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.

204060801003330.169.338.862.282.498.98640.4Tax33Cost30.1Safety69.3Health38.8Schools62.2Income82.4Risk98.9Water86Weather40.451.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Sterling County DNA

Foverall

How Sterling County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Sterling County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (98.9/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (33/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
33-19
Cost
30.1-17.9
Safety
69.3+14.299999999999997
Health
38.8-11.200000000000003
Schools
62.2+8.200000000000003
Income
82.4+31.400000000000006
Risk
98.9+51.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
40.4-15.600000000000001
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$143,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$968/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$143,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $78,750/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Nearby counties

Tom Green County
Texas
23.6
Glasscock County
Texas
57.7
Coke County
Texas
48.8
Irion County
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Reagan County
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Mitchell County
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Howard County
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Nolan County
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Deep Dives

Sterling County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

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

Water Quality in Sterling County

via WaterByCounty

Sterling County Leads in Water Quality

Sterling County earns a perfect 'A' grade for drinking water compliance, recording zero health violations over the past five years. This performance is exceptional compared to the Texas average violation rate of 581.9 per 100,000. Local utilities are successfully meeting all Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Unassessed Watersheds in Sterling County

Federal §303(d) assessments have not yet been conducted for the water bodies in Sterling County for the current cycle. There is no official federal record of impaired segments or specific contaminant causes at this time. The county remains in a data-gathering phase for federal watershed health reporting.

Basic Water Quality Monitoring Profile

Technicians manage 3 monitoring sites in Sterling County, resulting in 98 measurements over the last five years. The data primarily covers physical properties and organic compounds. While the monitoring footprint is small, it provides essential baseline data for the region.

Extreme High Flow on the North Concho

The North Concho River at Sterling City is currently flowing at 114 cfs, which is 1,391% of its long-term mean of 8 cfs. This massive surge in discharge indicates recent heavy rainfall or flash flooding upstream. High-velocity flows often carry increased sediment and surface runoff into the water supply.

Maintaining Safety During High Flow

While the county maintains an 'A' grade, the current flow at 1,391% of normal suggests a high risk of runoff-related turbidity. Residents should be aware that rapid flooding can temporarily affect the taste and clarity of untreated water sources. Monitoring local alerts during these high-flow events is the best way to ensure continued safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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