Cottle
Texas

What stands out

Against every county in America, Cottle County is unusual in three ways: the typical two-bedroom rent is among the lowest in America ($262 a month), the home price against local income is among the most affordable in America (0.9 years of income), and the median home price is among the cheapest in America ($81K). Within Texas it ranks 1st of 233 counties for the typical two-bedroom rent, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Cottle County, Texas. 1,647 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.8% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -11).

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 $47,625 a year, lower than 83% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $78,127. Unemployment runs 2.7%, lower than 77% of American counties. 24% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $81K, cheaper than almost every county in America, about 0.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $262 a month. Property tax is 1.33% of home value, roughly $682 a year on that median home, higher than 79% of American counties. 67% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 84% of American counties.

There are 0 active physicians in the county, about 0.0 per 10,000 people; the nearest doctor is in another county. 17.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

82% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 71 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 57% 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 64°F, highs near 78 and lows near 50, warmer than 80% of American counties. About 22 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 11 out of 100, safer than 89% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 98 Mbps down, slower than 88% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation.