100K. These remarkably low numbers reflect a community with very few reported incidents across all categories.

Maintaining Peace and Security

While statistical risk is low, maintaining community ties is the best defense in Presidio. Simple habits like locking doors and knowing your neighbors help keep these safety scores high.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Presidio County

via HealthByCounty

Presidio's paradox: long life, poor health

At 81.3 years, Presidio County boasts the highest life expectancy in this entire survey—nearly five years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Yet 37.6% of residents report poor or fair health, the highest rate across all eight counties, revealing a striking disconnect between age and wellness.

Longest-lived in Texas, heavily uninsured

Presidio's 81.3-year life expectancy outpaces Texas's 74.3-year average by seven years, making it a statewide outlier. However, its 33.5% uninsured rate—the highest of all counties here—nearly doubles the Texas average of 19.8%.

Outlier on both ends of spectrum

Presidio's 81.3-year life expectancy towers over Reagan (73.9) and all peers, yet its 37.6% poor/fair health rate is substantially worse than any neighbor. This paradox—some residents living very long while many report poor health—suggests a polarized health landscape in the county.

Uninsurance blocks access despite providers

Presidio County offers 49 primary care and 86 mental health providers per 100K, adequate for rural West Texas. But one in three residents (33.5%) lack insurance—the highest rate in this survey—rendering provider access moot for families without coverage.

Presidio needs insurance urgently

With 33.5% of Presidio uninsured, coverage gaps are acute and must be addressed immediately. Visit healthcare.gov or call a local community health center to apply for Medicaid or marketplace plans—many offer free or low-cost options for eligible families.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Presidio County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Borderlands Education System

Presidio County operates a lean education network with only four public schools serving 1,253 students across two districts. This compact system includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, alongside a specialized PK-12 campus. The infrastructure is split evenly between town and rural settings, reflecting the county's rugged geography.

Strong Results in a High-Desert Setting

Presidio County exactly matches the Texas state graduation average of 91.6%, a significant achievement that outpaces the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,862, which is lower than the state average but produces a competitive school score of 54.1. This indicates an efficient use of funds to ensure student success in a remote region.

Presidio ISD Dominates Local Enrollment

Presidio ISD is the primary provider of education here, enrolling 1,020 students across its three campuses. Marfa ISD serves the remaining 233 students through a single PK-12 facility known as Marfa Schools. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring that local school boards remain the primary voice in education.

Small Schools with Big Community Impact

Education here is highly personalized, with an average school size of 313 students across just four campuses. Presidio Elementary is the largest school with 410 students, while Lucy Rede Franco Middle serves a tight-knit group of 219. The mix of rural and town locales means students often attend school in the same buildings for their entire academic careers.

Discover Rural Living Near Quality Schools

For families seeking a slower pace of life without sacrificing graduation outcomes, Presidio County is a hidden gem. Homes in Marfa and Presidio offer direct access to these small, community-focused school districts. Start your home search here to secure a place in a region where every student is known by name.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Presidio County

via RiskByCounty

Presidio ranks among safest U.S. counties

Presidio County's composite risk score of 10.24 places it far below the national average, marking it as a very low-risk area for natural disasters. This remote Big Bend location offers exceptional protection from most catastrophic hazards.

Among Texas's lowest-risk counties

With a composite score of 10.24, Presidio County ranks well below Texas's state average of 49.00 and among the state's safest counties. Its remote West Texas location shields it from major disaster threats.

Safest county in a remote region

Presidio County (10.24) faces substantially lower risk than nearby Pecos County (25.13) and dramatically lower risk than panhandle counties Parmer (81.81), Potter (90.49), and Randall (86.77). Its isolation provides natural disaster protection.

Wildfire is the lone elevated threat

Presidio County's wildfire risk (80.15) stands notably high, yet its tornado (7.82), flood (18.13), and hurricane (14.43) risks remain exceptionally low. The arid Big Bend landscape drives wildfire exposure while isolation provides safety from other hazards.

