countyscore
50.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 84.7Schools 76.8Property Tax 74.5

County Report Card

About Ward County, Texas

Exceeding the National Median

Ward County is a standout with a composite score of 50.2, narrowly beating the national median of 50.0. This makes it the highest-performing county in this regional group.

Outpacing the Texas Average

The county’s score of 50.2 significantly exceeds the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks as a top-tier destination within the state for overall quality of life and economic stability.

Elite Schooling and Low Risk

Ward County dominates with a Risk Score of 84.7 and a School Score of 76.8. Residents also benefit from an exceptionally low effective tax rate of 0.600%, the best in this set.

Limited Healthcare Access

The county’s primary weakness is its Health Score of 10.7, indicating limited medical infrastructure. Safety also lags behind other metrics with a score of 22.4.

Ideal for Stability and Schools

Ward is perfect for families seeking great schools and the lowest possible tax burden. It is a premier choice for those who value safety from natural and economic risks over healthcare proximity.

Score breakdown

Tax74.5Cost59.1Safety22.4Health10.7Schools76.8Income70.7Risk84.7Water56.8Weather32.8
🏛74.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤10.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓76.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡84.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧56.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤32.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨6.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱8.9
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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Nearby counties

Reeves County
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39.8
Winkler County
Texas
52.4
Crane County
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53.5
Loving County
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Ector County
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Upton County
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Deep Dives

Ward County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ward County

via TaxByCounty

Ward County has exceptionally low taxes

Ward County's effective tax rate of 0.600% is among the lowest in the nation, ranking in the bottom 10% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of just $833 is less than one-third the national median of $2,690, making Ward a tax haven for property owners.

Texas's most tax-friendly county here

Ward County's 0.600% effective rate is less than half the Texas state average of 1.276%, the lowest by far among these eight counties. At $833, the median property tax is less than 38% of the state median of $2,193, offering dramatic savings.

Dramatically lower than peers

Ward County's 0.600% rate is less than half that of any other county in this comparison—Walker County (1.112%) is the next most affordable. This exceptional advantage reflects Ward's lower property values and lower school and local service demands.

A $138,800 home costs just $833 yearly

The typical Ward County homeowner pays only about $833 in annual property taxes on a median home valued at $138,800. With a mortgage, expect roughly $1,676 withheld; without one, approximately $554.

Even low taxes deserve verification

While Ward County offers exceptional tax rates, homeowners should still verify that assessments reflect current market value. If your assessed value appears inflated relative to recent comparable sales, an appeal is quick and could yield savings on an already modest bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ward County

via CostByCounty

Ward County offers the state's best rental deals

Ward County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% ranks among Texas's best and well below the national standard, delivering genuine affordability for renters. With median rent at just $939—below even the state median of $963—and household income of $71,719, renters here allocate the smallest share of earnings to housing.

Texas's most affordable rental county

Ward County stands out statewide with a 15.7% rent-to-income ratio, significantly beating Texas's 18.1% average and delivering some of the state's most accessible rents. The $939 median rent ranks among the lowest in Texas, making Ward a rare island of affordability in an increasingly expensive state.

Dramatically cheaper than surrounding counties

Ward County's $939 rent undercuts every regional peer—it's $51 cheaper than Walker County, $72 cheaper than Van Zandt, and $211 cheaper than Waller. Yet the county's $71,719 income exceeds all neighbors except Waller, creating a uniquely favorable affordability profile.

Housing costs barely dent household budgets

Ward County renters pay just $939 monthly—only 15.7% of the median household income—while homeowners spend just $604, the lowest monthly ownership cost in this county cluster. The median home value of $138,800 represents the cheapest entry to homeownership in the region.

Best affordability for remote workers statewide

If you're relocating with portable income, Ward County delivers unmatched value: 15.7% rent-to-income ratio, $939 rents, and $138,800 home prices offer maximum financial breathing room. The county's oil-and-gas economy and energy sector jobs make it especially appealing for those seeking affordable West Texas living.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ward County

via IncomeByCounty

Ward approaches national income baseline

Ward County's median household income of $71,719 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly $3,000, representing only a 4% shortfall. This near-alignment positions Ward among the stronger performers relative to typical U.S. household earnings.

Solid above Texas average

Ward's $71,719 median household income exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by about $7,000, placing it comfortably in the upper half of state counties. Per capita income of $35,376 significantly outpaces the state average of $33,197, suggesting broad-based earning strength.

Strong regional performer

Ward's $71,719 income ranks fourth among the eight comparison counties, outperforming Val Verde ($59,673), Webb ($62,506), Walker ($49,862), and Victoria ($70,101). Only Waller, Washington, and Van Zandt exceed Ward's earning levels.

