Irion County

As of the 2020 census, Irion County, Texas, has a population of approximately 1,513 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (94.4%), with smaller percentages of other races including Hispanic or Latino (30.2%), and other groups. The county spans 1,052 square miles with a population density of about 1.4 persons per square mile. The median household income is around $60,938, and the median age is 45.4 years. There are roughly 743 housing units. The county seat is Mertzon, and agriculture, particularly livestock, plays a significant role in the local economy.

Irion County, TX, has a modest housing market with a total of approximately 790 housing units. The median home value is around $91,000. Owner-occupied homes make up 71.3% of the housing units, while 28.7% are rentals. The average household size in owner-occupied units is approximately 2.47, and in rental units, it is about 2.60. The median gross rent is $768. The home ownership rate in the county is 78.3%, reflecting a strong preference for owning over renting.

Irion County, TX, participates in federal, state, and local elections. In the 2022 general election, Irion County had 1,018 registered voters. Key positions contested included:

• Governor: Greg Abbott (R) [55.9% statewide], Beto O'Rourke (D) [43.8% statewide]
• U.S. House District 11: August Pfluger (R) was re-elected.
• State Senate District 28: Charles Perry (R) won re-election.
• State House District 72: Drew Darby (R) was re-elected unopposed.

Local elections typically include county judge, commissioners, sheriff, and other administrative roles. For 2022, the county saw a voter turnout of about 65%. Specific local candidate details can be obtained from the Irion County Clerk's Office or the Texas Secretary of State's website.

Irion County, TX, has educational statistics that reflect its rural nature. Approximately 85% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, which is slightly below the national average of 88%. Regarding higher education, around 20% of Irion County residents hold a bachelor's degree, compared to the national average of about 32% and the Texas state average of approximately 29.3%. The school system in Irion County is notably smaller, with Irion County Independent School District serving the area, and high student-teacher ratios tend to reflect personalized education. Overall, while Irion County falls short of national and state higher education averages, it maintains a solid commitment to high school education completion.

Irion County, TX, with a small population, has an employment landscape dominated by specific industries. The top industries are:

1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting: A significant portion of employment due to the rural nature of the county.
2. Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction: Another major industry given the county's location in West Texas, rich in natural resources.
3. Education Services, and Health Care and Social Assistance: Providing essential services to the local community.

Employment numbers are modest given the county’s low population (approximately 1,500), with these sectors employing a substantial share of the workforce.

When comparing to state and national averages:

• Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting: Irion County has a notably higher employment percentage in this sector compared to Texas and national averages.
• Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction: The county surpasses both state (Texas) and national figures due to regional resource abundance.
• Education Services, and Health Care and Social Assistance: Employment proportion is relatively lower compared to urban areas but on par with other rural counties in Texas.

These distinctions highlight Irion County’s unique economic makeup compared to broader trends.

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the average household income in Irion County, Texas, was approximately $72,000. This figure falls below both the national and state averages. The national average household income was around $97,000, while the state average for Texas was about $84,000.

Irion County's average household income is roughly 26% lower than the national average and around 14% lower than the Texas state average.

As of the latest available data, Irion County, TX, typically maintains one of the lowest crime rates in the state. For instance, in 2021, the county reported an overall crime rate of 290 per 100,000 inhabitants, reflecting its standing as a relatively safe area. Here's a simplified table based on the latest year available:

Note: Due to its small population, even minor changes in crime numbers can significantly impact rates. Always refer to the latest local law enforcement and FBI statistics for updates.