CountyScore

Sterling County

Texas · TX

#14 in Texas
71.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Sterling County, Texas

Solidly positioned above the national median

Sterling County scores 68.9, notably exceeding the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the upper third of American livability. The score reflects a balanced profile of reasonable taxes, affordable housing, and above-average incomes.

Edges ahead of Texas state average

At 68.9, Sterling exceeds the Texas average of 66.8, ranking in the top half of state counties for overall livability. The advantage comes from efficient tax policy and strong earning potential.

Income and tax efficiency lead the way

Sterling's income score of 34.8 reflects a median household income of $78,750—among the strongest in this group—while the tax score of 72.1 shows an efficient 1.072% effective rate. Together, these create strong household financial capacity.

Housing affordability is moderate, not exceptional

The cost score of 75.0 is solid but not outstanding, with median home values of $143,200 and rent at $968 monthly, meaning less dramatic savings than the most affordable peers. Health, safety, school, risk, and water data remain unavailable.

Ideal for middle-income earners seeking value

Sterling County suits working families and professionals with moderate-to-good incomes who appreciate tax efficiency and reasonable housing costs. It's a balanced choice for those wanting financial security without extreme affordability or premium amenities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72.1Cost75SafetyComing SoonHealth71.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.8Risk98.9WaterComing Soon
🏛72.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡98.9
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 Sterling County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Izard County
Arkansas
71.9
Median income: $47,728
Clear Creek County
Colorado
71.9
Median income: $96,667
Glascock County
Georgia
71.9
Median income: $55,250
Montgomery County
Indiana
71.9
Median income: $66,571
Randolph County
Indiana
71.9
Median income: $61,121

Deep Dives

Sterling County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sterling County

via TaxByCounty

Sterling County taxes below national median

Sterling County's 1.072% effective tax rate sits notably below the U.S. median of 1.276%, placing it among the lighter-taxed counties nationwide. Homeowners pay $1,535 annually on a median home worth $143,200—nearly half the national median tax of $2,690.

Sterling runs well below Texas average

At 1.072%, Sterling County's effective rate is 16% lower than the Texas state average of 1.276%, making it one of the state's more tax-friendly counties. The median tax of $1,535 falls $658 below the state median of $2,193.

Sterling taxes lightest in the region

Sterling County's 1.072% rate is the lowest among the surveyed west Texas counties, edging out Starr County (1.122%) and well below Sherman (1.952%) and Stephens (1.683%). This makes Sterling an attractive option for tax-conscious rural homeowners.

Median Sterling home costs $1,535 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $143,200 in Sterling County pays approximately $1,535 in annual property taxes. Without mortgage add-ons, the base cost drops to $1,113.

Sterling homeowners can appeal if overassessed

Even low-tax counties sometimes overvalue properties, especially in rural areas where recent comparable sales are limited. Sterling County homeowners should review their appraisals and file an appeal if their assessed value seems out of line with local market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sterling County

via CostByCounty

Sterling achieves excellent affordability

Sterling County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% comfortably beats national norms, with renters spending roughly one-seventh of their $78,750 income on housing. The county's median household income exceeds the national median of $74,755.

Among Texas's most affordable

Sterling's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks well above Texas's 18.1% state average, placing it in the state's more affordable counties. At $968 monthly rent, Sterling aligns closely with the Texas average despite higher incomes.

Above-average income with solid rents

Sterling renters earn $78,750—second only to Somervell among this group—while paying $968 monthly rent, comparable to state averages. This strong income-to-housing ratio gives Sterling residents substantial financial flexibility.

Modest housing burden, strong income

Sterling renters allocate 14.8% of their income to housing, significantly below national and state burdens. Homeowners invest $1,041 monthly in ownership costs—15.9% of median income—while homes value at $143,200.

Above-average earnings, manageable rents

Sterling County combines strong household income with reasonable housing costs, creating one of the region's best affordability profiles. Relocators here enjoy above-average financial breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sterling County

via IncomeByCounty

Above National Household Income

Sterling County's median household income of $78,750 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $3,995, or 5.3%. This positions Sterling slightly ahead of the typical American household, reflecting solid earning power relative to national standards.

Well Above Texas County Average

At $78,750, Sterling ranks well above the Texas county average of $64,737—outperforming roughly 80% of Texas counties. The per capita income of $33,497 marginally exceeds the state average of $33,197, indicating consistent earning across the population.

Strong Regional Economic Position

Sterling's $78,750 income ranks second regionally, trailing only Somervell ($83,382) and exceeding Sherman ($74,167), Smith ($71,923), and Shackelford ($64,659). This strength reflects a resilient, diversified local economy supporting higher-wage employment.

Balanced Housing and Financial Flexibility

Sterling's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% sits comfortably below affordability thresholds, leaving households substantial discretionary income. With a median home value of $143,200, homeownership is accessible without undue financial strain on typical households.

Build Comprehensive Financial Plans

Sterling's solid income and low housing burden enable households to invest aggressively in retirement accounts, education, and diversified portfolios. Consult a financial advisor to develop a multi-decade wealth strategy leveraging the county's economic stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Sterling County

via HealthByCounty

Limited data, but uninsured rate low

Sterling County's life expectancy data is unavailable, limiting national comparison. However, its 17.8% poor/fair health rate aligns near national averages, and notably, 14.2% uninsured—the lowest in this dataset—suggests good insurance coverage access.

Data gaps, but strong insurance coverage

Sterling County's life expectancy cannot be compared to Texas's 74.3-year state average due to missing data. Its 17.8% poor/fair health rate performs near state norms, while 14.2% uninsured indicates better-than-average coverage relative to Texas's 19.8%.

Best-insured despite data limitations

Sterling County leads the region with the lowest uninsured rate at 14.2%—outpacing all neighboring counties including Somervell (16.4%) and Smith (18.6%). This suggests strong employer-based or community health program coverage despite unavailable provider data.

Strong coverage, provider data unclear

Sterling County boasts the region's best insurance access with 14.2% uninsured, significantly below state average. Primary care and mental health provider counts are unavailable, making full healthcare access assessment difficult—local health officials can clarify facility availability.

Maintain excellent coverage rates

Sterling County's 14.2% uninsured rate is exemplary; continue this success by ensuring that 85.8% with coverage maintain plans and the remaining uninsured explore Healthcare.gov options. Your community's strong insurance foundation supports better health for everyone.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sterling County

via RiskByCounty

Sterling: America's Safest

Sterling County's composite risk score of 1.11 makes it one of the safest counties in the entire United States. Your county faces minimal natural disaster exposure compared to virtually any other American community.

Texas's Lowest-Risk County

At 1.11, Sterling ranks as the safest county in Texas, sitting 98% below the state average of 49.00. No other Texas county has lower composite risk exposure.

Safest in West Texas

Sterling County stands unmatched among neighbors, with risk far below Shackelford (1.43), Stephens (9.22), Somervell (10.81), and other regional counties. Your remote west Texas location provides maximum natural protection.

Wildfire Is Minimal Concern

Even Sterling County's highest-risk hazard—wildfire at 69.75—remains modest in actual threat. Earthquake (0.67), flood (0.80), and hurricane (7.88) risks are negligible.

Standard Coverage Typically Sufficient

Sterling County residents can generally rely on standard homeowners insurance given the exceptional low-risk profile. Focus on maintaining adequate coverage for fire and standard perils; specialized disaster insurance is unlikely necessary.

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.