countyscore
55.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 93Schools 84.8Income & Jobs 77.3

County Report Card

About Sutton County, Texas

Sutton County Scores Above National Median

With a composite score of 55.9, Sutton County ranks well above the national median of 50.0. It provides a stable and high-quality environment compared to many U.S. rural counties.

Leading the Pack in Texas

Sutton's score of 55.9 is nearly 14 points higher than the Texas state average of 41.9. This makes it a top-tier choice for residents looking for quality of life within the state.

Top-Tier Schools and Strong Incomes

The county excels in education with a School Score of 84.8 and economic stability with an Income Score of 77.3. Residents benefit from a robust median household income of $75,000.

Healthcare Access and Tax Burdens

The Health Score of 15.2 is the county's primary weakness, suggesting limited local medical services. A Tax Score of 17.9 also reflects an effective tax rate of 1.378%, which is higher than some surrounding areas.

A Rural Stronghold for Families

Sutton is an excellent fit for working families who want high-performing schools and solid earning potential. It offers a rare combination of rural safety and economic prosperity.

Score breakdown

Tax17.9Cost66.4Safety76.2Health15.2Schools84.8Income77.3Risk93Water38.4Weather31.6
🏛17.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤15.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓84.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱20.2
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 →
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Nearby counties

Schleicher County
Texas
55.4
Edwards County
Texas
40
Kimble County
Texas
57.6
Menard County
Texas
53.1
Irion County
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Real County
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Val Verde County
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Tom Green County
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Deep Dives

Sutton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sutton County

via TaxByCounty

Sutton County taxes near national median

Sutton County's 1.378% effective tax rate sits slightly above the U.S. median of 1.276%, placing it in the upper-middle range nationally. Homeowners pay $1,938 annually on a median home valued at $140,600—compared to the national median tax of $2,690 on a much pricier home.

Sutton slightly above Texas average

At 1.378%, Sutton County's effective rate exceeds the Texas state average of 1.276% by just over 1 percentage point, making it marginally above state norm. The median tax of $1,938 trails the state median of $2,193 by $255, despite Sutton's slightly elevated rate.

Sutton taxes in line with rural peers

Sutton's 1.378% rate sits between Sterling County (1.072%) and Stephens County (1.683%), positioning it as a moderate-tax county regionally. It runs higher than Somervell (0.967%) and Starr (1.122%) but lower than Sherman (1.952%).

Median Sutton home costs $1,938 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $140,600 in Sutton County pays approximately $1,938 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, costs escalate to $3,390 when additional assessments are included.

Sutton homeowners should verify valuations

Sutton County's moderate tax rate makes accurate appraisals essential for keeping costs fair. Homeowners who believe their properties are overvalued should contact the Sutton County appraisal district and request a free review, potentially saving hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sutton County

via CostByCounty

Sutton County rents are a steal nationally

At 12.3%, Sutton County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national sweet spot and significantly undercuts Texas's 18.1% state average. Renters here spend roughly $770 monthly on housing while earning a median $75,000 annually—nearly matching the national median household income of $74,755.

Among Texas's most affordable counties

Sutton County ranks as one of Texas's most housing-friendly counties, with its 12.3% rent-to-income ratio beating 80% of Texas counties. Only a handful of rural Texas counties offer comparable affordability without sacrificing median income stability.

Cheaper than surrounding West Texas

Sutton's $770 median rent undershoots neighboring Terrell County significantly while matching housing stability across the region. Owner costs run similarly affordable at $750 monthly, making both renting and buying accessible compared to more urbanized Texas neighbors.

Your housing budget breaks down cleanly

Renters devote 12.3% of income to housing, while homeowners allocate about 12% to monthly payments on a median $140,600 home. This leaves substantial room in household budgets for savings, childcare, healthcare, and other essentials.

Perfect for budget-conscious relocators

If you're fleeing expensive metros, Sutton County delivers West Texas charm with genuine affordability—you'll spend half what renters pay in Texas's major cities. A median income near the national average combined with rock-bottom housing costs makes this an underrated relocation target.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sutton County

via IncomeByCounty

Sutton just misses the national mark

Sutton County's median household income of $75,000 nearly matches the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the top half nationally. The county's per capita income of $30,353 outpaces the Texas state average of $33,197.

Above-average earner in Texas

At $75,000, Sutton County's median household income ranks above 60% of Texas counties, positioning it solidly in the upper-middle tier statewide. The county stands well ahead of the Texas state average of $64,737.

