countyscore
48.8
County Score
Safety 87.9Income & Jobs 61.8Disaster Risk 58.7

County Report Card

About Wheeler County, Texas

Wheeler County Nears National Standards

Wheeler County achieves a composite score of 48.8, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0. It performs better than many rural counterparts across the country.

A Strong Performer in Texas

The county's 48.8 composite score is notably higher than the Texas state average of 41.9. This makes Wheeler County an attractive option compared to many other regions in the state.

Exceptional Safety and Environmental Resilience

Safety is a primary highlight with an impressive score of 87.9. The county also manages environmental hazards well, earning a risk score of 58.7 while maintaining a high income score of 61.8.

Healthcare and Water Quality Issues

Public health metrics are a concern, as evidenced by a low health score of 11.4. Water quality and infrastructure also lag behind, scoring just 13.9 on the water index.

Ideal for Safety-Conscious Rural Living

Wheeler County is an excellent fit for families prioritizing safety and low environmental risk. The $67,964 median income provides a comfortable lifestyle in a region that outperforms most of Texas.

Score breakdown

Tax15.3Cost58.4Safety87.9Health11.4Schools54.2Income61.8Risk58.7Water13.9Weather53.2
🏛15.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤11.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨25.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.8
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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Deep Dives

Wheeler County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wheeler County

via TaxByCounty

Wheeler's rate rivals national medians

Wheeler County's effective tax rate of 1.446% exceeds the national median of 1.1% by about one-third, placing it in the top 35% of U.S. counties by tax burden. However, the median property tax of just $1,411 is substantially below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Wheeler's lower property values.

Above Texas average, below peer medians

Wheeler's 1.446% effective rate exceeds the Texas state average of 1.276% by a solid margin, landing it in the upper third statewide. The median property tax of $1,411 falls well below the state median of $2,193, the lowest median tax in this eight-county group.

Mid-range rate, lowest absolute tax

Wheeler County's 1.446% rate falls between Wharton (1.505%) and Victoria (1.488%), but its median property tax of $1,411 is the lowest among these eight counties, reflecting much lower home values. Only Ward County offers a comparable absolute savings.

A $97,600 home costs $1,411 yearly

The median Wheeler County homeowner pays only about $1,411 annually on a home valued at $97,600—the lowest median tax here despite an above-average rate. With a mortgage, expect roughly $2,602 withheld; without one, approximately $1,187.

Lower values mean smaller appeal savings

While Wheeler County's modest median tax bill means less money is immediately at stake, homeowners with properties above the county median should still verify assessments. Even small percentage reductions can yield meaningful savings on future tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wheeler County

via CostByCounty

Wheeler's Housing Stays Affordable

Wheeler County renters spend 17.6% of their income on housing—well below the national affordability sweet spot and nearly a full point better than Texas's average of 18.1%. At $995 monthly rent against a $67,964 median household income, Wheeler offers more breathing room than most American counties.

Middle Ground in Texas Rankings

Wheeler ranks in the middle tier of Texas affordability, outperforming nearly half the state's counties while trailing more prosperous urban centers. The county's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio places it solidly in the affordable camp compared to Texas's 18.1% state average.

Competitive With the Panhandle

Wheeler's $995 monthly rent exceeds the Texas state average of $963 by just $32, making it comparable to nearby Panhandle communities. Homeownership here is cheaper than renting—a $568 monthly mortgage payment versus that $995 rent—giving buyers a genuine advantage.

Renters Pay 17.6%, Owners Much Less

For renters, $995 monthly rent consumes 17.6% of the typical $67,964 household income, leaving adequate funds for other expenses. Homeowners fare better: their $568 monthly payment represents just 10% of income, with median homes valued at $97,600.

Affordable Living With Rural Character

If you're seeking lower housing costs without sacrificing affordability, Wheeler County delivers—rents are reasonable and home prices hover near $98,000. The county's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio beats the national norm, making it worth a closer look for budget-conscious relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wheeler County

via IncomeByCounty

Wheeler punches above its rural weight

Wheeler County's median household income of $67,964 is nearly $7,000 below the national median of $74,755. Yet for a sparsely populated panhandle county, this income level reflects competitive earning power in its region.

Exceeds Texas state average income

Wheeler's $67,964 median household income outpaces the Texas state average of $64,737 by more than $3,200. This places Wheeler in the top tier of rural Texas counties by income, despite its small population.

Strongest earners in the panhandle

Wheeler County leads Wharton County ($66,100) and Wilbarger County ($51,626) in median household income. The county's agricultural and energy sectors drive competitive wages relative to other sparsely settled Texas plains communities.

