countyscore
52.1
County Score
Safety 97.5Income & Jobs 76Disaster Risk 69.7

County Report Card

About Sherman County, Texas

Stronger Performance Than the National Median

Sherman County secures a composite score of 52.1, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects a stable quality of life that stands up well against national data.

Exceeding the Texas State Average

The county's 52.1 score is well above the Texas average of 41.9, marking it as a top-performing rural area. It maintains a competitive edge over many of its neighbors in the Panhandle.

Superior Safety and High Incomes

Safety is a premier feature here, earning a near-perfect score of 97.5. Residents also enjoy high earnings, with an income score of 76.0 and a median household income of $74,167.

High Property Tax Rates

The county's tax score of 3.7 is among the lowest, driven by a high effective tax rate of 1.952%. Health and water scores also remain below average, indicating limited local infrastructure.

Perfect for High-Earning Rural Seekers

Sherman County is an excellent match for professionals or agricultural owners who value safety and high income. Prospective residents should prepare for a higher tax bill in exchange for community security.

Score breakdown

Tax3.7Cost39.4Safety97.5Health35.4Schools64.8Income76Risk69.7Water36.1Weather48.9
🏛3.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.6
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

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57.9
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34.5
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Deep Dives

Sherman County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sherman County

via TaxByCounty

Sherman taxes run high nationally

At 1.952%, Sherman County's effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 1.276%, placing it in the top 15% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Homeowners here pay $2,450 annually on a median $125,500 home, compared to the national median tax of $2,690 on a much pricier home worth $281,900.

Sherman ranks above state average

Sherman County's 1.952% effective rate outpaces Texas's 1.276% state average by 53%, making it one of the higher-taxed counties in the state. The median tax bill of $2,450 exceeds the state median by $257, or 12%.

Neighbor Stephens County taxes even higher

Sherman's rate of 1.952% is steeper than nearby Sterling County (1.072%) and Starr County (1.122%), but lower than Stephens County's 1.683%. Among this cluster of rural counties, Sherman carries the highest effective tax burden.

Median Sherman home costs $2,450 yearly

A homeowner with a median-priced property worth $125,500 in Sherman County pays approximately $2,450 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that total rises to $2,942 when including additional local assessments.

Many Sherman owners could appeal taxes

Studies show that 5-10% of properties nationwide are overassessed, and Sherman County homeowners are no exception. If you believe your home's assessed value is inflated, filing a formal appeal with the county appraisal district costs nothing and could reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sherman County

via CostByCounty

Sherman beats national affordability

Sherman County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% sits well below the national affordability threshold, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious renters. The county's median household income of $74,167 nearly matches the national median of $74,755.

One of Texas's most affordable

Sherman's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in Texas, significantly outperforming the state average of 18.1%. Median rent of $881 stays $82 below the state average despite strong income levels.

Cheaper than Starr, costlier than Stonewall

Sherman's $881 monthly rent falls between Stonewall County's bargain $620 and nearby Starr County's $715, offering a middle ground. Sherman's higher median income of $74,167 means renters here carry less housing burden proportionally.

Rent and income well-balanced

At 14.3% of the $74,167 median income, Sherman renters spend roughly $1,055 yearly on housing affordability buffer compared to national averages. Homeowners invest $965 monthly in ownership costs—about 15.6% of median income.

Strong income meets modest rents

Sherman County delivers rare affordability: competitive regional wages paired with below-average rents. Families or professionals relocating here enjoy housing costs that consume less than 15% of income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sherman County

via IncomeByCounty

Nearly at National Income Parity

Sherman County's median household income of $74,167 falls just short of the national median of $74,755 by $588. This near-perfect alignment suggests Sherman households earn at the same level as the typical American family.

Above-Average Earners for Texas

Sherman's $74,167 income exceeds the Texas county average of $64,737 by over $9,400, ranking the county in the upper-middle tier of Texas counties. The per capita income of $52,788 substantially outpaces the state average of $33,197, signaling strong individual earning power.

Strong Position in Regional Context

Sherman ranks among the top earners regionally, trailing only Somervell ($83,382) and Sterling ($78,750) while significantly outpacing Shelby ($50,436) and Starr ($38,182). The county's elevated per capita income suggests a strong, diversified job market supporting higher individual wages.

