41.9
County Score
Safety 92.5Income & Jobs 57.9Schools 44.7

County Report Card

About Taylor County, Texas

Taylor County Nears National Median

With a score of 41.9, Taylor County sits slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a middle-of-the-road profile that mirrors many mid-sized American counties.

The Definition of the Texas Average

Taylor County perfectly matches the Texas state average composite score of 41.9. It represents a standard Texas experience, balancing urban access with regional challenges.

Outstanding Safety and Stable Incomes

Safety is the primary draw here, with a high score of 92.5. The county also supports a respectable Income Score of 57.9 and a median household income of $66,406.

Environmental Risk and Rising Costs

Environmental vulnerability is a concern, as shown by a Risk Score of 16.2. Housing affordability is also tightening, with a Cost Score of 21.0 and median rents reaching $1,111.

A Reliable Home for Families

Taylor is an excellent choice for families seeking a secure environment with steady economic prospects. It suits those who value a safe community and are prepared for moderate housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax17.1Cost21Safety92.5Health26.1Schools44.7Income57.9Risk16.2Water44.4Weather38.2
🏛17.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠21
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼57.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡92.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
26.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓44.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
16.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧44.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤38.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨41.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱35.9
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

Taylor County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Taylor County

via TaxByCounty

Taylor's rate sits near national median

At 1.403%, Taylor County's effective tax rate falls slightly above the national median of 1.27%, placing it near the middle of the country's tax burden spectrum. The median annual property tax of $2,670 closely mirrors the national median, making Taylor fairly representative of typical American property taxation.

Below average for Texas

Taylor County's 1.403% rate ranks below the Texas state average of 1.276% in relative terms, positioning it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Homeowners here benefit from a tax burden lighter than many Texas communities.

More affordable than Tarrant, less than Swisher

Taylor's 1.403% rate falls between neighbors Tarrant County (1.772%) to the north and Tom Green County (1.351%) to the southwest. This moderate position reflects Taylor's balanced approach to funding local government and schools.

Median tax bill reaches $2,670 yearly

On a median home value of $190,300, Taylor County residents pay approximately $2,670 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages see that amount rise to $3,428 when mortgage tax escrow is included.

Check your assessment for overvaluation

Even in fairly-taxed counties like Taylor, individual homes can be incorrectly appraised above market value. If your home's assessed value seems excessive compared to comparable recent sales, the county appraisal district allows homeowners to file appeals at no cost.

Cost of Living in Taylor County

via CostByCounty

Taylor County housing strains middle income

Taylor County's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both Texas's 18.1% state average and approaches affordability stress thresholds, despite a median rent of $1,111. The median household income of $66,406 falls below the national median of $74,755, intensifying relative affordability pressure.

Middle-tier affordability for Texas

Taylor County ranks in Texas's middle-to-lower affordability tier, with its 20.1% rent-to-income ratio running consistently above state averages. As Abilene's home county, it reflects a regional economy with moderate wages and steadily climbing rents.

Rents climbing faster than West Texas rural

Taylor's $1,111 median rent substantially exceeds most surrounding West Texas rural counties but remains lower than urban Tarrant County. The county represents a midpoint between rural affordability and metro pricing.

One-fifth of income dedicated to rent

Renters spend 20.1% of their $66,406 median income on housing, equivalent to $1,111 monthly, leaving moderate room for other expenses. Homeowners allocate roughly 20.4% to monthly payments on a median $190,300 home, with an average payment of $1,127.

Balance opportunity with affordability trade-offs

Taylor County offers Abilene's employment stability and regional amenities at prices below major metros, though slightly elevated versus rural neighbors. Relocate here if you're seeking a mid-sized city with decent job prospects—just budget carefully, as housing costs are trending upward.

Income & Jobs in Taylor County

via IncomeByCounty

Taylor's income trails U.S. average

Taylor County's median household income of $66,406 falls about $8,350 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom half nationally. However, it outperforms the Texas state average of $64,737 by roughly $1,700.

Slightly above Texas state average

At $66,406, Taylor County ranks just above the Texas state average of $64,737, positioning it in the middle-to-upper-middle tier statewide. The county represents solid mid-range earnings among Texas's 254 counties.

Outearns most rural West Texas peers

Taylor County's $66,406 income exceeds nearby Stonewall ($61,250), Throckmorton ($58,864), Swisher ($39,031), Terrell ($46,989), and Terry ($45,905) counties. Only Sutton County ($75,000) and Tarrant County ($81,905) earn noticeably more.