Low housing costs mean strong affordability

Wheeler's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% ranks among the best in the state, well below the 30% affordability benchmark. The median home value of just $97,600 makes property ownership highly accessible for households earning the county median.

Low rents free up savings potential

With housing consuming less than 18% of household income, Wheeler residents have genuine room to build emergency funds and invest. The county's affordable property market also presents opportunities for savvy investors seeking real estate wealth-building strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wheeler County

via CrimeByCounty

Wheeler County Ranks High for Safety

Wheeler County reports an exceptionally low total crime rate of 261.0 per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This gives the county a nearly perfect safety score of 99.6.

One of the Safest in Texas

With a safety score of 99.6, Wheeler significantly outperforms the Texas state average of 96.8. It ranks as one of the most secure regions in the state.

Low Crime Compared to State Trends

The county’s crime rate of 261.0 is roughly 87% lower than the Texas state average of 2,052.5. Two reporting agencies maintain this high level of public safety for the community.

Evaluating Low Incident Rates

Violent crime is rare at just 100.4 per 100,000, while property crime is also low at 160.6. These figures represent some of the lowest crime risks in the United States.

Keep Wheeler County Safe

High safety scores are a great asset, but home security awareness prevents those numbers from rising. Simple habits like locking windows and installing a smart doorbell can maintain the peace.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wheeler County

via HealthByCounty

Wheeler faces significant longevity gap

At 71.3 years, Wheeler County residents live roughly 8 years less than the U.S. average of 79.3 years, placing the county among the nation's lowest life expectancy zones. Nearly one in four adults (23.6%) report poor or fair health, nearly matching the national rate of 21%.

Texas's shortest life expectancy county

Wheeler County's 71.3-year life expectancy is the lowest in Texas, trailing the state average of 74.3 years by 3 years. This dramatic gap signals deep health system challenges and population health risks that demand immediate attention.

Among the region's most struggling counties

Wheeler County (71.3 years) ranks lowest among its peers, including Wharton (73.7), Wichita (73.0), and Wilbarger (71.4) counties. Only Winkler County (71.2) comes close, and both face similar rural healthcare constraints and aging populations.

High uninsured rate, sparse primary care

Wheeler County has the highest uninsured rate in this group at 25.7%—nearly 6 percentage points above the state average of 19.8%—while primary care providers number just 20 per 100,000 residents. Mental health providers are relatively available at 83 per 100,000, but gaps in primary and preventive care leave many without routine healthcare access.

Insurance is a first step to better health

With one in four residents uninsured, Wheeler County residents can't afford to delay—visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to compare plans and find subsidies. Local health centers and county offices also offer free enrollment help to get coverage in place.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wheeler County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning Across Four Districts

Wheeler County operates a modest educational infrastructure with six total public schools serving 1,053 students. The system includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, supplemented by three multi-level campuses. Four distinct school districts manage these facilities to serve the local community.

Solid Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county maintains an 87.3% graduation rate, which slightly exceeds the national average of 87.0%. While the $8,531 per-pupil expenditure sits below the $13,000 national benchmark, it remains higher than the Texas state average of $7,498. The county earns a composite school score of 55.4, aligning closely with the state average of 55.3.

Shamrock ISD Leads Local Enrollment

Shamrock ISD stands as the largest provider in the area, managing three schools and 360 students. Other notable districts include Fort Elliott CISD and Kelton ISD, which serve 153 students each. Traditional public schools represent 100% of the county's offerings, as there are no charter schools currently operating here.

A Purely Rural Educational Environment

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a consistent and intimate learning environment with an average size of just 176 students. Wheeler School is the largest campus with 387 students, while Shamrock High School is the smallest with 111 students. Attending school here means being part of a tight-knit community where every student is known.

Quiet Living Near Personal Schools

Families seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle will find that Wheeler County offers an education system where small class sizes are the standard. The area's graduation rates match national trends while providing a level of individual attention rarely found in larger cities. Explore local real estate to find a home within these close-knit school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wheeler County

via RiskByCounty

Wheeler County faces below-average risk

With a composite risk score of 41.28, Wheeler County is rated "Very Low" and sits well below the national average for natural disaster exposure. This lower-risk profile reflects a more favorable position for most of the county, though specific hazards demand attention.

Among Texas's safest counties

Wheeler County's score of 41.28 places it in the lower half of Texas counties, below the state average of 49.00. It ranks among the state's lower-risk areas overall.

Significantly safer than surrounding counties

Wheeler County's low risk contrasts sharply with neighbors like Wichita County (81.90) and Wilbarger County (46.09). Its relatively low flood and hurricane exposure set it apart from riskier Panhandle and northern Texas counties.

