Dallam
Texas

What stands out

Against every county in America, Dallam County is unusual in three ways: the uninsured rate is among the highest in America (26.4%), the share working from home is among the lowest in America (1%), and the average commute is among the shortest in America (13 minutes). Within Texas it ranks 13th of 254 counties for the uninsured rate.

Where you are

You live in Dallam County, Texas. 7,165 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.0% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -209).

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 $71,969 a year, higher than 78% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $57,124. Unemployment runs 2.4%, lower than 88% of American counties. 1% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 13 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $156K, cheaper than 82% of American counties, about 1.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,172 a month. Property tax is 1.18% of home value, roughly $1,339 a year on that median home, higher than 71% of American counties. 72% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.7 per 1,000 residents, higher than 89% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 71.6 years, shorter than 90% of American counties. There are 7 active physicians in the county, about 9.8 per 10,000 people. 26.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.52 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 93% of American counties. 78% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 75 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 40% 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 56°F, highs near 71 and lows near 41, warmer than 53% of American counties. About 16 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 46 out of 100, safer than 54% of American counties; the county has had 11 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 128 Mbps down, slower than 79% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.