countyscore
51.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.9Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 82.4

County Report Card

About Sterling County, Texas

Above the National Median Mark

Sterling County achieves a composite score of 51.8, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This ranking demonstrates a solid overall quality of life.

Strong Standpoint in Texas

With a score of 51.8, Sterling County is significantly ahead of the Texas state average of 41.9. It is one of the more balanced and successful small counties in West Texas.

Superior Risk Management and Water

The county earns a near-perfect risk score of 98.9 and a very strong water score of 86.0. High incomes further bolster the area, with a median household income of $78,750.

Moderate Costs and Average Health

Housing affordability is a relative challenge here, with a cost score of 30.1 and median rents at $968. The health score of 38.8 suggests there is still room for improved local medical infrastructure.

Ideal for Financially Stable Families

Sterling County is a fantastic fit for families who value environmental security and high local earnings. It offers a rare combination of disaster safety and reliable water access in West Texas.

Score breakdown

Tax33Cost30.1Safety69.3Health38.8Schools62.2Income82.4Risk98.9Water86Weather40.4
🏛33
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠30.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼82.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱16.2
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Sterling County

Whether buying or refinancing in Sterling County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Sterling County with Lawrence County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Lawrence County
Arkansas
Median income: $44,164
51.8
Bacon County
Georgia
Median income: $50,310
51.8
Hancock County
Georgia
Median income: $33,182
51.8
Mason County
Kentucky
Median income: $51,473
51.8
St. James Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $64,536
51.8
Sanilac County
Michigan
Median income: $59,074
51.8
Orleans County
New York
Median income: $63,838
51.8
Falls Church city
Virginia
Median income: $154,734
51.8

Nearby counties

Tom Green County
Texas
23.6
Glasscock County
Texas
57.7
Coke County
Texas
48.8
Irion County
Texas
47.3
Reagan County
Texas
55.4
Mitchell County
Texas
57.9
Howard County
Texas
25.1
Nolan County
Texas
36.4

Deep Dives

Sterling County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Sterling County

via CrimeByCounty

Sterling County Ranks High for Safety

Sterling County reports a total crime rate of 718.4 per 100K, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This low rate earns the county a strong safety score of 98.9.

Exceeding Texas Safety Benchmarks

Sterling's safety score of 98.9 is higher than the Texas state average of 96.8. With only one agency reporting, the county maintains a rate well below the state average of 2,052.5.

Safe Relative to Nearby Counties

Sterling's crime rate of 718.4 is lower than Somervell County's 835.4 and much lower than Stephens County's 1,382.3. It stands as one of the quieter areas in the region.

A Focus on Property Safety

Property crime is the main concern at 646.6 per 100K, while violent crime is low at 71.8. These figures suggest that violent incidents are very rare for Sterling residents.

Awareness for Single-Agency Counties

Since data comes from a single agency, residents should stay active in reporting any suspicious activity. Maintaining home security helps preserve the county's reputation as a safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Sterling County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Learning in Sterling City

Sterling County features two public schools serving a total of 341 students. The system is designed around a specialized PK-12 model that serves the entire local community.

High Investment in Small Classes

The county achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, outpacing the national average of 87.0%. Sterling County invests $8,612 per pupil, which is notably higher than the Texas state average of $7,498.

Sterling City ISD Education

Sterling City ISD is the primary educational provider for the county. The Sterling City School is the heart of the district, enrolling 340 of the county's 341 students in a comprehensive PK-12 setting.

Intimate Rural School Environment

Education here is entirely rural, offering students a personalized and familiar atmosphere. With an average school size of 171, the main campus provides a tight-knit community where every student is known by name.

Perfect for a Personalized Education

If you are looking for a home in a district with high per-pupil spending and small class sizes, Sterling City is an excellent choice. The single-school campus makes the area highly convenient for families with children of different ages.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Sterling County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry and Warm West Texas Climate

Sterling County's 63.6°F average annual temperature sits nearly 10 degrees higher than the national median. It is a dry region, receiving only 20.9 inches of precipitation annually, which is roughly 10 inches below the Texas average.

