57.4
County Score
Cost of Living 97.3Disaster Risk 96.7Safety 79.5

County Report Card

About Throckmorton County, Texas

Throckmorton Beats the National Curve

Throckmorton County earns a strong composite score of 57.4, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. It offers a high standard of living for a rural community.

A Rural Texas Leader

Outperforming the state average of 41.9 by over 15 points, Throckmorton is a regional leader in livability. It offers a rare mix of affordability and high safety rankings.

Maximum Affordability and Low Risk

Housing costs are among the best in the state, with a Cost Score of 97.3 and median rents of just $548. The county is also very resilient, earning a Risk Score of 96.7 and a Safety Score of 79.5.

Infrastructure and Health Hurdles

Water security is a critical concern, reflected in a very low score of 1.6. Health infrastructure is also a weak point, with a score of 27.9 that may limit options for those with chronic needs.

Perfect for the Safety-Conscious Budgeter

This county is a haven for retirees or those looking to minimize their monthly expenses while maximizing safety. It suits anyone who can manage limited water resources in exchange for a peaceful, low-cost lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax28.2Cost97.3Safety79.5Health27.9Schools45.2Income35.1Risk96.7Water1.6Weather38.5
🏛28.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠97.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼35.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡79.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
27.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓45.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
96.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧1.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤38.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨33.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱35.7
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
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Throckmorton County?

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

Check My Assessment

Deep Dives

Throckmorton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Throckmorton County

via TaxByCounty

Throckmorton taxes slightly below average

At 1.151%, Throckmorton County's effective tax rate sits below the national median of 1.27%, placing it in the 40th percentile nationally. This rural county offers property tax relief relative to typical American communities.

Below Texas average statewide

Throckmorton's 1.151% rate falls below Texas's 1.276% average, making it one of the state's lighter-taxed counties. However, it ranks slightly higher than a few rural peers like Terrell County.

Lower rates than most regional peers

Throckmorton's 1.151% undercuts Swisher County (1.743%) and Terry County (1.479%), though it exceeds Terrell County's remarkably low 0.803%. This reflects Throckmorton's position as a small rural county with moderate service demands.

Median home bills under $1,000 yearly

On a median home value of $84,200, Throckmorton residents pay approximately $969 in annual property taxes. For homeowners with mortgages, escrow adjustments push that to $1,359, still among the lowest annual burdens in the state.

Challenge inflated home assessments

Even in low-tax Throckmorton County, individual homes can be overappraised relative to their true market value. Homeowners should compare their assessed value to recent sales of similar properties and file an appeal if the appraisal appears excessive.

Cost of Living in Throckmorton County

via CostByCounty

Throckmorton nails the affordability sweet spot

Throckmorton County's 11.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Texas's best, sitting well below the state average of 18.1% and the national benchmark. With median rent of just $548 and household income of $58,864, residents enjoy genuine housing security with minimal budget strain.

Among Texas's most affordable counties

Throckmorton ranks in the top tier of Texas counties for housing affordability, with its 11.2% rent-to-income ratio matching or beating nearly all other rural West Texas markets. Few Texas counties combine such low absolute rents with reasonable income stability.

Cheapest rents in the surrounding region

Throckmorton's $548 median rent is the lowest across all neighboring West Texas counties, while owner costs of $475 monthly offer homeownership at rural-county prices. The county represents the affordability ceiling for the entire region.

Housing costs barely dent budgets

Renters spend just 11.2% of their $58,864 median income on housing, or $548 monthly, leaving substantial room for savings and other necessities. Homeowners allocate approximately 9.7% to monthly payments on a median $84,200 home, among Texas's most favorable ratios.

Hidden gem for budget-conscious relocators

Throckmorton County is ideal for remote workers, retirees, or anyone prioritizing housing affordability over urban amenities—you'll find genuine financial breathing room here. If you can work from anywhere, this tiny county's combination of cheap housing and reasonable income makes it an underrated relocation opportunity.

Income & Jobs in Throckmorton County

via IncomeByCounty

Throckmorton falls short of national norm

Throckmorton County's median household income of $58,864 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $16,000, placing it in the bottom 30% nationally. The county trails Texas's $64,737 state average by about $5,900.

Lower-middle tier in Texas rankings

At $58,864, Throckmorton County ranks in the lower-middle 40% of Texas counties by household income, reflecting typical rural economic conditions. The county's per capita income of $33,147 closely mirrors the Texas state average.