Excellent housing affordability

Ward boasts the region's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 15.7%, signaling exceptional housing affordability relative to income. With median home values just $138,800—among the region's lowest—Ward residents enjoy substantial buying power and financial flexibility.

Ward offers prime wealth-building conditions

Ward's combination of above-average incomes, minimal housing burden, and affordable property values creates an ideal environment for accumulating equity through real estate and financial investments. Residents should capitalize on favorable conditions to fund retirement accounts, college savings, and diversified portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ward County

via CrimeByCounty

Ward County Maintains High Safety Levels

Ward County reports a total crime rate of 1,991.7 per 100K, which is lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 96.9. It provides a safer-than-average environment compared to the United States as a whole.

Slightly Better Than Texas Average

Ward’s safety score of 96.9 is just above the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,991.7 is also slightly better than the statewide average of 2,052.5. Data from two reporting agencies confirm a stable safety environment.

Comparing Ward to Regional Averages

Ward County has a lower crime rate than Victoria County but higher than nearby Washington County. With 1,991.7 crimes per 100K, Ward sits in the middle of the pack for Texas counties of its size. Its safety profile is generally predictable and aligns with state norms.

A Closer Look at Local Crime

The county reports 361.3 violent crimes per 100K, which is very close to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is much higher at 1,630.4 per 100K. These figures show that theft is the most frequent challenge for local law enforcement.

Protect Your Property Effectively

With property crimes occurring at a rate of 1,630.4 per 100K, home security is essential. Consider using doorbell cameras to monitor deliveries and deter package theft. These simple technological additions can help further lower the local crime rate.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ward County

via HealthByCounty

Lowest life expectancy in the region

Ward County residents live to just 72.3 years on average, more than two years below the U.S. median of 74.5 years. Over 1 in 4 (26.1%) report poor or fair health, well above the national average and signaling serious daily health challenges across the population.

Significantly behind Texas averages

At 72.3 years, Ward County's life expectancy falls 2 years short of Texas's 74.3-year average—the lowest in this eight-county group. The uninsured rate of 23.3% markedly exceeds the state average of 19.8%, making access to care a critical barrier for Ward residents.

Worst health outcomes in peer group

Ward's 72.3-year life expectancy ranks lowest by far; the next-lowest peer is Van Zandt at 73.8 years. The 23.3% uninsured rate also trails only Webb County (27.1%) among these eight counties, compounding healthcare access challenges.

Severe shortage of healthcare providers

Ward has just 9 primary care providers per 100,000—roughly one-sixth of the national standard—leaving residents with few local options for basic care. Mental health support is critically scarce at 18 per 100,000, the lowest among all eight counties, leaving vulnerable populations with minimal access to behavioral health services.

Insurance access is urgent priority

Nearly 1 in 4 Ward County residents lack health insurance, making coverage critical for preventing illness and managing existing conditions. Contact a local health navigator or visit Healthcare.gov immediately to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community health resources available to you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ward County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Educational Settings in Ward County

Ward County operates a small but efficient network of 7 public schools serving 2,334 total students. The infrastructure consists of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools split between 2 districts. This compact system allows for a focused approach to public education in the region.

Top-Tier Graduation and High Investment

Ward County excels with a 95.8% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 91.6%. The county spends $7,933 per pupil, which is higher than the Texas state average of $7,498. This investment pays off with a strong composite school score of 58.6, well above the national median.

Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD at the Core

Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD is the primary provider, serving 2,197 students across 6 schools. Grandfalls-Royalty ISD serves a much smaller cohort of 137 students in a single school. There are currently no charter schools in the county, ensuring a unified traditional public school experience.

Small Schools in a Town Atmosphere

Six of the seven county schools are located in town settings, creating a central hub for student life. The average school size is just 333 students, fostering close relationships between teachers and pupils. Parkway Elementary is the largest campus with 642 students, while others remain very small and specialized.

Find Your Home in the Monahans Area

For families who value high graduation rates and small class sizes, Ward County is an ideal destination. Homes in Monahans provide direct access to the county's top-performing ISD and well-funded campuses. Browse local listings to discover the advantages of living in this high-achieving educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ward County

via RiskByCounty

Ward County's Very Low Risk Profile

Ward County scores just 15.36 on the composite risk scale, ranking as very low and far below the Texas state average of 49.00. This makes Ward one of the safest counties nationally from natural disaster exposure, with minimal multi-hazard risk.

Ward's Safest Standing in Texas

Ward County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in all of Texas, with its 15.36 composite score placing it in a rare group of minimal-exposure communities. The county's West Texas location provides inherent protection against many disaster types.

Ward vs. Regional Comparisons

Ward's 15.36 score is dramatically lower than Val Verde County (76.08) and all other comparable Texas counties, making Ward exceptionally safe by regional standards. The county's isolation and sparse development in West Texas contribute to its remarkably low overall risk.

