Castro County

As of the 2020 Census, Castro County, TX, has a population of approximately 7,371 people. The racial makeup is 78.4% White, 2.3% African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 14.9% from other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 64.2% of the population. The county has around 2,378 households with an average household size of 3.07. The median age is about 34.7 years.

As of 2021, Castro County, TX has a median home value of approximately $80,000. The median monthly housing cost for homeowners is around $892, while renters pay an average of $600 per month. Homeownership rate stands at about 73%, with a vacancy rate for homeowners at 2.2% and for rentals at 7.8%. The county has 3,813 housing units, with a mix of single-family homes and some multifamily units. Population growth and housing market trends have remained relatively stable.

In Castro County, Texas, elections encompass various local, state, and federal positions. As of the last election cycle:

1. Presidential Elections: In the 2020 presidential election, Castro County reported 76.9% of the vote for Donald Trump (R) and 22.1% for Joe Biden (D), with a total of approximately 3,225 votes cast.

2. Congressional Elections: Castro County is part of Texas's 19th congressional district. In the 2022 midterm elections, the seat was secured by Jodey Arrington (R) with a significant majority.

3. Local Elections: Key local positions include County Judge, Sheriff, and Commissioners. The 2022 local elections saw Joe H. Rivera elected as County Judge and Salvador Rivera reelected as Sheriff.

4. State Elections: In Texas Senate District 28, Charles Perry (R) holds office; in House District 88, Ken King (R) serves as the representative.

Participation and specific candidate outcomes can vary, ensuring detailed information from Castro County’s election office or official records is essential for precise data.

As of the latest data, Castro County, Texas, shows educational attainment levels below both state and national averages. Approximately 66% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of about 88% and the Texas state average of roughly 83%. In terms of higher education, around 17% of Castro County's population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, whereas the national and state averages are approximately 33% and 29%, respectively. This indicates a potential need for educational improvements to match broader educational standards.

As of the latest data, Castro County, TX has an employment rate primarily driven by agriculture. The agricultural sector, including crop production and livestock farming, dominates the local economy, employing a significant portion of the workforce. Specific numerical values might vary over time, but historically, Castro County has seen upwards of 30-40% of its jobs in agriculture.

In comparison, the Texas state employment in agriculture is significantly lower, typically around 1-2%, reflecting the broader economic diversity of the state. Nationally, agricultural employment is even smaller, generally less than 1%, with sectors like healthcare, technology, and services being more prominent.

Other key industries in Castro County include manufacturing, retail, and educational services, although they are much smaller in comparison to agriculture. The county's economy remains more specialized and less diversified compared to both state and national averages.

As of the most recent data, Castro County, TX, has an average household income of approximately $46,000. This figure is notably lower than both the national average income, which stands at about $68,700, and the state of Texas average, which is around $61,800.

The county's lower income can be attributed to its predominantly rural setting and agricultural-based economy, which typically offer lower wages compared to urban areas.

As of the latest available data in 2022, Castro County, Texas, has generally recorded low crime rates compared to national averages. The county's overall crime rate is about 15 per 1,000 residents annually. Below is a table highlighting the types of crimes and their respective occurrences:

The low figures reflect the rural and closely-knit community nature of Castro County, though the figures can fluctuate year to year. It's essential to refer to local law enforcement for the most current and detailed crime reports.