countyscore
35.5
County Score
Schools 77Disaster Risk 70Cost of Living 48

County Report Card

About Scurry County, Texas

Falling Behind National Averages

Scurry County scores 35.5, which is notably lower than the national median of 50.0. The county faces several socio-economic and tax-related hurdles.

Below the Texas Performance Level

The county's composite score of 35.5 sits below the state average of 41.9. While it excels in education, other factors pull its state ranking down.

Excellent Schools and High Resilience

Scurry County boasts a strong school score of 77.0, among the best in the region. It also maintains a high risk score of 70.0, suggesting it is well-protected from natural disasters.

High Taxes and Low Safety

The tax score is very low at 9.6 due to a high 1.589% effective tax rate. Safety is also a significant concern, with a score of only 18.3 based on local crime data.

A Draw for Education-First Families

Scurry is a strong candidate for families who prioritize quality public education above all else. However, residents must be comfortable with higher property taxes and be proactive about personal safety.

Score breakdown

Tax9.6Cost48Safety18.3Health14.6Schools77Income47.2Risk70Water21.2Weather41.9
🏛9.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤14.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓77
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧21.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨18.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱19.2
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

Scurry County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Scurry County

via TaxByCounty

Scurry taxes substantially above national median

Scurry County's effective tax rate of 1.589% ranks among Texas's highest, with median property taxes of $1,761 on a median home value of just $110,800. This high effective rate applied to lower-priced homes results in a tax burden exceeding the national norm of $2,690 as a percentage of home value.

Texas's most aggressive taxing rate

Scurry County's effective tax rate of 1.589% stands as one of the highest in Texas, well above the state average of 1.276%. The county ranks in the top tier of Texas counties for aggressive property tax rates despite having below-average home values.

Highest rate in the west Texas region

Scurry's 1.589% rate far exceeds nearby San Saba County's 1.006% and Schleicher County's 1.429%, marking it as the region's most aggressive taxer. West Texas homeowners in Scurry face the steepest effective tax rates in their area.

Median home costs $1,761 yearly in taxes

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $110,800 in Scurry County pays approximately $1,761 annually in property taxes. With mortgage and debt service included, that amount climbs to $2,695, creating a substantial tax burden on modestly valued homes.

Assessment review is critical in high-tax counties

With Scurry County's above-average effective tax rate, homeowners should prioritize verifying their property assessments—even small overvaluation corrections yield significant savings. Filing an appeal to contest an inflated assessment is straightforward and can reduce your tax liability considerably.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Scurry County

via CostByCounty

Scurry's rent burden nears state average

Scurry County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below Texas's 18.1% state average and outperforms the national benchmark. Renters here pay $913 monthly on a median household income of $62,689—close to the state average rent and income levels.

Solid middle-ground county affordability

Scurry ranks solidly in the middle tier of Texas county affordability, with a rent burden just below the state average and moderate income levels. The 17.5% ratio reflects a balanced rental market with reasonable access for typical Texas households.

Rents align with county-median pattern

Scurry's $913 median rent falls near the regional middle—above Sabine ($738) and San Augustine ($741) but below San Jacinto ($1,018). Home values ($110,800) rank among the region's lowest, making Scurry appealing for homebuyers on moderate budgets.

Moderate rent, balanced homeownership

Scurry renters spend 17.5% of their $62,689 income on rent, a manageable proportion that aligns with state norms. Homeowners dedicate 15.0% to monthly owner costs ($786), suggesting both renting and buying remain accessible in this county.

Solid choice for typical Texas families

Scurry County represents a balanced relocation option with near-state-average affordability and moderate home values ($110,800). If you're comfortable with typical Texas housing costs and want a stable, middle-ground county, Scurry delivers reliable affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Scurry County

via IncomeByCounty

Scurry trails national income by significant margin

Scurry County's median household income of $62,689 falls $12,066 short of the national median of $74,755, a 16.1% gap reflecting rural West Texas economic constraints. This shortfall places Scurry in the lower half nationally, though not among the most disadvantaged. The county's income level remains viable for communities with lower costs of living but signals limited wage growth opportunities.

Scurry ranks below Texas state average

At $62,689, Scurry County trails Texas's state average of $64,737 by $2,048, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 254 counties. The per capita income of $30,274 falls meaningfully below the state average of $33,197, suggesting either a younger workforce or lower average wages. Scurry's position reflects modest economic headwinds common to rural Texas oil-and-agriculture regions.

