64
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.6Safety 97.5Cost of Living 92.1

County Report Card

About Terrell County, Texas

Terrell County Leads the Region

Terrell County earns an impressive composite score of 64.0, far outpacing the national median of 50.0. It is a standout performer among rural counties nationwide.

A Rare High-Scoring Texas Gem

The county dominates the Texas state average of 41.9 by more than 22 points. Terrell represents some of the highest livability found in the rural Lone Star State.

Unmatched Resilience and Low Taxes

The county is incredibly secure, with a Risk Score of 99.6 and a Safety Score of 97.5. It also offers a very low tax burden, supported by a 52.9 Tax Score and an effective rate of only 0.803%.

Slow Growth and Missing Markets

The Income Score of 9.4 indicates limited local job wealth, and water infrastructure remains low at 20.6. Data for median gross rent is unavailable, suggesting a very small and isolated rental market.

The Ultimate Sanctuary for Solitude

Terrell is perfect for retirees or self-employed individuals seeking maximum peace, low taxes, and absolute safety. It is the premier choice for those who want to live off the beaten path without sacrificing security.

2040608010052.992.197.534.447.49.499.620.626.8Tax52.9Cost92.1Safety97.5Health34.4Schools47.4Income9.4Risk99.6Water20.6Weather26.864/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Terrell County DNA

D+overall

How Terrell County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Terrell County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (99.6/100) but notably weak in Income (9.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
52.9
Cost
92.1+44.099999999999994
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
34.4-15.600000000000001
Schools
47.4
Income
9.4-41.6
Risk
99.6+52.599999999999994
Water
20.6-37.4
Weather
26.8-29.2
Sponsored

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$152,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

N/A/mo

Income Needed (home)

$152,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

N/A/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $46,989/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

235.0

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Terrell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Terrell County

via TaxByCounty

Terrell offers lowest tax burden around

At just 0.803%, Terrell County has the lowest effective tax rate among these eight counties and ranks in the 20th percentile nationally—meaning it taxes property owners far less than typical U.S. communities. The median annual property tax of $1,222 is less than half the national median of $2,690.

Lightest tax load in Texas

Terrell's 0.803% effective rate ranks among the lowest in the state, sitting 37% below Texas's average of 1.276%. This unusually low rate reflects Terrell's sparse rural population and limited demand for public services.

Significantly lower than all nearby counties

Terrell's 0.803% rate dramatically undercuts neighboring Throckmorton County (1.151%), Terry County (1.479%), and distant Tarrant County (1.772%). This wide gap illustrates how rural West Texas counties maintain much lighter tax burdens than populated regions.

Median bill stays under $1,300 yearly

On Terrell's median home value of $152,200, the typical annual property tax bill is just $1,222. This amounts to approximately $102 per month, making homeownership remarkably affordable from a tax perspective.

Even low-tax counties see assessment errors

While Terrell's rates are the lowest around, individual properties can still be overappraised by the county assessor. Property owners should verify their assessed value against recent comparable sales and file an appeal if the appraisal seems inflated.

Cost of Living in Terrell County

via CostByCounty

Terrell offers homeownership relief with limited rent data

Rental data is unavailable for Terrell County, but homeowner costs are remarkably low: $532 monthly on a median income of just $46,989. This suggests an 13.6% housing-cost-to-income ratio for homeowners—well below both state and national benchmarks.

Limited data masks likely affordability strength

While rental data gaps limit full comparison, Terrell's $532 median owner cost places it among Texas's most affordable counties for homeownership. The county's sparse population and rural character explain both the data limitations and the low absolute housing costs.

Homeownership remains most affordable option

Terrell's $532 monthly owner cost and $152,200 median home value underscore the county's deep rural character compared to neighbors with higher rent markets. Purchasing a home here represents exceptional value for those seeking remote work or early retirement.

Owner costs stay remarkably low

Homeowners in Terrell spend approximately 13.6% of the county's $46,989 median income on housing, or $532 monthly. Rental market data is limited, so renters should seek local market information before relocating.

Homebuyers find exceptional value here

Terrell County is ideal for remote workers or retirees seeking rock-bottom homeownership costs in a genuine frontier county. If you're flexible on location and want maximum housing dollars, this remote West Texas county rewards patient house hunters with unbeatable affordability.

Income & Jobs in Terrell County

via IncomeByCounty

Terrell lags far behind national income

Terrell County's median household income of $46,989 falls nearly $28,000 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 15% nationally. The county significantly underperforms Texas's $64,737 state average as well.