A Cooler Corner of the State

Despite the heat, Sterling's 63.6°F annual average is roughly two degrees cooler than the Texas statewide average. It is significantly drier than the state average, recording 11 inches less rain than the 31.9-inch Texas norm.

Drier and Snowier than Eastern Peers

Sterling is much drier than Tarrant County, receiving 16 inches less rain per year. It records 1.9 inches of snow, slightly more than the 1.6 inches seen in nearby Stephens County.

Extended Heat with Arid Nights

The county endures 105 days of extreme heat over 90°F, though summer averages stay around 81.2°F. Winters are dry and cool, averaging 45.3°F with nearly 2 inches of snow annually.

Focus on Water and Dust Management

The low 20.9-inch rainfall and high heat days make water conservation and dust control essential for residents. Ensure home insulation can handle the 105 days of extreme heat as well as occasional winter freezes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sterling County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Inceptisols of the Plateau

Sterling County features Inceptisols, which are soils in the early stages of development, with a high pH of 7.91. This level is much more alkaline than the national median of 6.5, reflecting the region's mineral-rich geology. These soils are typical for the semi-arid transition zones of West Texas.

The Balance of Fine Sandy Loam

The soil is a fine sandy loam with 31.1% clay and 40.3% silt, creating a dense but manageable texture. The sand content is relatively low at 27.3%, which is unusual for the region but helps with moisture retention. This combination creates a soil that holds its shape well when wet.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter is remarkably high at 2.71%, far exceeding the Texas average of 1.66% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is also strong at 0.141 in/in, well above the state benchmark. This makes Sterling County's soil surprisingly fertile for its arid location.

Responsive Drainage in Group B

The soil is well-drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group B, indicating a moderate infiltration rate. This suggests that the soil absorbs rainfall efficiently, reducing the risk of erosion during sudden West Texas storms. It is a favorable classification for both agricultural productivity and stable building foundations.

Thriving in Arid Zone 8a

The combination of high organic matter and Zone 8a temperatures supports resilient crops like cotton and drought-tolerant grains. Native plants like mesquite and prickly pear thrive alongside well-tended vegetable gardens that use mulch to conserve moisture. Your fertile soil is a secret weapon for gardening success in West Texas.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sterling County

via LawnByCounty

Sterling’s High Difficulty Score

Sterling County’s 16.2 difficulty score indicates a very tough environment for traditional lawns, ranking among the state’s most challenging areas. In Zone 8a, growers must fight both low moisture and high alkalinity to keep grass green.

Arid Heat Challenges

Only 20.9 inches of annual precipitation reaches these lawns, which is well below the 30-50 inch ideal range. Combined with 105 extreme heat days, your turf requires a highly efficient irrigation plan to survive the long summer months.

Managing High pH Loam

The soil is quite alkaline at a 7.91 pH, which can lead to iron chlorosis in some grass species. The fine sandy loam texture is well-drained, but the 31.1% clay content means the ground can bake hard without regular organic matter.

Conservation in Arid Zones

The county has endured 29 weeks of drought in the past year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Using drought-tolerant groundcovers instead of traditional turf can significantly lower your long-term maintenance burden.

Native Grass Recommendations

Native grasses like Curly Mesquite or Buffalograss are the most realistic options for this high-pH environment. Time your planting for early April, right after the March 31st frost date, to maximize your available growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sterling County's county score?
Sterling County, Texas has a composite county score of 51.8 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 Sterling County rank among counties in Texas?
Sterling County ranks #52 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 Sterling County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Sterling County is $1,535, with an effective tax rate of 1.07%. This earns Sterling County a tax score of 33/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sterling County?
The median household income in Sterling County, Texas is $78,750 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sterling County earns an income score of 82.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sterling County, Texas a good place to live?
Sterling County scores 51.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Sterling 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 Sterling 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.