Ector
Texas

What stands out

If you had to describe Ector County in numbers, start here: the uninsured rate is among the highest in America (24.4%), winter sunshine is among the sunniest in America (2.9 on the USDA scale), and rainfall is among the driest in America (8 inches a year). Within Texas it ranks 30th of 254 counties for the uninsured rate.

Where you are

You live in Ector County, Texas. 162,300 people live here with you. The population grew 2.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +891).

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 $70,566 a year, higher than 76% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $75,029. Unemployment runs 3.9%, higher than 66% of American counties. 3% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $257K, pricier than 58% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,279 a month. Property tax is 1.27% of home value, roughly $2,234 a year on that median home, higher than 76% of American counties. 65% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 68% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 18 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 72.4 years, shorter than 84% of American counties. There are 434 active physicians in the county, about 26.7 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 24.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.71 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 74% of American counties. 77% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 48 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 45% 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 67°F, highs near 81 and lows near 53, warmer than 90% of American counties. About 8 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 85 out of 100, riskier than 85% of American counties; the county has had 15 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 225 Mbps down, faster than 61% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.