countyscore
44.4
County Score
Safety 89.1Schools 62Water Quality 59.6

County Report Card

About Wichita County, Texas

Wichita County Below National Benchmarks

Wichita County posts a composite score of 44.2, trailing the national median of 50.0. While competitive in some areas, it remains in the lower half of counties nationally.

Outpacing the Texas Average

The county's composite score of 44.2 exceeds the Texas state average of 41.9. It offers a balanced profile compared to its neighbors in the North Texas region.

A Leader in Public Safety

Public safety is Wichita County's greatest asset, boasting an elite safety score of 89.1. Local schools also perform well, contributing to a solid school score of 62.0.

Heavy Tax and Environmental Pressures

The tax environment is challenging with a score of 5.7 and an effective rate of 1.766%. Additionally, the county faces significant environmental vulnerability with a risk score of 18.1.

A Secure Hub for Families

This county is perfect for residents who value community safety and strong local schools above all else. Those moving here should prepare for higher tax rates and potential climate-related risks.

204060801007.432.889.124.76244.418.159.639.9Tax7.4Cost32.8Safety89.1Health24.7Schools62Income44.4Risk18.1Water59.6Weather39.944.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Wichita County DNA

Foverall

How Wichita County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Wichita County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (89.1/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (7.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
7.4-44.6
Cost
32.8-15.200000000000003
Safety
89.1+34.099999999999994
Health
24.7-25.3
Schools
62+8
Income
44.4
Risk
18.1-28.9
Water
59.6
Weather
39.9-16.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Wichita County?

Many homeowners in Wichita County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$153,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,006/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$153,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,524/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

40.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Delaware
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Johnson County
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Sullivan County
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Davie County
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Wayne County
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Nearby counties

Cotton County
Oklahoma
39.1
Tillman County
Oklahoma
43.1
Clay County
Texas
40.3
Archer County
Texas
60.8
Wilbarger County
Texas
33.6
Comanche County
Oklahoma
26.4
Baylor County
Texas
57.3
Jefferson County
Oklahoma
48.8

Deep Dives

Wichita County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wichita County

via TaxByCounty

Wichita taxes above the national norm

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wichita County

via IncomeByCounty

Wichita lags national income benchmarks

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wichita County

via CrimeByCounty

Wichita County Sets Safety Benchmarks

Wichita County maintains a remarkable total crime rate of 229.2 per 100,000, which is roughly one-tenth of the national average of 2,385.5. The county achieves an elite safety score of 99.6.

Surpassing Texas Safety Standards

The county’s safety score of 99.6 is well above the Texas state average of 96.8. Wichita stands out as an exceptionally safe place to live compared to most Texas counties.

Wichita Leads Regional Safety Efforts

Twelve reporting agencies collaborate to keep the crime rate at 229.2, far below the Texas average of 2,052.5. This localized effort creates a secure environment for residents.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

The violent crime rate is a mere 46.3 per 100,000, while property crime sits at 182.9. These low numbers mean residents face very little risk of criminal activity in their daily lives.

Proactive Security in Safe Neighborhoods

Even in highly safe areas, home security remains a smart preventative measure. Visible security cameras and automated lighting help ensure that Wichita's crime rates stay among the lowest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wichita County

via WeatherByCounty

North Texas Seasonal Transitions

Wichita County averages 63.7°F, which is about 8 degrees warmer than the national median. It blends southern warmth with the more defined seasons found in the central United States.

A Typical North Texas Profile

The county's 63.7°F annual temperature is slightly below the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Its 28.7 inches of rain also sits just below the state average of 31.9 inches.

Traditional Seasons on the Border

Wichita experiences more traditional seasons than the humid Gulf Coast or the arid West. It sees 2.3 inches of annual snowfall, which is more than most counties in the southern half of the state.

Triple-Digit Potential and Cold Snaps

Summers are intense with 105 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 84.7°F. Winters bring a real chill, with a December to February average of 44.1°F.

Balanced Seasonal Home Planning

Homes require reliable air conditioning for the 105 days of heat and functional heating for the freezing winter spells. Residents should prepare for both summer extremes and the occasional 2.3 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wichita County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in Wichita's Rolling Plains

Wichita County features a near-neutral soil pH of 6.59, closely mirroring the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited for this region, the balanced acidity levels provide a stable foundation for a variety of plant life. This profile is significantly less alkaline than the Texas state average of 7.09.

A Stable Mix of Sand and Silt

The soil is comprised of 34.3% sand and 34.8% silt, with a clay content of 20.7%. This relatively even distribution suggests moderate workability for local farmers. The mix avoids the extreme heaviness of high-clay soils while maintaining enough structure to support crop roots.

Reliable Water Storage Despite Lower Organic Matter

Organic matter sits at 1.30%, which is below the state average of 1.66% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.139 in/in exceeds the Texas average of 0.133 in/in. This allows the ground to hold onto moisture longer during the hot North Texas summers.

Understanding Regional Water Movement

While specific drainage class data is unavailable for the county at large, the soil score of 40.9 suggests a quality level well above the state average of 28.8. Gardeners should monitor local runoff patterns, as the silt and sand ratio typically indicates moderate permeability. Building projects should still include site-specific soil testing for stability.

Growing Success in Zone 8a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, this county is ideal for heat-tolerant vegetables and native grasses. The slightly acidic to neutral pH allows for a wide range of gardening without heavy lime or sulfur amendments. Start your garden with confidence knowing your soil's water capacity is a regional strength.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wichita County

via LawnByCounty

North Texas Lawn Realities

Wichita County carries a lawn difficulty score of 36.2, placing it slightly above the Texas average for ease of maintenance. Located in USDA Zone 8a, the area experiences more intense heat than the Panhandle but remains manageable compared to the coast. It still requires significant effort to match the national median score of 50.0.

Average Heat with Lower Rainfall

The county records 105 extreme heat days annually, hitting the state average exactly. Precipitation remains lean at 28.7 inches, trailing the state average of 31.9 inches and the ideal lawn minimum of 30 inches. These factors create a high-demand environment where 5,873 growing degree days push grass to grow rapidly during summer.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Roots

The soil pH of 6.59 is nearly perfect, falling squarely within the ideal range for high-quality turf. A mix of 34.3% sand and 20.7% clay provides a stable foundation that isn't as prone to compaction as heavier clay regions. This balanced texture allows for efficient nutrient uptake and standard aeration practices.

Managing Sustained Drought Pressure

Current data shows 31.5% of the county is in severe drought, part of a 30-week dry spell over the past year. Water conservation is vital, as the entire county is classified as at least abnormally dry. Installing rain sensors and checking irrigation efficiency can save thousands of gallons during the peak heat months.

Timing Your North Texas Turf

Bermuda and Zoysia are the top performers for Zone 8a, offering the best resistance to the 105 days of triple-digit heat. Your optimal planting window opens after March 26 and closes as the first frost approaches on November 9. Starting early in the spring allows roots to establish before the 5,873 growing degree days of summer kick in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wichita County's county score?
Wichita County, Texas has a composite county score of 44.4 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 Wichita County rank among counties in Texas?
Wichita County ranks #109 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 Wichita County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Wichita County is $2,522, with an effective tax rate of 1.64%. This earns Wichita County a tax score of 7.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wichita County?
The median household income in Wichita County, Texas is $63,524 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wichita County earns an income score of 44.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wichita County, Texas a good place to live?
Wichita County scores 44.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #109 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Wichita 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 Wichita County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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