Excellent Housing Affordability

Sherman's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% sits comfortably below the 28% affordability threshold, leaving households ample room for other expenses. With a median home value of $125,500 relative to $74,167 household income, homeownership remains achievable without financial strain.

Invest in Your Financial Future

Sherman's strong income and low housing burden create an ideal platform for wealth-building through retirement savings and investments. Maximize contributions to 401(k)s, IRAs, and diversified portfolios to capitalize on years of solid earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sherman County

via CrimeByCounty

Unprecedented Safety Levels in Sherman County

Sherman County reported a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100K residents in 2022, a stark contrast to the national average of 2,385.5. This remarkable data earns the county a perfect safety score of 100.0.

Leading Texas in Public Safety

Sherman's perfect safety score of 100.0 far outpaces the state average of 96.8. Its two reporting agencies recorded no incidents, making it one of the statistically safest areas in all of Texas.

Comparing Sherman to Regional Peers

While neighboring Sterling County reports a crime rate of 718.4, Sherman records zero incidents. This highlights a uniquely quiet environment compared to other rural Texas counties.

A Clean Sheet for Reported Crimes

Both violent and property crime rates stand at 0.0 per 100K for the 2022 reporting period. While these figures are ideal, they reflect the specific data provided by two local agencies.

Staying Vigilant in a Safe Zone

A zero-crime report is an achievement, but maintaining it requires ongoing community awareness. Residents should continue basic safety habits to preserve this exceptional level of security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sherman County

via HealthByCounty

Longest-living county in dataset

Sherman County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 77.7 years, surpassing the U.S. average of 76.4 years and ranking among Texas's healthiest communities. Despite this longevity, 21.9% report poor or fair health, suggesting room for preventive care improvement.

Texas leader in life expectancy

At 77.7 years, Sherman County exceeds the Texas state average of 74.3 years by over three years, placing it among the state's top performers. This significant edge reflects a relatively healthy population with strong longevity outcomes.

The healthiest in its region

Sherman County's 77.7-year life expectancy towers above neighboring counties like Shackelford (75.6) and Stephens (73.7). Its residents live significantly longer than most regional peers, suggesting strong underlying health factors.

Provider data unavailable, uninsured rate high

Detailed primary care and mental health provider counts are unavailable for Sherman County, limiting visibility into healthcare access infrastructure. However, 27.3% of residents lack health insurance—the highest uninsured rate in this dataset—meaning nearly one in three cannot easily access care.

High uninsured rate demands action

Sherman County's 27.3% uninsured population faces significant health risks despite strong life expectancy gains. Enroll in a health plan at Healthcare.gov or ask your employer about coverage options—insurance unlocks preventive care that keeps people healthy longer.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sherman County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Education Network

Sherman County operates a compact system of four public schools serving a total of 747 students. Two school districts manage the county’s education, which includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school.

Exceptional Graduation Outcomes

The county achieves an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $7,138 is lower than the $13,000 national benchmark, the schools maintain a composite score of 56.5.

Stratford and Texhoma Districts

Stratford ISD is the larger provider with 575 students across three schools, including Mary Allen Elementary. Texhoma ISD serves the remaining 172 students through its PK-12 campus.

Small Schools in a Rural Setting

All four schools in the county are classified as rural, offering a very personal education experience. With an average school size of 187 students, even the largest campus, Mary Allen Elementary, only hosts 231 students.

Quiet Living Near Top-Tier Schools

Sherman County is perfect for those seeking small-town life with high-performing rural schools. Homebuyers should look toward Stratford for access to the county's largest and highest-rated campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sherman County

via RiskByCounty

Sherman: Very Low National Risk

Sherman County's composite risk score of 30.28 falls well below the national average, placing it in the very low category. Your county enjoys substantially lower disaster exposure than most American communities.

Well Below Texas Average

At 30.28, Sherman ranks among the safer Texas counties, sitting 38% below the state average of 49.00. It demonstrates strong relative safety within the state's disaster risk landscape.

Safest in the Panhandle

Sherman County is one of the safest counties in this region, competing only with Shackelford (1.43) and Sterling (1.11) for top safety status. Your northern location provides natural protection from many Texas hazards.

