countyscore
39.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 80.9Cost of Living 56.3Schools 51.5

County Report Card

About Reeves County, Texas

A Unique West Texas Profile

Reeves County carries a composite score of 39.8, sitting below the national median of 50.0. While it lags nationally, the county features highly specific strengths that appeal to certain industries and workers.

Competitive with the Texas Average

The county's 39.8 score is just shy of the Texas state average of 41.9. This puts it in the middle tier of Texas counties, balancing industrial growth with infrastructure challenges.

Resilient Environment and Fair Costs

Environmental stability is a major asset here, with a high risk score of 80.9 indicating very low vulnerability to natural hazards. Renters also find value, as the cost score of 56.3 is supported by a median rent of $988.

Healthcare and Resource Constraints

Public health is a primary concern, with the health score dipping to 12.3. Additionally, water quality and a relatively high tax burden, reflected in a tax score of 26.5, present ongoing hurdles for residents.

Best for Industrial Professionals

Reeves County is ideal for energy-sector workers and those who value a low-risk natural environment. It works best for people who are comfortable navigating limited health infrastructure in exchange for specific economic opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax26.5Cost56.3Safety44.3Health12.3Schools51.5Income27.8Risk80.9Water16.4Weather34.3
🏛26.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤12.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧16.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨16.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱8.3
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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Deep Dives

Reeves County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Reeves County

via TaxByCounty

Reeves taxes run well below national average

Reeves County's effective tax rate of 1.181% sits comfortably below the national median of 1.276%, putting it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The typical homeowner here pays $1,343 annually—less than half the national median property tax of $2,690. This advantage stems partly from modest home values; the county median is $113,700 versus $281,900 nationwide.

Reeves ranks below average among Texas counties

At 1.181%, Reeves County's effective rate falls slightly below Texas's state average of 1.276%, and its $1,343 median tax bill trails the state median of $2,193. This positions Reeves in the lower third of Texas counties by effective rate, offering modest tax relief compared to its state peers.

Reeves compares favorably to nearby West Texas

Reeves edges out Refugio County (1.404% rate) and Runnels County (1.464%) in effective tax burden, though Roberts County (1.004%) offers an even lighter load. Among this regional cluster, Reeves represents a middle ground between the lowest-taxed and highest-taxed neighbors.

Median home costs about $1,343 yearly

On the typical Reeves County home worth $113,700, you'd owe roughly $1,343 in property taxes annually—or about $112 per month. If you carry a mortgage, your lender may collect closer to $2,000 annually, bundling taxes into escrow payments.

Consider appealing if your assessment seems high

Many Texas homeowners pay taxes on inflated property values; a formal appeal could lower your assessed value and annual bill. Reeves County assessments are worth reviewing, especially if your home's recent market activity suggests a lower fair market value than your current appraisal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Reeves County

via CostByCounty

Reeves renters above water—barely

Reeves County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio sits above Texas's 18.1% state average and significantly above the national norm, though it's below the breaking point. With median household income of $56,056—about 25% below the U.S. median—housing costs consume a meaningful share of local paychecks.

Mid-pack affordability within Texas

Reeves County ranks roughly in the middle of Texas counties for rental affordability, managing better than high-burden counties like Red River but not as comfortably as wealthy suburban areas. The 21.1% rent-to-income ratio reflects Reeves's position as a rural West Texas county with modest incomes.

Less strain than nearby Reeves peers

Reeves's 21.1% rent burden falls between Red River County (23.1%) to the northeast and Roberts County (14.0%) to the north, showing more stability than the region's poorest counties. A median rent of $988 is close to the state average, but local incomes keep costs proportionally higher.

Breaking down the Reeves budget

Reeves renters earning $56,056 annually spend $988 monthly in rent—about $11,856 per year—while homeowners typically pay $599 in ownership costs. Just over one-fifth of household income flows to rent, leaving roughly 79% for other essentials and discretionary spending.

Reeves presents a balanced option

Considering Reeves County? You'll find median home values around $113,700 and moderate rents, making it more accessible than booming suburban counties. Verify that employment in your field is available locally—the relatively modest income base means job opportunities may be limited for some sectors.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Reeves County

via IncomeByCounty

Reeves County trails national income by 25%

Reeves County's median household income of $56,056 runs about $18,700 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The county's per capita income of $24,438 reflects an economy where some households earn well while others struggle.

Mid-range earner among Texas counties

Reeves County sits in the lower half of Texas counties with median household income 13% below the state average of $64,737. Its per capita income of $24,438 is 26% below the state's $33,197, indicating wealth concentration in fewer households.

