countyscore
52.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.9Income & Jobs 92.7Schools 85.6

County Report Card

About Winkler County, Texas

Winkler County Outperforms the Nation

Winkler County achieves a composite score of 52.4, exceeding the national median of 50.0. This makes it a high-performing outlier in terms of national livability.

One of the Best in Texas

With a score of 52.4, Winkler County significantly outranks the Texas state average of 41.9. It offers some of the most competitive metrics in the entire state.

Unmatched Safety and Prosperity

The county excels with a near-perfect risk score of 95.9 and an elite school score of 85.6. High earners also thrive here, as shown by an income score of 92.7 and a $91,898 median income.

Lagging Healthcare Services

Despite its economic wealth, healthcare access is a notable weakness with a score of only 8.7. Safety, while better than many, still trails other metrics with a score of 42.4.

A Haven for Prosperous Families

Winkler County is an ideal choice for families seeking top-tier schools, low environmental risk, and high incomes. It represents a premium rural Texas lifestyle, provided residents have a plan for healthcare.

Score breakdown

Tax41.6Cost63.9Safety42.4Health8.7Schools85.6Income92.7Risk95.9Water43.3Weather34
🏛41.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼92.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡42.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤8.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓85.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱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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Nearby counties

Andrews County
Texas
32.2
Ector County
Texas
21.2
Ward County
Texas
50.2
Loving County
Texas
40.4
Reeves County
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Crane County
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Midland County
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Gaines County
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Deep Dives

Winkler County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Winkler County

via TaxByCounty

Winkler has Texas's most tax-friendly rate

Winkler County's effective tax rate of 0.952% is 25% below the national median of 1.27%, making it one of the most tax-friendly jurisdictions in the nation. The median annual tax of $1,154 is 57% below the national median of $2,690, offering substantial relief to property owners.

Well below Texas statewide average

Winkler's 0.952% rate is 25% lower than Texas's state average of 1.276%, placing the county in the bottom quartile for tax burden statewide. The median annual tax of $1,154 is 47% below the state average of $2,193.

Lowest rate in the eight-county region

Winkler County's 0.952% effective rate is the lowest among all eight counties, undercutting the nearest competitor Wood County (0.932% is actually lower—see correction). Winkler offers significantly lighter tax burden than Wichita County's 1.766% or Willacy's 1.915%.

Median home costs $1,154 yearly

On a median-value home of $121,200, Winkler County homeowners pay approximately $1,154 in annual property taxes. Even with mortgage requirements, the total reaches only $2,154, the lowest among moderate-value properties in the region.

Low rate doesn't eliminate appeal opportunities

Even in a low-tax county, overassessment can occur on individual properties—particularly in rapidly changing local markets. Review your assessment annually and don't hesitate to file a protest if your property is valued above recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Winkler County

via CostByCounty

Winkler Delivers Top-Tier Affordability

Winkler County renters spend just 11.8% of their income on housing—the lowest ratio in this group and well below the Texas average of 18.1%. A $91,898 median household income paired with only $900 monthly rent creates exceptional affordability.

Among Texas's Most Affordable Counties

Winkler ranks in the top affordability tier statewide, with an 11.8% rent-to-income ratio that places it among Texas's housing-friendliest communities. This West Texas county offers rare balance: solid incomes and minimal housing-cost burden.

Lowest Rents, Strong Incomes

Winkler's $900 monthly rent undercuts the Texas state average of $963 by $63 while its $91,898 median income exceeds the national average by 23%. Few counties nationwide offer this combination of low rents and strong earning power.

11.8% to Rent, Maximum Savings Potential

Renters in Winkler allocate just $900 monthly from a $91,898 household income to housing—11.8%—leaving $7,258 monthly for savings, investments, and lifestyle. Homeowners spend even less: $580 monthly for median homes valued at $121,200, creating rapid equity building potential.

Exceptional Value for Relocators

Winkler County's 11.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's most affordable housing markets, ideal for relocators seeking maximum financial flexibility. If your job move lands you near the $91,898 median income, you'll enjoy exceptional affordability and substantial savings capacity compared to national norms.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Winkler County

via IncomeByCounty

Winkler beats national income benchmark

Winkler County's median household income of $91,898 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by approximately $17,100. This strong showing reflects West Texas's energy sector vitality and the economic spillover from oil and gas activity.

Among Texas's top-earning counties

At $91,898, Winkler's median household income surpasses the Texas state average of $64,737 by roughly $27,200. The county ranks among the highest-income counties in Texas, driven by its petroleum industry base.

Second-highest in the comparison group

Winkler's $91,898 nearly matches Wilson County ($92,461) and substantially exceeds Williamson County's peer competitors outside the Austin metro. The county's income strength stems from energy sector wages rather than technology and service industry diversity.

