Wichita's score of 60.8 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 22%, indicating solid livability fundamentals. The county ranks in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties on available metrics.
2 / 5
Slightly Below Texas Average
At 60.8, Wichita trails Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it in the lower-middle tier among the state's counties. The gap reflects some underperformance on cost and income factors.
3 / 5
Affordable Housing and Accessible Cost
Wichita delivers reasonable affordability with a cost score of 76.1, median home values of $141,600, and rent averaging $972 per month. These figures make the county accessible to working families and moderate-income households.
4 / 5
Higher Taxes and Lower Incomes
The tax score of 52.6 and effective tax rate of 1.766% represent Wichita's highest tax burden among this group, while income score of 24.0 reflects median household income of $62,168. Limited data on safety, health, and schools adds uncertainty.
5 / 5
Working Families Seeking Regional Stability
Wichita suits working families with modest incomes who value decent housing availability over tax advantages. The county offers decent livability for those comfortable with slightly higher tax loads.
Wichita's score of 60.8 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 22%, indicating solid livability fundamentals. The county ranks in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties on available metrics.
Slightly Below Texas Average
At 60.8, Wichita trails Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it in the lower-middle tier among the state's counties. The gap reflects some underperformance on cost and income factors.
Affordable Housing and Accessible Cost
Wichita delivers reasonable affordability with a cost score of 76.1, median home values of $141,600, and rent averaging $972 per month. These figures make the county accessible to working families and moderate-income households.
Higher Taxes and Lower Incomes
The tax score of 52.6 and effective tax rate of 1.766% represent Wichita's highest tax burden among this group, while income score of 24.0 reflects median household income of $62,168. Limited data on safety, health, and schools adds uncertainty.
Working Families Seeking Regional Stability
Wichita suits working families with modest incomes who value decent housing availability over tax advantages. The county offers decent livability for those comfortable with slightly higher tax loads.
Score breakdown
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🏛52.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Wichita County's effective tax rate of 1.766% is 39% higher than the national median of 1.27%, placing the county in the top quartile for property taxes nationwide. The median annual tax here is $2,501, only slightly below the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value that's 50% lower at $141,600.
Among Texas's pricier tax jurisdictions
At 1.766%, Wichita's rate significantly exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276%, ranking the county above 70% of its peers statewide. The median property tax of $2,501 is 14% higher than the state average of $2,193.
Higher than rural West Texas peers
Wichita County's 1.766% rate outpaces neighboring Wilbarger County (1.474%) and Winkler County (0.952%), making it the highest-taxed jurisdiction in its immediate region. Only Willacy County to the south matches Wichita's burden with a 1.915% rate.
Median home costs $2,501 annually
On a median-value home of $141,600, Wichita County homeowners pay approximately $2,501 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, add roughly $478 more due to mortgage-holder insurance requirements, bringing the effective total to $2,979.
Assessment accuracy worth verifying
Many homeowners across Texas—including Wichita County—are overassessed relative to their property's true market value. Requesting a formal appraisal review with your county assessor could reduce your tax bill if your home's assessment exceeds recent comparable sales.
Wichita County renters spend 18.8% of their income on housing, slightly above Texas's 18.1% average and crossing into tighter affordability territory than the national standard. With a $62,168 median household income and $972 monthly rent, the county sits just outside the affordable range that leaves residents breathing room.
Below Average for Affordability in Texas
Wichita ranks below the Texas state average for rent affordability, placing it among the less affordable counties statewide. The 18.8% rent-to-income ratio signals that housing costs here consume more of household budgets than in most comparable Texas communities.
Rents Close to State Median
At $972 monthly, Wichita's rent runs just $9 below the Texas state average, positioning it as an average-cost rental market in the region. However, homeownership carries a heavier burden: the $964 monthly mortgage payment nearly matches the rent, making it nearly identical in cost for buyers and renters alike.
