countyscore
49.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 86Schools 72.8Safety 59.5

County Report Card

About Yoakum County, Texas

Competitive National Standings for Yoakum County

Yoakum County earns a 49.5 composite score, sitting just a fraction below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a highly resilient rural environment compared to national peers.

Outperforming the Texas State Average Score

The county's 49.5 score easily surpasses the Texas state average of 41.9. It offers a more robust economic and educational profile than many of its neighboring counties.

Robust Incomes and Quality Education Systems

High wages drive the county's success, resulting in an Income Score of 86.0 and an $82,261 median income. The school system also excels with a high score of 72.8.

Overcoming Health and Water Infrastructure Needs

Infrastructure is a critical challenge, with the Water Score bottoming out at 2.9. Health access also remains limited, reflected in a Health Score of only 7.5.

Perfect for Industrial Professionals and Families

This county is best for those in high-wage sectors who want top-tier schools for their children. Prospective residents should plan for limited local healthcare and water resources.

Score breakdown

Tax39.5Cost57.3Safety59.5Health7.5Schools72.8Income86Risk54Water2.9Weather55.5
🏛39.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼86
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤7.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓72.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧2.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨11.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.6
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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Deep Dives

Yoakum County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Yoakum County

via TaxByCounty

Yoakum's tax rate runs well below national norm

At 0.981%, Yoakum County's effective property tax rate sits 23% lower than the national median of 1.276%. This places the county in the bottom quarter nationally for tax burden, offering homeowners meaningful relief compared to most U.S. counties.

Lightly taxed compared to Texas peers

Yoakum ranks in the lowest tier among Texas counties, with an effective rate significantly below the state average of 1.276%. The county's median property tax of $1,795 trails the state average by $398 annually.

Yoakum undercuts Young and Zapata counties

Yoakum's 0.981% rate edges out neighboring Zapata (1.027%) and substantially beats Young County (1.214%). Among West Texas peers, Yoakum delivers some of the lowest property tax burdens in the region.

Median home costs under $1,800 in taxes yearly

A median-valued home in Yoakum County ($183,000) generates roughly $1,795 in annual property taxes. Without mortgage obligations, the typical homeowner pays $1,520 annually—substantially less than the national median home value's tax equivalent.

Challenge your assessment if it seems high

Even in low-tax counties, many properties are overvalued on tax rolls. Homeowners should review their assessments regularly; a successful appeal could reduce your effective tax burden even further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yoakum County

via CostByCounty

Yoakum County Leads on Affordability

Yoakum County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio is among the best in America, well below the national threshold where affordability stress begins. With a median household income of $82,261—10% above the national median—residents here enjoy both strong earnings and low relative housing costs.

Texas's Most Affordable County Profile

At 13.6%, Yoakum County's rent-to-income ratio significantly outperforms Texas's 18.1% state average, putting it in the state's top tier for housing affordability. The county's median rent of $931 is just 3% above the state median, but incomes are 10% higher, creating real breathing room.

Outearns and Underspends on Rent

Yoakum County's $82,261 median income tops neighboring Wood County ($62,524) and Young County ($63,723), while its $931 rent sits between Wood County ($851) and Young County ($849). This combination—highest wages, middle-range rents—makes Yoakum County the affordability winner among rural West Texas peers.

Just 14% Goes to Homeownership Costs

Yoakum County renters spend 13.6% of income on rent, while homeowners allocate roughly 9% to monthly costs of $645, the lowest burden in this five-county group. Combined housing costs average around 23%—well below the recommended 28%, giving households substantial savings capacity.

Premium Affordability in West Texas

Yoakum County delivers the rare combination of strong incomes and low housing costs—perfect if you're seeking rural stability without sacrifice. Median home values of $183,000 paired with that solid $82K income make homeownership genuinely accessible here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yoakum County

via IncomeByCounty

Yoakum County Exceeds National Baseline

Yoakum County's median household income of $82,261 runs about 10% above the national median of $74,755, indicating stronger earnings than most U.S. counties. This advantage reflects an economy generating above-average household income.

Well Above Texas Average

At $82,261, Yoakum County's median income surpasses the Texas state average by $17,524, placing it among the higher-income counties statewide. This premium gives Yoakum County households considerably more financial flexibility than typical Texas families.

Yoakum Leads West Texas Peers

Yoakum County's $82,261 income ranks second in its region, trailing only Wise County ($89,897) but well above Zapata County ($36,527) and Zavala County ($41,887). This regional leadership reflects a stronger local economy and job market.

Excellent Housing Affordability

Yoakum County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this group at 13.6%, meaning households spend barely one-seventh of earnings on rent. With a median home value of $183,000, housing remains particularly affordable relative to local incomes.

