countyscore
52.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.6Safety 76Cost of Living 69.2

County Report Card

About Shackelford County, Texas

Beating the National Median in North Central Texas

Shackelford County earns a composite score of 52.8, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds the typical American county experience.

Outperforming the Texas State Average

With a score of 52.8, Shackelford significantly outperforms the Texas state average composite score of 41.9. It ranks as one of the stronger performers within the state's diverse landscape.

Low Risk and Affordable Living

The county boasts an exceptional risk score of 98.6, meaning it is very safe from natural disasters. Housing is highly affordable with a cost score of 69.2 and a median gross rent of just $485.

Water Supply and Tax Burden Concerns

A water score of 5.4 suggests significant challenges regarding local water resources or infrastructure. Additionally, the tax score of 21.4 reflects an effective property tax rate of 1.287%.

A Secure Haven for Budget-Conscious Families

Shackelford suits those seeking extreme physical safety and very low housing costs. It is ideal for families who value a quiet life in a low-risk environment over urban amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax21.4Cost69.2Safety76Health39.9Schools44Income52.8Risk98.6Water5.4Weather39.4
🏛21.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤39.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧5.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32
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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Nearby counties

Callahan County
Texas
51.2
Stephens County
Texas
37
Jones County
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30.1
Throckmorton County
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Haskell County
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Taylor County
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Eastland County
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Young County
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Deep Dives

Shackelford County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Shackelford County

via TaxByCounty

Shackelford taxes nearly match national median

Shackelford County's effective tax rate of 1.287% produces a median annual property tax of $2,276 on a median home value of $176,900, closely approximating national norms. The county's tax burden sits slightly below the national median of $2,690, though the effective rate exceeds most of America.

Slightly above Texas state average

Shackelford County's effective tax rate of 1.287% edges above the Texas state average of 1.276%, placing it marginally above the state norm. The median property tax of $2,276 runs about $80 above the state median of $2,193, making it a typical Texas county for tax burden.

Mid-range taxes in north-central Texas

Shackelford's 1.287% rate sits between San Saba County's 1.006% and Scurry County's 1.589%, positioning it as a moderate-tax option in the region. The county charges slightly above state average despite median home values consistent with surrounding areas.

Median home costs $2,276 yearly in taxes

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $176,900 in Shackelford County pays approximately $2,276 annually in property taxes. Including mortgage and debt service, that amount rises to $2,778, reflecting a moderate-to-high tax burden relative to home value.

Check your assessment for potential savings

Shackelford homeowners should verify their property's assessed value to confirm it reflects current market conditions—overassessments are common statewide. A successful appeal can reduce your annual property tax bill and is worth pursuing if you suspect overvaluation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Shackelford County

via CostByCounty

Shackelford offers exceptional rent value

Shackelford County's 9.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the lowest nationally and far exceeds affordability standards across Texas and the nation. Renters pay just $485 monthly—50% below the state average—on a median household income of $64,659.

Second-most affordable county examined

Shackelford ranks in Texas's top tier for rental affordability, with a 9.0% rent-to-income ratio second only to Schleicher County. The combination of exceptionally low rent and solid income makes this a standout option for cost-conscious Texas relocators.

Lowest rent in the entire region

Shackelford's $485 median rent stands lowest among all eight counties, substantially undercutting Sabine ($738), San Saba ($894), and San Jacinto ($1,018). Home values ($176,900) run higher than rents suggest, indicating renters enjoy a better deal than homebuyers here.

Rent takes minimal income share

Shackelford renters spend only 9.0% of their $64,659 median income on monthly rent—exceptionally low by any standard. Homeowners allocate 17.0% to monthly owner costs ($917), suggesting that while renting is unusually cheap, homeownership carries typical regional price tags.

Renters' paradise with solid income

Shackelford County delivers the nation's best rental deal among these eight counties—just $485 monthly on a solid $64,659 median income. If you're relocating as a renter, Shackelford's exceptional affordability and strong income base make it a compelling choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Shackelford County

via IncomeByCounty

Below National Average, Still Solid

Shackelford County's median household income of $64,659 falls slightly below the U.S. median of $74,755, a gap of roughly 13%. This places the county in the middle tier of American counties, reflecting a modest but stable economic foundation.

Right in Line with Texas

At $64,659, Shackelford's median income is virtually tied with Texas's county average of $64,737. This signals the county ranks near the state median, neither among the poorest nor wealthiest counties in Texas.

