countyscore
55
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.4Schools 85.7Cost of Living 81.7

County Report Card

About Upton County, Texas

Exceeding the National Livability Median

Upton County outperforms the national median with a composite score of 55.8. This high ranking indicates a quality of life that exceeds the average American experience in several key areas.

A Top Performer in Texas

With a score of 55.8, Upton County far exceeds the Texas state average of 41.9. It stands out as one of the state's most balanced counties in terms of risk and affordability.

Elite Risk Management and Schools

The county shines with a massive risk score of 92.4 and a school score of 85.7. It is also highly affordable, with a cost score of 84.2 and median rents of just $689.

Water and Health Deficits

Despite its many strengths, the water score is very low at 9.3, and the health score sits at 18.1. Residents may need to travel for specialized healthcare or invest in personal water filtration.

A Hidden Gem for Families

Upton County is an exceptional choice for families seeking safe communities and top-tier schools without high costs. The median home value of $106,300 makes it one of the most accessible high-scoring counties in the state.

2040608010030.181.766.318.185.710.492.49.326.7Tax30.1Cost81.7Safety66.3Health18.1Schools85.7Income10.4Risk92.4Water9.3Weather26.755/100
This county
National avg
4 above average5 below average

Upton County DNA

Foverall

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

Upton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (92.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (9.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
30.1-21.9
Cost
81.7+33.7
Safety
66.3+11.299999999999997
Health
18.1-31.9
Schools
85.7+31.700000000000003
Income
10.4-40.6
Risk
92.4+45.400000000000006
Water
9.3-48.7
Weather
26.7-29.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Upton County?

Many homeowners in Upton 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

$109,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$720/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$109,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,167/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Deep Dives

Upton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Upton County

via TaxByCounty

Upton taxes remain below national

Upton County's effective tax rate of 1.126% sits just slightly above the national median of 1.1%, placing it near the middle of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,197 annually is less than half the national median of $2,690, reflecting rural West Texas values and modest rates.

Below average for Texas

Upton County's 1.126% effective rate falls noticeably below the Texas state average of 1.276%, ranking it in the lower-tax half of Texas counties. With a median tax bill of $1,197—roughly 55% of the state median—Upton ranks among the most affordable Texas counties.

Competitive West Texas tax rates

Upton County's 1.126% rate compares favorably to nearby West Texas counties; Crockett County runs 1.21%, Pecos County around 1.16%, and Reagan County near 1.09%. Upton offers a reasonable tax environment in the Permian Basin region.

A $106k home costs $1,197 yearly

With a median home value of $106,300 and an effective rate of 1.126%, the typical Upton County homeowner pays $1,197 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages face combined annual costs of $1,189.

Verify your assessment accuracy

Even in low-tax West Texas counties, some assessments may exceed fair market value. Reviewing your assessment and filing an appeal—if warranted—is a free way to ensure you're paying the right amount.

Income & Jobs in Upton County

via IncomeByCounty

Upton's income falls well below national

Upton County's median household income of $52,321 trails the national median of $74,755 by 30%, reflecting limited economic opportunities in this isolated West Texas region. The county's oil and gas industry provides some jobs but cannot sustain broad-based prosperity.

Below state average in West Texas

Upton County's $52,321 median income falls below Texas's state average of $64,737, ranking it in the lower half of the state's 254 counties. The county struggles to compete with more diversified regional economies.

Among the region's lowest earners

Upton County's $52,321 stands below Tom Green County ($66,254) and Uvalde County ($57,849), making it one of the weaker performers in this West Texas grouping. Geographic isolation and economic dependence on volatile energy markets constrain earnings growth.

Rent remains most affordable here

Upton County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8%—the lowest in this analysis—signals exceptional housing affordability. A median home value of just $106,300 creates the strongest housing access for residents despite the county's modest income levels.

Transform affordability into savings

Upton County's exceptionally low housing costs create rare opportunity to save aggressively despite limited earnings. Residents should channel housing savings into emergency funds, down payments on property investments, and retirement accounts to build long-term financial security.

Safety in Upton County

via CrimeByCounty

Upton County Reports High Safety Scores

Upton County earns a 98.7 safety score, though this comes from a single reporting agency and should be viewed with caution. Its total crime rate of 791.7 is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading Texas with Low Reported Crime

With a safety score of 98.7, Upton County outperforms the Texas state average of 96.8. Its crime rate of 791.7 per 100K is significantly lower than the statewide average of 2052.5.