Modestly above some rural peers

Throckmorton's $58,864 outpaces Swisher ($39,031), Terrell ($46,989), and Terry ($45,905) counties but trails Stonewall ($61,250), Sutton ($75,000), and Taylor ($66,406). The county occupies middle ground in the rural West Texas economic spectrum.

Very affordable housing costs

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 11.2%, Throckmorton County residents enjoy excellent housing affordability, spending just over one-tenth of income on rent. The median home value of $84,200 remains highly accessible for homebuyers.

Capitalize on low housing burden

Throckmorton's exceptionally low housing costs free up income for saving and investing in retirement, education, and emergency reserves. Start with automatic transfers to savings accounts and explore tax-advantaged retirement contributions to build long-term financial security.

Safety in Throckmorton County

via CrimeByCounty

Throckmorton County Shows Strong Safety Score

Throckmorton County reports a total crime rate of 486.5 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This high level of safety is reflected in its score of 99.2.

Well Above the Texas Safety Average

The county’s safety score of 99.2 easily beats the Texas average of 96.8. With a total crime rate of 486.5, Throckmorton is far safer than the average Texas county rate of 2,052.5.

Regional Safety with Single-Agency Data

Throckmorton's crime rate of 486.5 is comparable to Sutton County's 568.0. Because this data comes from a single reporting agency, it provides a focused view of law enforcement activity in the immediate area.

Low Risk for Violent and Property Crime

The violent crime rate is low at 69.5, while property crime is reported at 417.0 per 100,000 residents. Both figures are well below national benchmarks, indicating a very secure environment for the community.

Simple Measures for Continued Safety

Maintaining the county's high safety standards starts with basic home security like sturdy locks and clear sightlines. Being an active part of the community and looking out for neighbors is the best defense in rural areas.

Health in Throckmorton County

via HealthByCounty

Rural county with solid health rates

Throckmorton County's life expectancy data is unavailable, but just 18.8% of residents report poor or fair health—better than the national average and the best or tied-best rate among rural counties shown. This sparsely populated county shows surprisingly strong self-reported health outcomes.

Below-average coverage but healthy residents

Throckmorton's 18.8% poor/fair health rate beats Texas's implied state average, and its 19.4% uninsured rate is nearly aligned with Texas's 19.8% state average. Despite rural isolation, coverage and health outcomes track closely with state norms.

Strong health despite rural isolation

Throckmorton's 18.8% poor/fair health rate ties with Tarrant County and trails only Terrell (17.3%) among all counties shown. The 19.4% uninsured rate is better than Swisher (28.1%) and Terry (23.6%), suggesting relative stability in this sparse rural area.

Balanced provider access for rural area

Throckmorton has 67 primary care providers and 66 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—respectable ratios for a tiny rural county. The 19.4% uninsured rate means roughly 4 in 5 residents have coverage to access these local providers.

Protect your rural health access

While Throckmorton's uninsured rate is near state average, nearly 1 in 5 residents still lack coverage in this remote area. Healthcare.gov enrollment ensures you can use the providers your county has invested in.

Schools in Throckmorton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact Education in Throckmorton

Throckmorton County operates just 2 public schools for a total enrollment of 320 students. These schools are managed by two different districts, providing a surprising amount of choice for such a small population.

High Per-Pupil Investment Rates

The county spends $9,907 per pupil, well above the Texas average of $7,498. While the graduation rate is currently 75.0%, the school score of 51.9 reflects a solid foundation compared to national medians.

Public and Charter School Choices

Throckmorton Collegiate ISD operates as a charter school for 158 students, making up exactly 50% of the county's school landscape. Woodson ISD serves the other half of the county with 162 students in its K-12 program.

An Entirely Rural Learning Experience

Both schools in the county are classified as rural, serving small cohorts in an intimate setting. With an average school size of only 160 students, the environment feels more like a private academy than a large public system.

Small-Town Charm and Quiet Schools

Families looking for a quiet, rural lifestyle will find Throckmorton County highly appealing. Explore properties near Woodson or Throckmorton to enjoy schools where small class sizes are the standard.

Disaster Risk in Throckmorton County

via RiskByCounty

Throckmorton ranks among safest nationally

Throckmorton County's composite risk score of 3.31 places it firmly in the Very Low category, far below the national average. This rural North Texas county experiences minimal exposure to the combination of major natural hazards affecting most U.S. communities.

Among Texas's most resilient counties

At 3.31, Throckmorton ranks as one of the lowest-risk counties in Texas, significantly below the state average of 49.00. The county achieves natural disaster resilience levels uncommon across the state.

