57.6
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 96.2Cost of Living 90.6

County Report Card

About Stonewall County, Texas

Stonewall County Beats the National Average

Stonewall County earns a composite score of 57.6, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural lifestyle that offers higher overall livability than many parts of the country.

A High Performer in the Lone Star State

The county's 57.6 score significantly outperforms the Texas state average of 41.9. It stands as a compelling alternative to more crowded and expensive Texas regions.

Supreme Safety and Rock-Bottom Costs

Safety is the county's standout feature with a near-perfect score of 97.5. Housing is also exceptionally affordable, boasting a Cost Score of 90.6 and a median home value of just $54,700.

Critical Water and Health Needs

The county faces a major hurdle with its Water Score of 1.3, indicating significant resource challenges. Additionally, both Health and Tax dimensions score 18.6, highlighting a need for better infrastructure and a high relative tax burden.

The Ideal Haven for Quiet Budgeting

Stonewall is perfect for retirees or remote workers who prioritize personal safety and extremely low housing costs. It suits those who are self-sufficient and comfortable living far from major medical hubs.

Score breakdown

Tax18.6Cost90.6Safety97.5Health18.6Schools47.8Income42.9Risk96.2Water1.3Weather39.5
🏛18.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠90.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼42.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
18.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓47.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
96.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧1.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤39.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨22.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱23.1
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
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Deep Dives

Stonewall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Stonewall County

via TaxByCounty

Stonewall County taxes moderate nationally

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.

Cost of Living in Stonewall County

via CostByCounty

Stonewall delivers exceptional affordability

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.

Income & Jobs in Stonewall County

via IncomeByCounty

Stonewall's income trails national average

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.

Safety in Stonewall County

via CrimeByCounty

Stonewall County Records Zero Reported Crimes

Stonewall County reports a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional data results in a perfect safety score of 100.0, identifying it as one of the statistically safest areas in the country.

A Top Performer in Texas Safety

The county's safety score of 100.0 significantly exceeds the Texas state average of 96.8. While the state average crime rate sits at 2,052.5 per 100,000, Stonewall maintains a clean record for the 2022 reporting year.

Leading the Region in Reported Safety

Compared to nearby Sutton County's rate of 568.0, Stonewall's zero-crime report is a notable regional outlier. However, because these figures come from a single reporting agency, they should be interpreted as a snapshot of specific jurisdictional activity.

Understanding the Zero-Crime Statistics

Both violent and property crime rates currently stand at 0.0 per 100,000 residents. While this suggests an incredibly safe environment, it often reflects a year where no major incidents reached the single local reporting agency.

Maintain Your Local Security

Even with perfect safety scores, residents should remain proactive about home security to prevent future incidents. Simple habits like locking doors and installing motion-sensor lighting help preserve the county's peaceful atmosphere.

Health in Stonewall County

via HealthByCounty

Health data gaps in rural Texas

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.

Schools in Stonewall County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small and Personal School Infrastructure

Stonewall County operates a minimal system of two public schools serving 199 total students. Aspermont ISD manages the county's single elementary and high school campuses.

Strong Graduation with Local Oversight

The 90.0% graduation rate exceeds the national average of 87.0%, showcasing the effectiveness of the local district. Spending per pupil is $7,225, which is close to the Texas state average of $7,498.

Aspermont ISD Leads the Way

Aspermont ISD is the sole provider for the county, with Aspermont High School serving 103 students in grades 6-12. Aspermont Elementary supports the younger population with 96 enrolled students.

The Ultimate Rural School Experience

Both campuses are located in rural locales, resulting in an average school size of just 100 students. This creates an environment where students receive significant individual attention throughout their academic careers.

A Community Built Around Its Schools

For those seeking a rural home near a highly personal school system, Stonewall County is a top contender. Properties in Aspermont offer the benefit of being in a single-district community where schools are the central focus.

Disaster Risk in Stonewall County

via RiskByCounty

Stonewall's risk is well below national average

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.

Weather & Climate in Stonewall County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate but Prone to Extremes

Stonewall County averages 63.6°F annually, which is about 9 degrees warmer than the national median. With 23.6 inches of rain, the climate is semi-arid and significantly drier than the national average.