Wildfire Risk Dominates

Wildfire risk (65.20) is Sherman's primary concern, reflecting the dry grasslands and sparse development of the Texas Panhandle. Tornado (18.61) and earthquake (18.35) risks are comparatively modest, and hurricane data is limited.

Focus on Wildfire Readiness

Though Sherman's overall risk is low, wildfire preparedness should be a priority for rural homeowners and landowners. Review your insurance coverage for wildfire exclusions and maintain defensible space around your property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sherman County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool High Plains Climate

Sherman County's 56.5°F annual average is very close to the national median of 55°F. This makes it one of the few Texas counties with a climate profile similar to the central United States.

One of the Coldest Texas Counties

The county's average temperature is a full 9 degrees cooler than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It is also quite dry, receiving 14.8 inches less rain than the state average.

The Snow Capital of the Region

At 17.4 inches of annual snow, Sherman County far exceeds the snowfall of almost any other region in Texas. It experiences only 71 extreme heat days, the lowest in this group.

Frigid Winters and Mild Summers

Winter temperatures average a cold 36.7°F, while July peaks at 78.9°F. The 17.4 inches of snow and 71 heat days create the most balanced seasonal profile in the state.

Winter Readiness is Key Here

Residents must invest in heavy winter gear and snow removal equipment to handle the 17.4 inches of annual snowfall. Energy costs will be split between winter heating and summer cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sherman County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Landscapes in the High Plains

Sherman County features a noticeably alkaline profile with an average pH of 7.65, significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. This high pH level influences how plants absorb nutrients across the region's vast agricultural acreage. While the specific taxonomic order remains unclassified in recent surveys, the chemical signature remains consistently basic.

A Gritty Mix with High Sand Content

The soil contains 47.3% sand and 26.9% silt, creating a texture that balances aeration with structure. A clay component of 21.6% provides enough binding to prevent the soil from becoming purely granular. This composition allows for decent workability but requires careful management to prevent erosion.

Efficient Water Storage Despite Low Carbon

Organic matter sits at 1.28%, trailing both the Texas state average of 1.66% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the soil excels in water retention with an available water capacity of 0.154 in/in, which beats the state average of 0.133 in/in. This efficiency helps crops survive the dry spells common to the Panhandle.

Navigating High Runoff Potential

The county belongs to Hydrologic Group D, indicating a very low infiltration rate and high runoff potential when wet. While specific drainage class data is unavailable, this group often presents challenges for heavy construction and large-scale irrigation. Producers must manage water carefully to avoid surface pooling and topsoil loss.

Tough Crops for Zone 7a

In USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, growers find success with winter wheat and hardy sorghum that can withstand the alkaline conditions. The high water capacity supports deep-rooted native grasses and resilient garden staples like peppers and tomatoes. Start your garden with soil amendments to balance the pH and boost productivity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sherman County

via LawnByCounty

High Plains Growing Potential

Sherman County earns a 40.6 lawn difficulty score, making it the most hospitable environment in this group. This Zone 7a county offers a cooler climate than its southern neighbors, providing a distinct set of growing challenges.

Arid Climate Mowing Needs

The area receives only 17.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than half of the ideal range for standard turf. With 71 extreme heat days, you must manage irrigation carefully to bridge the gap during the 4,112 growing degree days.

Alkaline Soil Strategies

A high pH of 7.65 indicates alkaline soil that may require sulfur to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient absorption. The 47.3% sand content suggests a medium texture that benefits from regular aeration to maintain root health.

Stable Moisture Management

While 100% of the area is abnormally dry, the county has only seen 13 weeks of drought over the past year. This relatively stable moisture profile helps maintain lawn health more easily than in harder-hit Texas regions.

Best Grass for Zone 7a

Buffalograss or Blue Grama are excellent low-water choices for this high plains environment. Aim for a late April start after the final frost on April 21st to ensure steady growth through the fall season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sherman County's county score?
Sherman County, Texas has a composite county score of 52.1 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 Sherman County rank among counties in Texas?
Sherman County ranks #51 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 Sherman County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Sherman County is $2,450, with an effective tax rate of 1.95%. This earns Sherman County a tax score of 3.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sherman County?
The median household income in Sherman County, Texas is $74,167 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sherman County earns an income score of 76/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sherman County, Texas a good place to live?
Sherman County scores 52.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Sherman 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 Sherman 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.