CountyScore

Wheeler County

Texas · TX

#160 in Texas
61.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Wheeler County, Texas

Strong Performance Above National Median

Wheeler's composite score of 67.4 outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 35%, positioning it solidly in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This demonstrates strong fundamentals across available dimensions.

Tops Texas State Average

At 67.4, Wheeler exceeds Texas's state average of 66.8, ranking it among the stronger counties across the state. The county's slight edge reflects consistent strength in livability metrics.

Exceptional Affordability and Low Taxes

Wheeler leads with a cost score of 81.7 and the state's lowest effective tax rate of 1.446%, making it one of Texas's most tax-friendly counties. Median home values of just $97,600 and rent averaging $995 per month deliver exceptional affordability.

Income Levels Remain Modest

Despite strong cost advantages, Wheeler's income score of 27.8 reflects median household income of $67,964, limiting higher earner appeal. Safety, health, school quality, and environmental data are not yet available.

Rural Seekers Wanting Maximum Affordability

Wheeler is ideal for families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and cheap housing in a quiet, rural setting. The county's strength lies in offering more for less money, making it attractive to cost-conscious movers.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax61.6Cost81.7SafetyComing SoonHealth45.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.8Risk58.7WaterComing Soon
🏛61.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤45.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡58.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Wheeler County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

El Dorado County
California
61.3
Median income: $106,190
Polk County
Florida
61.3
Median income: $63,644
Sarasota County
Florida
61.3
Median income: $80,633
Vermilion County
Illinois
61.3
Median income: $54,537
Sedgwick County
Kansas
61.3
Median income: $67,675

Deep Dives

Wheeler County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.