countyscore
48.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.5Schools 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.

2040608010040.352.559.57.572.886.5542.955.5Tax40.3Cost52.5Safety59.5Health7.5Schools72.8Income86.5Risk54Water2.9Weather55.548.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Yoakum County DNA

Foverall

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

Yoakum County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (86.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (2.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
40.3-11.700000000000003
Cost
52.5
Safety
59.5
Health
7.5-42.5
Schools
72.8+18.799999999999997
Income
86.5+35.5
Risk
54
Water
2.9-55.1
Weather
55.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Yoakum County?

Many homeowners in Yoakum 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

$182,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$973/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$182,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $84,925/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Deep Dives

Yoakum County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yoakum County's county score?
Yoakum County, Texas has a composite county score of 48.7 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 #72 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 $1,715, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Yoakum County a tax score of 40.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yoakum County?
The median household income in Yoakum County, Texas is $84,925 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yoakum County earns an income score of 86.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yoakum County, Texas a good place to live?
Yoakum County scores 48.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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