countyscore
41.4
County Score
Safety 92.5Income & Jobs 54.8Schools 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.

2040608010015.720.192.526.144.754.816.244.438.2Tax15.7Cost20.1Safety92.5Health26.1Schools44.7Income54.8Risk16.2Water44.4Weather38.241.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Taylor County DNA

Foverall

How Taylor County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Taylor County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (15.7/100), though Safety (92.5/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
15.7-36.3
Cost
20.1-27.9
Safety
92.5+37.5
Health
26.1-23.9
Schools
44.7-9.299999999999997
Income
54.8
Risk
16.2-30.8
Water
44.4-13.600000000000001
Weather
38.2-17.799999999999997
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Taylor County?

Many homeowners in Taylor County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$198,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,159/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$198,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$46,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,139/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.7

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Taylor County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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 41.4 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 #136 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 $2,728, with an effective tax rate of 1.37%. This earns Taylor County a tax score of 15.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Taylor County?
The median household income in Taylor County, Texas is $67,139 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Taylor County earns an income score of 54.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Taylor County, Texas a good place to live?
Taylor County scores 41.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #136 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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