CountyScore

Young County

Texas · TX

#99 in Texas
64.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Young County, Texas

Young County surpasses national livability median

Young County's composite score of 69.0 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, positioning it well above the typical U.S. county in financial and housing metrics. This 19-point advantage reflects solid fundamentals in affordability and tax efficiency that benefit residents' purchasing power. The county ranks comfortably among America's more livable communities from a financial perspective.

Scores above Texas state average

At 69.0, Young County edges out Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it in the upper half of the state's 254 counties. This above-average ranking reflects the county's particular strength in housing affordability and reasonable tax burden. While not among Texas's absolute top performers, Young County demonstrates solid livability fundamentals.

Excellent affordability and low tax burden

Young County boasts a cost score of 80.7 with median home values of $165,300 and median rent of just $849 per month, among Texas's lowest. The tax score of 68.1 reflects an effective rate of 1.214%, contributing to residents' strong financial position overall. These twin advantages in housing cost and tax burden make Young County exceptionally accessible for budget-focused families.

Income levels remain below state expectations

The income score of 25.0 and median household income of $63,723 represent the county's primary weakness, lagging considerably behind higher-performing Texas counties. Safety, health, school quality, environmental, and economic risk data are not yet available, creating gaps in understanding the full livability picture. Additional data would help clarify whether modest incomes reflect limited opportunities or match the county's lower cost structure.

Great choice for value-seeking households

Young County suits retirees, remote workers, and families with modest incomes seeking to maximize their financial resources through low housing costs and minimal taxes. The county offers a practical, no-frills approach to affordable living without pretension or high-cost amenities. It appeals less to career-focused professionals or those seeking high-wage employment markets.

Score breakdown

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

Tax68.1Cost80.7SafetyComing SoonHealth51.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome25Risk63.7WaterComing Soon
🏛68.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤51.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡63.7
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 Young County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coconino County
Arizona
64.2
Median income: $69,748
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
64.2
Median income: $87,564
Saline County
Illinois
64.2
Median income: $54,945
Leavenworth County
Kansas
64.2
Median income: $86,906
Jefferson Parish
Louisiana
64.2
Median income: $65,246

Deep Dives

Young County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Young County

via TaxByCounty

Young County taxes align closely with national average

Young County's effective rate of 1.214% sits just 5% below the national median of 1.276%, placing it squarely in the middle tier nationally. The county's tax burden mirrors the typical U.S. experience.

Slightly below Texas's statewide average

Young County's 1.214% effective rate edges just under Texas's 1.276% average. The median tax of $2,006 runs $187 below the state median of $2,193.

Young taxes higher than Yoakum, lower than Zapata

At 1.214%, Young County sits between Yoakum (0.981%) and Zapata (1.027%) in the regional ranking. The county's $2,006 median tax reflects a moderate position among West Texas neighbors.

Median home of $165,300 yields $2,006 annual tax

A typical Young County home valued at $165,300 carries approximately $2,006 in yearly property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay about $2,525 when additional fees are included.

Review assessments to catch overvaluation mistakes

Properties in Young County may be assessed higher than market value. Filing an appeal during the county's designated window could lower your tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Young County

via CostByCounty

Young County Beats the National Housing Crunch

Young County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio undercuts the national housing affordability crisis, where many Americans spend 20%+ of income on rent. At $849 monthly rent against a $63,723 median income, renters here are in significantly better shape than typical U.S. counterparts.

More Affordable Than Most of Texas

Young County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio beats Texas's 18.1% average, positioning the county among the state's more affordable rural markets. Renters pay $114 less per month than the state median, a meaningful difference for working families.

Balanced Market Between County Peers

Young County's $849 rent nearly matches Wood County ($851) and undercuts Yoakum County ($931), while its $63,723 income is similar to Wood County but trails Yoakum County's $82,261. It represents a middle ground for families seeking rural North-Central Texas affordability.

Housing Takes 31% of Young County Budgets

Renters allocate 16% of income to rent, while homeowners spend roughly 15% on monthly costs of $817—the highest owner burden in this group. Combined, housing consumes about 31% of household income, slightly above the 28% comfort zone but reflective of modest incomes in rural areas.