Below the Texas Temperature Average

The county's 63.6°F annual average is two degrees cooler than the state average of 65.5°F. Its rainfall is also lower, trailing the Texas average by about 8 inches annually.

Snowier than Southern Neighbors

Stonewall receives 4.1 inches of snow annually, which is significantly more than Sterling or Stephens counties. It records 112 extreme heat days, making it slightly more heat-prone than Sterling.

Sweltering Summers and Notable Snowfall

Summer heat is intense with 112 days reaching 90°F or more and a July average of 84.0°F. Unlike much of Texas, winters bring a measurable 4.1 inches of snow and a 44.5°F average temperature.

Prepare for Wide Seasonal Swings

Residents must maintain equipment for both extreme heat and winter snow. The 4.1-inch snowfall is high for the region, so keeping ice melt and shovels on hand is a wise precaution.

Soil Quality in Stonewall County

via SoilByCounty

Redbed Alkaline Soils of North Texas

Stonewall County displays an alkaline soil profile with an average pH of 7.51. This exceeds the state average of 7.09 and the national median of 6.5, often requiring specialized management for acid-loving plants. The soil chemistry is heavily influenced by the region's distinctive Permian red bed geology.

Sandy Texture with Medium Silt

The soil is nearly half sand at 47.1%, which is balanced by 29.6% silt and 21.0% clay. This creates a gritty texture that allows for decent drainage but remains prone to wind erosion if left uncovered. Farmers in the area often use conservation tillage to protect this specific sandy mix.

High Water Capacity, Low Carbon

Organic matter is somewhat low at 1.21%, trailing the state average of 1.66%. Despite this, the soil has a high available water capacity of 0.141 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.133 in/in. This means the soil is efficient at holding onto the limited rainfall the region receives.

Adapting to Data Limitations

While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not digitally recorded for the entire county, the sandy composition suggests generally rapid movement. Growers should watch for localized areas where clay might cause pooling after heavy rains. Local knowledge remains the best guide for managing water on individual plots.

Resilient Growing in Zone 8a

In Zone 8a, growers find success with heat-tolerant varieties of wheat, cotton, and forage grasses. For home gardeners, raised beds with added compost can overcome the lower organic matter and high pH. Start your project today and utilize the high water storage capacity of Stonewall's red soils.

Lawn Care in Stonewall County

via LawnByCounty

A Tough Climb for Stonewall Lawns

Stonewall County earns a lawn difficulty score of 23.1, trailing far behind the national median of 50.0. In this Zone 8a environment, maintaining a green lawn is significantly more challenging than the Texas state average of 31.7.

Intense Heat and Minimal Rainfall

The county endures 112 extreme heat days annually, which is higher than the state average of 105. With only 23.6 inches of annual precipitation, lawns here fall short of the 30-50 inches required for ideal growth, necessitating heavy irrigation.

Managing Sandy and Alkaline Soil

The soil is 47.1% sand with a pH of 7.51, which is more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While drainage data is limited, the high sand content suggests that nutrients wash away quickly, requiring careful, frequent fertilization.

Navigating Constant Drought Conditions

Stonewall County spent 28 weeks in drought over the last year, and nearly 10% of the area currently faces severe drought. To conserve water, homeowners should focus on deep, infrequent watering cycles during the early morning hours.

Start Your Lawn After March 29

Hardy warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass are the best choice for this climate. Aim to seed or sod after the final spring frost on March 29 to give your turf time to establish before the summer heat arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stonewall County's county score?
Stonewall County, Texas has a composite county score of 57.6 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 Stonewall County rank among counties in Texas?
Stonewall County ranks #22 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 Stonewall County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Stonewall County is $744, with an effective tax rate of 1.36%. This earns Stonewall County a tax score of 18.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stonewall County?
The median household income in Stonewall County, Texas is $61,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stonewall County earns an income score of 42.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stonewall County, Texas a good place to live?
Stonewall County scores 57.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Stonewall 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 Stonewall County with other counties side by side.