Reeves outpaces Real and Red River

At $56,056, Reeves County's median income exceeds both Real County ($45,417) and Red River County ($46,912), though it trails Refugio and higher-earning neighbors. This positions Reeves in the middle of rural Texas income distribution.

Housing affordability favors renters and buyers

Reeves County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% sits well below the concerning 30% threshold, freeing household budgets for savings and other needs. The median home value of $113,700 is achievable for most working families earning the county median.

Leverage affordable housing to build assets

With favorable housing costs and $56,056 median income, Reeves County households should prioritize down payment savings for home purchase. Owning at $113,700 builds equity faster than renting and locks in stable housing costs over 30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Reeves County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Metrics in West Texas

Reeves County earns a safety score of 98.0, placing it well above the national safety baseline. The total crime rate of 1,248.0 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data suggests a secure environment for residents and businesses alike.

Better Than State Average Safety

The county's safety score of 98.0 beats the Texas state average of 96.8. Additionally, the total crime rate of 1,248.0 is much lower than the statewide average of 2,052.5 per 100K. Three reporting agencies provide the data that forms this positive safety picture.

Comparing Crime in the Permian Basin

Reeves County maintains a lower crime footprint than several neighboring energy-producing counties. While industrial activity can often increase transient traffic, local rates remain controlled. The reporting is consistent across three primary law enforcement agencies.

A Shift Toward Violent Crime Concerns

Reeves County faces a violent crime rate of 506.3 per 100K, which is higher than both the state and national averages. However, its property crime rate of 741.7 is remarkably low compared to the national average of 2,015.7. This unique profile shows that while theft is rare, personal safety requires more attention.

Focusing on Personal and Home Security

With property crime rates being quite low, residents can focus on personal safety awareness and standard home precautions. Smart doorbells and external lighting are effective tools to maintain the county's high safety standing. Simple steps ensure Reeves County remains a secure place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Reeves County

via HealthByCounty

Reeves County: Health gaps despite average lifespan

Reeves County's 73.6-year life expectancy approaches the U.S. average of 77.0 years, but a concerning 31.7% poor or fair health rate—among the highest in the sample—reveals significant underlying disease burden. This mismatch suggests undiagnosed or unmanaged chronic conditions.

Below-average life expectancy for Texas

Reeves County's 73.6-year life expectancy falls 0.7 years short of Texas's state average of 74.3 years. The 31.7% poor or fair health rate is notably elevated compared to state trends.

Limited providers amid high health burden

Reeves County has 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, well below neighbors like Real County's 71 per 100K. Mental health provider data is unavailable, but access gaps likely compound the high rate of poor or fair health status.

Highest uninsured rate in sample

Reeves County's 22.0% uninsured rate—the highest among the eight counties—exceeds the state average of 19.8%. This coverage gap leaves more than one in five residents unable to afford preventive care or chronic disease management.

Insurance opens the door to care

With high rates of poor health and limited providers, Reeves County residents must prioritize enrollment to access available services. Visit Healthcare.gov to explore plans and financial assistance tailored to your household.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Reeves County

via SchoolsByCounty

Growing Student Population in Two Main Districts

Reeves County supports 2,920 students through a concentrated network of six public schools. The infrastructure consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one specialized campus. All education is provided through traditional public districts with no charter schools currently available.

Educational Investment Approaches State Benchmarks

The county reports an 86.1% graduation rate, which sits slightly below the national average of 87.0% and the Texas average of 91.6%. Districts spend $8,669 per pupil, representing a higher investment than the state average of $7,498. The county's composite school score of 55.1 aligns closely with the Texas average of 55.3.

Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD Serves the Majority

Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD is the dominant district, managing five schools and 2,776 students. Balmorhea ISD serves as a smaller alternative, operating a single school with 144 students. This concentrated district structure centralizes most educational resources within the town of Pecos.

Town-Centered Schools with Moderate Campus Sizes

Education here primarily happens in town settings, with five schools located in urban clusters and only one in a rural area. Schools are moderately sized with an average of 487 students per campus. Pecos High School is the largest institution in the county, currently enrolling 766 students.

Explore Housing Near Pecos Public Schools

As Reeves County continues to develop, proximity to the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah campuses remains a top priority for local homebuyers. The area offers a mix of town-based amenities and centralized schooling that appeals to growing families. Start your home search today to secure a spot near the county's primary educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Reeves County

via RiskByCounty

Reeves County ranks among nation's safest

Reeves County's composite risk score of 19.15 places it in the Very Low category, well below the national average and among the safest counties nationally. Residents enjoy exceptionally low exposure to most major natural disaster types.