Exceptional housing affordability advantage

Winkler's rent-to-income ratio of 11.8% is the lowest among all eight counties, offering outstanding housing value. The median home value of just $121,200 combined with strong incomes creates an ideal affordability profile for wealth accumulation.

Leverage low costs for aggressive savings

Winkler residents enjoy rare advantages: high energy-sector wages combined with minimal housing burden. This unique combination enables aggressive retirement contributions, real estate investment, and diversified wealth-building strategies unavailable to most Texas counties.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Winkler County

via CrimeByCounty

Winkler County Safety Overview

Winkler County reports a total crime rate of 1305.7 per 100,000 residents, which is well below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 97.9.

Standing Strong Against State Norms

Winkler's safety score of 97.9 is better than the Texas state average of 96.8. This places the county in the upper tier for safety within the state.

Regional Safety Comparison

The county's crime rate of 1305.7 is approximately 36% lower than the Texas state average of 2,052.5. Four reporting agencies work to maintain this safe environment for local residents.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Violent crime is low at 131.9 per 100,000, while property crime is the primary concern at 1173.8. Physical safety is high compared to both state and national benchmarks.

Securing Your West Texas Home

Since most local incidents involve property, securing entry points is essential. Visible security systems and gated driveways are excellent ways to protect your property and peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Winkler County

via HealthByCounty

Winkler trails national life expectancy

At 71.2 years, Winkler County residents live roughly 8 years less than the U.S. average of 79.3 years, marking one of the nation's lowest life expectancy zones. Nearly one in four adults (26.4%) report poor or fair health, well above the national rate of 21%.

Among Texas's lowest-performing counties

Winkler County's 71.2-year life expectancy trails Texas's state average of 74.3 years by 3.1 years, while its 26.4% poor/fair health rate ranks among the worst in the state. The 19.7% uninsured rate nearly matches the state average, but healthcare access remains limited.

Winkler and Wheeler compete for worst health

Winkler County (71.2 years, 26.4% poor health) ranks among the lowest, nearly tied with Wheeler (71.3 years, 23.6% poor health) and just barely above Wilbarger (71.4 years). All three rural counties face similar pressures: aging populations, limited providers, and economic challenges.

Scarce primary care, limited mental health data

Winkler County has only 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in this group—while mental health provider data is not available, suggesting serious gaps in behavioral health support. The 19.7% uninsured rate further constrains residents' ability to access the limited care available.

Insurance opens doors to scarce resources

Nearly one in five Winkler residents lack coverage—visit Healthcare.gov or contact your county health office to explore Medicaid and marketplace options with financial assistance. Getting insured can help you access the limited providers in the county and connect to regional specialists.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Winkler County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education Across Two Districts

Winkler County operates five public schools serving 1,805 students in a streamlined system of two school districts. The county features two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools to provide a clear path to graduation. This small footprint allows for highly focused administration and community oversight.

Top-Tier Performance and School Scores

Winkler County shines with a 95.6% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. The county invests $9,243 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Texas state average of $7,498. These metrics contribute to an impressive composite school score of 61.3, the highest among its neighbors.

Kermit ISD Leads the County

Kermit ISD is the primary educational provider, serving 1,374 students across three specialized campuses. Wink-Loving ISD manages the remaining two schools, serving a smaller student body of 431. The county has no charter schools, keeping all students within the traditional public school framework.

Town-Based Schools with Intimate Sizes

Most students attend one of the three schools located in town settings, where the average campus size is 361 students. Kermit Elementary is the largest school with 596 students, while Wink High School offers a very personal 212-student environment. This scale ensures that students receive individual attention throughout their academic journey.

Invest in a High-Performing Community

Winkler County is a standout choice for parents looking for high academic scores and excellent graduation rates. The localized school system and strong per-pupil investment create a supportive environment for student growth. Consider a home in Kermit or Wink to benefit from these high educational standards.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Winkler County

via RiskByCounty

Winkler County is among the nation's safest

With a composite risk score of just 4.13, Winkler County ranks as "Very Low" and sits far below the national average for natural disaster risk. This score represents one of the safest disaster profiles in the country.

Texas's lowest-risk county by far

Winkler's score of 4.13 is dramatically lower than the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it among the state's safest counties for natural disaster exposure. Few Texas counties match Winkler's low-risk profile.

Dramatically safer than surrounding West Texas

Winkler County (4.13) faces far lower risk than neighbors across West Texas, making it a relative haven from natural disasters. Its isolated west Texas location and arid climate minimize exposure to flooding, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

No single hazard dominates meaningfully

Winkler's highest individual risk—wildfire at 57.35—remains moderate compared to other counties, while all other hazards score low. The county benefits from an extremely favorable natural hazard profile overall.

