Brewster County Public RecordsTexas

As of 2022, Brewster County, TX has a population of about 9,848. The median age is 48.6 years, with 49% male and 51% female residents. The racial/ethnic composition is approximately 73% White, 2% Black or African American, 1% Native American, and 1% Asian, with 49% identifying as Hispanic or Latino (of any race). This sparsely populated, predominantly rural county features a diverse age range and a strong Hispanic community.

Brewster County, TX, with around 6,000 registered voters as of 2024, conducts general, primary, and local elections, typically using five polling locations including the county courthouse in Alpine. In the 2020 presidential election, about 57% voted Democrat and 42% Republican. Key issues include water rights and rural infrastructure. Election administration is managed by the County Clerk and Elections Office. Both Democratic and Republican parties are active. Voter turnout often exceeds 50% in major elections, reflecting strong civic engagement for the region’s population of roughly 9,400 residents.

Brewster County, TX has 7 public schools, including Alpine High School as its primary secondary institution. About 82% of adults have a high school diploma, while 34% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating hovers around 6/10, with small class sizes (student-teacher ratio about 12:1) fostering personalized instruction. The county offers programs in dual-credit, career technical education, and adult education through Sul Ross State University. School safety measures are robust, with low reported incidents; overall, students benefit from a safe, supportive, and community-centered educational environment.

Brewster County, TX, has an employment rate of approximately 56% (ages 16+), with around 3,700 people employed. Top industries include educational services, health care and social assistance (26%), arts, entertainment, and accommodation (20%), and retail trade (10%). The leading occupation types are management, business, science, and arts (37%), and service occupations (28%). Most residents (85%) work within the county, with an average commute time of 12 minutes. Public administration and construction also contribute notably to local employment.

Brewster County, TX, has a homeownership rate of around 70%, with median home values near $180,000 as of 2024. Median gross rent is approximately $850/month. The housing market has seen moderate annual appreciation of 4–6% recently. Properties include single-family homes, adobe-style houses, and mobile homes, particularly in Alpine, Marathon, and Terlingua neighborhoods. Property taxes average 1.45% of assessed value. The area maintains affordable housing options compared to Texas averages, attracting both families and retirees.

Brewster County, TX, known for its vast desert landscapes, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 150 total crimes, including 10 violent crimes and 140 property crimes, resulting in a crime rate of about 12 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement agencies emphasize community policing, and most incidents involve minor theft or vandalism. The Sheriff’s Office encourages prompt reporting and transparency, contributing to an overall sense of safety among Brewster County residents.