Zapata County

As of the 2020 Census, Zapata County, Texas, had a population of approximately 13,889. The racial composition was predominantly Hispanic or Latino (95.1%), with smaller percentages of White (3.6%), African American (0.3%), Native American (0.2%), and Asian (0.2%). The median household income was around $38,718, with 22.6% of the population living below the poverty line. The county covered an area of about 1,058 square miles.

As of recent data, Zapata County, TX, has a median home value of approximately $82,000. The homeownership rate stands at around 75%, with a median gross rent of about $630 per month. The county has experienced modest home value appreciation over the years, and the housing market is characterized by a balanced mix of single-family homes and rental properties. Population density and demographic trends influence housing demand, making affordability a key feature of the local market.

In the 2020 general elections, Zapata County, TX, saw competitive races. For the presidential race, Trump garnered 52.5% (2,502 votes), a notable shift in a historically Democratic region, while Biden received 47.5% (2,261 votes). The county also held local elections. Joel Gonzalez won the County Sheriff position. In the County Commissioners races, Precinct 1 went to Jose E. Vela, Precinct 2 to Olga E. Elizondo, Precinct 3 to Eddie Martinez, and Precinct 4 to Abraham Gonzalez. School board and city-specific council positions were also contested. Detailed outcomes can be found on the Zapata County Elections Office website.

In Zapata County, TX, educational attainment is relatively lower compared to state and national averages. Approximately 51.5% of residents 25 years and older hold a high school diploma or equivalent, whereas the Texas average is around 83.7% and the national average is 88%. Only about 10.5% of residents in the same age group possess a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the Texas average of 29.3% and the national average of 33.1%. The lower educational attainment levels in Zapata County highlight a significant gap compared to broader statewide and national metrics.

As of the latest available data, Zapata County, TX, has an employment rate of around 52.9%, which is lower than both the Texas state average of approximately 59.9% and the national average of 61.0%. The county's top industries include:

1. Education and Health Services
2. Retail Trade
3. Public Administration
4. Construction

In education and health services, about 28.2% of the workforce is employed, higher than the national average of around 23%, showing a local emphasis on these sectors. Retail trade employs roughly 12.7% of Zapata County's workforce, closely aligning with the national figure of approximately 13.0%. Public administration and construction also feature prominently but with lower representation compared to larger urban and industrial areas. The employment landscape in Zapata County is notably shaped by these key sectors, reflecting regional economic priorities and opportunities.

As of the most recent data, Zapata County, Texas, has an average household income of approximately $39,000 annually. This is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. The median household income in the United States is around $68,700, while the Texas state median is approximately $63,800.

Income Comparison Table

Zapata County's income levels reflect economic challenges, with median household earnings less than 60% of the national average.

As of the most recent data, Zapata County, TX has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The county recorded the following crime statistics:

Violent crimes per 1,000 residents: 1.2
Property crimes per 1,000 residents: 7.1

These figures indicate that Zapata County is one of the safer regions when compared with broader, national crime statistics.