CountyScore

Yoakum County

Texas · TX

#111 in Texas
63.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Yoakum County, Texas

Yoakum County far exceeds national average

Yoakum County's composite score of 73.5 substantially outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper echelon of American counties. This 23.5-point advantage reflects strong fundamentals in housing costs and tax efficiency that benefit residents considerably. The county ranks among the nation's more livable places based on financial and housing metrics alone.

Ranks among Texas's best counties

With a score of 73.5, Yoakum County tops Texas's state average of 66.8 by a comfortable margin, placing it in the upper quartile of the state's 254 counties. This strong ranking reflects the county's particular ability to deliver affordable housing and favorable taxes simultaneously. Few Texas counties achieve Yoakum's combined performance across cost and tax dimensions.

Outstanding affordability and competitive taxes

Yoakum County's cost score of 81.8 and tax score of 74.7 deliver exceptional financial advantages, with median home values of $183,000 and an effective tax rate of 0.981%. Median rent of $931 per month reinforces the county's accessibility for families on modest budgets. These metrics make Yoakum one of Texas's most financially welcoming counties, especially for those seeking to stretch every dollar.

Middle-tier income levels and data gaps

The income score of 37.1 with a median household income of $82,261 ranks as the county's weakest dimension, suggesting limited high-wage opportunities or career advancement pathways. Critical data on safety, health, schools, environmental factors, and economic risk remain unavailable, leaving important livability questions unanswered. A fuller picture would help prospective residents understand whether income constraints reflect economic structure or growth potential.

Perfect for cost-conscious movers and families

Yoakum County is ideal for families prioritizing affordable housing and minimal taxes over maximum income or urban amenities. The county appeals strongly to retirees, remote workers, and young families seeking financial stability without the cost burdens of higher-priced areas. It's less suited for ambitious professionals in traditional employment seeking rapid career or income growth.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax74.7Cost81.8SafetyComing SoonHealth40.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.1Risk54WaterComing Soon
🏛74.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤40.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡54
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Yoakum County with another county →

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Deep Dives

Yoakum County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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