Scurry outearns lower-income peers

Scurry County ($62,689) trails Rusk County ($67,506) by $4,817 but comfortably exceeds San Augustine County ($46,338) by $16,351 and San Saba County ($54,855) by $7,834. The county mirrors Sabine and San Jacinto counties at roughly $60,000, forming a cohort of moderately-performing rural Texas counties. This positioning suggests Scurry has stronger employment or wage stability than the lowest-income peers.

Housing affordability remains reasonable

Scurry County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters allocate roughly $10,970 annually to housing from median income of $62,689. This favorable ratio provides meaningful financial flexibility for healthcare, savings, and other essentials. Scurry's housing affordability is a competitive advantage relative to Texas urban areas.

Harness Scurry's affordability for investment

With housing consuming just 17.5% of income and median earnings near $63,000, Scurry households can target $5,000-$8,000 in annual retirement contributions or investment savings. Utilize Texas's property tax exemptions and low home values ($110,800 median) to build home equity while maintaining aggressive retirement saving. This balanced approach transforms modest income into meaningful long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Scurry County

via CrimeByCounty

Scurry County Faces Safety Challenges

Scurry County has a total crime rate of 2167.9 per 100K, which is approaching the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 96.6, slightly below the state norm.

Below the Texas Safety Average

The county's safety score of 96.6 falls below the Texas average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 2167.9 per 100K exceeds the state's typical rate of 2052.5.

Higher Crime Density Than Neighbors

Compared to San Saba's 622.9 per 100K, Scurry County experiences a much higher volume of reported incidents. Residents encounter a more active criminal landscape than those in nearby rural counties.

Elevated Violent Crime Rates Reported

Scurry County reports a high violent crime rate of 1001.0 per 100K, nearly triple the national average of 369.8. Conversely, property crime is relatively low at 1166.9 per 100K.

Priority on Personal and Home Security

High violent crime rates suggest that personal safety and home security should be top priorities. Investing in comprehensive security systems with professional monitoring is highly recommended for local residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Scurry County

via HealthByCounty

Scurry County health slightly below U.S. average

Scurry County's 72.9-year life expectancy falls 3.5 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly one in four residents report poor or fair health, suggesting chronic disease, limited preventive care, or both.

Lower-middle tier among Texas counties

Scurry County's 72.9-year life expectancy trails Texas's 74.3-year average by 1.4 years, ranking in the lower half statewide. Its 20.9% uninsured rate edges above the state average, adding financial vulnerability to the population.

Middling outcomes with strong provider base

Scurry County's 72.9-year life expectancy ranks below Rusk (73.6) and San Jacinto (73.6), but above Sabine (70.3) and San Augustine (70.6). However, it boasts 59 primary care providers per 100,000—the highest in the region—plus 56 mental health providers.

Excellent provider access despite modest outcomes

Scurry County has 59 primary care providers and 56 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—exceptional for a rural county—yet life expectancy is below state average. This suggests access alone doesn't drive health outcomes; lifestyle, prevention, and insurance coverage matter equally.

Use abundant providers with solid insurance

Scurry County's 59 primary care and 56 mental health providers are exceptional resources, but 20.9% of residents remain uninsured and cannot use them. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to secure coverage and maximize the county's outstanding provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Scurry County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Stable Network for West Texas Learners

Scurry County supports 3,070 students through a network of six public schools across three districts. The system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, along with two specialized campuses.

Exceptional Graduation and Strong Scores

The county achieves an outstanding 95.6% graduation rate, nearly 10 percentage points higher than the national average. With a school score of 58.6, the county consistently outperforms the state average of 55.3.

Snyder ISD Drives Local Enrollment

Snyder ISD is the dominant district, serving 2,560 students across four schools. Ira ISD and Hermleigh ISD provide smaller rural alternatives, though no charter schools currently operate within the county.

Balance of Town and Rural Campuses

The county is split evenly with three schools in town settings and three in rural areas, maintaining an average size of 512 students. Snyder Primary is the largest school with 895 students, providing a robust start for young children.

Relocate for Top-Tier Graduation Rates

Scurry County is a standout for families who prioritize high graduation rates and a mix of town and rural environments. Explore real estate in Snyder to access some of the highest-performing districts in the region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Scurry County

via RiskByCounty

Scurry County below national average

Scurry County's composite risk score of 29.99 places it in the "Very Low" category, well below the national average of 44.0. The county faces below-average natural disaster exposure, though wildfire represents a notable regional concern.

Lower risk than typical Texas county

At 29.99, Scurry County scores 19 points below Texas's 49.00 state average, placing it in the lower-risk tier of Texas counties. The county benefits from its inland plains location away from major coastal and seismic hazards.

Moderate protection among nearby areas

Scurry County (29.99) carries more risk than the exceptional safety of San Saba County (7.28) and Schleicher County (3.75), but less than San Patricio County (85.40). Its plains location creates a middle-ground risk profile in West Texas.