Housing costs moderately manageable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.1%, Taylor County residents spend about one-fifth of income on housing, approaching but not exceeding the healthy 30% threshold. The median home value of $190,300 remains within reach for households earning $66,406.

Build wealth with intentional planning

Taylor County's stable middle-class income creates opportunities for retirement savings, home equity building, and modest investment growth. Set specific financial goals, automate monthly savings, and review insurance coverage to protect assets.

Safety in Taylor County

via CrimeByCounty

Taylor County Among the Nation's Safest

Taylor County boasts a total crime rate of only 111.9 per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This remarkable data earns the county a near-perfect safety score of 99.8.

Exceeding Texas Safety Standards

Taylor County's safety score of 99.8 is significantly higher than the Texas average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 111.9 is a fraction of the 2,052.5 state average, making it a standout for public safety.

Regional Leader in Low Crime Rates

Taylor County is substantially safer than its neighbor, Throckmorton County, which has a crime rate of 486.5. Five reporting agencies contribute to these figures, ensuring a consistent and reliable view of the county’s safety.

Low Risk Across All Categories

The violent crime rate is a mere 21.0 per 100,000 residents, while property crime stands at 90.9. Both metrics are extraordinarily low compared to national averages, indicating a very low risk for residents.

Maintaining a Secure Environment

While crime is rare in Taylor County, keeping your home secure ensures these low rates continue. Routine checks of window locks and porch lighting are simple, effective ways to maintain your peace of mind.

Health in Taylor County

via HealthByCounty

Mid-size county below national health

Taylor County residents live an average of 73.5 years—3 years below the national average of 76.5—though just 20.2% report poor or fair health, slightly above the national rate. This mid-size Texas county sits in the middle range of health outcomes nationally.

Slightly below Texas average

Taylor's 73.5-year life expectancy falls 0.8 years short of Texas's 74.3-year state average, placing it in the lower half of Texas counties. The 18.7% uninsured rate is better than the state's 19.8%, suggesting relative affordability or access in the Abilene area.

Better than rural peers, not quite urban

Taylor's 20.2% poor/fair health rate outperforms rural counties like Swisher (27.0%) and Terry (30.4%), but trails Tarrant (18.9%). Its 73.5-year life expectancy is higher than Swisher (70.3) and Terry (70.8), reflecting mid-size city advantages.

Strong mental health, adequate primary care

Taylor has 67 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an exceptional 233 mental health providers per 100K—the highest among all counties shown. The 18.7% uninsured rate means most residents can access these providers affordably.

Keep coverage stable in Abilene

Taylor County's strong provider network means coverage matters—without it, you're locked out of care. Check healthcare.gov or your employer plan annually to maintain continuous coverage.

Schools in Taylor County

via SchoolsByCounty

Abilene’s Robust Education Hub

Taylor County hosts 47 public schools and 5 districts, supporting a total student population of 24,454. The system is well-balanced, featuring 21 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 10 high schools.

High Success on a Lean Budget

Students here excel with a 92.2% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. This performance is notable given the lean $6,196 per-pupil expenditure, which is significantly lower than the national average of $13,000.

The Dominance of Abilene and Wylie ISDs

Abilene ISD is the regional leader, serving 15,253 students across 28 different schools. Wylie ISD provides a significant suburban alternative, educating 5,419 students across its 8 campuses.

City Classrooms Meet Rural High Schools

Thirty-two schools are located in the city of Abilene, while 15 serve the outlying rural areas. Abilene HS is the largest campus with 1,966 students, nearly four times the county average school size of 532.

Relocate to Taylor County’s Top Districts

Taylor County provides high-performing schools in both city and rural environments. Families moving to the area should explore homes in the Abilene or Wylie districts to take advantage of these strong graduation rates.

Disaster Risk in Taylor County

via RiskByCounty

Taylor faces notably elevated national risks

Taylor County's composite risk score of 83.81 rates as Relatively Moderate, substantially above the national average. The Abilene-area county experiences serious exposure to multiple natural hazard categories simultaneously.

Second-tier risk within Texas

At 83.81, Taylor County ranks well above Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. Only a handful of Texas counties face comparable multi-hazard exposure.

