Shackelford
Texas

What stands out

Three things set Shackelford County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the typical two-bedroom rent is among the lowest in America ($320 a month), the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), and the uninsured rate is in the top 10% of American counties (16.9%). Within Texas it ranks 2nd of 233 counties for the typical two-bedroom rent, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Shackelford County, Texas. 3,134 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +24).

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 $60,924 a year, higher than 51% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $75,130. Unemployment runs 2.7%, lower than 75% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 18 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $162K, cheaper than 79% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $320 a month. Property tax is 1.31% of home value, roughly $2,338 a year on that median home, higher than 78% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.5 per 1,000 residents, lower than 69% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 79.0 years, longer than 84% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 3.2 per 10,000 people. 16.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.01 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 77% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 79 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 66% 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 79 and lows near 54, warmer than 88% of American counties. About 29 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 25 out of 100, safer than 75% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 90 Mbps down, slower than 90% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.