Demographics

As of 2022, Bosque County, TX has a population of about 18,300. The median age is approximately 47 years. The gender split is close, with 50.1% male and 49.9% female. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 84.9% White (non-Hispanic), 13.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, and 0.2% Asian. The county has a relatively older population compared to state averages.

Elections

Bosque County, TX, had 13,254 registered voters as of 2022. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, managed by the Bosque County Elections Office. In the 2020 presidential election, 81% voted Republican and 18% Democratic. There are 16 polling locations across the county. Key local issues include property taxes and rural infrastructure. Republican and Democratic parties are active, with the GOP dominating recent results. The Elections Office oversees voter registration, ballot counting, and compliance with state regulations to ensure fair administration.

Education, Employment and Housing

Bosque County, TX, has 14 public schools serving around 2,400 students, including Clifton and Valley Mills High Schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 93%, but only about 15% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings average around 5–6/10 on GreatSchools. Adult education opportunities are limited locally. School safety is generally above state average, with few major incidents reported. Educational programs focus on vocational training and agricultural studies, reflecting local needs.

As of 2022, Bosque County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 54.2% among residents aged 16 and over. Leading industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (13.4%), Retail Trade (11.7%), and Construction (11.1%). Major occupation types are Management, Business, Science & Arts (29.5%), and Sales & Office (21%). Most workers (82.6%) commute alone by car, with a mean travel time of 35 minutes, and about 74% are employed outside their county of residence, often commuting to neighboring counties such as McLennan and Johnson.

Bosque County, TX, has a homeownership rate of around 75%, with median home values near $210,000 as of 2023. The rental market is limited, with median rents about $900/month. Property values have increased approximately 8% year-over-year. Housing mainly consists of single-family homes, ranches, and some mobile homes, in communities like Clifton, Meridian, and Valley Mills. Property taxes average 1.5%-1.7% of assessed value. Neighborhoods are generally rural or small-town, with scenic landscapes and low population density, appealing to buyers seeking space or quiet lifestyles.

County Crime & Safety

Bosque County, TX, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the overall crime rate was approximately 1,050 incidents per 100,000 residents, significantly below Texas's average of 2,500. Violent crimes, including aggravated assault and robbery, accounted for less than 10% of reports, while property crimes such as burglary and theft were more common. The Bosque County Sheriff's Office actively encourages community reporting, leading to timely response and investigation. Despite occasional upticks, Bosque County remains a generally safe rural area with consistent law enforcement presence.