countyscore
30.4
County Score
Cost of Living 56.4Weather & Climate 50.9Schools 48.6

County Report Card

About Terry County, Texas

Terry County Faces Uphill Battle

Terry County's composite score of 30.4 trails significantly behind the national median of 50.0. The county struggles with several core quality-of-life dimensions.

Ranking Below the Texas Average

The county sits more than 10 points below the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks in the lower tier of Texas counties for overall livability.

Affordability and Steady Schools

Housing remains a bright spot with a Cost Score of 56.4 and median home values of $111,200. Local schools also perform relatively well compared to other categories, scoring 48.6.

Fragile Infrastructure and Health Concerns

Water security is a major issue with a score of 4.4, while Health scores are nearly as low at 4.7. Economic growth is also stagnant, with an Income Score of 8.2 and a median income of $45,905.

A Choice for Deep-Rooted Residents

Terry is best suited for those with local agricultural ties who prioritize keeping housing costs low. Prospective residents must be prepared for limited access to healthcare and water infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax13.6Cost56.4Safety25.4Health4.7Schools48.6Income8.2Risk48Water4.4Weather50.9
🏛13.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡25.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤4.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧4.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨11.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.9
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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Nearby counties

Lynn County
Texas
37.2
Yoakum County
Texas
49.5
Dawson County
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32.6
Hockley County
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Gaines County
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Lubbock County
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Cochran County
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Borden County
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Deep Dives

Terry County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Terry County

via TaxByCounty

Terry's rate exceeds national typical

Terry County's effective tax rate of 1.479% runs about 16% higher than the national median of 1.27%, placing it in the 60th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay more in property taxes relative to home value than most Americans.

Above Texas state average

At 1.479%, Terry County's rate exceeds the Texas average of 1.276%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. This reflects Terry's funding needs for rural schools and county services.

Moderate rate in West Texas context

Terry's 1.479% falls between Terrell County's very low 0.803% and Swisher County's 1.743%. Among the eight-county comparison, Terry occupies the middle ground for tax burden.

Median home costs $1,645 annually

With a median home value of $111,200, Terry County residents pay an estimated $1,645 per year in property taxes. This rises to $1,930 for homeowners with mortgages due to escrow adjustments, adding meaningful cost to monthly housing payments.

Appeal overvalued assessments

Terry County homeowners should regularly review their property's assessed value to catch overvaluations before they inflate multiple years of taxes. The appraisal district allows free appeals if your assessed value exceeds market reality.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Terry County

via CostByCounty

Terry County rents pinch tight household budgets

Terry County's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, with median rent of $813 consuming a significant slice of the county's $45,905 median income—38% below the national median. The affordability squeeze reflects both modest local wages and rising rental pressures.

Below-average affordability in Texas

Terry County ranks in the lower half of Texas counties for housing affordability, with its 21.3% rent-to-income ratio trailing the state average. Limited local employment diversity makes income constraints the primary affordability driver.

Rents moderate for the region

Terry's $813 median rent sits between rural West Texas extremes and more urbanized markets, offering modest affordability relative to Tarrant County. Owner costs average $808 monthly, making homeownership and renting nearly equivalent in absolute terms.

Over one-fifth of income goes to housing

Renters spend 21.3% of their $45,905 median income on housing, or $813 monthly, leaving limited cushion for unexpected expenses. Homeowners fare similarly, dedicating about 21.1% to monthly payments on a median $111,200 home.

Best for remote workers with portable income

Terry County works well if you're bringing stable income from elsewhere, but relocating for local jobs requires caution given modest wage prospects. The county's affordability gains evaporate if you're forced into below-average West Texas employment rates.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Terry County

via IncomeByCounty

Terry's income significantly below national

Terry County's median household income of $45,905 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $29,000, ranking in the bottom 10% nationally. The county also falls well short of Texas's $64,737 state average.

Among lowest-earning Texas counties

At $45,905, Terry County ranks in the bottom 5% of Texas counties by household income, reflecting severe economic constraints. The county's $18,832 shortfall against the state average signals limited job growth and opportunity.

One of the region's lowest earners

Terry's $45,905 ranks among the lowest in the region, exceeding only Swisher County ($39,031) while trailing Stonewall ($61,250), Sutton ($75,000), and Taylor ($66,406). Economic stagnation affects the broader panhandle landscape.