Leverage Strong Income for Growth

Yoakum County's $82,261 median income and exceptional housing affordability create an ideal foundation for wealth building. With lower housing cost burdens, residents can direct more income toward investments, retirement savings, and long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Yoakum County

via CrimeByCounty

Yoakum County Leads in National Safety

Yoakum County earns a 98.5 safety score, placing it well above most counties across the country. The total crime rate of 930.5 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Safe Standing Within the Lone Star State

Yoakum County's safety score exceeds the Texas average of 96.8, reinforcing its status as a secure community. Local crime rates are significantly lower than the Texas state average of 2,052.5 per 100,000.

Consistent Safety Across Rural Texas

Yoakum County maintains a total crime rate very similar to Wood County, showing consistent safety in the region. Two local reporting agencies track these figures to provide an accurate look at the community.

Understanding the Local Crime Profile

The county sees a property crime rate of 707.7 and a violent crime rate of 222.8 per 100,000 residents. Property crime remains significantly lower than the national average of 2,015.7.

Simple Steps for Home Security

Maintaining the county’s high safety standards starts with personal property awareness. Installing basic security systems and keeping outdoor areas lit can further reduce the risk of property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Yoakum County

via HealthByCounty

Yoakum County faces serious health challenges

At 72.1 years, Yoakum County residents live 1.4 years shorter lives than the U.S. average of 73.5 years. A concerning 29.8% report poor or fair health—6.4 percentage points worse than the national rate of 23.4%—indicating widespread health struggles.

Ranks among Texas's least healthy counties

Yoakum County's 72.1-year life expectancy falls 2.2 years below the Texas average of 74.3 years, placing it in the state's bottom tier. With 26.6% uninsured—6.8 points above Texas's 19.8% average—Yoakum residents face dual barriers: poor health and limited access to coverage.

Struggling worse than all surrounding counties

Yoakum County's 72.1-year life expectancy is the lowest among its peer group, trailing Wise by 3 years and Wood by 1.5 years. Its 26.6% uninsured rate is also the highest in the region, and primary care providers at 26 per 100K are the scarcest.

Provider shortage compounds coverage crisis

More than 1 in 4 Yoakum County residents—26.6%—lack health insurance, the highest uninsured rate in the region. Compounding this crisis: only 26 primary care doctors per 100K and 40 mental health providers per 100K, leaving residents few places to turn for care.

Immediate action needed on coverage

With 26.6% uninsured, Yoakum County residents face dangerous healthcare gaps—especially given the county's higher rates of poor health. Enrollment assistance is available locally; call 211 Texas or visit Healthcare.gov to connect with plans today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Yoakum County

via SchoolsByCounty

Personalized Learning in Yoakum County

Yoakum County manages seven public schools across two districts, providing a focused educational environment for 1,988 students. The county’s facilities include three elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. This streamlined infrastructure ensures that students receive consistent attention throughout their K-12 journey.

Strong Success Rates with Focused Investment

The county boasts a 95.7% graduation rate, which sits well above the 87.0% national average. Education officials invest $7,596 per pupil, exceeding the state average of $7,498 to maintain a high school score of 57.8. These figures indicate that Yoakum County prioritizes educational quality and successfully prepares its students for post-secondary life.

Denver City ISD Drives Local Education

Denver City ISD is the primary educational force in the county, enrolling 1,557 students across four schools. Plains ISD serves the remainder of the county with three schools and 431 students. There are no charter schools present, leaving public districts to provide 100% of the county's specialized educational services.

Intimate Classrooms and Town Centers

Education here feels personal, with an average school size of just 284 students. Denver City High School is the largest campus with 521 students, while Plains Elementary offers a smaller setting with 203 children. The locale mix is balanced between four town schools and three rural campuses, reflecting the county’s community-centric character.

Join a Community That Values Schools

With some of the highest graduation rates in the region, Yoakum County is an ideal destination for families seeking academic stability. Homes in Denver City and Plains offer close proximity to schools that prioritize per-pupil investment. Start your home search here to give your children the advantage of a high-performing, small-district environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yoakum County

via RiskByCounty

Yoakum County carries low national disaster risk

Yoakum County's composite risk score of 46.06 places it in the relatively low risk category and sits slightly below the national average for natural hazard exposure. The county's risk profile is dominated by wildfire concerns while other hazards remain minimal.

Below Texas average despite wildfire threat

Yoakum County scores 46.06, falling below Texas's state average of 49.00 and ranking among the safer counties in the state. This favorable position holds despite the county's elevated wildfire risk of 86.48, which is offset by very low exposure to earthquakes (13.99) and hurricanes (30.04).

Safest risk profile among West Texas peers

Yoakum County (46.06) ranks as the lowest-risk county in its peer group, significantly outperforming Wise County (58.97) and Wood County (63.23) while comparing closely to Zapata County (31.36) and Young County (36.35). Its advantage stems from very low tornado (34.29), earthquake (13.99), and hurricane (30.04) risks.

