36.9
County Score
Property Tax 64.1Lawn Care 45.9Weather & Climate 45.4

County Report Card

About Texas County, Oklahoma

Panhandle Living with Moderate Scores

Texas County earns a 36.9 composite score, falling below the national median of 50.0. Despite the lower rank, it provides a unique environment characterized by stability and safety. It offers a distinct alternative to the more volatile coastal or urban markets.

Steady Performance in the Panhandle

The county's 36.9 score sits below the state average of 43.0, but it excels in local safety. A median household income of $59,275 keeps it competitive with many other rural Oklahoma counties. It remains a vital anchor for the state's western region.

Lower Taxes and Natural Resilience

Tax scores of 64.1 and a risk score of 43.4 highlight a county with a manageable tax burden and moderate environmental safety. Residents pay an effective tax rate of 0.691%, which is attractive to many. The safety score of 42.6 is also higher than several more populous Oklahoma counties.

Urgent Needs in Local Education

A school score of 5.1 is the county's most significant challenge and requires immediate attention. Health services also lag with a score of 24.9, suggesting a need for more localized medical facilities. These factors weigh down the overall livability for young families.

A Haven for Independent Workers

This county is best for independent workers or those in the agricultural and energy sectors who value safety and low taxes. While the school system presents challenges, the low tax environment is a major draw. It suits individuals who prefer wide-open spaces and a self-reliant lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax64.1Cost41.3Safety42.6Health24.9Schools5.1Income36.6Risk43.4Water35.9Weather45.4
🏛64.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠41.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼36.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡42.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
24.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓5.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
43.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧35.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤45.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨32
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱45.9
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

Texas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Texas County

via TaxByCounty

Texas County taxes slightly above U.S. average

Texas County's 0.691% effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 0.73%, placing it near the midpoint of U.S. counties. The $1,075 median annual property tax remains far below the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above Oklahoma's state average

Texas County ranks 20th among Oklahoma's 77 counties with its 0.691% effective rate, modestly above the state average of 0.652%. Homeowners here pay $116 more annually than Oklahoma's state median of $959.

On par with panhandle region

Texas County's 0.691% rate aligns with neighboring Oklahoma County (around 0.69%) and sits between other panhandle counties, making it representative of the northwestern tier.

Median homes worth $155,600

On a median home value of $155,600, Texas County property owners pay $1,075 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes average $1,300 per year; without one, $634.

Check if you're overpaying on taxes

Many Texas County homeowners may benefit from challenging inflated property assessments. Comparing your assessed value to recent comparable sales and filing an appeal could reduce your annual tax bill.

Cost of Living in Texas County

via CostByCounty

Texas County rents strain modest incomes

Texas County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio signals housing pressure, where renters spend nearly one-fifth of their paychecks on rent alone. At $939/month against a median income of $59,275, Texas County presents one of the region's most challenging affordability scenarios.

Above Oklahoma's average housing burden

Texas County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 17.0% by 2.0 percentage points, placing it among the state's less affordable rental markets. This reflects elevated rents paired with middle-range incomes that leave renters with tighter budgets.

Highest rents, mid-range incomes

Texas County's $939 monthly rent ranks highest in the panhandle region, surpassing even Tulsa County's $1,060 when adjusted for income ratios. Combined with $59,275 incomes (below regional medians), Texas County renters face the region's sharpest squeeze.

Owners gain relief, renters bear burden

Renters spend $939/month (19.0% of income) while homeowners pay $854/month (17.1% of income) on median household earnings of $59,275. Texas County shows the familiar pattern: renters strain while homeowners enjoy relative relief, creating urgency to access homeownership.

Texas County renters should compare options

If you're renting in Texas County at the median income, your 19.0% burden ranks among the panhandle's tightest—every extra dollar of rent eats into savings and necessities. Explore nearby Roger Mills ($708 rent, 13.6% ratio) or Tillman ($704 rent, 17.8% ratio) to see if relocation could free up hundreds of dollars annually.

Income & Jobs in Texas County

via IncomeByCounty

Texas County trails national income levels

At $59,275, Texas County's median household income falls short of the national median of $74,755 by approximately $15,500. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of U.S. counties, reflecting rural economic constraints.

Slightly above Oklahoma average

Texas County's $59,275 median household income edges past Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by just $1,000. The county's ranking sits in Oklahoma's middle-tier, held up primarily by panhandle agriculture and oil/gas activity.

Competitive with panhandle peers

Texas County's income slightly exceeds Seminole ($46,191), Sequoyah ($49,795), and Tillman ($47,445), but trails Roger Mills ($62,721) and Stephens ($60,236). Its performance reflects a mixed panhandle economy dependent on commodity prices and seasonal employment.

Housing costs are moderate

At 19.0%, Texas County's rent-to-income ratio sits at the upper edge of affordability, indicating some household strain. The median home value of $155,600 is relatively high for the income level, requiring careful budgeting for homeowners.

