Demographics

As of 2023, Bailey County, TX, has a population of about 7,000. Approximately 49% are female and 51% male. The median age is around 35 years. The racial and ethnic composition is roughly 32% non-Hispanic White, 4% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and about 59% Hispanic or Latino of any race. Children under 18 make up around 27% of the population, while those 65 and older comprise about 15%.

Elections

Bailey County, TX, had 3,630 registered voters as of 2022. Local elections include city, school board, and county positions, alongside state and federal races. In the 2020 presidential election, the county favored the Republican candidate with over 80% of the vote. There are typically two main polling locations: Muleshoe City Hall and Bailey County Coliseum. Key issues include agriculture and rural infrastructure. The Bailey County Elections Office administers elections. The county leans heavily Republican, with Democratic support usually under 20%. Voter turnout in general elections often approaches 60%.

Education, Employment and Housing

Bailey County, TX, primarily served by Muleshoe ISD, has 3 public schools, including Muleshoe High School. Around 74% of adults hold a high school diploma, while about 13% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Muleshoe High boasts a graduation rate near 94% and average accountability scores per TEA reports. The schools offer programs like CTE, AP courses, and dual credit. School safety measures include secured entrances and district police collaboration. Overall, educational attainment trails state averages, but strong local initiatives aim to improve outcomes.

As of 2022, Bailey County, TX, had a labor force participation rate of approximately 58%, with an unemployment rate near 4.6%. Agriculture dominates employment, accounting for about 34% of jobs, followed by education, health services (20%), and retail trade (13%). The most common occupations include farming, production, and office support. Roughly 77% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 14 minutes. While most employees work within the county, around 12% commute to nearby counties, primarily Lamb and Cochran.

Bailey County, TX, has a homeownership rate of approximately 68%, with median home values around $77,000 and typical monthly rents near $640. The housing market remains stable, with property values seeing modest annual growth of about 2%. Single-family homes dominate, particularly in neighborhoods like Muleshoe, the county seat. Property taxes average 1.83% of assessed value, translating to roughly $1,400 annually for a median-priced home. The area boasts affordable living and a mix of older and newer residential developments, offering options for both buyers and renters.

County Crime & Safety

Bailey County, TX, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to statewide averages. In 2022, the county reported 42 total criminal offenses, consisting mainly of property-related crimes, with only 2 violent crimes recorded. The crime rate stands at approximately 3.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, well below the Texas average of 25.8 per 1,000. The Bailey County Sheriff’s Office and local police report consistently high clearance rates and encourage community involvement for safety. Overall, Bailey County is considered a safe area with effective law enforcement response and transparent crime reporting.