countyscore
33.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 53.9Schools 51.8Cost of Living 47.5

County Report Card

About Wilbarger County, Texas

Wilbarger County Faces National Gaps

Wilbarger County earns a composite score of 35.2, falling well short of the 50.0 national median. It struggles to match the livability standards of most U.S. counties.

Below the Texas State Median

The county ranks below the Texas average composite score of 41.9. Its score of 35.2 indicates significant hurdles in regional competitiveness.

Affordable Housing and Low Risk

Affordability is a major draw, with a cost score of 51.8 and a median home value of just $98,800. The county also maintains a respectable risk score of 53.9, indicating lower environmental hazards.

Severe Water and Health Deficits

Water infrastructure is a critical weakness with a score of only 4.7. Low scores in health (7.8) and income (17.8) suggest a difficult economic and wellness environment for residents.

Best for Budget-Focused Relocators

Wilbarger County suits individuals looking for extremely low-cost housing who are willing to compromise on infrastructure. Success here requires navigating a landscape of low healthcare access and limited income potential.

204060801008.247.546.97.851.819.653.94.741.7Tax8.2Cost47.5Safety46.9Health7.8Schools51.8Income19.6Risk53.9Water4.7Weather41.733.6/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Wilbarger County DNA

Foverall

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

Wilbarger County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (4.7/100), though Disaster Risk (53.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.2-43.8
Cost
47.5
Safety
46.9-8.100000000000001
Health
7.8-42.2
Schools
51.8
Income
19.6-31.4
Risk
53.9
Water
4.7-53.3
Weather
41.7-14.299999999999997
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Think property taxes are too high in Wilbarger County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$89,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$932/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$89,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,102/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.7

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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Nearby counties

Tillman County
Oklahoma
43.1
Jackson County
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37.9
Hardeman County
Texas
58.7
Foard County
Texas
57.3
Wichita County
Texas
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Baylor County
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57.3
Knox County
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50
Kiowa County
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53.4

Deep Dives

Wilbarger County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wilbarger County

via TaxByCounty

Wilbarger taxes track slightly above average

Wilbarger County's effective tax rate of 1.474% exceeds the national median of 1.27% by about 16%, placing it in the moderate-to-high range nationally. At just $1,456 in median annual taxes, the county sits well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting its lower median home values.

Moderate rate within Texas standings

Wilbarger's 1.474% effective rate is 15% higher than Texas's state average of 1.276%, placing the county slightly above the middle of the pack statewide. The median tax of $1,456 is 34% below the state average of $2,193.

Lower-taxed than Wichita, higher than Winkler

Wilbarger County's rate of 1.474% falls between Wichita County (1.766%) to the east and Winkler County (0.952%) to the south. Within the rural West Texas region, Wilbarger represents a middle ground in tax burden.

Median home costs $1,456 yearly

On a median-value home of $98,800, Wilbarger County homeowners pay approximately $1,456 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related requirements, the total can reach $2,152, still among the lowest in the state.

Verify your assessment for savings

Overassessment affects homeowners across rural Texas, and Wilbarger County residents should verify their property's assessment against recent market sales. Filing a tax protest with the county's appraisal district is free and often results in meaningful reductions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wilbarger County

via IncomeByCounty

Wilbarger faces significant income challenges

Wilbarger County's median household income of $51,626 falls roughly $23,100 short of the national median of $74,755. This substantial gap reflects economic pressures facing isolated rural counties across the Texas panhandle.

Well below Texas state average

At $51,626, Wilbarger's median household income trails the Texas state average of $64,737 by more than $13,100. The county ranks among the lowest-income counties in Texas, indicating structural economic challenges.

The lowest earner in its peer group

Wilbarger's $51,626 median income significantly lags Wheeler County ($67,964), Wharton County ($66,100), and Wichita County ($62,168). Only Willacy County ($45,645) earns less among the eight counties profiled here.

Housing pressure from low incomes

Wilbarger's rent-to-income ratio of 20.0% is the highest in this comparison, meaning households spend one-fifth of earnings on housing alone. The median home value of $98,800 is affordable in absolute terms, but represents a larger burden on limited household earnings.

Focus on skills and opportunity seeking

Wilbarger residents should prioritize education, training, and job search strategies to access higher-wage employment. Even modest income gains of $5,000–10,000 annually can meaningfully expand saving capacity and long-term wealth potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wilbarger County

via CrimeByCounty

Wilbarger County is Safer Than Average

Wilbarger County reports a total crime rate of 1195.7 per 100,000, roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a strong safety score of 98.1.

Ranking Above the Texas Average

With a safety score of 98.1, Wilbarger outperforms the Texas state average of 96.8. It ranks favorably among counties providing a more secure environment for its citizens.

