CountyScore

Scurry County

Texas · TX

#150 in Texas
61.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Scurry County, Texas

Scurry exceeds national norm by 29%

Scurry County's composite score of 64.6 is 29% higher than the national median of 50.0, confirming above-average livability nationwide. However, it trails most peers in this group, reflecting uneven performance across livability dimensions.

Slightly below Texas state average

Scurry County scores 64.6, just below the Texas state average of 66.8, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state performance. This indicates moderately challenging livability conditions relative to other Texas counties.

Housing affordability is accessible

Scurry County's cost score of 80.0 reflects a median home value of $110,800 and rent at $913 monthly, offering reasonable housing affordability. This remains a bright spot in an otherwise middling livability profile.

Taxes and incomes both constrain value

Scurry County faces headwinds from a tax score of 57.6 (1.589% effective rate—among the highest in this group) and income score of 24.3 (median household income $62,689). This combination of higher taxes and modest incomes reduces overall economic advantage.

For those prioritizing housing affordability alone

Scurry County works best for individuals and families who can look past higher taxes and modest incomes to access affordable homes. It appeals to those with strong employment ties to the area or rural lifestyle preferences who can navigate less-favorable overall economics.

Score breakdown

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

Tax57.6Cost80SafetyComing SoonHealth50.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.3Risk70WaterComing Soon
🏛57.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤50.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡70
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Scurry County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Calaveras County
California
61.6
Median income: $79,877
Volusia County
Florida
61.6
Median income: $66,581
Washoe County
Nevada
61.6
Median income: $85,600
Butler County
Ohio
61.6
Median income: $81,194
Greene County
Ohio
61.6
Median income: $85,218

Deep Dives

Scurry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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