18.8% to Housing, Strained Budgets
Renters in Wichita spend $972 monthly on housing out of a $62,168 annual income—18.8% of their take-home, leaving less flexibility for savings and emergencies. Homeowners face similar pressure with $964 monthly payments, and median home values of $141,600 require substantial down payments.
Consider Neighboring Counties for Relief
If housing affordability is your priority, Wichita's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio suggests comparing nearby options that sit below the state average. The county's tighter housing costs may be worth it if employment or community ties matter more than pure affordability.
Wichita County's median household income of $62,168 sits about $12,600 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This income gap reflects the economic challenges facing smaller metro areas in North Texas.
Below Texas state average earnings
At $62,168, Wichita's median household income falls short of the Texas state average of $64,737 by roughly $2,600. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of Texas counties by household income.
Among the lower-earning regional counties
Wichita's $62,168 trails both Wheeler County ($67,964) to the north and Wharton County ($66,100) to the southeast. It also exceeds only Wilbarger County ($51,626) among its immediate peers in the region.
Housing affordability is tight but viable
Wichita's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% remains below the 30% threshold, though it's higher than neighboring counties. The median home value of $141,600 requires careful budgeting but remains achievable for median-earning households.
Prioritize financial discipline and growth
While Wichita's income leaves less room for savings than wealthier counties, budgeting tools and employer retirement plans become essential wealth-building tools. Seeking higher-wage opportunities or skill development in growing sectors can meaningfully improve long-term financial prospects.
Wichita County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 73.0 years, still 6.3 years below the U.S. average of 79.3 years, but the county's 20.6% poor/fair health rate actually beats the national rate of 21%. This suggests Wichita is managing health outcomes better than many comparable regions.
Above-average healthcare access in Texas
At 73.0 years, Wichita County life expectancy is just 1.3 years below Texas's state average of 74.3 years, placing it in the middle range for the state. The county's uninsured rate of 16.8% is also well below the state average of 19.8%, reflecting stronger economic conditions and employer coverage.
Wichita leads on provider availability
Wichita County boasts 83 primary care providers per 100,000—the highest ratio in this regional cohort—and 221 mental health providers per 100,000, far exceeding neighbors like Wheeler (20 primary care) and Winkler (27 primary care). This robust provider network gives Wichita residents meaningful access advantages.
Strong insurance coverage, adequate providers
With only 16.8% uninsured—among the lowest rates in the region—and 83 primary care providers per 100,000, Wichita County residents have solid healthcare infrastructure. The county's mental health provider density of 221 per 100,000 is exceptional, supporting both acute and preventive care needs.
Keep coverage strong, expand preventive care
While Wichita County's 16.8% uninsured rate is better than the state average, the remaining uninsured should explore marketplace options at Healthcare.gov to access preventive screenings and cost-saving benefits. Maintaining continuous coverage helps residents leverage the county's strong provider network.
Wichita County's composite risk score of 81.90 and "Relatively Moderate" rating indicate significantly higher-than-average natural disaster exposure. This score reflects a county where multiple hazard types converge, demanding serious preparedness.
A top-risk Texas county
At 81.90, Wichita County's risk score nearly doubles the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it among the state's higher-risk areas. The county faces more acute exposure than most Texas communities.
Riskier than surrounding Panhandle counties
Wichita County (81.90) faces notably higher risk than Wheeler County (41.28) and Wilbarger County (46.09) to its north and west. Its score reflects concentrated hazard exposure compared to surrounding Panhandle communities.
Tornadoes, floods, and wildfires converge
Wichita's tornado risk of 92.81 is among the state's highest, while wildfire risk of 92.59 and flood risk of 80.76 create a severe weather trinity. Earthquake risk of 65.52, while less damaging historically, adds a secondary geological concern.
Invest in multiple disaster protections
Wichita County residents need comprehensive homeowners insurance covering wind, hail, and fire, plus a flood insurance policy for flood-prone properties. Consider a safe room or shelter construction if you're in a tornado-prone area, and maintain property hardening measures against severe weather.