countyscore
55.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.4Schools 85.7Cost of Living 84.2

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.

Score breakdown

Tax29.4Cost84.2Safety66.3Health18.1Schools85.7Income19.4Risk92.4Water9.3Weather26.7
🏛29.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤18.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓85.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧9.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤26.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱8.1
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

Crane County
Texas
53.5
Midland County
Texas
38.7
Ector County
Texas
21.2
Reagan County
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Glasscock County
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Crockett County
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Deep Dives

Upton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Upton County

via CostByCounty

Upton County: Texas's cheapest housing

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Upton County

via HealthByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Upton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Scale, High Impact Learning

Upton County operates a very focused school system with just four public schools serving 823 students. These schools are split between two districts, McCamey ISD and Rankin ISD. Every level of education is represented by exactly one dedicated campus for the entire county.

Elite Investment and High Performance

Upton County invests a significant $11,760 per pupil, nearly double the spending of neighboring counties. This investment pays off with a 93.2% graduation rate and a standout school score of 65.5. These results are well above state averages and national medians.

McCamey and Rankin District Duo

McCamey ISD is the larger of the two districts with 505 students across three campuses. Rankin ISD operates as a single K-12 campus serving 318 students. There are no charter or alternative schools, ensuring a purely local and traditional educational focus.

Purely Rural and Highly Personal

All four schools in Upton County are classified as rural, reflecting the county's wide-open character. With an average school size of only 206 students, the environment is highly personal. Even the largest school, Rankin, serves just 318 students from kindergarten through graduation.

Experience World-Class Rural Education

For families seeking small-town living with big-city educational funding, Upton County is a rare find. The high per-pupil investment makes these districts incredibly attractive to new residents. Look for homes in McCamey or Rankin to give your children a unique academic advantage.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Upton County

via RiskByCounty

Upton County Among Safest in Nation

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Upton County's county score?
Upton County, Texas has a composite county score of 55.8 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 #30 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 $1,197, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Upton County a tax score of 29.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Upton County?
The median household income in Upton County, Texas is $52,321 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Upton County earns an income score of 19.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Upton County, Texas a good place to live?
Upton County scores 55.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 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.

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.