Competitive Among Regional Peers

Shackelford outpaces Shelby ($50,436) and Stephens ($54,695) counties, but trails Somervell ($83,382) and Sterling ($78,750). The county's per capita income of $34,010 exceeds the state average of $33,197, suggesting solid individual earning power despite lower household figures.

Housing Costs Are Very Manageable

Shackelford's rent-to-income ratio of just 9.0% is well below the national affordability threshold of 28%, meaning housing costs consume minimal household income. With a median home value of $176,900, the county offers accessible homeownership relative to earning power.

Build on Stable Earnings

With lower housing burden, Shackelford households have real capacity to save and invest for the future. Consider redirecting those housing savings into retirement accounts, education funds, or diversified investments to build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Shackelford County

via CrimeByCounty

Shackelford County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Shackelford County reports a total crime rate of 574.3 per 100K residents, which is far below the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents earns the county an elite safety score of 99.1.

A High Rank in the Lone Star State

With a safety score of 99.1, Shackelford exceeds the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 574.3 is significantly lower than the state average of 2,052.5, marking it as a regional leader in safety.

Safer than Regional Neighbors

Shackelford maintains a much lower crime rate than nearby Stephens County, which sees 1,382.3 crimes per 100K. Even compared to Sterling County's rate of 718.4, Shackelford remains the safer choice for residents.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

The county reports 191.4 violent crimes and 382.9 property crimes per 100K residents. These numbers indicate that while crime is rare, property-related issues are twice as common as violent encounters.

Maintaining a Secure Local Environment

Even in high-safety areas, opportunistic property crime can occur. Simple measures like motion-sensor lighting and deadbolt locks help maintain the county's impressive safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Shackelford County

via HealthByCounty

Living longer than most Americans

Shackelford County residents live to 75.6 years on average, outpacing the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years by a narrow margin. Just 17.4% report poor or fair health, well below the national average, suggesting a healthier population overall.

Above average for Texas

At 75.6 years, Shackelford County's life expectancy exceeds Texas's state average of 74.3 years, ranking it among healthier Texas counties. This one-year advantage reflects better health outcomes than most of its peers statewide.

Healthier than surrounding areas

Shackelford outperforms most neighboring counties in life expectancy and health ratings. Its 17.4% poor/fair health rate beats Stephens County (23.6%) and Starr County (37.8%) significantly, showing a stronger health profile regionally.

Good providers, but insurance gaps remain

Shackelford County has solid primary care access with 31 providers per 100K residents and 31 mental health providers per 100K. However, 20.5% of residents lack health insurance—higher than the state average of 19.8%—meaning coverage remains a barrier for one in five.

Check your coverage options today

With one in five Shackelford County residents uninsured, exploring health plans through Healthcare.gov or Texas CHIP can close the gap. Even if you've been turned down before, recent policy changes may now qualify you for coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Shackelford County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact Education in Shackelford County

Shackelford County operates a small-scale system of three public schools serving 604 students. These campuses are managed by two local districts and consist of one elementary, one high school, and one all-level school.

Solid Investment with Room for Growth

The county spends $7,921 per pupil, which is higher than the Texas state average of $7,498. While the graduation rate of 85.7% and school score of 53.3 are slightly below state averages, the county maintains a focused rural learning environment.

Albany ISD Anchors the Local Area

Albany ISD is the county's primary district, educating 498 students across two campuses. Moran ISD serves a smaller group of 106 students through one K-12 school, and no charter schools are available in the area.

Intimate Rural Campus Settings

Every school in the county is rural, and the average school size is just 201 students. Nancy Smith Elementary is the largest campus with 263 students, while Moran School offers a very small, all-in-one environment for 106 students.

Experience Classic Rural Texas Schooling

For families looking for a place where every teacher knows every student, Shackelford County is a prime choice. Look for homes in Albany or Moran to enjoy a quiet lifestyle with high per-student financial support.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Shackelford County

via RiskByCounty

Shackelford: Among America's Safest

With a composite risk score of 1.43, Shackelford County ranks as very low risk—far below the national average. Your county faces significantly fewer natural disaster threats than most American counties, making it one of the safer places to live in terms of disaster exposure.

Lowest Risk in Texas

Shackelford's 1.43 score places it among the safest counties in Texas, well below the state average of 49.00. Only a handful of Texas counties have lower composite risk profiles.