Plan carefully for long-term security

Texas County residents should prioritize building an emergency fund before aggressive investing, given the volatility of panhandle agricultural and energy sectors. Once you have 3–6 months of expenses saved, direct 10% of income to diversified retirement accounts to weather economic cycles.

Safety in Texas County

via CrimeByCounty

Texas County Among the Safest

Texas County boasts a stellar safety score of 97.9, indicating it is safer than the vast majority of U.S. counties. Its total crime rate of 1,300.6 per 100,000 residents is nearly 45% lower than the national average. This makes it a high-performing outlier for public safety.

Leading Oklahoma in Safety Performance

With a safety score of 97.9, Texas County significantly outperforms the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. Eight different agencies contribute to this high rating, providing a reliable look at the local safety landscape. The crime rate of 1,300.6 is roughly half the state average of 2,647.7.

Comparing Texas County to Regional Peers

Texas County is exceptionally safe, with a crime rate of 1,300.6 that is far lower than Stephens County’s 1,828.9. While it has slightly more crime than Roger Mills County (1,139.3), it remains one of the safest jurisdictions in the region. Eight agencies provide thorough coverage for this rural area.

Very Low Violent Crime Rates

Texas County reports a violent crime rate of 184.4 per 100,000, which is roughly half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low, sitting at 1,116.2 compared to the national average of 2,015.7. The risk of encountering crime here is remarkably low across all categories.

Stay Vigilant in Texas County

Low crime rates can sometimes lead to complacency, so remember to secure your home and belongings. Installing a simple security system or doorbell camera can provide extra peace of mind. Keeping the community safe is a shared effort between residents and the eight local agencies.

Health in Texas County

via HealthByCounty

Texas County's life expectancy rivals nation

At 75.8 years, Texas County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 73.5 years—despite a 25.2% poor/fair health rate that exceeds the national 21% average. This seemingly contradictory profile suggests a population with some health challenges but stronger longevity outcomes, possibly driven by younger demographics or specific health advantages.

Among Oklahoma's longest-living counties

Texas County's 75.8-year life expectancy ranks among Oklahoma's best, surpassing the state average of 72.7 years by 3.1 years. Despite the 25.2% poor/fair health rate, the county's longevity advantage indicates effective management of life-threatening conditions or favorable population health factors.

Long life span despite health struggles

Texas County's 75.8-year life expectancy matches Rogers County (75.9 years) and far exceeds nearby Seminole County (69.0 years) and Sequoyah County (70.3 years). The county's 25.2% poor/fair health rate, however, trails Rogers County's 18.3%, suggesting Texas County manages chronic illness differently than some neighbors.

Highest uninsured rate in profile

Texas County faces a critical insurance gap, with 18.8% of residents uninsured—the highest among these eight counties and 3.5 percentage points above Oklahoma's 15.3% average. The county provides 38 primary care providers and 187 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, but uninsurance likely prevents many from accessing available care.

Close the coverage gap now

Texas County's 18.8% uninsured rate demands urgent action, as lack of coverage undermines the county's health advantages. Visit Healthcare.gov, call 1-800-318-2596, or contact the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to enroll in Medicaid or an ACA plan—your access to preventive care is critical.

Schools in Texas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Hub of the Oklahoma Panhandle

Texas County manages 4,523 students through 22 public schools across 9 distinct districts. The system includes 12 elementary campuses and 7 high schools to serve its widely dispersed population.

Opportunities to Improve Graduation Outcomes

The county's graduation rate currently stands at 76.2%, which trails the state average of 84.3%. With per-pupil spending at $5,390, the county operates on a leaner budget than both state and national benchmarks.

Guymon District Dominates the Region

Guymon is the central education provider, enrolling 2,982 students across 8 different schools. Other smaller districts like Goodwell and Hardesty serve the more remote rural areas of the panhandle.

Small Rural Schools and Centralized Town Hubs

The average school size is 206 students, though this is heavily influenced by Guymon HS, which enrolls 827 students. Most campuses are rural (14) or town-based (8), reflecting the vast agricultural character of the region.

Settling in the Heart of the Panhandle

For those relocating to Texas County, the Guymon area provides the most diverse school options and centralized resources. Families often look for homes near Guymon's elementary and middle schools to remain close to the county's primary academic facilities.

Disaster Risk in Texas County

via RiskByCounty

Texas County slightly above national baseline

Texas County's composite risk score of 56.65 marginally exceeds the Oklahoma state average of 55.47, placing it squarely in the relatively low risk category. The county's exposure aligns closely with national natural disaster patterns.

Mid-range risk among Oklahoma counties

Texas County ranks near the middle of Oklahoma's risk distribution, with a score only 2% above the state average. The county represents typical exposure levels for the Oklahoma panhandle and surrounding regions.

Lower risk than nearby panhandle counties

Texas County's 56.65 score falls well below neighboring Beaver County and other panhandle communities, though above Roger Mills (23.19). The county occupies a moderate-risk position within the panhandle's broader landscape.