Housing costs burden tight budgets

Terry County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.3% means residents spend over one-fifth of income on housing, well above the healthy threshold. With a median home value of $111,200, affordability is a genuine struggle for many households.

Seek support for financial stability

Terry residents should prioritize immediate financial stability through budgeting, emergency savings, and access to financial counseling before pursuing wealth-building strategies. Local community organizations, workforce development programs, and education grants can help build pathways to better-paying work.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Terry County

via CrimeByCounty

Terry County Crime Below National Levels

Terry County reports a total crime rate of 1,836.5 per 100,000 residents, which remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These figures result in a solid safety score of 97.1.

Outperforming the Texas State Average

The county's safety score of 97.1 is slightly better than the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,836.5 also comes in below the statewide average of 2,052.5.

Comparing Local Safety Trends

Terry County has a significantly higher crime rate than nearby Taylor County, which sits at just 111.9. However, it maintains a safer profile than several other counties with more dense populations across the state.

Property Crime is the Primary Concern

Property crimes make up the bulk of the data at 1,438.7 per 100,000, while violent crime is reported at 397.8. The violent crime rate is slightly above the national average of 369.8, warranting extra community awareness.

Proactive Steps for Home Safety

Residents should focus on preventing theft by securing all outdoor equipment and vehicles. Installing motion-activated lights and security cameras can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a property crime statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Terry County

via HealthByCounty

Rural Texas health crisis county

Terry County residents live an average of 70.8 years—5.7 years below the national average of 76.5—and 30.4% report poor or fair health, nearly 70% above the national rate. This rural West Texas county faces severe health challenges across multiple measures.

Among Texas's worst health outcomes

Terry's 70.8-year life expectancy is 3.5 years below Texas's 74.3-year state average, ranking it among the lowest in the state. The 23.6% uninsured rate exceeds Texas's 19.8% average, leaving nearly 1 in 4 residents without coverage.

Worst or tied for worst every metric

Terry's 30.4% poor/fair health rate is the highest among all counties shown, and its 70.8-year life expectancy ranks third-lowest. The 23.6% uninsured rate is second-worst only to Swisher, creating a triple crisis of poor health, short lives, and no coverage.

Acute provider shortage and uninsured crisis

Terry has just 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and a critically low 9 mental health providers per 100K—among the worst ratios in Texas. With 23.6% uninsured, most residents cannot afford the scarce care that exists.

Coverage is urgent in Terry County

Nearly 1 in 4 Terry County residents lack health insurance, compounding the county's shortage of providers and poorest health outcomes. Immediate enrollment at healthcare.gov or through Texas Medicaid can be life-changing for uninsured families.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Terry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Terry County’s Traditional School Network

Terry County maintains 7 public schools across 3 districts, providing education for 2,186 students. The system includes a mix of specialized levels, including one middle school and two traditional high schools.

Competitive Performance and Spending

The county's 89.4% graduation rate exceeds the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $7,453, which almost perfectly matches the Texas state average of $7,498, ensuring residents receive a standard level of investment.

Brownfield ISD Anchors the County

Brownfield ISD is the primary district, managing 5 schools and 1,647 students. Smaller options like Wellman-Union CISD and Meadow ISD each provide a single K-12 campus for roughly 250 to 280 students.

A Mix of Town and Country Schools

The county splits its schools between 4 rural locations and 3 town settings, offering diverse environments for families. Oak Grove EL is the largest campus with 677 students, while Meadow School provides a smaller PK-12 experience with 253 students.

Establish a Home in Brownfield

Terry County offers a range of school sizes and settings, from town-based elementary schools to rural K-12 campuses. View available homes in Brownfield or Meadow to find the right educational fit for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Terry County

via RiskByCounty

Terry carries moderate national risk level

Terry County's composite risk score of 52.04 slightly exceeds the national average, placing it in the Relatively Low category. This South Plains county confronts material but manageable exposure to multiple natural hazards.

Slightly above Texas average risk

At 52.04, Terry scores just above Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it slightly higher-risk than the typical Texas county. The county sits in the middle of the state's risk distribution.