Taylor leads region in risk exposure

Taylor's 83.81 score exceeds neighboring Stonewall (3.82), Sutton (7.06), and Swisher (37.44) dramatically, while approaching Tarrant County (99.14). This concentration of hazard exposure distinguishes Taylor from most surrounding West Texas counties.

Wildfire and flooding top threat list

Wildfire risk at 89.73 is Taylor's most significant hazard, followed closely by flood risk at 82.76 and tornado risk at 73.92. Hurricane risk at 49.02 and earthquake risk at 38.52 create additional meaningful exposure.

Comprehensive protection is critical here

Taylor County residents require extensive homeowners insurance including flood, wildfire, tornado/wind, and hail coverage across most of the county. A standalone flood insurance policy is essential given the 82.76 flood risk score.

Weather & Climate in Taylor County

via WeatherByCounty

Taylor County’s Warm Rolling Plains

Taylor County’s annual average temperature of 64.3°F is nearly ten degrees warmer than the national median. This semi-arid climate experiences significantly more heat than the average American county.

Slightly Cooler Than Texas Norms

While hot by national standards, Taylor County’s 64.3°F average is actually lower than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It also receives 26.4 inches of rain, trailing the state average of 31.9 inches.

A Drier Choice Among Neighbors

Taylor County is drier than eastern neighbors like Callahan County, which transitions into more humid terrain. Its temperature profile remains consistent with the Rolling Plains region, averaging 102 extreme heat days annually.

Hot Summers and Light Snow

Summers are intense with a July average of 83.1°F and frequent days over 90°F. Winters are manageable with a 46.2°F average and a modest 2.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for the Big Heat

Residents should prioritize high-efficiency HVAC systems to handle 102 days of triple-digit potential. With only 26.4 inches of rain, xeriscaping is a practical choice for local landscapes.

Soil Quality in Taylor County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soils Near Abilene

Taylor County soils maintain a pH of 6.93, sitting just above the national median of 6.5 but below the Texas average of 7.09. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the chemical profile is quite balanced.

A Consistent Mineral Blend

The mineral makeup includes 32.6% sand and 28% clay, creating a sturdy soil structure. This composition provides enough clay for nutrient retention while keeping enough sand to prevent extreme hardening during dry spells.

Strong Organic Matter Levels

The soil contains 1.91% organic matter, which is higher than the state average of 1.66%. An available water capacity of 0.140 in/in exceeds the state benchmark, signaling a good ability to support plants during summer heat.

Slow Infiltration Requires Careful Management

The soil belongs to hydrologic group D, which indicates a very slow infiltration rate when the ground is thoroughly wet. Builders and farmers should account for potential runoff, as the soil does not absorb water quickly.

Lush Growth in Zone 8a

In hardiness zone 8a, these soils support native pecans, mesquite, and a variety of hardy perennials. The soil's ability to hold water makes it a great candidate for establishing a drought-resistant landscape.

Lawn Care in Taylor County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Abilene Area Lawn

Taylor County has a lawn difficulty score of 35.9, making it slightly easier than the state average of 31.7. Despite the local challenges of Zone 8a, this score indicates a manageable environment compared to many Texas peers.

Typical Texas Heat and Rain

The county sees 102 extreme heat days and 26.4 inches of rain, roughly matching state averages. This balance requires careful monitoring of soil moisture, especially during the 5,980 growing degree days each year.

An Ideal Chemical Balance

With a soil pH of 6.93, Taylor County offers the perfect acidity for turfgrass to thrive. While specific texture and drainage data are limited, this ideal pH level ensures that your grass can easily access available nutrients.

Adapting to Arid Intervals

After 20 weeks of drought last year, 100% of the county is currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Utilizing smart controllers and drought-resistant grass varieties will help your lawn survive the frequent dry stretches.

Planting Season Begins in April

Bermudagrass is the local favorite for its durability and heat tolerance in Zone 8a. Plan to seed or sod after the last frost on April 1 to ensure the best possible establishment before summer arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taylor County's county score?
Taylor County, Texas has a composite county score of 41.9 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 Taylor County rank among counties in Texas?
Taylor County ranks #121 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 Taylor County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Taylor County is $2,670, with an effective tax rate of 1.40%. This earns Taylor County a tax score of 17.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Taylor County?
The median household income in Taylor County, Texas is $66,406 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Taylor County earns an income score of 57.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Taylor County, Texas a good place to live?
Taylor County scores 41.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #121 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Taylor 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 Taylor County with other counties side by side.