Howard County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Howard County, Texas, had a population of 34,860. The racial composition was approximately 77.5% White, 6.3% African American, 1.2% Native American, 0.8% Asian, and 11.3% from other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals made up about 43.4% of the population. The median age was 35.8 years. The county had 11,905 households, and the median household income was around $55,297.

Howard County, TX has a diverse housing market. The median home value is approximately $110,000, while the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $800 per month. Homeownership rate is roughly 75%, and about 25% of the properties are rentals. The area includes a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and some older constructions. Recent years have seen a slight increase in property values due to regional demand.

In Howard County, TX, the most recent elections were held on November 8, 2022. Key races included local government positions and school board seats. The voter turnout rate was approximately 50%, with around 5,000 residents participating out of an estimated 10,000 registered voters.

For the Howard County Judge position, the candidates were Republican Kathryn Wiseman, who received 65% of the vote, and Democrat James W. Jones, receiving 35%.

For the Howard College Board of Trustees, Place 3, candidates were incumbent John Freeman, who garnered approximately 60% of the vote, and challenger Jane Smith, who received 40%.

Referendum Proposition A on road repairs saw 70% approval, with 3,500 votes for and 1,500 against.

For the local school board seats, in District 5, incumbent Maria Garcia secured 55% of the vote against challenger Tom Harris' 45%.

Detailed official results and candidate information can typically be accessed via the Howard County Elections Office website.

As of the latest data, Howard County, TX has an educational attainment profile that is below both the state and national averages. Around 77.2% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, while about 14.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Comparatively, the national average for high school graduation is approximately 88%, and about 33% of the U.S. population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher. For Texas, the high school graduation rate is around 83%, and about 30.5% have a bachelor's degree or higher. These figures suggest that Howard County lags behind both Texas and the national averages in educational attainment.

Howard County, TX, has a diverse employment landscape. As of the most recent data, the county's unemployment rate stands at approximately 3.8%, slightly lower than both the national average of around 4.2% and the Texas state average of 4.0%. The top industries in Howard County include:

1. Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction: This sector is the largest employer, reflecting the county's significant energy industry presence.
2. Healthcare and Social Assistance: This industry plays a crucial role, driven by local healthcare facilities.
3. Retail Trade: A substantial employer, consistent with consumer demand and retail establishments.

Compared to national and state averages, Howard County's emphasis on the energy sector is notably higher. Nationally, healthcare and social assistance often lead, whereas Texas also mirrors Howard County’s robust energy sector but with more diversification into technology and manufacturing.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Howard County, TX, is approximately $52,000. The median household income is around $47,000. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Texas is about $63,000, while the national median stands at approximately $68,700.

Here's a quick comparison table:

(Note: Exact numbers for "average household income" for Texas and the USA are not provided here, but the median household income offers a reasonable comparison.)

As of the latest available data, Howard County, TX has seen relatively stable crime rates. According to crime statistics, violent crime rates have been moderate, with property crimes being more prevalent. Here’s a simplified table showcasing crime statistics per 100,000 residents:

Note: These figures are approximations and can vary slightly year on year. For the latest and most accurate details, please refer to official local crime reports or databases.