Solid Middle Option in North-Central Texas

Young County offers straightforward rural affordability with reasonable rents and achievable homeownership at median values of $165,300. If you want small-town living without extreme price pressure, compare Young County's $849 rent against neighboring markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Young County

via IncomeByCounty

Young County Below National Standard

Young County's median household income of $63,723 sits about 15% below the national median of $74,755, placing it below the U.S. average. This gap reflects an economy with lower average household earnings than most American counties.

Slightly Below Texas Average

At $63,723, Young County's median income falls just short of the Texas state average of $64,737 by roughly $1,000. This positions Young County as nearly typical for Texas, though slightly lagging statewide norms.

Young County Middle-Ground Position

Young County's $63,723 income places it between Wood County's $62,524 and the higher-earning Yoakum County at $82,261. The county sits solidly in the middle tier of its regional peer group.

Affordable Housing Market

Young County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs manageable, with residents spending about one-sixth of earnings on rent. The median home value of $165,300 makes homeownership particularly achievable in this county.

Maximize Savings on Current Income

With median incomes around $63,700, Young County residents should prioritize building emergency reserves and retirement contributions through automatic savings. Even with moderate income levels, consistent investing over decades can create substantial long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Young County

via HealthByCounty

Young County has the shortest lifespans

At 71.2 years, Young County residents live 2.3 years shorter lives than the U.S. average of 73.5 years—a significant health disadvantage. Though 21.9% report poor or fair health, nearly matching the national rate of 23.4%, the lower life expectancy signals deeper health system challenges.

Last in Texas for life expectancy

Young County ranks among Texas's worst performers on life expectancy at 71.2 years, trailing the state average of 74.3 years by 3.1 years. Its 21.1% uninsured rate is slightly above the Texas average of 19.8%, adding access barriers to an already struggling population.

Longest wait for providers, shortest lives

Young County paradoxically has the most primary care providers (83 per 100K) and mental health providers (83 per 100K) among its peers, yet the shortest life expectancy at 71.2 years—suggesting systemic, not just access, challenges. Despite abundant providers, residents still live 3+ years shorter than Wise County.

More doctors, but deeper health troubles

Young County boasts 83 primary care providers and 83 mental health providers per 100K—triple the regional average—yet its life expectancy remains the lowest in the region. With 21.1% uninsured, residents may struggle affording care even when available.

Healthcare coverage is a vital first step

Young County's 21.1% uninsured rate means thousands lack the financial foundation for consistent healthcare. Even with abundant providers locally, coverage gaps prevent preventive care; enroll at Healthcare.gov or contact local health department assistance programs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Young County

via RiskByCounty

Young County has very low national disaster risk

Young County's composite risk score of 36.35 earns it a very low risk rating, placing it well below the national average for natural hazard exposure. The county's hazard profile is remarkably balanced, with no single threat dominating the overall risk landscape.

Among Texas's safest counties for disasters

Young County scores 36.35, significantly below the Texas state average of 49.00, and ranks among the safest counties in the state for natural disaster exposure. This favorable position reflects the county's distance from major hurricane paths and its low earthquake and flood exposure.

Safest county in its North Texas cluster

Young County (36.35) ranks as the lowest-risk neighbor in its peer group, notably safer than Wise County (58.97), Wood County (63.23), and Yoakum County (46.06). Only Zapata County (31.36) presents lower composite risk in the broader regional comparison.

Wildfire is primary concern in Young County

Wildfire risk at 90.11 is Young County's dominant hazard, requiring proactive defensible space maintenance and property hardening measures. Tornado (49.81) and hurricane (41.93) risks remain moderate and manageable with standard homeowners coverage and emergency preparedness.

Focus on wildfire preparedness and prevention

Young County residents should invest in wildfire-specific risk mitigation, including clearing 30+ feet of vegetation around homes and using fire-resistant roofing materials. Standard homeowners insurance covering tornado and wind is adequate for secondary hazards, but explicitly confirm wildfire coverage is included and understand any exclusions.

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.