CountyScore

Stephens County

Texas · TX

#113 in Texas
63.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Stephens County, Texas

Modestly above national livability baseline

Stephens County scores 64.2, exceeding the national median of 50.0 but ranking fifth among these eight counties. The score reflects a mix of affordability and higher-than-average tax burden.

Just below the Texas state average

At 64.2, Stephens falls slightly short of the Texas average of 66.8, suggesting it faces modest livability challenges relative to other state counties. The shortfall is concentrated in tax and income dimensions.

Housing affordability provides a foundation

Stephens's cost score of 82.4 reflects genuine affordability, with median home values of $105,700 and rent averaging $802 monthly. This affordability offers breathing room for households with limited incomes.

Taxes and income growth are concerning

The tax score of 54.9 reflects an elevated effective rate of 1.683%, while the income score of 19.1 indicates limited earning power (median $54,695 household income). Missing data on safety, health, schools, and water leaves other quality factors unknown.

Fits those prioritizing low housing costs

Stephens County appeals primarily to budget-conscious renters and buyers, particularly retirees or those with outside income sources. Higher taxes and lower wages make it less ideal for families seeking economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

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

Tax54.9Cost82.4SafetyComing SoonHealth52.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.1Risk90.8WaterComing Soon
🏛54.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤52.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡90.8
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 Stephens County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pinal County
Arizona
63.5
Median income: $77,588
Rockdale County
Georgia
63.5
Median income: $72,349
Logan County
Illinois
63.5
Median income: $64,188
Perry County
Illinois
63.5
Median income: $59,286
Lyon County
Kansas
63.5
Median income: $59,078

Deep Dives

Stephens County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Stephens County

via TaxByCounty

Stephens County taxes above U.S. median

Stephens County's 1.683% effective tax rate significantly exceeds the U.S. median of 1.276%, placing it in the upper third of taxed counties nationally. While the median tax of $1,779 falls below the national median of $2,690, this reflects lower property values rather than tax breaks.

Stephens outpaces Texas average rate

At 1.683%, Stephens County's effective rate towers 32% above Texas's 1.276% state average, making it one of the state's higher-taxed counties. The median tax of $1,779 exceeds the state median by $414, highlighting the county's above-average burden.

Stephens taxes highest in regional cluster

Stephens County's 1.683% rate significantly surpasses nearby Sterling County (1.072%), Starr County (1.122%), and most rural neighbors. Only Sherman County (1.952%) exceeds Stephens among the surveyed west Texas counties.

Median Stephens home costs $1,779 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $105,700 in Stephens County pays approximately $1,779 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $2,153 including additional assessed costs.

Stephens owners should contest valuations

Stephens County's above-average tax rate makes accurate property assessments especially critical for homeowners' bottom lines. Review your appraisal notice carefully, and don't hesitate to file a free appeal if you believe your property value is overstated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stephens County

via CostByCounty

Stephens slightly below national benchmark

Stephens County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% sits just below national affordability norms, with renters spending about one-sixth of their $54,695 income on housing. The county's median household income lags the national average by $20,060.

Solid affordability for Texas

Stephens's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio beats Texas's 18.1% state average, placing it slightly above the state norm for affordability. Median rent of $802 sits notably below the state average of $963.

Mid-range among comparison counties

Stephens renters pay $802 monthly—more than Stonewall's bargain $620 but less than Smith's $1,197. At $54,695, median income falls between lower-income counties and the more affluent Somervell and Sherman.

Balanced housing and income

Stephens renters dedicate 17.6% of their $54,695 income to housing, maintaining reasonable affordability margins. Homeowners spend $761 monthly on ownership costs—about 16.7% of median income—with homes valued at $105,700.

Moderate means, moderate costs

Stephens County delivers stable affordability: modest rents paired with modest incomes create balanced housing economics. Relocators seeking rural Texas without extreme affordability pressure will find Stephens a sensible option.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stephens County

via IncomeByCounty

Below National Income, but Stable

Stephens County's median household income of $54,695 falls $20,060 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, a 27% gap. While below national averages, the county's income reflects a modestly constrained but functioning economic base.

Below-Average Texas County Income

At $54,695, Stephens trails the Texas county average of $64,737 by roughly $10,000, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Texas counties. The per capita income of $30,030 also falls below the state average of $33,197, suggesting limited individual earning opportunity.

Faces Tougher Conditions Than Some Peers

Stephens's $54,695 income ranks above only Shelby ($50,436) and Starr ($38,182) among peer counties, but significantly trails Shackelford ($64,659) and Sherman ($74,167). The county's economic position reflects moderate employment constraints relative to stronger regional peers.

Housing Costs Create Budget Pressure

Stephens's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% sits above ideal affordability levels, claiming nearly one-fifth of median household income. With a median home value of $105,700, housing remains challenging for lower-earning households despite modest absolute prices.

Focus on Skill-Building and Savings

Stephens residents should explore vocational training and career advancement opportunities to boost household earning potential. Simultaneously, establish automatic savings plans—even $10 per paycheck—and take full advantage of any employer retirement matching to build financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Stephens County

via HealthByCounty

Below-average life expectancy, health concerns

Stephens County's life expectancy of 73.7 years falls 2.7 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years, signaling health challenges. With 23.6% reporting poor or fair health, the county exceeds national norms and faces notable population health pressures.

Lagging Texas state performance

Stephens County's 73.7-year life expectancy falls below Texas's state average of 74.3 years, while its 23.6% poor/fair health rate suggests significant chronic disease burden. Both metrics indicate health outcomes below state norms.

Middle of regional health spectrum

Stephens County's health metrics place it between stronger performers like Somervell (76.7 years) and more challenged areas like Starr (73.9 years). Its 23.6% poor/fair health rate falls well below Starr County's crisis-level 37.8% but above Somervell's exceptional 14.8%.

Moderate provider access, uninsured gap

Stephens County offers moderate primary care (33 providers per 100K) and above-average mental health support (64 per 100K), providing reasonable access infrastructure. However, 20.8% lack insurance—exceeding state average—meaning one in five residents face barriers to using available care.

Close the coverage gap

One in five Stephens County residents go uninsured, missing preventive care that could improve health outcomes. Explore coverage options at Healthcare.gov or contact your county health department during open enrollment to secure protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stephens County

via RiskByCounty

Stephens: Very Low Risk Nationally

Stephens County's composite risk score of 9.22 places it among America's safest counties, far below the national average. Your county enjoys exceptional protection from major natural disaster threats.

Among Texas's Safest

At 9.22, Stephens ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Texas, sitting 81% below the state average of 49.00. Only Sterling, Shackelford, and Somervell approach this elite safety tier.

Safest in West-Central Texas

Stephens County stands as one of the safest in its region, competing with Sterling (1.11) and Shackelford (1.43) for top honors. Your location in west Texas shields you from coastal and eastern hazard corridors.

Wildfire Your Primary Hazard

Wildfire risk (76.02) is Stephens County's dominant concern, though overall county risk remains very low. Hurricane (26.91) and tornado (34.00) risks are minimal, reflecting your inland western position.

Wildfire Coverage Recommended

While Stephens County's overall risk is very low, wildfire deserves attention given the 76.02 risk score. Verify your homeowners insurance includes wildfire coverage and maintain clear space around structures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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