Ward County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Ward County, Texas, has a population of approximately 11,115 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (about 80%), with smaller percentages of Black or African American (around 2%), Native American (1%), Asian (less than 1%), and people of two or more races (roughly 2%). Hispanic or Latino individuals make up a significant portion, approximately 57% of the population. The median age is about 35 years. The county spans 836 square miles. Note that these figures may have slight variations from other sources or updates.

As of the latest data, Ward County, TX has a median home value of approximately $86,700. The median rent is around $800 per month. Homeownership rate stands at roughly 75.3%. New housing construction has been relatively limited, with a focus on single-family homes. The average household size is about 2.8 persons. The market enjoys a relatively low property tax rate compared to state averages. Rental vacancy rates hover around 8%, reflecting a moderately tight rental market.

Ward County, Texas, participates in various local, state, and federal elections. In recent elections, turnout figures and results can be significant. For instance, in the 2022 mid-term elections, voter turnout was approximately 42% of registered voters. Key races included:

1. U.S. House Representative, Texas District 23:

   • Tony Gonzales (Republican, incumbent): 57%
   • John Lira (Democrat): 43%

2. Texas Governor:

   • Greg Abbott (Republican, incumbent): 54%
   • Beto O'Rourke (Democrat): 43%
   • Others: 3%

3. County Judge:

   • Greg Holly (Republican, incumbent): Unopposed

Ensure to check the Ward County Elections Office or their official website for up-to-date information, as election details and candidate rosters may vary each cycle. Local elections may also feature school board members, city council, and other governmental positions specific to the county.

Ward County, TX, has educational attainment statistics that reflect its demographic characteristics. Approximately 79.5% of its residents have a high school diploma or higher, while around 13.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). Comparatively, these figures fall below national averages, where around 88.3% of U.S. adults have a high school diploma or higher, and about 33.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). At the state level, Texas averages show that roughly 84.4% of adults hold at least a high school diploma, and approximately 30.7% have a bachelor's degree or higher (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). Thus, Ward County educational attainment lags behind both national and Texas averages.

As of my last update, Ward County, TX had an employment figure with the labor force participation rate at approximately 60%. Key industries include mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction, which dominate due to the county’s location in the Permian Basin. Other notable industries are retail trade, construction, and healthcare.

In comparison to national and state averages:

1. Mining, Quarrying, Oil & Gas Extraction: Significantly higher in Ward County (around 33%) versus about 1.3% nationally and 2% in Texas.
2. Retail Trade: Relatively balanced with around 12%, similar to the national average of about 12.5%, and close to Texas’s average of 12.3%.
3. Construction: Higher in Ward County at around 15%, compared to 7% nationally and 8.5% in Texas.
4. Healthcare: Lower in Ward County at about 8.5%, compared to the national average of 14.6% and Texas’s 13.2%.

These figures indicate Ward County’s economy heavily relies on energy-related industries more than the state or nation.

As of the latest data, Ward County, TX, has a median household income of approximately $53,000. This figure is below both the national median household income, which stands at around $68,700, and the Texas state median of approximately $63,826.

Ward County's median income reflects its rural economic conditions and smaller population size compared to more urbanized regions in Texas and the nation.

As of the latest available data, Ward County, TX has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The crime rate in Ward County is approximately 1,968 per 100,000 residents. Here is a breakdown of various types of crimes and their incidences per 100,000 residents:

These values indicate that property crimes are more common than violent crimes in Ward County.