Terry faces more risk than western peers

Terry's 52.04 score exceeds Stonewall (3.82), Sutton (7.06), Swisher (37.44), and Terrell (0.41), but remains well below Tarrant (99.14) and Taylor (83.81). The county occupies the mid-range among this cluster of West and Central Texas communities.

Tornado and wildfire are primary concerns

Tornado risk at 54.55 is Terry's highest hazard exposure, followed by wildfire risk at 58.65, creating a dual threat profile. Hurricane risk at 31.33 and flood risk at 11.67 present secondary but meaningful concerns.

Wind and fire coverage recommended

Terry residents should secure homeowners insurance with robust tornado/wind and wildfire coverage, particularly given the county's 54.55 tornado score. Standard coverage should suffice for flood and other secondary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Terry County

via WeatherByCounty

Terry County's High Plains Climate

Terry County’s 61.1°F annual average sits about six degrees above the national median. Its high elevation provides a cooler baseline than much of the southern half of Texas.

Cooler Temperatures on the Plains

Terry County is notably cooler than the Texas average of 65.5°F, recording a mean of 61.1°F. It also sees 5.0 inches of snow, which is quite high for a state that averages very little.

Snowier Than Southern Neighbors

Compared to Gaines County to the south, Terry County experiences more frequent freezes and higher snowfall. It serves as a cooler gateway between the Permian Basin and the High Plains.

Milder Summers and Real Winters

The July average is 80.6°F, which is lower than many Texas peers, though it still sees 94 extreme heat days. Winters are colder with a January average of 40.9°F and 5 inches of annual snow.

Winterize for the High Plains

Residents need to prepare for actual snowfall and freezing January nights by insulating pipes. Dual-purpose HVAC units are vital to navigate both the 94 heat days and the 42.5°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Terry County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Sandy Soils of the Llano Estacado

Terry County is characterized by highly alkaline soil with an average pH of 7.81. This is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5 and reflects the mineral-rich nature of the West Texas plains.

Dominated by High Sand Content

The soil is very sandy at 61.5%, with only 18.6% clay and 19.9% silt. This high sand percentage makes the ground very easy to till but also prone to wind erosion and rapid nutrient leaching.

Low Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter is just 1.26%, falling below the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.124 in/in is also below the state benchmark, meaning crops here often depend heavily on supplemental irrigation.

Hydrologic Challenges for Infiltration

Classified in hydrologic group D, this soil has a very slow infiltration rate despite its sandy nature. This paradox often occurs in these regions due to subsurface layers that restrict the downward movement of water.

Cotton and Grapes in Zone 8a

Terry County is a leader in cotton and wine grape production within hardiness zone 8a. If you are starting a garden, focus on adding compost to improve the low organic matter and help hold moisture.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Terry County

via LawnByCounty

Steep Challenges on the High Plains

Terry County’s lawn difficulty score of 23.9 is well below the national median and the Texas average of 31.7. In Zone 8a, the combination of sandy soil and low rain creates a very demanding environment for homeowners.

Dry Air and Intense Sun

Lawns here struggle with only 18.1 inches of rain per year, though the 94 extreme heat days are slightly better than the state average. This low moisture level requires significant supplemental watering to maintain any type of lawn.

Navigating Highly Sandy Soil

The soil is 61.5% sand with a high pH of 7.81, making it difficult for plants to retain water and nutrients. Regular additions of organic matter are necessary to improve the soil's structure and support healthy grass.

Severe Drought Affects the Region

Nearly 30% of the county is in severe drought, following 22 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. Deep-soak irrigation methods are critical to reaching roots through the sandy soil during these prolonged dry periods.

Seed After the April 3 Frost

Bermudagrass and Buffalograss are the most resilient choices for these sandy, arid conditions in Zone 8a. Wait until after the April 3 frost date to begin planting to ensure the soil is warm enough for growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Terry County's county score?
Terry County, Texas has a composite county score of 30.4 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 Terry County rank among counties in Texas?
Terry County ranks #213 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 Terry County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Terry County is $1,645, with an effective tax rate of 1.48%. This earns Terry County a tax score of 13.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Terry County?
The median household income in Terry County, Texas is $45,905 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Terry County earns an income score of 8.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Terry County, Texas a good place to live?
Terry County scores 30.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #213 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Terry 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 Terry 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.