Outearns most rural West Texas counties

Sutton's $75,000 income significantly outpaces nearby Stonewall ($61,250), Terry ($45,905), and Terrell ($46,989) counties. Only Tarrant County ($81,905) in this region earns noticeably more.

Solid income supports higher home values

With a rent-to-income ratio of 12.3%, Sutton County residents enjoy excellent housing affordability despite the county's median home value of $140,600. This stability suggests incomes adequately support both renters and homeowners.

Leverage income stability into long-term gains

Sutton County's above-average income and low housing burden create room for strategic wealth-building through property investment, business ownership, or diversified portfolios. Start by assessing retirement readiness and building an emergency fund covering 6–12 months of expenses.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sutton County

via CrimeByCounty

Sutton County Outpaces National Safety Averages

Sutton County maintains a total crime rate of 568.0 per 100,000 residents, which is less than a quarter of the national average of 2,385.5. This strong performance earns the county an impressive safety score of 99.1.

Sutton Ranks Above State Safety Benchmarks

The county’s safety score of 99.1 sits well above the Texas average of 96.8. With a total crime rate of 568.0, Sutton is significantly safer than the average Texas county which sees 2,052.5 crimes per 100,000 people.

Comparing Regional Crime Trends

Sutton County is notably safer than Swisher County, which has a much higher crime rate of 2,031.7. However, it trails Taylor County, where the crime rate is a remarkably low 111.9 per 100,000 residents.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

Property crime accounts for 478.3 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the violent crime rate is significantly lower at 89.7. This means residents are over five times more likely to encounter a property issue than a violent encounter.

Keep Your Property Secure

Given that property crime is the primary concern here, investing in a home security system is a wise precaution. Ensure all entry points are well-lit and consider joining a local neighborhood watch program to stay informed.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sutton County

via HealthByCounty

Rural county struggles with health

Sutton County's life expectancy of 74.1 years is 2.4 years shorter than the national average of 76.5 years, signaling persistent health challenges in this rural West Texas community. Nearly 3 in 10 residents (28.5%) report poor or fair health, significantly above the national rate.

Among Texas's least healthy counties

Sutton ranks below Texas's state average life expectancy of 74.3 years—essentially at parity—but its 28.5% poor/fair health rate puts it in the bottom tier statewide. The 21.3% uninsured rate exceeds Texas's 19.8% average, leaving more than 1 in 5 residents without coverage.

Worse off than most rural peers

Sutton's 28.5% poor/fair health rate is the second-worst among its neighbors, trailing only Terry County (30.4%). Its uninsured rate of 21.3% is notably higher than Stonewall (16.4%) and Throckmorton (19.4%), suggesting coverage barriers compound health challenges.

Sparse care access amid high need

Sutton has 121 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the highest ratio in this rural cluster—but limited mental health data suggests gaps in behavioral care. The 21.3% uninsured rate means many residents delay or avoid care despite better provider availability.

Breaking the coverage barrier

More than 1 in 5 Sutton County residents lack health insurance, making coverage exploration urgent. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to learn about plans that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sutton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Sutton County

The county's education infrastructure relies on a single district, Sonora ISD, managing just 2 schools for 675 total students. This compact system includes one primary school and one secondary school to serve the entire local student population.

Exceptional Graduation Rates in Sonora

Sutton County achieves an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Texas average of 91.6% and the national 87.0% mark. Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $8,582, which is below the national average of $13,000, the county maintains a strong school score of 60.6.

Focused Learning at Sonora ISD

Sonora ISD stands as the sole provider of public education in the county, educating all 675 enrolled students. There are currently no charter schools in the area, ensuring a unified community-based approach to learning.

A Tight-Knit Town Environment

Both schools in the county are classified as town locales, offering an average enrollment of 338 students. Sonora EL is the largest campus with 376 students, while Sonora Secondary School serves 299 students in grades 7 through 12.

Put Down Roots Near Top Schools

With graduation rates that far outpace state benchmarks, Sonora offers a compelling case for families seeking academic stability. Explore available homes in Sutton County to find a property near these high-performing public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sutton County

via RiskByCounty

Sutton ranks among America's safest counties

Sutton County's composite risk score of 7.06 places it firmly in the Very Low category, far below the national average. This West Texas county experiences minimal exposure to the combination of major natural hazards that affect most U.S. communities.

One of Texas's lowest-risk counties

Sutton's score of 7.06 ranks it among the safest counties in Texas, well below the state average of 49.00. Few Texas counties achieve this level of natural disaster resilience.

