Jeff Davis
Texas

What stands out

Three things set Jeff Davis County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the share working from home is among the highest in America (23%), winter sunshine is among the sunniest in America (2.9 on the USDA scale), and population growth is among the fastest shrinking in America (-2.6% a year). Within Texas it ranks 3rd of 254 counties for the share working from home.

Where you are

You live in Jeff Davis County, Texas. 1,992 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 2.6% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -35).

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 $38,125 a year, lower than 95% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $42,729. Unemployment runs 3.4%, higher than 51% of American counties. 23% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $212K, cheaper than 59% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,015 a month. Property tax is 0.77% of home value, roughly $1,295 a year on that median home, lower than 58% of American counties. 89% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.3 per 1,000 residents, higher than 73% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 80.1 years, longer than 91% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 5.0 per 10,000 people. 15.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 19 points. 68% 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 78 and lows near 51, warmer than 82% of American counties. About 17 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 19 out of 100, safer than 81% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 76 Mbps down, slower than 94% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1 National Park Service site.