Wildfire dominates Yoakum County threats

Wildfire risk at 86.48 is Yoakum County's defining hazard, requiring serious preparedness investment in defensible space and emergency planning. Tornado (34.29), flood (36.35), and hurricane (30.04) risks remain low enough to warrant standard coverage but not specialized planning.

Wildfire insurance and defensible space first

Yoakum County homeowners should prioritize wildfire-specific coverage and maintain at least 30 feet of defensible space around structures by clearing dead vegetation and overhanging branches. Standard homeowners insurance covering tornado and wind damage provides adequate protection for the county's secondary hazards, but verify wildfire exclusions before signing a policy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Yoakum County

via WeatherByCounty

High Plains temperate climate

Yoakum County's average temperature of 60.0°F is much closer to the national median than most of Texas. Situated on the Llano Estacado, it features a semi-arid environment with 17.6 inches of rain.

One of the coolest Texas counties

Yoakum is significantly cooler than the Texas average of 65.5°F due to its high elevation. It experiences only 88 extreme heat days per year, among the lowest counts in the state.

Drier than the state average

The county receives about 14 inches less rain than the average Texas county. It is more prone to snowfall than its southern neighbors, averaging 3.8 inches annually.

Colder winters and manageable summers

Winter is distinct here, with an average temperature of 42.0°F and reliable snowfall. Summer averages stay at 78.0°F, providing relief from the typical Texas heat.

Equip for snow and cold

Unlike most of Texas, Yoakum residents need snow shovels and well-insulated pipes for the 3.8-inch annual snowfall. Home heating is as important as cooling given the 40.3°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Yoakum County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Gravelly Loam in West Texas

With a pH of 7.80, Yoakum’s soil is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the Texas average of 7.09. The landscape is dominated by extremely gravelly loam, though its specific taxonomic classification remains unrecorded in current datasets.

High Sand Content Drives Soil Texture

Sand makes up a heavy 65.0% of the soil profile, balanced by 18.5% silt and 16.5% clay. This high sand percentage provides excellent workability but suggests that nutrients may leach through the soil more quickly than in finer textures.

Challenging Organic Levels for Arid Lands

Organic matter sits at 1.19%, trailing both the state average of 1.66% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.124 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.133, requiring careful irrigation management for crops.

Stable Drainage for Rural Infrastructure

The soil is classified as moderately well drained and falls into hydrologic group B, indicating a moderate infiltration rate. These characteristics offer a reliable foundation for both agricultural operations and local construction projects.

Gardening in the Zone 7b High Plains

Hardiness Zone 7b allows for a variety of heat-tolerant vegetables and native grasses that can handle alkaline conditions. While the overall soil score is a low 11.3, dedicated soil amendments like compost can help a backyard garden thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Yoakum County

via LawnByCounty

High plains and dry conditions challenge growers

A difficulty score of 24.6 places Yoakum County below the state average, reflecting the struggle of growing in Zone 7b. With only 17.6 inches of annual rain, local lawns face significantly drier conditions than the 31.9-inch Texas average. Maintaining green space here requires a dedicated commitment to irrigation.

Arid climate limits the growing season

The county experiences 4742 growing degree days and 88 extreme heat days annually. Because the last spring frost occurs later than average on April 11, the window for establishment is narrower than in other parts of Texas. Watering schedules must be strictly managed to offset the low natural precipitation.

Alkaline gravelly loam requires unique care

The soil pH of 7.80 is higher than the 6.0-7.0 ideal, which can lock up essential nutrients like iron. At 65% sand, the extremely gravelly loam is moderately well-drained but struggles to hold onto water. Incorporating organic matter is vital to improve moisture retention for thirsty turfgrass.

Half the year spent in drought

Lawns have endured 26 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the area currently abnormally dry. Xeriscaping or choosing ultra-drought-tolerant species is the most practical path forward. Deep, infrequent watering is the best way to encourage deep root growth in these harsh conditions.

Buffalo grass is the local champion

Native Buffalo grass or Blue Grama are the most reliable choices for this arid Zone 7b environment. Wait until late April to seed to ensure the ground has warmed sufficiently after the final frost. These native varieties will survive on much less water than traditional Bermuda.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yoakum County's county score?
Yoakum County, Texas has a composite county score of 49.5 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 Yoakum County rank among counties in Texas?
Yoakum County ranks #65 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 Yoakum County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Yoakum County is $1,795, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Yoakum County a tax score of 39.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yoakum County?
The median household income in Yoakum County, Texas is $82,261 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yoakum County earns an income score of 86/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yoakum County, Texas a good place to live?
Yoakum County scores 49.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Yoakum 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 Yoakum County with other counties side by side.

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