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Quality of Life in Texas County
A livable area that tracks near national norms for affordability, walkability, and neighborhood health.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life measures an area by evaluating factors like cost of living, nearby amenities, country club access, airport proximity, socioeconomic signals and neighborhood character. For large states, this is a general average — quality of life can vary dramatically between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities within the same state.
What does this tell us?
Quality of Life measures an area by evaluating factors like cost of living, nearby amenities, country club access, airport proximity, socioeconomic signals and neighborhood character. For large states, this is a general average — quality of life can vary dramatically between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities within the same state.
Cost of Living
29% below national average
133%
The Real Cost of Living in Texas County for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $15k | $28k |
| Comfortable | $30k | $44k |
| Luxury | $83k+ | $128k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $97k+ | $151k+ |
Quality-of-Life Analysis
Texas County, Oklahoma, offers a distinct quality-of-life spectrum that ranges from the modest commercial hub of Guymon to the quiet, unincorporated crossroads of Hardesty and Hooker, attracting everyone from agricultural workers and meatpacking plant employees to retirees seeking low-cost living and families drawn to the area’s safety and strong community ties. The county’s character is defined by its High Plains agriculture economy, anchored by the massive Seaboard Foods pork processing plant in Guymon, and its deep-rooted cultural blend of Anglo, Hispanic, and Mennonite communities. This mix creates a lifestyle where the pace of life slows considerably outside the county seat, yet essential services remain within a short drive.
Largest town(s) & population centers
Guymon, the county seat and by far the largest population center (roughly 12,000 residents), is the economic and social heart of Texas County. Daily life here revolves around the Seaboard Foods plant, which employs thousands, and the supporting industries of trucking, feedlots, and farm supply. Residents have access to a Walmart Supercenter, a regional hospital (Memorial Hospital of Texas County), several grocery stores, and a range of fast-food and local dining options. The Guymon Public Schools system is the largest in the panhandle, and the city hosts the annual Pioneer Days Rodeo and the Texas County Free Fair. Housing is affordable, with the countywide median home value of $155,600 and median rent of $939—well below national averages—though Guymon’s prices are slightly higher than the county’s rural fringe. The average commute of 16.7 minutes is notably short, meaning most residents can reach work, school, and shopping in under 20 minutes.
Smaller towns & rural pockets
Outside Guymon, the county’s smaller communities offer a quieter, more agrarian lifestyle. Hooker (population ~1,800) sits 20 miles west of Guymon and is known for its strong school system and the Hooker Veterinary Clinic serving area ranches. Goodwell (population ~1,200) is home to Oklahoma Panhandle State University, giving it a small college-town feel with a library, a few local eateries, and a slower pace. Texhoma (population ~900) straddles the Oklahoma-Texas border and is a classic farming community with a grain elevator and a single main street. Hardesty (population ~200) and Optima (population ~100) are unincorporated hamlets where life is defined by wheat fields, cattle grazing, and a complete absence of retail—residents drive 20–30 minutes to Guymon for groceries and medical care. These rural pockets are ideal for those seeking privacy, land, and a deep connection to the agricultural cycle.
Cost & lifestyle range
The cost of living in Texas County is exceptionally low, with a composite index of 71 (100 = U.S. average), making it one of the most affordable counties in Oklahoma. At the low end of the spectrum, a three-bedroom home in Hardesty or Optima can be purchased for under $100,000, and rental options in those areas are scarce but often below $700 per month. At the higher end, newer subdivisions in Guymon—such as those near the golf course or the hospital—see home values approaching $200,000, and rents for a two-bedroom apartment in town can reach $1,100. Amenities follow a similar gradient: Guymon offers a movie theater, a bowling alley, a public swimming pool, and a handful of chain hotels, while Hooker and Goodwell have only a gas station, a dollar store, and a local diner. The trade-off is clear: lower costs in the small towns come with fewer services and longer drives, while Guymon provides convenience at a slightly higher price. Property taxes are low (roughly 0.8% of assessed value), and Oklahoma’s state income tax is a flat 4.75%, further stretching household budgets.