Throckmorton near peer counties in safety

Throckmorton's 3.31 score closely matches Stonewall County (3.82) and Sutton County (7.06), all among the region's safest. The county outperforms Swisher (37.44) and Terry (52.04) dramatically while remaining safer than Tarrant (99.14) and Taylor (83.81).

Wildfire tops a minimal risk profile

Wildfire risk at 70.80 is Throckmorton's most elevated hazard but remains moderate in absolute terms. Tornado (17.11), hurricane (19.86), earthquake (4.68), and flood (2.00) risks are all minimal.

Basic coverage meets local needs

Throckmorton residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance with fire coverage for their primary hazard exposure. The county's Very Low overall rating means specialized flood, tornado, or hurricane riders are generally unnecessary.

Weather & Climate in Throckmorton County

via WeatherByCounty

Central Texas Warmth in Throckmorton

Throckmorton County’s 63.9°F annual average temperature is nearly nine degrees above the national median. This region is characterized by consistent sunshine and a long growing season.

Typical Texas Heat and Rain

The county’s 63.9°F average is slightly below the state mean of 65.5°F. Its 29.2 inches of annual rain is nearly on par with the statewide average of 31.9 inches.

Hotter Than the Northern Fringe

Throckmorton sees 111 extreme heat days, placing it among the hotter counties in the North Central region. It is slightly drier than the more humid counties found just 100 miles to the east.

Searing Summers, Short Winters

Summer temperatures peak with a July average of 84.3°F and 111 days above 90°F. Winter brings a sharp but brief cooling, averaging 44.8°F from December through February.

Focus on Summer Cooling

Effective attic insulation is key to managing the 111 days of extreme heat. With snow being nearly non-existent at 0.4 inches, residents can focus their maintenance on heat mitigation rather than winter prep.

Soil Quality in Throckmorton County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Inceptisols and Silt Loams

Throckmorton County is home to Inceptisols, which are relatively young and productive soils. The pH level of 7.28 is slightly alkaline, sitting above the national median of 6.5 but near the Texas average.

Silty Texture Offers Great Workability

The dominant texture is silt loam, consisting of 37.9% sand and 33.5% silt. This blend creates a fertile medium that is easier to manage than heavy clay while still providing 25.8% clay for nutrient storage.

Solid Organic Matter and Water Retention

Organic matter content stands at 1.84%, outperforming the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.137 in/in also beats the state average, providing a healthy reservoir for regional crops.

Moderate Drainage for Balanced Hydrology

The soil is well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This indicates a moderate infiltration rate, which is ideal for reducing runoff while ensuring that water reaches the root zones of plants.

Strong Growing Potential in Zone 8a

The combination of silt loam and a zone 8a climate is perfect for forage grasses and winter small grains. Gardeners should feel encouraged by the soil's natural fertility and above-average water capacity.

Lawn Care in Throckmorton County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growth in North Central Texas

With a difficulty score of 35.7, Throckmorton County is slightly easier to manage than the average Texas county. While it still falls below the national median of 50.0, the conditions in Zone 8a are relatively favorable for the region.

Strong Rain but High Heat

The county receives 29.2 inches of rain, nearing the ideal 30-inch threshold, though it still faces 111 extreme heat days. This moisture helps, but summer heat still dictates a rigorous watering and mowing schedule.

Working with Silt Loam Soil

The soil is a well-drained silt loam with a pH of 7.28, offering a stable and productive foundation for turf. This texture is generally excellent for root development, needing only minor adjustments to lower the pH toward the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Monitoring Seasonal Dryness

Throckmorton experienced 16 weeks of drought over the last year and currently sits at 100% abnormally dry. Consistent irrigation and the use of wetting agents can help your soil retain the water it gets during the hotter months.

Planting Window Opens in late March

Warm-season favorites like Bermudagrass and Zoysia are well-suited for the local silt loam. You can safely begin your spring lawn projects after the final frost date of March 29.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Throckmorton County's county score?
Throckmorton County, Texas has a composite county score of 57.4 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 Throckmorton County rank among counties in Texas?
Throckmorton County ranks #24 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 Throckmorton County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Throckmorton County is $969, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Throckmorton County a tax score of 28.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Throckmorton County?
The median household income in Throckmorton County, Texas is $58,864 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Throckmorton County earns an income score of 35.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Throckmorton County, Texas a good place to live?
Throckmorton County scores 57.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Throckmorton 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 Throckmorton County with other counties side by side.