Wildfire dominates this plains county

Wildfire risk scores extremely high at 88.23, making grassland fires a critical concern for Scurry County residents and ranchers during dry seasons. Tornado risk reaches 43.26, and all other hazards score notably low given the county's inland plains location.

Prioritize wildfire and wind protection

Scurry County homeowners should ensure comprehensive wind and hail coverage in their policies, with particular attention to wildfire protection given the extreme risk. Maintain defensible space around structures, keep gutters and roof clear of debris, and prepare an evacuation plan for fire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Scurry County

via WeatherByCounty

West Texas Warmth and Aridity

Scurry County maintains a 63.3°F annual average temperature, staying well above the national median. This climate is typical for the rolling plains region of West Texas.

Below State Averages in Heat and Rain

The county is cooler than the Texas average by 2.2 degrees and significantly drier than the state benchmark. It receives only 21.2 inches of annual precipitation compared to the 31.9-inch state average.

High Heat Days in the Rolling Plains

Scurry County records 101 extreme heat days annually, illustrating the intensity of its summer season. This matches the rugged, sun-drenched profile of its neighboring West Texas counties.

Crisp Winters and Sharp Summers

Winters are colder than the state average at 44.6°F, bringing 1.4 inches of annual snowfall. July remains the peak of summer with an average temperature of 82.9°F.

Managing Dryness and Summer Peaks

With over 100 days of extreme heat, robust air conditioning is a necessity. The semi-arid 21.2 inches of rain means landscaping should prioritize drought-tolerant native plants.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Scurry County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Earth of the West

Scurry County records a pH of 7.70, placing it well above the national median of 6.5. This alkaline profile is typical for West Texas and influences which nutrients are available to local vegetation.

A Gritty Mix of Sand and Clay

The soil consists of 43.9% sand and 25.2% clay, balanced by 28.6% silt. While the sand aids in workability, the clay fraction is significant enough to hold onto moisture during dry spells.

High Water Capacity, Lower Organic Matter

At 1.24%, organic matter is lower than the state average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity is a robust 0.141 in/in, which is actually higher than the Texas average of 0.133 in/in.

Runoff Risks in Hydrologic Group D

The county's soils fall into hydrologic group D, signaling low infiltration rates and high runoff. Builders and farmers must plan for slow water movement to prevent erosion and localized flooding during intense storms.

Hardy Planting in Zone 8a

Scurry County's Zone 8a climate supports tough crops like cotton and grain sorghum. You can cultivate a beautiful home garden by using mulch to boost organic matter and selecting plants that tolerate alkaline conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Scurry County

via LawnByCounty

The Toughest Lawn Care in the Region

Scurry County presents one of the most difficult lawn environments in Texas with a score of only 19.2. This is nearly half the state average, meaning homeowners must work twice as hard to maintain green space. In Zone 8a, you are battling both limited water and intense West Texas heat.

Arid Conditions and Scorching Summer Days

With only 21.2 inches of annual precipitation, Scurry County is significantly drier than the Texas average of 31.9 inches. Residents must manage 101 extreme heat days and 5,697 growing degree days with very little natural moisture. This arid climate makes traditional turfgrass almost impossible to maintain without constant intervention.

Alkaline Loam and Nutrient Management

The soil features a pH of 7.70, which is significantly more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While the 43.9% sand content helps with drainage, the 25.2% clay can become compacted under the Texas sun. Regular core aeration is necessary to help water and nutrients reach the roots through this tough soil.

Battling Widespread Severe Drought

A staggering 76.8% of the county is currently in severe drought, part of a 29-week dry spell over the past year. In an area with only 21 inches of rain, these conditions are critical and require strict adherence to water conservation. Consider converting part of your lawn to xeriscaping to reduce the burden on your water bill.

Picking Resilient Grass for Scurry County

Buffalo grass or drought-tolerant Bermuda hybrids are your best options for surviving the 101 days of extreme heat. Aim to plant after the last frost on March 27 to ensure the young grass has the best chance to survive. Because the first fall frost hits by November 10, your window for establishing a healthy lawn is relatively short.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scurry County's county score?
Scurry County, Texas has a composite county score of 35.5 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 Scurry County rank among counties in Texas?
Scurry County ranks #178 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 Scurry County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Scurry County is $1,761, with an effective tax rate of 1.59%. This earns Scurry County a tax score of 9.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scurry County?
The median household income in Scurry County, Texas is $62,689 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scurry County earns an income score of 47.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scurry County, Texas a good place to live?
Scurry County scores 35.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #178 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Scurry 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 Scurry 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.