Basic coverage meets most needs

Presidio County residents should ensure wildfire coverage in their homeowners policies and maintain defensible space around structures. For most residents, standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection given the county's very low overall risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Presidio County

via WeatherByCounty

High Desert Heat Above National Norms

Presidio County averages a warm 66.3°F annually, significantly higher than the U.S. national median of approximately 53°F. This arid environment places the county among the warmer regions in the country.

Warmer and Drier Than the Texas Average

The county's average temperature of 66.3°F sits slightly above the Texas state average of 65.5°F. While much of the state is humid, Presidio is notably dry with only 11.7 inches of annual rainfall compared to the 31.9-inch state mean.

A Rugged Arid Leader in West Texas

Presidio experiences a starkly drier climate than its eastern neighbors, receiving roughly 20 inches less rain than the state average. Its July average of 82.3°F reflects the intense sun characteristic of the Big Bend region.

Long Scorching Summers and Brief Winters

The county endures 131 extreme heat days per year where temperatures hit 90°F or higher. Winter remains mild with a December-February average of 49.3°F and only 1.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Essential Gear for High Desert Living

Residents must prioritize high-efficiency cooling systems to manage the 131 days of extreme heat. Since the county only receives 11.7 inches of rain, water-conscious landscaping and UV-protective clothing are daily necessities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Presidio County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline desert soils of the West

Presidio County presents an alkaline soil profile with a pH of 7.28. This level is notably higher than the national median of 6.5, reflecting the arid conditions of the High Desert.

Gritty textures with high sand

The soil is predominantly sand at 43.3%, mixed with 27.7% silt and 21.3% clay. This high sand content means the soil feels gritty and may require organic amendments to help it hold onto nutrients.

Managing water in a dry climate

The organic matter content is 1.58%, slightly trailing the Texas average of 1.66%. An available water capacity of 0.095 in/in is below the state average, making efficient irrigation vital for any local grower.

High runoff potential during storms

Falling into Hydrologic Group D, this soil has a high runoff potential when saturated. This can lead to flash flooding and erosion during intense desert rain events, requiring careful land management.

Drought-tolerant beauty in Zone 8a

Located in Zone 8a, this county is the perfect home for agave, yucca, and other heat-hardy succulents. Gardeners should focus on native species that thrive in alkaline, well-aerated desert ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Presidio County

via LawnByCounty

A steep climb for desert lawns

Presidio County faces a difficult lawn score of 14.8, reflecting the harsh realities of High Desert gardening. This is less than half the state average score of 31.7, placing it among the most difficult counties in the U.S. for traditional turf. Success requires choosing plants that thrive on minimal intervention.

Extreme heat and minimal rainfall

The county receives a mere 11.7 inches of rain annually, well below the 30-inch minimum for most lawns. With 131 days of extreme heat over 90°F, the atmosphere is incredibly demanding on plant life. The long growing season, fueled by 6,365 growing degree days, starts early after the March 21 frost.

Sandy soil with high pH levels

The soil is comprised of 43.3% sand and 21.3% clay, leading to very rapid drainage that can leave plants thirsty. A pH of 7.28 is slightly alkaline, so choosing salt-tolerant grass varieties is a smart move. Adding organic compost is necessary to help the sandy ground retain any water it receives.

Extreme drought is the new normal

The county has spent all 53 of the last weeks in drought, with nearly 90% of the land currently in severe drought or worse. In such an arid climate, traditional lawns may be impractical without heavy irrigation. Using gray water or efficient drip systems for trees and shrubs is a more sustainable approach.

Tough grasses for the desert sun

Bermudagrass is the most viable option for those committed to a lawn, as it can survive the 131 days of intense heat. Planting should occur in late March, but be prepared for a significant water commitment to keep it green. Many residents find that native desert grasses provide a more beautiful and resilient alternative.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Presidio County's county score?
Presidio County, Texas has a composite county score of 55.1 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 Presidio County rank among counties in Texas?
Presidio County ranks #37 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 Presidio County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Presidio County is $1,949, with an effective tax rate of 1.58%. This earns Presidio County a tax score of 9.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Presidio County?
The median household income in Presidio County, Texas is $29,014 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Presidio County earns an income score of 0.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Presidio County, Texas a good place to live?
Presidio County scores 55.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Presidio 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 Presidio County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.