Stonewall County's composite score of 71.2 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This 21-point advantage reflects a county that delivers measurably better livability than most American communities on measured dimensions.
2 / 5
A top performer within Texas
Stonewall ranks above the Texas state average composite score of 66.8, making it a stronger-than-average county for livability within its state. Its 71.2 score puts it among Texas's better-performing counties across the dimensions measured.
3 / 5
Affordability and low taxes drive strength
Stonewall excels in cost and tax efficiency, with a cost score of 88.6 reflecting exceptionally affordable housing—median home values of just $54,700 and monthly rents of $620. The county's effective tax rate of 1.360% provides a favorable fiscal environment for households and businesses.
4 / 5
Income levels lag significantly
The county's income score of 23.4 reflects a median household income of just $61,250, well below state and national averages. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet available, limiting a fuller assessment of overall livability.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-conscious rural families
Stonewall County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability and low tax burdens over high incomes and urban amenities. Its combination of rock-bottom housing costs and reasonable tax rates makes it compelling for those with independent income sources or modest income needs.
Stonewall County's composite score of 71.2 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This 21-point advantage reflects a county that delivers measurably better livability than most American communities on measured dimensions.
A top performer within Texas
Stonewall ranks above the Texas state average composite score of 66.8, making it a stronger-than-average county for livability within its state. Its 71.2 score puts it among Texas's better-performing counties across the dimensions measured.
Affordability and low taxes drive strength
Stonewall excels in cost and tax efficiency, with a cost score of 88.6 reflecting exceptionally affordable housing—median home values of just $54,700 and monthly rents of $620. The county's effective tax rate of 1.360% provides a favorable fiscal environment for households and businesses.
Income levels lag significantly
The county's income score of 23.4 reflects a median household income of just $61,250, well below state and national averages. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet available, limiting a fuller assessment of overall livability.
Ideal for budget-conscious rural families
Stonewall County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability and low tax burdens over high incomes and urban amenities. Its combination of rock-bottom housing costs and reasonable tax rates makes it compelling for those with independent income sources or modest income needs.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Stonewall County's 1.360% effective tax rate slightly exceeds the U.S. median of 1.276%, placing it just above the national midpoint. However, the median tax of $744 is among the lowest nationally, reflecting Stonewall's modest home values of just $54,700.
Stonewall slightly above Texas average
At 1.360%, Stonewall County's effective rate is 6% higher than the Texas state average of 1.276%, representing a modest above-average burden. The median tax of $744 trails the state median of $2,193 by $1,449, owing to Stonewall's low property values.
Stonewall taxes moderate among peers
Stonewall's 1.360% rate sits between Sterling County (1.072%) and Stephens County (1.683%), placing it in the middle of the regional tax spectrum. Despite its modestly above-average rate, Stonewall residents enjoy the lowest absolute tax bills due to lower home prices.
Median Stonewall home costs $744 yearly
A homeowner with a median-valued property of $54,700 in Stonewall County pays just $744 in annual property taxes—among the lowest bills in the region. This modest amount reflects both the low tax rate and exceptionally low property values.
Stonewall owners rarely need tax appeals
With such low property values and modest tax bills, Stonewall County homeowners have limited savings potential through appeals. However, anyone purchasing a property should ensure the assessed value aligns with the actual purchase price they paid.
Stonewall County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.2% ranks among the nation's most affordable, with renters spending just one-eighth of their $61,250 income on housing. While below the national income median, the county's rental burden is remarkably light.
Texas's least burdened renters
Stonewall's 12.2% rent-to-income ratio is the best in this group and well below Texas's 18.1% average. At $620 monthly, Stonewall offers the region's cheapest rent, $343 below the state average.
Bargain rents, modest incomes
Stonewall renters pay just $620 monthly—the lowest among profiled counties—while earning $61,250, a solid middle-income level. This combination creates the lightest housing burden in the group despite below-average income.
Housing takes minimal income share
Stonewall renters dedicate only 12.2% of their median income to housing, preserving maximum resources for other needs. Homeowners spend $580 monthly on ownership—9.5% of income—while homes value at just $54,700, the lowest in the group.
Maximum affordability, minimal cost
Stonewall County represents the ultimate affordability play: the lowest rents and housing burden in the region. Budget-conscious relocators seeking rural Texas will find unmatched value here.
At $61,250, Stonewall County's median household income falls about $13,500 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower half nationally, though it still outperforms the Texas state average of $64,737.
Middle-of-the-road rank in Texas
Stonewall County ranks at the state median for household income relative to other Texas counties. While the county's $61,250 sits below the state average, it reflects typical rural Texas economics.
More stable than West Texas peers
Stonewall's $61,250 income outpaces neighboring Throckmorton County ($58,864) and significantly exceeds Swisher County ($39,031) and Terry County ($45,905). The county's relative stability stands out in a region where incomes vary widely.
Housing costs remain very affordable
With a rent-to-income ratio of just 12.2%, Stonewall County residents spend well below the healthy threshold of 30%. The median home value of $54,700 is remarkably accessible, making homeownership realistic for many households.
Build on affordability with investing
Stonewall's low housing costs create a genuine opportunity to invest surplus income in retirement accounts, education, or small business ventures. Starting early with even modest contributions to tax-advantaged accounts can compound significantly over time.
Stonewall County's life expectancy data is limited, but we know that 22.5% of residents report poor or fair health—higher than the national average of roughly 18%. The county's mental health provider density of 164 per 100,000 residents suggests some access to mental care, though primary care capacity remains a question mark for this rural community.
Below-average health despite data limits
While we can't directly compare Stonewall's life expectancy to Texas's 74.3-year state average due to incomplete reporting, the 22.5% poor/fair health rate ranks poorly within Texas. The county's uninsured rate of 16.4% is better than the state average of 19.8%, suggesting some residents have found coverage.
Holding steady among rural peers
Stonewall's 22.5% poor/fair health rate is better than neighboring Swisher County (27.0%) and Terry County (30.4%), but trails the healthier rural counties like Terrell (17.3%). Its mental health provider ratio of 164 per 100K outpaces most neighboring rural counties, offering a bright spot for behavioral health.
Rural care desert with uninsured gaps
Stonewall has 82 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, but with just 16.4% uninsured, access challenges may reflect geography more than affordability. Limited data on provider capacity suggests residents may travel significant distances for routine care.
Check your coverage options today
If you're among Stonewall's uninsured or underinsured residents, healthcare.gov and Texas-specific programs can help you find affordable plans. Even with good provider ratios, coverage ensures you can actually access the care you need.
Stonewall County has a composite risk score of 3.82, placing it in the Very Low category and significantly below the national baseline. This means residents face substantially lower exposure to multiple natural hazards compared to the typical American county.
Among Texas's safest counties
With a score of 3.82, Stonewall ranks as one of the lowest-risk counties in Texas, where the state average is 49.00. This county enjoys considerably more natural disaster resilience than most of its peers across the state.
Stonewall outperforms most region peers
Stonewall's score of 3.82 compares favorably to neighboring Throckmorton County (3.31) and Terrell County (0.41), but stands well below Swisher County's 37.44. Among this cluster of West Texas counties, Stonewall remains in the safest tier.
Wildfire presents the highest local threat
Wildfire risk dominates Stonewall's hazard profile at 66.03, though this remains moderate compared to regional standards. Tornado risk at 15.20 and hurricane risk at 15.14 pose secondary but manageable concerns for the county.
Basic coverage protects against fire risk
While Stonewall's overall risk is low, homeowners should maintain comprehensive fire insurance given the elevated wildfire score of 66.03. Standard property coverage remains the priority for this county's primary natural hazard exposure.