Comparing Reported Safety with Regional Peers

Upton County reports the lowest crime rate in this group, even beating Travis County. However, because only one agency reports data, its total of 791.7 should be compared carefully against neighboring areas.

Property Crime Leads Limited Local Data

Local data shows 669.9 property crimes and 121.8 violent crimes per 100K. Both figures are well below national averages, though they represent a small snapshot of local law enforcement activity.

Stay Alert in Single-Agency Jurisdictions

In counties with limited reporting agencies, community-level vigilance is particularly important. Ensuring your property is well-lit and secure is the best way to supplement local law enforcement efforts.

Weather & Climate in Upton County

via WeatherByCounty

Hot, dry, and semi-arid conditions

Upton County's annual average temperature of 66.9°F is much higher than the national median of 53°F. It is a dry region, receiving only 14.8 inches of annual precipitation compared to the much higher national average.

Above average heat with low rainfall

The county's annual temperature of 66.9°F exceeds the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Its 14.8 inches of annual rain is less than half of the 31.9 inches typically seen across the state of Texas.

Arid climate typical of West Texas

Upton County shares the dry characteristics of the Permian Basin, seeing only 14.8 inches of rain. It faces significantly more extreme heat than East Texas neighbors, recording 130 days over 90°F annually.

Intense sun and dry winters

Summer is the dominant season with 130 extreme heat days and a July average of 84.8°F. Winters are dry and mild, averaging 48.7°F with only 1.1 inches of total annual snowfall.

Prioritize sun protection and water

With 130 days of extreme heat, high-efficiency cooling and religious hydration are necessary for all residents. Given the low 14.8 inches of rainfall, xeriscaping and water conservation should be central to any landscaping plans.

Soil Quality in Upton County

via SoilByCounty

West Texas Desert Soil Profile

Specific taxonomic and pH data are unavailable for Upton County at this time. Most soils in this Permian Basin region are traditionally alkaline and calcified, reflecting the arid climate of West Texas.

Earthen Mix of the Basin

Data regarding the specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay are not currently in the dataset. This region typically features gravelly or sandy textures that offer excellent drainage but low natural moisture retention.

Organic Potential in Arid Lands

Organic matter and available water capacity measurements are not yet recorded for this county. In these dry environments, adding compost is a critical step for anyone looking to establish a productive home garden.

Understanding Local Hydrology

There is currently no specific hydrologic or drainage data available for Upton County. Understanding how water moves across your specific landscape is essential in this region where every drop of moisture counts.

Desert Blooms in Zone 8b

Upton County is located in hardiness zone 8b, which is ideal for drought-tolerant natives like desert willow and agave. While soil data is limited, the warm climate offers a fantastic opportunity to master xeric gardening.

Lawn Care in Upton County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Lawn Difficulty in West Texas

Upton County presents a severe challenge with a lawn difficulty score of just 8.1, far below the Texas average of 31.7. In this Zone 8b climate, maintaining traditional turf is an uphill battle against the elements.

Brutal Heat and Scant Rainfall

The county suffers through 130 extreme heat days a year while receiving only 14.8 inches of rain, which is less than half the ideal minimum for lawns. These harsh conditions create a high-evaporation environment that makes hydration a constant struggle.

Unknown Soils Require Professional Prep

Data for soil pH and texture is not available for Upton County in this record. Given the arid climate, residents should test for high salinity and alkalinity, which are common in West Texas and can inhibit grass growth.

Persistent Aridity and Water Limits

The county has endured 38 weeks of drought over the past year, with the entire area currently classified as abnormally dry. In such a water-scarce environment, utilizing drought-hardy native grasses or synthetic turf is often more practical than traditional lawns.

Tough Turf Choices for Tough Climates

Native Buffalograss is the only reliable option for those attempting a natural lawn in these conditions. The growing window opens after March 12, but be prepared to provide significant supplemental water until the first frost arrives on November 16.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Upton County's county score?
Upton County, Texas has a composite county score of 55 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 Upton County rank among counties in Texas?
Upton County ranks #36 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 Upton County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Upton County is $1,177, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Upton County a tax score of 30.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Upton County?
The median household income in Upton County, Texas is $49,167 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Upton County earns an income score of 10.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Upton County, Texas a good place to live?
Upton County scores 55/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Upton 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 Upton 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.