Safest County in Its Region

Compared to neighboring counties, Shackelford stands out as exceptionally protected from natural hazards. Sterling County (1.11) and Stephens County (9.22) are similarly low-risk neighbors, but Shackelford's profile reflects the safest tier in west-central Texas.

Wildfire Is Your Main Concern

Wildfire risk at 75.86 is Shackelford's dominant hazard, though even this ranks as manageable given the county's overall low exposure. Hurricane (19.52) and tornado (18.99) risks are minimal, reflecting your inland location.

Wildfire Coverage Matters Most

While Shackelford's overall risk is very low, wildfire remains a real concern for homeowners and ranchers. Standard homeowners insurance often excludes wildfire—consider reviewing your coverage and creating defensible space around structures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Shackelford County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures on the Plains

Shackelford County's 63.6°F annual average is roughly 8 degrees warmer than the national median. This represents a classic southern plains climate with distinct seasonal shifts.

Slightly Cooler than the Texas Median

At 63.6°F, the county sits just below the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Its 28.4 inches of rainfall is also slightly less than the 31.9 inches typically seen across the state.

Elevated Count of Extreme Heat

The county endures 111 extreme heat days annually, which is higher than many of its surrounding counties. This persistent summer heat defines the local weather experience.

Hot Summers with Light Snowfall

July averages 83.1°F, driving a summer that sees temperatures frequently top 90°F. Winters average 45.2°F and include 2.3 inches of snowfall, which is higher than many southern Texas regions.

Preparing for Significant Summer Heat

With 111 days of extreme heat, cooling costs will be a major factor for residents. The 2.3 inches of snow requires minimal preparation compared to the intense summer sun.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Shackelford County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Alfisols and Clay Loams

Shackelford County is characterized by Alfisols and a dominant clay loam texture. The pH of 7.30 is slightly alkaline compared to the national median of 6.5 but remains very close to the state average of 7.09.

The Balance of Clay Loam

This soil is a balanced mix of 35.7% sand, 31.9% silt, and 27.7% clay. This ratio provides the nutrient-holding power of clay without sacrificing too much of the workability found in sandier soils.

Strong Organic and Water Stats

Organic matter content is healthy at 1.85%, surpassing the Texas average of 1.66%. The available water capacity perfectly matches the state average of 0.133 in/in, supporting steady plant growth through the seasons.

Well Drained for Diverse Use

The land is well drained and categorized under hydrologic group C. This means it has a slow infiltration rate when wet, requiring careful management during heavy rainfall to protect topsoil and infrastructure.

Abundant Growth in Zone 8a

Zone 8a provides a versatile climate for Shackelford gardeners to grow everything from herbs to hardy fruit trees. With a soil score of 32.3—well above the state average of 28.8—your gardening efforts are likely to be rewarded.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Shackelford County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Turf in Shackelford

Shackelford’s 32.0 score aligns with the Texas average of 31.7 but remains significantly tougher than the national median of 50.0. This Zone 8a environment requires specialized knowledge to keep turf thriving under high thermal stress.

Sun-Drenched Growing Conditions

With 111 extreme heat days and 5,791 growing degree days, the sun dominates your maintenance schedule. The 28.4 inches of annual rain falls just short of the 30-50 inches ideal for most traditional lawn species.

Clay Loam Soil Basics

The clay loam texture and 7.30 pH create a slightly alkaline foundation for your roots. Because the soil is well-drained but contains 27.7% clay, you must balance irrigation carefully to prevent heavy surface compaction.

Resisting Persistent Dry Spells

The county spent 22 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage the deep root systems necessary for surviving these recurring dry spells.

Planting for a Hardy Lawn

Heat-tolerant varieties like Bermuda or Zoysia are your best bets for this Zone 8a climate. Plan your seeding or sodding after the March 30th frost date to give your lawn time to establish before summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shackelford County's county score?
Shackelford County, Texas has a composite county score of 52.8 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 Shackelford County rank among counties in Texas?
Shackelford County ranks #48 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 Shackelford County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Shackelford County is $2,276, with an effective tax rate of 1.29%. This earns Shackelford County a tax score of 21.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shackelford County?
The median household income in Shackelford County, Texas is $64,659 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shackelford County earns an income score of 52.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shackelford County, Texas a good place to live?
Shackelford County scores 52.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Shackelford 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 Shackelford County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.