Bottom quarter of Texas earners

At $46,989, Terrell County ranks in the bottom 25% of Texas counties by household income, reflecting limited economic opportunity in this sparsely populated rural area. The gap against the state average exceeds $17,700.

Lower-earning outpost in West Texas

Terrell's $46,989 income sits above only Swisher ($39,031) and Terry ($45,905) among nearby counties, but trails Stonewall ($61,250), Throckmorton ($58,864), and Sutton ($75,000). Economic activity here is limited compared to neighboring jurisdictions.

Limited data on housing affordability

Terrell County's median home value of $152,200 appears relatively high given the $46,989 median income, suggesting potential affordability challenges. Without a rent-to-income ratio available, households should assess housing costs carefully relative to their budgets.

Strengthen financial foundations first

Terrell residents facing below-average incomes should prioritize building emergency savings, reducing high-interest debt, and exploring education or job training opportunities. Contact local nonprofits and workforce agencies for assistance with financial literacy and career advancement.

Safety in Terrell County

via CrimeByCounty

Terrell County Reports Perfect Safety Score

Terrell County currently shows a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, earning a perfect safety score of 100.0. This contrasts sharply with the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Safest Profile in the State

With a safety score of 100.0, Terrell County ranks at the top of Texas counties for reported safety. The county's data shows no reported crimes, whereas the state average crime rate is 2,052.5.

Data From a Single Agency

Terrell's zero-crime report is identical to Stonewall County's, but residents should note both rely on a single reporting agency. This means the data is highly specific and may not capture every minor incident in the region.

No Reported Violent or Property Crimes

Both violent and property crime rates remain at 0.0 per 100,000 residents for the 2022 year. This statistical absence of crime suggests an exceptionally quiet environment for the local population.

Stay Alert to Keep Rates Low

Perfect scores are an opportunity to reinforce good safety habits rather than becoming complacent. Keeping perimeter gates closed and maintaining good visibility around your property helps ensure Terrell stays secure.

Schools in Terrell County

via SchoolsByCounty

One School for the Entire County

Terrell County features a unique, centralized education model with exactly 1 public school serving the entire county. Terrell County ISD manages this single campus for a total enrollment of 129 students.

High Investment in Small-Scale Learning

The county invests heavily in its few students with a $10,669 per-pupil expenditure, which is over $3,000 more than the Texas average. While the graduation rate currently sits at 75.0%, the school score of 53.6 remains competitive with the state median.

Spotlight on Sanderson Schools

Sanderson Schools provides K-12 education under a single roof, ensuring all 129 students stay within the same peer group throughout their journey. There are no charter or alternative schools, keeping the focus entirely on this local institution.

Pure Rural Education at its Finest

The entire educational experience in Terrell County is classified as rural, reflecting the vast and open geography of the region. With an enrollment of 129, the school offers an intimate environment where every student receives personalized attention.

A Truly Local Community Lifestyle

Living in Terrell County means being part of a tight-knit school community centered in Sanderson. Explore local real estate if you value a one-school town where everyone knows your name.

Disaster Risk in Terrell County

via RiskByCounty

Terrell ranks among America's safest

Terrell County's composite risk score of 0.41 represents one of the lowest natural disaster risk profiles in the nation. This remote far-West Texas county experiences minimal exposure to major natural hazards.

Texas's safest county by far

At 0.41, Terrell County achieves the lowest composite risk score in Texas by a substantial margin, dramatically below the state average of 49.00. Few Americans live in counties with such minimal natural disaster exposure.

Terrell leads all nearby counties

Terrell's 0.41 score is unmatched among its regional peers, outpacing even Throckmorton (3.31), Stonewall (3.82), and Sutton (7.06). This remote county's isolation contributes significantly to its exceptional safety profile.

Wildfire is the only notable concern

Wildfire risk at 46.69 is Terrell's only hazard approaching regional norms; all other scores remain minimal. Flood (3.72), tornado (4.80), earthquake (1.56), and hurricane (10.14) risks are negligible by any standard.

Minimal coverage requirements sufficient

Terrell residents can rely on basic homeowners insurance without specialized riders given the county's exceptional safety profile. A simple fire protection clause addresses the modest wildfire exposure that exists.

