Delta
Texas

What stands out

Three things set Delta County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), population growth is in the top 7% of American counties (+2.0% a year), and natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 11% of American counties (11 of 100). Within Texas it ranks 90th of 254 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Delta County, Texas. 5,278 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 +127).

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 $68,491 a year, higher than 71% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $42,482. Unemployment runs 4.0%, higher than 70% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $201K, cheaper than 62% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $727 a month. Property tax is 0.87% of home value, roughly $1,427 a year on that median home, higher than 51% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 59% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 73.7 years, shorter than 74% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 1.9 per 10,000 people. 14.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.72 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 69% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 64 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 64% 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 65°F, highs near 77 and lows near 54, warmer than 83% of American counties. About 48 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 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 96 Mbps down, slower than 88% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.