Schleicher County

Texas · TX

#39 in Texas
68.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Schleicher County, Texas

Schleicher scores 41% above national median

Schleicher County's composite score of 70.4 is 41% higher than the national median of 50.0, signaling strong livability by national standards. This performance reflects a unique profile combining higher incomes with affordable housing.

Above-average Texas county performer

At 70.4, Schleicher County exceeds the Texas state average of 66.8 and ranks solidly among better-performing counties statewide. This positions it favorably within the competitive Texas county landscape.

Strong incomes with low housing costs

Schleicher County stands out with an income score of 42.2 and median household income of $90,141—the highest in this group. Combined with a cost score of 83.7 (median home $113,400, rent just $627 monthly), it offers strong purchasing power with low housing burden.

Tax burden is higher than peers

Schleicher County's tax score of 62.1 and effective rate of 1.429% are the highest in this set, reducing some economic advantage. Safety, health, school, and environmental data are not yet complete.

Perfect for higher-earning families

Schleicher County is ideal for families and individuals with above-average incomes seeking a strong livability profile without premium housing costs. It appeals to rural professionals, business owners, and anyone seeking to maximize purchasing power in a lower-cost setting.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax62.1Cost83.7SafetyComing SoonHealth52.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome42.2Risk96.3WaterComing Soon
🏛62.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠83.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼42.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
52.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
96.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Schleicher County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Schleicher County

via TaxByCounty

Schleicher taxes near national median despite lower home values

Schleicher County's effective tax rate of 1.429% produces a median annual property tax of $1,621 on a median home value of just $113,400, showing a higher rate applied to lower-priced homes. Compared to the national median tax of $2,690, Schleicher's homeowners pay about 40% less, though the effective rate is above national norms.

Above-average taxes for Texas

Schleicher County's effective tax rate of 1.429% exceeds the Texas state average of 1.276%, placing it among the state's higher-taxing counties. The median property tax of $1,621 runs modestly below the state median of $2,193, reflecting the county's lower home values.

Higher taxes on smaller homes

Schleicher's 1.429% rate surpasses nearby San Saba County's 1.006% and San Augustine's 0.816%, making it one of the region's higher-tax counties. Despite having lower median home values than neighbors, Schleicher imposes notably higher effective tax rates.

Median home costs $1,621 yearly in taxes

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $113,400 in Schleicher County pays approximately $1,621 annually in property taxes. Including mortgage and debt service, that figure rises to $1,927, placing the burden on the higher side for the county's modest home prices.

Assessment appeals could yield real savings

Given Schleicher's relatively high effective tax rate, homeowners should carefully verify their property assessments—overvalued assessments hit harder in high-tax counties. Appealing an inflated assessment is accessible and can meaningfully reduce your annual tax obligation.

Cost of Living in Schleicher County

via CostByCounty

Schleicher stands out as most affordable

Schleicher County boasts a remarkable 8.3% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest among Texas's peer counties and well below both the national average and state norm of 18.1%. Combined with the highest median household income ($90,141) in this group, Schleicher delivers exceptional housing affordability.

Top-tier affordable county in Texas

Schleicher ranks among Texas's most affordable counties, driven by a unique combination of higher income and lower rent ($627 monthly). The 8.3% rent-to-income ratio places it in the state's best-performing counties for housing access.

Lowest rent, highest income wins

Schleicher's $627 median rent stands lowest among all eight counties, undercut only by Shackelford ($485), yet paired with the highest median income ($90,141). This income-to-rent advantage makes Schleicher the region's clear affordability leader for renters.

Rent absorbs just 8% of income

Schleicher renters spend only 8.3% of their $90,141 median income on monthly rent—a remarkably low proportion that leaves substantial resources for savings and other needs. Homeowners pay 11.9% toward monthly owner costs ($897), reflecting an efficient housing market overall.

Premium affordability for relocators

Schleicher County delivers the best housing-affordability profile in this comparison—strong incomes, low rents, and minimal housing burden. If you're relocating to Texas and prioritize financial flexibility, Schleicher's combination of income and cost-of-living makes it worth serious consideration.

Income & Jobs in Schleicher County

via IncomeByCounty

Schleicher leads nationally among Texas counties

Schleicher County's median household income of $90,141 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $15,386—a remarkable 20.6% advantage that places it in the top quartile nationally. This outstanding performance reflects a specialized, well-compensated workforce or strong resource-extraction economy. Schleicher ranks among the nation's highest-earning counties and stands apart from all peer counties in this analysis.

