Austin County Public RecordsTexas

As of 2023, Austin County, TX, has an estimated population of about 31,500. The median age is around 41 years, with 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county is 70% White (non-Hispanic), 11% Black or African American, and about 2% Asian. Hispanic or Latino residents make up approximately 24% of the population, with other races and multiracial individuals comprising the remainder.

Austin County, TX, with around 22,000 residents, had approximately 16,000 registered voters in 2022. The county conducts federal, state, and local elections, typically seeing voter turnout rates between 50% (midterms) to 65% (presidential years). Polling locations include eleven precinct sites such as the Austin County Courthouse Annex. The County Clerk administers elections, ensuring compliance and transparency. Dominated by Republican voters—Donald Trump received 79% in 2020—major issues include property taxes and infrastructure. Both Democratic and Republican parties have local organizations, but Republicans maintain clear majority support.

Austin County, TX, has 17 public schools, including 5 high schools. About 86% of residents hold a high school diploma, while nearly 17% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools in the county generally score an average of 6/10 on GreatSchools. Adult education programs are available through Blinn College. The county prioritizes school safety, with updated protocols and SROs on campuses. Educational offerings include dual credit, career and technical education, and special education services, supporting diverse student needs across urban and rural communities.

As of 2022, Austin County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 61%. The leading employment sectors are educational services, health care, and social assistance (22%), followed by retail trade (13%), and construction (11%). Common occupations include management (10%), office & administrative support (10%), and sales (9%). The average commute time is about 29 minutes, with 82% of residents driving alone to work. Most workers (over 50%) are employed outside the county, primarily commuting to Harris and Fort Bend Counties for employment opportunities.

Austin County, TX, has a median home value around $280,000, with homeownership rates near 74% and median rents at about $1,080. The housing market has seen values rise by approximately 5% over the past year. Single-family homes dominate, alongside some apartments and mobile homes. Notable neighborhoods include Bellville, Sealy, and Wallis, offering various community vibes. Property tax rates average 1.68%, translating to roughly $4,700 annually for a median-priced home. Overall, the county combines rural charm with proximity to Houston, attracting both homeowners and renters.

Austin County, TX, maintains a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 480 total crimes, with 58 violent crimes (including 2 homicides) and 422 property crimes. The crime rate stands at about 1,300 incidents per 100,000 residents, lower than the Texas average of 2,800. Most reported cases involve theft and burglary, while major violent crimes remain infrequent. The Austin County Sheriff’s Office handles local law enforcement and encourages residents to report suspicious activity to maintain community safety. Efforts focus on proactive patrolling and crime awareness programs.