countyscore
55.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.3Income & Jobs 92.1Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Schleicher County, Texas

A National Leader in Livability

Schleicher County boasts a 55.4 composite score, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It is one of the higher-performing rural counties in the United States.

Way Ahead of State Averages

At 55.4, the county easily clears the Texas average of 41.9. Its unique combination of high incomes and low environmental risk sets it apart from its neighbors.

Elite Incomes and Environmental Stability

The county shines with an income score of 92.1, supported by a $90,141 median household income. It also features a near-perfect risk score of 96.3 and a strong water score of 86.0.

Tax Burdens and Health Access

Despite high earnings, the tax score is low at 16.2 due to a 1.429% effective tax rate. Healthcare access remains a middle-of-the-road factor with a score of 33.0.

Top Choice for High-Earning Ruralites

Schleicher is perfect for affluent residents who want a safe, environmentally secure home base. It offers a rare rural blend of high wages and excellent infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax16.2Cost67.8Safety65.5Health33Schools60.5Income92.1Risk96.3Water86Weather42.6
🏛16.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼92.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱20.7
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

Schleicher County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Schleicher County

via CrimeByCounty

Schleicher County Beats National Averages

Schleicher County reports a total crime rate of 808.4 per 100K, roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a high safety score of 98.7.

Consistently Safer Than State Average

The county's crime rate of 808.4 per 100K is significantly lower than the Texas average of 2052.5. Note that these figures come from a single reporting agency and should be viewed with caution.

A Low-Crime Alternative in the Region

Schleicher County offers a safer environment than nearby Scurry County, which sees nearly triple the crime rate. Local law enforcement maintains a high safety score of 98.7 for the community.

Property and Violent Crimes Remain Low

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 161.7, while property crime is 646.7 per 100K. Both figures are well below the national benchmarks of 369.8 and 2,015.7, respectively.

Simple Measures for Continued Safety

Residents can help keep these low numbers stable by securing outbuildings and ranch equipment. Motion sensors and basic alarm systems are effective deterrents in this quiet rural setting.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Schleicher County

via SchoolsByCounty

One District, One Unified Community

Schleicher County operates a streamlined single-district system with just three schools serving the entire student body of 476. The infrastructure is simple and efficient, featuring one elementary, one middle, and one high school.

Reliable Performance in a Rural Setting

The county maintains a 90% graduation rate and a school score of 56.5, both of which are competitive with state averages. Local spending of $8,380 per pupil ensures the district is better funded than the average Texas school.

Focus on Schleicher ISD

Schleicher ISD is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing all 476 students. This unified approach means no charter schools compete for resources, keeping the community focused on its core campuses.

The Heart of Rural West Texas

All three schools are classified as rural, offering a very small average size of just 159 students per campus. Eldorado Elementary is the largest school with 183 students, while Eldorado Middle is the smallest with 131.

Join a Close-Knit Educational Community

Families who value a single-district town where the school is the center of the community will love Schleicher County. Search for homes in Eldorado to become part of this dedicated and well-funded educational system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Schleicher County

via WeatherByCounty

A High Plains Warmth Profile

Schleicher County averages 63.8°F annually, which is notably higher than the national median. This region offers a semi-arid climate that transitions between the Hill Country and the West Texas plains.

Cooler and Drier than Texas Averages

The county's 63.8°F average is cooler than the state average of 65.5°F. It is also much drier, receiving only 21.9 inches of rain compared to the state's 31.9-inch average.

Semi-Arid Conditions Define the Region

Compared to coastal Texas, Schleicher is significantly more arid with 10 inches less rain than the state average. It records 88 extreme heat days, which is lower than many of its eastern neighbors.

Moderate Snow and Dry Heat

Summers are hot but drier than the coast, with an 80.5°F July average. Winters average 46.9°F and include 1.1 inches of annual snowfall, marking a shift toward more northern weather patterns.

Focusing on Moisture and Shade

Water conservation is vital given the low 21.9 inches of annual precipitation. Residents should prepare for 88 extreme heat days while keeping light winter gear ready for the occasional inch of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Schleicher County

via SoilByCounty

High Alkalinity on the Plateau

Schleicher County soil is significantly alkaline with an average pH of 7.94. This is much higher than the national median of 6.5, requiring specific plant selections that can tolerate high-calcium environments.

Heavy Clay and Slow Movement

With a composition of 41.1% clay and only 21.6% sand, this soil is heavy and can be difficult to work when wet. The 37.3% silt content adds some structure, but the high clay dominates the physical properties of the land.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The soil boasts a massive 3.75% organic matter content, more than double the Texas state average of 1.66%. Available water capacity matches the state average at 0.131 in/in, offering great nutrient retention for native grasses.

Slow Infiltration in Group D

The soil belongs to hydrologic group D, which indicates very slow infiltration and high runoff potential. This makes the land prone to standing water after heavy rains, a critical factor for anyone planning foundations or drainage systems.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a

In Zone 8a, you can successfully grow native wildflowers and drought-resistant shrubs that love alkaline earth. Start a garden with desert-adapted species to take full advantage of the high organic fertility found here.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Schleicher County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty in the West Texas Scrub

Schleicher County is a very challenging environment for traditional lawns, with a difficulty score of 20.7. This is much lower than the Texas average of 31.7, indicating that the local climate and soil are particularly harsh. Growing a lawn here in Zone 8a requires a departure from standard gardening practices.

High Desert Dryness and Intense Sun

Annual precipitation is very low at 21.9 inches, falling far short of the 30-50 inches most lawns prefer. While the 88 extreme heat days are lower than the state average, the lack of moisture makes each one more damaging. Expect a shorter growing season and a heavy reliance on efficient irrigation systems.

Heavy Clay and High Alkalinity Challenges

The soil is a heavy challenge with 41.1% clay content and a high pH of 7.94. This alkalinity can lock out essential nutrients like iron, often leading to yellowing in traditional turf. You must select grass species that can tolerate heavy soil and thrive in alkaline conditions.

Abnormally Dry Conditions Prevail

Almost the entire county, 97.9%, is currently abnormally dry, following 24 weeks of drought over the last year. Because the clay soil drains slowly but holds heat, overwatering can be just as dangerous as underwatering. Focus on water-wise landscaping and choosing native varieties that naturally handle these dry cycles.

Native Species for the Schleicher Soil

Buffalo grass is the most suitable option here as it thrives in alkaline clay and survives on the county's low 21.9 inches of rain. Start your lawn after March 22 to avoid the last frost and give the grass a full season to establish. With the first frost arriving by November 10, timing is critical for root development.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Schleicher County's county score?
Schleicher County, Texas has a composite county score of 55.4 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 Schleicher County rank among counties in Texas?
Schleicher County ranks #34 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 Schleicher County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Schleicher County is $1,621, with an effective tax rate of 1.43%. This earns Schleicher County a tax score of 16.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Schleicher County?
The median household income in Schleicher County, Texas is $90,141 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Schleicher County earns an income score of 92.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Schleicher County, Texas a good place to live?
Schleicher County scores 55.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Schleicher 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 Schleicher 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.