Schleicher dominates Texas income rankings

At $90,141, Schleicher County ranks in the top tier of Texas's 254 counties, exceeding the state average of $64,737 by $25,404—a 39% premium. This exceptional position reflects either specialized employment (oil and gas, agriculture) or an unusually skilled workforce. The county's per capita income of $33,900 also exceeds the state average of $33,197, confirming broad-based earning strength.

Schleicher outearns every peer by wide margin

Schleicher County's median income of $90,141 dwarfs all comparison counties, with a $22,629 advantage over the next-highest earner, San Patricio and Rusk counties at $67,500. Even Sabine County's respectable $59,924 falls $30,217 below Schleicher's figure. This gap reflects Schleicher's distinct economic specialization, likely tied to oil production or ranching, setting it apart as an income outlier.

Schleicher offers exceptional financial flexibility

Schleicher County's rent-to-income ratio of just 8.3%—the lowest across all counties compared—means renters allocate only $7,500 annually to housing from a median income of $90,141. This extraordinarily low ratio provides unparalleled financial breathing room for savings, investment, and lifestyle choices. The county's affordability advantage is a significant competitive advantage for residents and prospective movers.

Schleicher's income unlocks wealth potential

With median household income of $90,141 and housing costs consuming just 8.3% of earnings, Schleicher households can save $20,000+ annually while maintaining comfortable living standards. Max out contributions to a 401(k) ($23,500 for 2024) and open a backdoor Roth IRA to accelerate tax-advantaged wealth accumulation. At this income level, working with a financial planner to optimize tax strategy becomes highly worthwhile.

Health in Schleicher County

via HealthByCounty

Schleicher leads on longevity, struggles elsewhere

Schleicher County's 78.9-year life expectancy is the highest in this county group and exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.5 years—a significant advantage. Yet one in four residents report poor or fair health, and 23.1% lack insurance, revealing hidden health vulnerabilities despite longevity gains.

Longest lifespan in group, highest uninsured tier

Schleicher County's 78.9-year life expectancy far exceeds Texas's 74.3 average—4.6 years ahead—placing it among the state's longest-lived counties. However, its 23.1% uninsured rate ranks among the highest statewide, creating a stark inequality gap.

Exceptional longevity masks coverage gaps

Schleicher County's 78.9-year life expectancy is 5-8 years ahead of peers like Sabine (70.3), San Augustine (70.6), and Scurry (72.9). However, its 23.1% uninsured rate rivals the worst performers, suggesting concentrated wealth and health disparities.

Strong mental health, unknown primary care access

Schleicher County reports 84 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest statewide—but primary care provider data is unavailable, limiting our full picture. With 23.1% uninsured, one in four residents cannot access either service affordably.

Excellent providers, coverage still essential

Schleicher County's 84 mental health providers per 100,000 are outstanding, but 23.1% of residents are uninsured and cannot use them affordably. Visit healthcare.gov to explore coverage options—marketplace subsidies, Medicaid, and short-term plans can unlock access to the county's exceptional mental health resources.

Disaster Risk in Schleicher County

via RiskByCounty

Schleicher among safest in America

Schleicher County's composite risk score of 3.75 represents one of the lowest in the United States, placing it in the "Very Low" category at less than one-tenth the national average of 44.0. The county faces minimal cumulative natural disaster exposure compared to virtually any other American location.

Texas's lowest-risk county

At 3.75, Schleicher County scores 45 points below Texas's 49.00 state average, ranking as the state's safest county for natural disaster risk. This exceptional protection reflects its remote West Texas location far from major hazard sources.

Safest in West Texas region

Schleicher County (3.75) represents the absolute lowest-risk option in its region, outperforming San Saba County (7.28) and significantly exceeding Scurry County (29.99). The county stands alone as an island of exceptional safety in West Texas.

Wildfire only measurable concern

Wildfire risk reaches 80.22, reflecting the county's dry landscape and grassland environment, making fire awareness important during hot, dry months. All other major hazards score extremely low: earthquakes at 2.67, tornadoes at 12.18, and hurricanes at 24.28.

Minimal insurance needs cover all risks

Schleicher County's exceptional safety means basic homeowners insurance provides comprehensive coverage for virtually all natural disaster scenarios. Focus seasonal attention on wildfire prevention by maintaining clear space around structures and keeping brush trimmed during dry season.

ByCounty Network

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