This county is best suited for individuals and families who prioritize affordability, safety, and a tight-knit community over urban amenities and career diversity. Agricultural workers, meatpacking employees, and university staff at Panhandle State will find the most stable employment, while remote workers can leverage the low housing costs and reliable fiber internet in Guymon (though rural areas still rely on DSL or satellite). Retirees on fixed incomes and young families seeking a low-stress environment with good schools—Guymon High School and Hooker High School both have strong extracurricular programs—will also thrive here. Those who need frequent access to specialty healthcare, major airports, or diverse cultural attractions will likely find the panhandle’s isolation a challenge, but for the right person, Texas County offers a genuine, affordable slice of High Plains life.
Crime in Texas County
Crime rates similar to the national median for U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
Texas County, Oklahoma, experiences violent and property crime rates that are notably higher than both state and national averages, creating a safety landscape that varies significantly between its communities. The county's violent crime rate stands at 409.6 incidents per 100,000 residents, while property crime occurs at a rate of 1,833.2 per 100,000. These figures place Texas County among the more dangerous rural counties in Oklahoma, with crime patterns heavily influenced by the contrasting environments of its largest town, Guymon, and its smaller, quieter communities like Hooker, Goodwell, and Tyrone.
Crime in context
When compared to the national average of roughly 380 violent crimes per 100,000, Texas County's rate is about 8% higher. The gap widens against the Oklahoma state average of approximately 440 per 100,000, though the county sits slightly below that mark. Property crime in Texas County is a more acute concern. At 1,833.2 per 100,000, it exceeds the national average of around 1,950 by a modest margin but is significantly higher than the Oklahoma state average of roughly 2,800. The county's property crime rate is driven largely by theft and burglary, with motor vehicle theft being less common. The Texas County Sheriff's Office and the Guymon Police Department are the primary law enforcement agencies, and their effectiveness is a key factor in the county's safety profile. The judicial district covering Texas County, part of the 1st Judicial District, operates under a conservative legal framework that generally prioritizes public safety and victim rights, which is a positive factor for residents concerned about progressive criminal justice policies that can lead to reduced incarceration and higher recidivism.
What residents experience
Residents in Texas County report that crime is not evenly distributed. Guymon, the county seat and economic hub, accounts for the majority of reported incidents, particularly property crimes like shoplifting and vehicle break-ins. The presence of the meatpacking industry and a transient workforce contributes to higher crime volumes in Guymon. In contrast, Hooker and Goodwell experience significantly lower crime rates, with residents often describing them as quiet and safe. Tyrone and Hardesty are even smaller, with populations under 1,000, where violent crime is rare and property crime is typically limited to isolated incidents. The county's rural nature means that many residents feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods, but the higher crime rates in Guymon create a perception of risk that affects the entire county. The Texas County District Attorney's office has a reputation for prosecuting cases vigorously, which is a deterrent for repeat offenders and a reassurance for law-abiding residents.
Neighborhood-level variation
Within Guymon, safety varies by neighborhood. The area around the downtown core and the industrial zones near the packing plants see more police activity and higher crime reports. Residential areas on the north and west sides of Guymon are generally considered safer, with lower rates of burglary and vandalism. In Hooker, the small-town atmosphere means that most residents know their neighbors, and crime is often limited to minor thefts. Goodwell, home to Oklahoma Panhandle State University, has a student population that contributes to a low-crime environment, though occasional alcohol-related incidents occur. For those considering relocation, the safest choices within Texas County are the smaller towns of Hooker, Goodwell, and Tyrone, while Guymon requires more vigilance, especially in its central and industrial districts. The county's conservative judicial approach is a clear advantage, as it avoids the soft-on-crime policies seen in some urban areas that can lead to more criminals being released back onto the streets.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-07-10T06:30:27.000Z
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