Ward's Limited Natural Hazards

Wildfire presents Ward's highest risk at 75.29, though this is still manageable in an otherwise very-low-risk environment. All other hazards—tornado (26.53), flood (27.10), earthquake (21.28), and hurricane (21.19)—remain minimal, making Ward an exceptionally safe county overall.

Ward County Home Protection Basics

While Ward faces minimal natural disaster risk, standard homeowners insurance and wildfire awareness remain prudent precautions for rural property owners. Focus on routine home maintenance and fire-safe landscaping to maintain the county's exceptional safety record.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ward County

via WeatherByCounty

Ward County's High Desert Heat

Ward County averages 65.0°F annually, which is approximately 10 degrees warmer than the national median. This arid climate receives only 13.6 inches of rain per year, making it far drier than most counties in the United States.

A Typical West Texas Climate

The county's 65.0°F average sits just below the Texas state average of 65.5°F. While it matches the state's thermal profile, it is significantly more arid than the state average of 31.9 inches of precipitation.

Arid Conditions in the Permian Basin

Ward County is much drier than eastern neighbors, receiving less than half of the state's average rainfall. Its 13.6 inches of annual precipitation defines it as a true desert environment compared to the wetter regions of North or East Texas.

Relentless Summers and Mild Winters

Residents face 138 extreme heat days per year where temperatures hit or exceed 90°F. Winters are mild with a December to February average of 46.3°F and only 1.0 inch of annual snowfall.

Preparing for the Ward County Heat

High-capacity HVAC systems are essential to manage the 138 days of extreme summer heat. Because the county only receives 13.6 inches of rain, xeriscaping is the most practical choice for sustainable outdoor landscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ward County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Alkaline Desert Soils

Ward County's soil is very alkaline, featuring an average pH of 7.95. This is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5 and even the Texas average of 7.09. The overall soil score is quite low at 6.5, reflecting the challenges of this arid environment.

Sand and Silt Dominance

The soil composition is 53.3% sand and 26.1% silt, leaving only 20.6% clay. This mixture leads to a powdery, loose texture that is common in West Texas basins. While easy to dig, these soils struggle to hold onto nutrients and structural form.

Limited Organic Matter in Arid Land

Organic matter is very low at 1.03%, well below the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is also low at 0.114 in/in compared to the Texas average of 0.133. These numbers indicate that plants will require frequent irrigation and significant nutrient supplementation.

Slow Infiltration Despite Sandy Texture

Ward County is classified in Hydrologic Group D, indicating high runoff potential during infrequent, heavy rain events. The soil's ability to absorb water is restricted, which can lead to flash flooding in desert landscapes. Careful water management is required to prevent erosion in these conditions.

Desert Gardening in Zone 8a

In USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, native desert plants and succulents are the most successful choices for Ward County. Traditional vegetable gardening will require raised beds and significant soil amendments to overcome the high alkalinity. Embrace the unique West Texas climate by choosing drought-tolerant species.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ward County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Aridity in Ward County

Ward County faces a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of just 8.9. This is one of the toughest environments in the state, falling far below the Texas average of 31.7 and the national median of 50.0. In this Zone 8a region, traditional lawn care requires specialized knowledge and significant resources.

Intense Sun and Minimal Rain

With a mere 13.6 inches of annual precipitation, Ward County is well below the 30-inch minimum ideal for most grasses. You must also contend with 138 extreme heat days per year, which is far higher than the state average of 105. These 6,128 growing degree days occur in a parched environment, making artificial irrigation an absolute necessity.

Alkaline Sands of the West

The soil pH here is 7.95, which is quite alkaline and can prevent your grass from absorbing essential nutrients. The soil is 53.3% sand, which allows for fast drainage but offers very little water retention during the hot summer months. You will need to amend the soil with organic matter to improve its ability to hold onto the little water it receives.

Surviving Long Dry Seasons

The county has endured 38 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire area is currently classified as abnormally dry. While severe drought levels (D2+) currently sit at 0%, the constant lack of rain defines the local landscape. Consider xeriscaping or using highly drought-tolerant native grasses like Buffalograss to reduce your water footprint.

Wait for the Spring Warmth

With a last frost date of April 2, you have a slightly later start than other parts of Texas. Aim to get your seeds or sod established before the first fall frost on November 6. Choosing heat-hardy, drought-resistant varieties is the only way to ensure your lawn survives the brutal summers in this 8a zone.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ward County's county score?
Ward County, Texas has a composite county score of 50.2 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 Ward County rank among counties in Texas?
Ward County ranks #61 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 Ward County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Ward County is $833, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Ward County a tax score of 74.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ward County?
The median household income in Ward County, Texas is $71,719 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ward County earns an income score of 70.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ward County, Texas a good place to live?
Ward County scores 50.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Ward 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 Ward 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.