Cochran
Texas

What stands out

Three things set Cochran County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the median home price is among the cheapest in America ($64K), the home price against local income is among the most affordable in America (0.9 years of income), and the uninsured rate is among the highest in America (24.9%). Within Texas it ranks 2nd of 243 counties for the median home price, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Cochran County, Texas. 2,529 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -37).

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 $41,597 a year, lower than 92% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $59,098. Unemployment runs 4.8%, higher than 87% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $64K, cheaper than almost every county in America, about 0.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $670 a month. Property tax is 1.45% of home value, roughly $696 a year on that median home, higher than 83% of American counties. 67% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 97% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 72.0 years, shorter than 87% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 7.9 per 10,000 people. 24.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.39 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 90% of American counties. 69% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 63 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 55% 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 61°F, highs near 76 and lows near 46, warmer than 71% of American counties. About 16 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 36 out of 100, safer than 64% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 125 Mbps down, slower than 80% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.