Water Quality in Terrell County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Grade F in Terrell

Terrell County earns an F grade with 1 health violation recorded over five years. Its violation rate of 125.0 per 100,000 people remains well below the state average of 581.9.

Federal Watershed Data is Missing

Local water bodies in Terrell County are not yet covered by the federal §303(d) assessment program. No impairment data or causes are available for the current reporting cycle.

Active Monitoring in Terrell County

Four monitoring sites have produced 884 measurements over the last five years. Most recordings focus on physical parameters, nutrients, and inorganic non-metals.

Independence Creek Below Historical Mean

Independence Creek near Sheffield is flowing at 12 cfs, which is 43% of its long-term mean of 29 cfs. While the creek is still flowing, it is significantly lower than its typical discharge.

Monitor Quality During Low Flow

The F grade and below-average streamflow suggest a need for regular awareness of water quality reports. Residents should consider basic filtration to address potential variations in water quality during dry periods.

Weather & Climate in Terrell County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid Heat in the Trans-Pecos

Terrell County’s 67.0°F annual average is roughly 12 degrees higher than the national median. The region is defined by its desert-like climate and extreme sun exposure.

Hotter and Drier Than Texas

At 67.0°F, Terrell County exceeds the Texas state average temperature of 65.5°F. Its 12.0 inches of annual precipitation is less than half of the 31.9-inch state average.

A Desert Peak Near the Border

Terrell is significantly more arid than Val Verde County to the east, which benefits from more coastal influence. It endures 121 extreme heat days, making it one of the most sun-scorched areas in the region.

Long Summers, Minimal Winter Moisture

The July average reaches 83.3°F, contributing to a grueling 121 days of temperatures over 90°F. Snow is rare, with only 0.4 inches falling in a typical year.

Gear Up for the Sun

Extreme UV protection and cooling systems are essential for the 121 days of heat. Water conservation is a way of life here given the sparse 12 inches of annual rainfall.

Soil Quality in Terrell County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the Trans-Pecos

Terrell County features variable soil textures with an average pH of 7.28. This alkaline rating is higher than the national median of 6.5, which is typical for the arid regions of West Texas.

High Silt Content in Arid Terrain

The soil is composed of 37.8% silt and 27.8% sand, a mix that can feel powdery when dry. With 24.2% clay, the soil has moderate structure but requires careful management to prevent surface crusting.

Surprisingly High Organic Matter

At 2.46%, the organic matter content is well above the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 1.66%. However, available water capacity is low at 0.113 in/in, reflecting the challenges of retaining moisture in this climate.

Well Drained but Slow to Absorb

While classified as well drained, the soil falls into hydrologic group D. This suggests that while water moves through the profile eventually, the initial absorption is very slow, often leading to flash runoff.

Resilient Plants for Zone 8b

The hardiness zone 8b climate is perfect for desert succulents, agave, and sotol. Gardeners should focus on native species that thrive in alkaline conditions and can withstand the low water capacity of the soil.

Lawn Care in Terrell County

via LawnByCounty

Texas’s Toughest Growing Conditions

Terrell County has an exceptionally low lawn difficulty score of 15.0, reflecting the extreme challenges of this Zone 8b region. This is less than half the state average, making traditional lawns nearly impossible without major intervention.

Blistering Heat and Sparse Rain

The county receives just 12 inches of rain annually while facing a staggering 121 extreme heat days. These conditions are far from the ideal 30-50 inches of rain, meaning native plants are much more viable than turf.

Variable Soil in a Dry Land

The soil is well-drained but has a variable texture and a slightly alkaline pH of 7.28. Because conditions vary so much, a local soil test is essential before you attempt any significant lawn installation.

A Year of Constant Drought

The county spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought, with 38.3% of the land in severe drought today. In this climate, water conservation isn't just a tip; it's a necessity for any survival of green space.

Consider Natives Over Turf

If you choose to plant, look for high-performance desert-adapted Zoysia after the March 11 frost. However, xeriscaping with native succulents and grasses is the most sustainable way to achieve a beautiful yard here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Terrell County's county score?
Terrell County, Texas has a composite county score of 64 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 Terrell County rank among counties in Texas?
Terrell County ranks #7 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 Terrell County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Terrell County is $1,222, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Terrell County a tax score of 52.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Terrell County?
The median household income in Terrell County, Texas is $46,989 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Terrell County earns an income score of 9.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Terrell County, Texas a good place to live?
Terrell County scores 64/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Terrell 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 Terrell County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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