Upton County's composite score of 72.0 ranks 44% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quartile of U.S. counties for livability. This exceptional score reflects standout affordability and minimal tax burden.
2 / 5
Strongest performer in the group
At 72.0, Upton County outpaces the Texas state average of 66.8 by the widest margin in this comparison, ranking solidly in the upper tier statewide. The county delivers top-tier value among Texas's 254 counties.
3 / 5
Maximum affordability on offer
Upton County's cost score of 86.7 is the highest in this group, featuring a median home value of just $106,300 and rent at just $689 monthly—exceptional value. A tax score of 70.6 with a 1.126% effective rate completes an affordability-focused profile.
4 / 5
Income potential remains modest
The income score of 17.5 reflects a median household income of $52,321, the lowest in this group and well below state medians. Safety, health, and school data remain unavailable, limiting a complete livability assessment.
5 / 5
Perfect for those seeking value
Upton County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and cost-conscious families prioritizing maximum purchasing power and minimal taxes. The county offers unmatched affordability for those not dependent on high local wages.
Upton County's composite score of 72.0 ranks 44% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quartile of U.S. counties for livability. This exceptional score reflects standout affordability and minimal tax burden.
Strongest performer in the group
At 72.0, Upton County outpaces the Texas state average of 66.8 by the widest margin in this comparison, ranking solidly in the upper tier statewide. The county delivers top-tier value among Texas's 254 counties.
Maximum affordability on offer
Upton County's cost score of 86.7 is the highest in this group, featuring a median home value of just $106,300 and rent at just $689 monthly—exceptional value. A tax score of 70.6 with a 1.126% effective rate completes an affordability-focused profile.
Income potential remains modest
The income score of 17.5 reflects a median household income of $52,321, the lowest in this group and well below state medians. Safety, health, and school data remain unavailable, limiting a complete livability assessment.
Perfect for those seeking value
Upton County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and cost-conscious families prioritizing maximum purchasing power and minimal taxes. The county offers unmatched affordability for those not dependent on high local wages.
Score breakdown
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🏛70.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Upton County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks lowest among all eight counties and significantly beats both the national average (20%) and Texas state average (18.1%). At just $689 monthly median rent, Upton offers genuine housing affordability despite median income of $52,321.
Most affordable corner of Texas
Upton County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio places it among Texas's most affordable regions, with median rent running 28% below the state average. The county achieves exceptional affordability through genuinely low housing costs rather than high local incomes.
Unbeatable pricing among all eight
Upton's $689 median rent is the lowest of all eight counties—25% cheaper than Trinity ($823), 39% cheaper than Tom Green ($1,125), and less than half Travis's rate. Its $106,300 median home value similarly ranks among the absolute lowest in the region.
Rock-bottom costs in rural West Texas
The typical Upton renter pays just $689 monthly while an owner carries $619—both figures represent roughly one-seventh of the county's $52,321 median income. These exceptionally low costs leave substantial income available for other household expenses.
Upton County for maximum affordability
If minimizing housing costs is your priority, Upton County delivers unmatched value among these options—rent consumes just 15.8% of income versus 20%+ elsewhere. Consider Upton if you're relocating for remote work, entrepreneurship, or any role where geographic flexibility allows you to capture this affordability advantage.
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.
Upton County life expectancy meets national average
Upton County's 74.9-year life expectancy matches the U.S. average of 74.1 years, yet its 28.6% poor/fair health rate substantially exceeds the national average of 17.9%. This disconnect suggests residents live longer but experience significant daily health struggles and chronic illness.
Above-average longevity, high health burden
Upton County's 74.9-year life expectancy exceeds Texas's 74.3-year state average by 0.6 years, placing it in the upper tier for longevity. However, its 28.6% poor/fair health rate—among the highest in this group—indicates residents face substantial daily health challenges despite living longer.
Highest health burden among comparable counties
Upton County's 28.6% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds all neighbors, including Upshur County (23.4%), Tom Green County (22.6%), and even Uvalde County (27.2%). Limited provider data makes comparison difficult, but the elevated health burden suggests unmet care needs in this West Texas county.
Provider data unavailable; uninsured rate concerning
Upton County's primary care and mental health provider counts are not currently available, making it difficult to assess local healthcare capacity. However, the 19.6% uninsured rate and elevated poor/fair health rate suggest that accessing available care remains a challenge for many residents.
Secure health coverage and local resources
Nearly one in five Upton County residents lack health insurance, contributing to delayed care and preventable health problems. Visit healthcare.gov or contact local health agencies to understand your coverage options and discover available health resources in your community.
Upton County scores just 7.67 on the composite risk index, placing it among the lowest-risk counties nationally and well below the U.S. average. The very low risk rating indicates minimal exposure to major natural disasters, though localized preparedness remains prudent.
Texas's Safest County
At 7.67, Upton County is far below Texas's state average of 49.00 and represents one of the state's safest regions for natural disaster risk. The county's remote West Texas location and arid climate create inherently low exposure to flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
Dramatically Safer Than Regional Peers
Upton County's 7.67 score is a fraction of neighboring Tom Green County (77.32) and Uvalde County (70.04), making it a hazard outlier in West Texas. The county's isolation and sparse population density further reduce disaster risk compared to more developed regional areas.
Minimal Disaster Risk Overall
Wildfire risk (45.01) is the county's highest hazard, though still well below state and national averages, followed by minimal tornado (16.54) and hurricane exposure (16.40). Earthquake and flood risks are negligible, creating one of Texas's most stable disaster environments.
Standard Insurance Provides Adequate Protection
A standard homeowners policy covers most disaster scenarios in Upton County, though verifying coverage limits and deductibles remains wise practice. Focus on routine home maintenance and basic emergency preparedness rather than specialized disaster hardening, and maintain awareness of wildfire conditions during hot, dry summers.