Cherokee County Public RecordsTexas

As of 2023, Cherokee County, TX, has an estimated population of 51,100. About 49% are male and 51% female. The median age is roughly 39 years. Racially, the county is 65% White, 15% Black or African American, 16% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Native American, and 1% Asian, with the remainder identifying as mixed or other races. The county's demographic profile reflects moderate diversity, with a significant Hispanic and Black population.

Cherokee County, TX, had approximately 34,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include local, state, and federal contests—such as school board, city, county, and presidential races. In the November 2022 general election, turnout was around 47%. Polling locations included the Cherokee County Elections Office in Rusk and various community centers. Major issues in recent ballots have included property tax rates and school funding. Election administration is handled by county officials; the dominant parties are Republican and Democratic, with Republicans securing 74% of the vote in the 2022 gubernatorial race.

Cherokee County, TX, operates 12 public school districts with about 25 schools serving K-12 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 89%, yet only around 14% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School performance scores generally range from C to B based on state assessments. Programs offered include vocational training and dual-credit courses. Adult education is available through community initiatives. School safety measures are in place, though district spending per student is lower than the state average at about $9,100.

Cherokee County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 53% with a labor force of about 20,000 as of 2022. Major employment sectors include health care and social assistance (18%), manufacturing (16%), retail trade (12%), and education (10%). Occupations are primarily in production (13%), office/administrative support (12%), and sales (11%). Most residents (over 80%) commute by car, with an average commute time of 25 minutes; about 61% work within the county, while the remainder travel to neighboring counties such as Smith or Nacogdoches for employment.

Cherokee County, TX has a homeownership rate of around 68%, with median home values near $170,000 as of 2023. Median monthly rent is about $900. The housing market remains steady, with property values gradually increasing 3-4% yearly. Single-family homes dominate, alongside some mobile homes and apartments. Popular neighborhoods include Jacksonville, Rusk, and Alto, offering both urban and rural settings. Property tax rates average 1.75%, equating to an annual tax of about $2,975 on a median-valued home. The area is attractive for affordable living and diverse housing options.

Cherokee County, TX, experiences crime rates slightly above state averages, with a violent crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 17.8 per 1,000, based on recent FBI data. The county reports around 500 property crimes and 100 violent crimes annually, mainly concentrated in urban areas like Jacksonville and Rusk. Law enforcement encourages community reporting through local hotlines and online forms, aiding in resolving cases efficiently. Overall, while safety remains a concern, ongoing police efforts and public vigilance contribute to gradual improvement in crime statistics.