Karnes County

As of the 2020 Census, Karnes County, TX had a population of 14,710. The racial composition was 83.7% White, 2.3% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 10.4% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race comprised 61.9% of the total population. The median household income was $47,492, and the poverty rate stood at 16.1%. The median age in the county was 37.4 years.

As of the most recent data, Karnes County, TX, has a median home value of approximately $97,600. The median rent is about $735 per month. Around 67.3% of residents are homeowners, while 32.7% are renters. The median household income is approximately $48,700. The housing market has seen modest annual growth, aligning with regional economic factors, particularly in the oil and gas industries. Population density and development are relatively low, contributing to affordable housing costs compared to urban areas.

As of the most recent elections, Karnes County, Texas had various positions up for election. Key races included those for county judge, county clerk, and sheriff. In the 2022 election, key candidates included:

• County Judge: Wade Byerly (Republican) won with approximately 65% of the vote against Stephanie Buckner Behringer (Democratic), who received around 35%.
• County Clerk: Claire Woolsey (Republican) secured her position with about 70% of the vote, while her opponent, Julia Resendez (Democratic), garnered roughly 30%.
• Sheriff: Dwayne Villanueva (Republican incumbent) ran unopposed and retained his position.

Voter turnout was around 55%, reflecting active participation in the local electoral process. These positions are crucial for local governance, impacting law enforcement, administrative services, and overall county management. For detailed and updated information, consult the Karnes County Elections Office.

As of the most recent data, Karnes County, TX, shows significant educational statistics. Approximately 67.9% of residents aged 25 and over have a high school diploma or higher, below the national average of 88%. About 9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.1% and the Texas average of 30.7%. The county's median household income is also lower than the national median, often reflecting the educational attainment's impact on economic opportunities. While efforts are ongoing to improve education, Karnes County currently lags behind state and national averages in educational attainment.

As of the latest data, Karnes County, TX, has a labor force participation rate of about 54.6%. The unemployment rate stands at approximately 6.1%, compared to the national average of about 3.6% and the Texas state average of around 4.5%.

Top industries in Karnes County include:

1. Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction (significantly higher than the state and national averages due to the presence of the Eagle Ford Shale)
2. Construction
3. Healthcare and Social Assistance
4. Educational Services
5. Retail Trade

These industries collectively account for a substantial portion of local employment, with the oil and gas sector being exceptionally prominent, contributing significantly to the county's economic landscape.

Karnes County, TX has a median household income of approximately $49,000, which is lower than both the Texas state median of about $64,000 and the national median of approximately $68,700. This indicates a significant gap between the income levels in Karnes County compared to broader benchmarks at both state and national levels.

As of the latest available data, Karnes County, TX has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported a violent crime rate of approximately 2.5 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of about 8.0 incidents per 1,000 residents.

Crime Statistics in Karnes County, TX (2022)

These figures are subject to change as new data becomes available and are based on reported incidents. Always refer to the latest local crime reports for the most current information.