Crime Trends Below State Levels

Wilbarger’s crime rate is about 42% lower than the Texas average of 2,052.5 per 100,000. Four reporting agencies actively monitor and manage safety across the county.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crime occurs at a rate of 875.3 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 320.4. While property crime is quite low, violent crime is closer to the national average of 369.8.

Smart Security for Wilbarger Homes

Reducing property crime starts with good visibility and secure perimeters. Installing motion-activated lights and checking window locks can further lower the risk of local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wilbarger County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Drier than Median

Wilbarger County features a 63.4°F average temperature, keeping it warmer than the U.S. median. The annual precipitation of 28.4 inches marks it as a semi-arid region compared to the national average.

Slightly Cooler Than State Norms

This county ranks slightly cooler than the state average of 65.5°F. It belongs to the North Texas belt where temperatures are more moderate than the tropical southern counties.

Semi-Arid North Texas Border

Wilbarger's 28.4 inches of rain is just under the state average of 31.9 inches. Its climate closely mirrors neighboring Wichita County, though it sees slightly fewer extreme heat days at 102 per year.

Hot Summers and Chilly Winters

July averages a hot 84.9°F, and residents endure 102 days of temperatures at 90°F or above. Winters are cool, averaging 43.3°F with a modest 1.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Wide Temperature Swings

Maintaining efficient cooling systems is a priority for the 102 days of extreme heat. Because winter temperatures average 43.3°F, residents should also prepare for occasional hard freezes by insulating outdoor pipes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wilbarger County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Alfisols of the Red River Valley

Wilbarger County is dominated by Alfisols, which are typically fertile soils often found under forests or grasslands. The average pH of 7.30 is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and slightly higher than the Texas average. These clay loam soils provide a robust, if somewhat basic, environment for agriculture.

The Texture of Clay Loam

The soil composition is 48.8% sand, 26.4% silt, and 20.9% clay, creating a classic clay loam texture. This mix offers a good balance between the drainage of sand and the nutrient retention of clay. Farmers find these soils manageable, though they require careful timing to avoid compaction when wet.

Thirsty Soils with Low Organic Content

Organic matter in Wilbarger is 1.03%, significantly lower than the Texas average of 1.66%. Despite low organic levels, the available water capacity matches the Wichita neighbor at 0.139 in/in, surpassing the state benchmark. This capacity is vital for sustaining crops in a region prone to dry spells.

Well-Drained Ground with Hydrologic Group C

The land is classified as well-drained, which is excellent for preventing root rot in sensitive plants. It belongs to Hydrologic Group C, indicating a somewhat slow infiltration rate when the soil is thoroughly wet. This combination makes it suitable for both grazing and cultivated crops.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 8a

In Zone 8a, your garden will thrive with plants like okra, peppers, and native wildflowers that handle alkaline conditions. Because the soil score is 25.3, just below the state average, adding compost can help improve the low organic matter. Your well-drained soil is a great asset for avoiding drainage issues in the backyard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wilbarger County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Landscapes in Wilbarger

Wilbarger County is one of the more difficult places for lawns, with a score of 27.8 compared to the national average of 50.0. The USDA Zone 8a climate presents significant hurdles for traditional turf. Homeowners must work harder than the average Texan to maintain a green space here.

High Evaporation and Lean Rain

Annual precipitation is just 28.4 inches, falling below the 30-inch threshold needed for healthy lawns. With 102 extreme heat days and 5,840 growing degree days, the environment dries out turf quickly. This combination necessitates a strict irrigation schedule to prevent grass from entering premature dormancy.

Tackling Alkaline Clay Loam

The soil is a well-drained clay loam with a pH of 7.30, which is slightly more alkaline than most grasses prefer. While 48.8% sand helps with drainage, the 20.9% clay content can still lead to surface crusting in high heat. Adding sulfur or organic compost can help lower the pH and improve the soil's nutrient availability.

Severe Drought Affects Entire County

The county is currently 100% covered by severe drought conditions, following 30 weeks of water scarcity this past year. Conservation is no longer optional; it is a necessity for lawn survival. Focus on targeted watering and avoid fertilizing during peak drought to prevent chemical burn on stressed blades.

Resilient Grasses for Hard Ground

TifTuf Bermuda or Buffalo grass are the best bets for handling the local clay loam and severe drought. Aim to plant after the last frost on March 27 to take advantage of the spring growing window. Ensure your lawn is well-prepared before the November 9 frost date to survive the coming winter dormancy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wilbarger County's county score?
Wilbarger County, Texas has a composite county score of 33.6 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 Wilbarger County rank among counties in Texas?
Wilbarger County ranks #191 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 Wilbarger County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Wilbarger County is $1,432, with an effective tax rate of 1.60%. This earns Wilbarger County a tax score of 8.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wilbarger County?
The median household income in Wilbarger County, Texas is $54,102 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wilbarger County earns an income score of 19.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wilbarger County, Texas a good place to live?
Wilbarger County scores 33.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #191 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Wilbarger 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 Wilbarger 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.