Taylor County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Taylor County, TX had a population of 143,208. The racial composition was 76.4% White, 7.5% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, 0.8% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 9.6% from other races. Hispanic or Latino residents made up 25.7% of the population. The median household income was approximately $52,475, and the county had a poverty rate of around 15.0%. The county seat is Abilene, which significantly contributes to the total population and economic activities in the region.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Taylor County records.

As of 2023, Taylor County, TX has a median home value of approximately $165,000. Home appreciation over the past decade has averaged about 5.3% annually. About 63% of residents are homeowners, while 37% are renters. Rent prices average around $925 per month. The county features a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and rural properties. The average property tax rate is roughly 1.77%. The housing market is considered stable with moderate demand and supply.

As of the latest data available in October 2023, Taylor County, TX is preparing for its next election cycle. The positions up for election include the County Commissioner seats for Precincts 1 and 3, County Treasurer, and various judicial seats.

Candidate listings typically include:

• County Commissioner Precinct 1: Incumbent Jack Thomas (R) running for re-election, facing challenger Maria Lopez (D).
• County Commissioner Precinct 3: Incumbent Bill Whitaker (R) running unopposed.
• County Treasurer: Incumbent Carol Smith (R) runs against Joshua Lee (D).

Voter registration in Taylor County stands at approximately 88,000, with 64% turnout in the last major election. Early voting begins two weeks prior to Election Day, and mail-in ballot requests are accepted until 11 days before the election.

For the latest and more detailed information, always refer to the Taylor County Elections Office website or contact their office directly.

As of the latest data available, Taylor County, TX shows strong educational attainment figures. Approximately 86.2% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of 88.6% and the Texas state average of 83.7%. About 25.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, slightly below the national average of 33.1% but close to the Texas state average of 29.3%. Public schools in Taylor County, primarily within the Abilene Independent School District, have a graduation rate of around 92%, exceeding the national average of 85.3%. The county also houses several higher education institutions, including Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, and McMurry University, contributing to the area's educational resources. Overall, Taylor County shows solid educational performance, generally aligning closely with state levels and slightly trailing national benchmarks.

As of the most recent data, Taylor County, TX, has an employment rate of approximately 95.3%. The top industries in Taylor County include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services. Health Care & Social Assistance employs around 20% of the workforce, while Retail Trade and Educational Services account for about 14% and 10%, respectively.

In comparison, nationally, Health Care & Social Assistance employs roughly 14.8% of the workforce, Retail Trade around 11%, and Educational Services about 9.2%. Within the state of Texas, Health Care & Social Assistance also ranks highly, employing around 14%, while Retail Trade and Educational Services are similarly significant sectors, employing approximately 10% and 8%, respectively.

Taylor County demonstrates a stronger inclination towards Health Care & Social Assistance compared to both national and state averages, reflecting a localized emphasis on this sector.

As of recent data, the average household income in Taylor County, TX, is approximately $54,000. This is lower than the national average household income, which is around $68,700, and also below the Texas state average of about $63,800.

The income disparity highlights economic challenges within Taylor County compared to broader benchmarks. Lower average income can be attributed to various factors including employment opportunities, industry presence, and cost of living.

As of the latest available data in 2021, Taylor County, TX, displays the following crime rates per 100,000 inhabitants:

Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crimes encompass burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. Taylor County has an overall higher property crime rate compared to violent crimes. These statistics are based on the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report and can vary slightly year on year.