Archer
Texas

What stands out

If you had to describe Archer County in numbers, start here: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), homeownership is in the top 4% of American counties (84%), and population growth is in the top 7% of American counties (+2.0% a year). Within Texas it ranks 14th of 254 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Archer County, Texas. 8,649 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 2.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +194).

Texas has no income tax and no estate tax, and its constitution prohibits an income tax without a statewide vote. Property taxes are among the highest in the country and are the main source of local school funding; the 2023 legislature raised the homestead exemption to $100,000 to offset that. Homeowner insurance costs are high along the Gulf coast and rising statewide after hail and freeze events. The grid is independent of the rest of the country.

Money

The typical household here brings in $69,954 a year, higher than 74% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $51,433. Unemployment runs 3.4%, lower than 52% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 21 minutes each way.

Texas has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $249K, pricier than 56% of American counties, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $723 a month. Property tax is 1.42% of home value, roughly $2,237 a year on that median home, higher than 82% of American counties. 84% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than 59% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 78.0 years, longer than 75% of American counties. There are 5 active physicians in the county, about 5.8 per 10,000 people. 16.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.30 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 91% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 77 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 72% of eligible voters turned out. Under Texas law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 66°F, highs near 79 and lows near 53, warmer than 85% of American counties. About 32 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 21 out of 100, safer than 79% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 137 Mbps down, slower than 76% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation.