Wheeler
Texas

What stands out

What stands out about Wheeler County: the uninsured rate is among the highest in America (25.1%), home internet speed is in the bottom 2% of American counties (50 Mbps), and the median home price is in the bottom 3% of American counties ($100K). Within Texas it ranks 23rd of 254 counties for the uninsured rate.

Where you are

You live in Wheeler County, Texas. 4,980 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +31).

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 $58,158 a year, lower than 57% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $45,382. Unemployment runs 3.9%, higher than 67% of American counties. 3% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $100K, cheaper than 97% of American counties, about 1.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $853 a month. Property tax is 1.38% of home value, roughly $1,450 a year on that median home, higher than 81% of American counties. 74% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.3 per 1,000 residents, higher than 75% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 72.4 years, shorter than 84% of American counties. There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 6.0 per 10,000 people. 25.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.09 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 83% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 81 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 65% 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 61°F, highs near 75 and lows near 48, warmer than 72% of American counties. About 22 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 54 out of 100, riskier than 54% of American counties; the county has had 14 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 50 Mbps down, slower than 98% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.