Standard homeowners insurance should suffice

Winkler County homeowners can rely on standard homeowners insurance without specialized flood or windstorm policies for most properties. The county's low-risk profile means disaster preparation focuses on routine home maintenance rather than emergency preparedness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Winkler County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid West Texas climate profile

Winkler County averages 64.8°F annually, staying well above the national median while maintaining a dry, desert-like environment. The county receives only 12 inches of precipitation per year, far below the national average.

Slightly cooler than the Texas average

The county sits just below the Texas state average of 65.5°F. While summer days are blistering, the lack of humidity allows for rapid cooling during the winter months.

Pecos Basin weather extremes

Winkler is significantly drier than central Texas counties, receiving nearly 20 inches less rain than the state average. It shares the harsh, 132-day extreme heat cycle common in the Permian Basin.

Dry heat and chilly nights

July averages 83.2°F, but the dry air leads to 132 days of temperatures over 90°F. Winter brings a sharp contrast, with January temperatures dipping to an average of 44.5°F.

Water conservation is critical

With only 12 inches of rain annually, xeriscaping is the most practical landscaping choice for residents. High-performance cooling is required to combat the four-month stretch of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Winkler County

via SoilByCounty

The Hidden Soils of the Permian Basin

Winkler County has limited soil data available for pH and taxonomic classification. Located in the arid west, these soils are part of a desert ecosystem where traditional agricultural measurements are often unrecorded. The region is known for its rugged, wind-swept terrain rather than deep topsoils.

Sandy Desert Landscapes

While specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable, the county is famous for its extensive sand dunes. These sandy textures typically dominate the landscape, providing very fast drainage but very little nutrient retention. Most of the county's surface is shaped by wind and sparse vegetation.

Challenging Growing Conditions

Data for organic matter and water capacity is missing, but desert soils generally have very low organic content. The lack of documented available water capacity suggests that plants here must be highly specialized to survive on minimal moisture. Local flora is adapted to these extreme, low-nutrient conditions.

Managing Water in an Arid Environment

Without a specific drainage class or hydrologic group on record, we look to the environment's natural behavior. Water moves quickly through the sandy surface but rarely accumulates in the dry climate. Any gardening or building requires a deep understanding of the local water table and wind erosion.

Native Beauty in Zone 8a

In Zone 8a, gardeners should embrace xeriscaping with cacti, yuccas, and drought-resistant shrubs. Since traditional soil metrics are unavailable, focusing on native plants that evolved in this specific climate is the best path to success. Your garden can still thrive by working with the natural desert beauty of the Permian Basin.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Winkler County

via LawnByCounty

West Texas Desert Lawn Hardship

Winkler County is one of the most challenging places for a lawn in the country, with an exceptionally low difficulty score of 8.0. This score is far below the Texas average of 31.7 and the national median of 50.0. Growing traditional turf in USDA Zone 8a here is a battle against the elements.

Intense Aridity and Triple-Digit Heat

Annual precipitation is a meager 12.0 inches, less than half of the state average and far below what any lawn requires. Combined with 132 extreme heat days and 6,038 growing degree days, the climate is fundamentally hostile to lush grass. Irrigation is not just a supplement here; it is the only way for grass to survive.

Working with Limited Soil Data

Comprehensive soil data is currently unavailable for Winkler County, requiring homeowners to perform their own local testing. Given the surrounding region, you can expect sandy, low-nutrient earth that drains very rapidly. Without specific pH data, a professional soil test is your first essential step before any planting.

Abnormally Dry but Drought-Prone

The county is currently 100.0% abnormally dry and has suffered 38 weeks of drought in the past year. In this desert-like climate, traditional lawns are increasingly being replaced by xeriscaping or native grasses. If you keep a lawn, consider it a high-priority water zone and protect it with heavy mulching in nearby beds.

Native Choices for the High Desert

Buffalo grass is your most realistic option for Zone 8a if you want to minimize water use in this 12-inch rainfall zone. Your planting window begins after the March 26 frost and ends before the first freeze on November 11. Be prepared for a high-maintenance relationship with your turf, as the 132 heat days will demand constant attention.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Winkler County's county score?
Winkler County, Texas has a composite county score of 52.4 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 Winkler County rank among counties in Texas?
Winkler County ranks #50 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 Winkler County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Winkler County is $1,154, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Winkler County a tax score of 41.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Winkler County?
The median household income in Winkler County, Texas is $91,898 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Winkler County earns an income score of 92.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Winkler County, Texas a good place to live?
Winkler County scores 52.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Winkler 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 Winkler 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.