Texas's safest county by composite score

Reeves County's 19.15 score ranks as the lowest in Texas, nearly 30 points below the state average of 49.00. This exceptional safety profile reflects the remote, sparsely populated character of far West Texas.

Safer than all surrounding West Texas counties

Reeves County's Very Low rating significantly outpaces neighboring Pecos, Terrell, and Brewster counties, which face higher wildfire and flood exposures. Its position in the isolated Permian Basin contributes to reduced multi-hazard overlap.

Wildfire presents the main concern

Wildfire risk reaches 51.15 in Reeves County, making it the county's primary natural hazard despite overall very low risk. Flood risk at 31.52 ranks second, tied to flash-flood potential in desert terrain.

Homeowners should cover wildfire exposure

Reeves County residents should verify that wildfire damage is explicitly included in homeowners policies, as coverage gaps are common in remote areas. Standard homeowners policies typically cover flood through separate riders if purchased.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Reeves County

via WeatherByCounty

Desert Sun and Extreme Annual Heat

Reeves County averages 64.7°F annually, which is over 11 degrees higher than the national median. The climate is defined by intense sunlight and very low annual humidity.

One of the Driest Spots in Texas

Reeves is exceptionally dry, receiving only 11.1 inches of rain per year compared to the 31.9-inch state average. Its temperature remains consistent with the 65.5°F state mean, but the lack of rain creates a harsher environment.

Intense Heat in the Trans-Pecos

With 132 extreme heat days, Reeves is one of the hottest counties in the region. It is significantly drier than Central Texas, recording about 20 inches less annual rainfall than the state average.

Long Scorching Summers and Dry Winters

Summer temperatures average 81.6°F, but the county endures 132 days at or above 90°F. Winters are mild and extremely dry, with an average of 47.3°F and only 0.6 inches of snow.

Combatting Constant Heat and Aridity

Residents must maintain high-performance AC units to survive 132 days of extreme heat. Given the sparse 11.1 inches of rain, water storage and sun protection are the most critical local considerations.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Reeves County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils in West Texas

Reeves County features a high pH level of 7.81, which is notably more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.09. While taxonomic data for the area is limited, this pH level indicates a mineral-rich environment typical of the Trans-Pecos region.

A Balanced Silt-Heavy Mix

The soil contains 30.2% sand, 39.7% silt, and 27.7% clay. This composition offers a stable structure for roots, though the high silt content means the earth can become easily compacted if worked while wet.

Average Organic Matter, Low Water Retention

Organic matter sits at 1.66%, matching the state average exactly but falling below the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.122 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.133 and suggests a need for consistent irrigation.

High Runoff Risk with Group D

The land belongs to Hydrologic Group D, indicating very slow infiltration rates and high runoff potential. This poses challenges for drainage management in both agricultural and residential development projects.

Desert Gardening in Zone 8a

Reeves County falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, where heat-hardy crops like peppers and okra thrive. Local gardeners find success by using mulch to preserve the limited water capacity of this arid soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Reeves County

via LawnByCounty

Confronting Extreme Desert Conditions

Reeves County presents an extreme challenge with a difficulty score of 8.3, making it one of the hardest places in the nation to grow a traditional lawn. Residents in this Zone 8a region face obstacles nearly four times as difficult as the Texas state average of 31.7.

Enduring Scorch and Scarcity

The climate is defined by 132 extreme heat days and a meager 11.1 inches of annual rainfall, which is far below the 30-inch minimum for healthy grass. Such intense heat and 5,935 growing degree days mean traditional lawns require constant, heavy irrigation to survive.

Navigating High Alkaline Soils

The local soil pH of 7.81 is quite alkaline, sitting well above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turf. To help your grass thrive, you may need to apply elemental sulfur or use acidifying fertilizers to correct the nutrient balance in this sandy-clay mix.

A Year of Constant Drought

Reeves County has been in drought for all 53 weeks of the past year, demanding strict water conservation. Xeriscaping or choosing highly drought-tolerant native grasses is the most practical way to maintain curb appeal without excessive water use.

Planting for Desert Survival

Focus on ultra-hardy species like Buffalograss that can survive on limited water once established after the March 29th spring frost. Time your planting for early April to take advantage of the warming soil before the brutal summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Reeves County's county score?
Reeves County, Texas has a composite county score of 39.8 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 Reeves County rank among counties in Texas?
Reeves County ranks #143 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 Reeves County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Reeves County is $1,343, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Reeves County a tax score of 26.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Reeves County?
The median household income in Reeves County, Texas is $56,056 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Reeves County earns an income score of 27.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Reeves County, Texas a good place to live?
Reeves County scores 39.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #143 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Reeves 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 Reeves County with other counties side by side.

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