Wildfire and tornado are dominant hazards

Wildfire risk (83.43) and tornado risk (59.32) are Texas County's primary natural disaster exposures, with wildfire particularly acute in the semi-arid panhandle environment. Limited hurricane risk data is available for this region, though seasonal storms remain a consideration.

Fire protection and wind coverage important

Texas County homeowners should maintain homeowners insurance with emphasis on fire protection and wind coverage for tornado season. Regular property maintenance to reduce wildfire vulnerability, including brush clearing and roof maintenance, provides essential protection.

Weather & Climate in Texas County

via WeatherByCounty

A high-plains semi-arid climate profile

Texas County sits at 56.8°F annually, making it much cooler than its peers in central and eastern Oklahoma. It is notably dry, receiving only 17.9 inches of precipitation per year.

The coolest and driest Oklahoma region

The county is significantly cooler than the state average of 60.4°F and receives less than half of the state's average rainfall. Its 9.8 inches of snowfall is among the highest in Oklahoma.

Extreme variance from eastern Oklahoma counties

Compared to Sequoyah County, Texas County receives nearly 30 inches less rain and about 8 more inches of snow. Despite the cooler annual average, it still records 83 days of extreme heat.

Harsh winter winds and summer spikes

Winter temperatures average 36.3°F with nearly 10 inches of snow annually. Summer remains intense with 83 days over 90°F and a July average of 79.7°F.

Prepare for cold winds and drought

Residents need heavy winter coats for the 10-inch snowfall seasons and wind-resistant clothing. Low precipitation means water conservation and xeriscaping are practical choices for local property owners.

Soil Quality in Texas County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils of the Oklahoma Panhandle

Texas County soil averages a pH of 6.86, making it more alkaline than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.06. This neutral-to-alkaline profile is characteristic of the High Plains and supports a variety of cereal crops. The county earns a soil score of 32.0.

Sandy Texture Defines the Panhandle

The soil composition is 47.5% sand, 25.5% silt, and 17.9% clay. This high sand content allows for quick warming in the spring but may lead to rapid drying in the Panhandle winds. The moderate clay content provides enough structure to hold essential nutrients.

Managing Lower Moisture Levels

Available water capacity stands at 0.131 in/in, which is lower than the Oklahoma state average of 0.144 in/in. Organic matter is also lean at 1.29% compared to the 1.72% state average. Irrigated farming is often necessary here to compensate for the soil's lower water-holding potential.

Group D Hydrology and Runoff

The soil is classified in Hydrologic Group D, indicating high runoff potential during the region's intense rain events. While sand usually aids drainage, the underlying layers may restrict deep infiltration. Land management must focus on moisture conservation to survive the semi-arid climate.

High Plains Gardening in Zone 6b

The cooler Zone 6b climate supports hardy grains, sunflowers, and cool-season vegetables. Because the soil is slightly alkaline, plants like asparagus and cabbage will thrive naturally. Windbreaks and mulching are critical tools for any successful Texas County gardener.

Lawn Care in Texas County

via LawnByCounty

Panhandle Challenges for Local Lawns

Texas County faces a unique set of challenges in the Oklahoma Panhandle, scoring 45.9 on the lawn difficulty scale. This is roughly equal to the state average but sits in a much cooler Zone 6b. Maintaining a traditional lawn here requires significantly more supplemental water than in the rest of the state.

Dry Conditions and Intense Summer Heat

With only 17.9 inches of annual rain, the county falls far short of the 30-50 inches recommended for lawns. This dryness is compounded by 83 days of extreme heat, which is notably higher than the state average of 76 days. The 4,252 growing degree days indicate a shorter, more intense growing window compared to southern counties.

Excellent Soil pH in the Panhandle

The local soil pH is 6.86, which is nearly perfect for lawn health and nutrient availability. The texture is balanced with 47.5% sand and 17.9% clay, offering a good foundation for root growth. While the soil is high-quality, the lack of natural rain means it rarely stays moist without constant intervention.

Persistent Dryness Without Severe Spikes

While 100% of the county is abnormally dry, it currently avoids the 'severe' drought categories seen elsewhere. However, the region spent 14 weeks in drought over the last year, which is significant given the already low rainfall. Xeriscaping or choosing ultra-drought-tolerant grasses like Buffalo grass is highly recommended.

Cooler Zone 6b Planting Guide

Because of the Zone 6b climate, you should wait until after the April 22 frost to begin your spring planting. The season ends earlier than most of Oklahoma, with the first frost typically arriving by October 23. Buffalo grass is the most sustainable choice here, as it can survive the low 17.9 inches of annual rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Texas County's county score?
Texas County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 36.9 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 Texas County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Texas County ranks #60 among all counties in Oklahoma 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 Texas County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Texas County is $1,075, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Texas County a tax score of 64.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Texas County?
The median household income in Texas County, Oklahoma is $59,275 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Texas County earns an income score of 36.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Texas County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Texas County scores 36.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Texas 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 Texas County with other counties side by side.