Sutton leads its immediate region

Sutton County's score of 7.06 outperforms Stonewall County (3.82) in composite risk, though both remain very safe. Compared to nearby Swisher County at 37.44, Sutton demonstrates significantly lower overall hazard exposure.

Wildfire and hurricane are secondary concerns

Wildfire risk at 85.50 is Sutton's most elevated individual hazard, followed by hurricane risk at 29.24. Flood and tornado risks remain minimal at 19.12 and 14.19 respectively, reflecting the county's overall safety profile.

Standard homeowners insurance covers main risks

Given Sutton's Very Low overall rating, standard homeowners insurance with fire coverage should adequately protect most residents. Those in wildfire-prone areas should confirm their policy includes brush and grassfire protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sutton County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Semi-Arid Plateau

Sutton County experiences an average annual temperature of 65.8°F, placing it well above the national median of 54°F. It is a dry region with only 22.7 inches of annual precipitation.

Aligning with the Texas Average

Sutton's 65.8°F annual average is almost identical to the Texas state average of 65.5°F. However, it receives about 9 inches less rain than the typical Texas county.

Warmer and Drier than North-Central Texas

Sutton is over two degrees warmer than Stephens and Sterling counties. While local snowfall data is unavailable, the 111 extreme heat days are consistent with the regional trend toward hot, dry conditions.

Intense Heat with Minimal Winter Relief

July averages 83.6°F, contributing to 111 days per year above the 90°F threshold. Winters are mild compared to northern neighbors, with a December-February average of 47.9°F.

Engineered for Constant Cooling

With over 110 days of extreme heat and limited rainfall, residents should prioritize heat-resistant landscaping and robust cooling systems. Outdoor planning should focus on early mornings to avoid the peak heat hours.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sutton County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Alkaline Soils of the Plateau

Sutton County features alkaline soil with a pH of 7.44, significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is typical for the limestone-rich Edwards Plateau region of West Texas. These soils are known for their mineral content but can be shallow in many upland areas.

Heavy Clay and Silty Mix

The soil composition is very heavy, with 38.3% clay and 38.7% silt, and only 16.8% sand. This makes the soil feel dense and sticky when wet, and very hard when dry. It has excellent nutrient-holding capacity but can be difficult to work with manual garden tools.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The county boasts a very high organic matter content of 3.79%, more than double the Texas state average of 1.66%. While the water capacity of 0.126 in/in is slightly below the state average, the high carbon levels provide a massive boost to soil health. This natural fertility supports a wide variety of native forage.

Heavy Soils in Hydrologic Group D

The soil belongs to Hydrologic Group D, which means it has very low infiltration rates and high runoff potential. Because of the high clay content, water moves slowly through the profile, increasing the risk of surface ponding. Building and gardening plans must include strategies for managing slow drainage.

Native Potential in Zone 8a

The fertile, clay-rich soils of Zone 8a are perfect for native pecans and resilient ranch grasses. Home gardeners can succeed with Mediterranean herbs and drought-tolerant perennials that appreciate the high mineral content. Use the natural organic richness of your soil to start a productive native landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sutton County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Difficulty in Sutton County

With a difficulty score of 20.2, Sutton County is one of the hardest places in Texas to grow a lawn. This score is significantly lower than both the state average of 31.7 and the national median of 50.0.

High Growing Degrees and Low Moisture

The area sees 111 extreme heat days and only 22.7 inches of annual rain. With 6,271 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly but requires constant moisture to survive the intense Texas sun.

Overcoming Heavy Clay Challenges

Soil here is 38.3% clay with an alkaline pH of 7.44, which can lead to compaction and drainage issues. Without specific drainage class data, residents should prioritize regular aeration to help water and air reach the root zone.

Persistent Dry Spells and Conservation

The county endured 36 weeks of drought over the past year, and 73.7% of the area remains abnormally dry. Using mulching mowers and drought-tolerant cultivars is essential for maintaining ground cover during these extended dry periods.

Plant for Success in April

Zone 8a supports drought-hardy options like Zoysia or Buffalograss. Wait until the last frost on April 1 passes before starting your lawn to ensure new growth survives the transition into spring.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sutton County's county score?
Sutton County, Texas has a composite county score of 55.9 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 Sutton County rank among counties in Texas?
Sutton County ranks #29 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 Sutton County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Sutton County is $1,938, with an effective tax rate of 1.38%. This earns Sutton County a tax score of 17.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sutton County?
The median household income in Sutton County, Texas is $75,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sutton County earns an income score of 77.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sutton County, Texas a good place to live?
Sutton County scores 55.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Sutton 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 Sutton 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.