Wildfire emerges as primary concern

Wheeler County's wildfire risk of 94.34 is exceptionally high and dominates its hazard profile, despite overall low composite risk. Tornado risk of 59.16 presents a secondary threat, while flood and hurricane risks remain minimal.

Prepare for wildfire season carefully

While Wheeler County's overall risk is low, wildfire preparation is critical—clear defensible space around your home and ensure comprehensive coverage for wildfire damage. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers fire, but verify your policy includes wildland-urban interface fire protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wheeler County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Peaks in the Panhandle

Wheeler County's 58.7°F average is much closer to the national median than most of Texas. It experiences a more temperate climate with distinct seasonal shifts and significant snowfall.

Cooler Than the Texas Average

At 58.7°F, Wheeler is significantly cooler than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It represents the chillier northern Panhandle, standing in sharp contrast to the state's southern heat.

More Snow Than Most Texans

This county receives 6.6 inches of snow annually, which is rare for the state. While its 23.3 inches of rain is below the state average, it is one of the snowiest regions in Texas.

Cold Winters and Moderate Summers

Winters are cold, averaging 38.7°F, while summers are relatively mild with only 82 days over 90°F. The county sees a July average of 80.7°F, which is lower than many of its southern neighbors.

Winterize for Cold and Snow

Residents need heavy winter coats and insulated pipes to handle the 38.7°F winter lows and 6.6 inches of snow. Homeowners should service both heating and cooling systems to manage the wide 40-degree swing between seasons.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wheeler County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the Panhandle

Wheeler County’s soil has an average pH of 7.23, which is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This measurement is very close to the Texas state average of 7.09. The county’s soil score of 25.8 is slightly lower than the state average of 28.8.

Sandy and Silty Composition

The soil contains 51.2% sand, 29.1% silt, and only 16.4% clay. This low clay percentage means the soil is less likely to become heavy and sticky but may struggle to retain minerals. The high silt content helps provide some of the necessary structure for dryland farming.

Moderate Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter is somewhat low at 1.22%, trailing the Texas average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.134 in/in is almost exactly on par with the state average. This suggests that while nutrients are lean, the soil can hold moisture reasonably well for the region.

Slow Infiltration in Group D Soils

The county is dominated by Hydrologic Group D soils, which are prone to high runoff when saturated. In the Panhandle climate, this means water can be lost quickly during heavy storms rather than soaking into the ground. Mulching is highly recommended to help capture and retain that precious rainfall.

Cold-Hardy Gardening in Zone 7a

Wheeler County is in Hardiness Zone 7a, meaning it faces much colder winters than South Texas counties. Focus on hardy crops like kale, carrots, and apples that can handle the occasional deep freeze. With a little organic compost, your Panhandle garden can be incredibly productive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wheeler County

via LawnByCounty

Cooler Conditions in the Panhandle

Wheeler County scores a 40.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the easier places in Texas to grow grass compared to the state average of 31.7. Situated in USDA Zone 7a, the environment is less taxing than the scorching southern counties. However, it still falls short of the national 50.0 median due to limited moisture.

Dry Air and Moderate Summers

Annual precipitation is low at 23.3 inches, which is nearly 10 inches below the state average. While the county sees only 82 extreme heat days—fewer than the Texas average of 105—the 4,634 growing degree days indicate a shorter, more concentrated growing window. Homeowners must rely on supplemental irrigation to bridge the gap during dry months.

Sandy Soils with Alkaline Leaning

The soil pH of 7.23 is slightly alkaline, sitting just above the ideal 7.0 threshold for some grass types. With a high sand content of 51.2% and low clay at 16.4%, the ground drains quickly but may struggle to hold onto nutrients. Periodic organic top-dressing can help improve moisture retention in this porous earth.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Spells

The entire county is currently flagged as abnormally dry, having faced 19 weeks of drought over the last year. Because current conditions lack severe drought levels, proactive conservation like early morning watering can prevent stress. Focus on maintaining a higher mowing height to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Planting for Resilience and Cold

Buffalo grass and fine fescues are excellent choices for the cooler winters and dry summers of Zone 7a. Plan your seeding projects after the final spring frost on April 9 to ensure young shoots aren't stunted by a late freeze. With the first frost arriving by October 30, your window for autumn prep is shorter than in most of Texas.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wheeler County's county score?
Wheeler County, Texas has a composite county score of 48.8 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 Wheeler County rank among counties in Texas?
Wheeler County ranks #73 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 Wheeler County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Wheeler County is $1,411, with an effective tax rate of 1.45%. This earns Wheeler County a tax score of 15.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wheeler County?
The median household income in Wheeler County, Texas is $67,964 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wheeler County earns an income score of 61.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wheeler County, Texas a good place to live?
Wheeler County scores 48.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Wheeler 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 Wheeler 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.