Cooke County Public RecordsTexas

As of 2023, Cooke County, TX has an estimated population of 42,800. The median age is around 39 years. Gender distribution is nearly equal, with about 50.3% male and 49.7% female. Racially, the county is 77% White, 2.8% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, 2.3% Native American, and 12% from other races; 18% identify as Hispanic or Latino.

Cooke County, TX had approximately 26,500 registered voters in 2024. The county conducts primary, general, runoff, and local elections, with major races often showing Republican dominance—Donald Trump won 83% here in 2020. Voting occurs at several polling locations, including the Cooke County Courthouse and local community centers. Recent issues include property tax rates and school funding. The Cooke County Elections Administration manages electoral processes, with the Republican and Democratic parties locally active, though GOP turnout is typically higher, reflecting a conservative-leaning electorate.

Cooke County, TX has 24 public schools, including 5 high schools, serving around 7,500 students. Approximately 87% of adults have a high school diploma, while 17% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools report average test scores near the Texas state average, with a graduation rate of 93%. School safety measures include controlled access and resource officers. Educational programs feature vocational training, dual-credit courses, and advanced placement options. Adult education is supported by North Central Texas College, offering GED prep and continuing education courses to over 3,000 adult learners annually.

As of 2023, Cooke County, TX has an employment rate of 61.2%. The largest employment sectors are Manufacturing (21%), Health Care & Social Assistance (14%), and Retail Trade (12%). Most residents work in Office & Administrative Support (13%), Production (12%), and Management (10%) occupations. Roughly 81% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 23 minutes—about 26% work outside the county, mainly commuting to Denton and Grayson counties. Cooke County’s labor force reflects a diverse mix of jobs with a strong industrial and service presence.

Cooke County, TX, features a homeownership rate of about 74% and a median home value of approximately $217,000 in 2023. The median monthly rent is around $1,100. The market has seen steady growth, with values rising about 6% year-over-year. Housing types range from single-family homes to some duplexes, with neighborhoods like Gainesville and Lindsay offering diverse options. The county average property tax rate is about 1.7% of assessed value. Housing remains affordable compared to state averages, attracting families and retirees.

Cooke County, TX, has a crime rate lower than the national average, with recent FBI data indicating approximately 15.5 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Property crimes, including burglary and theft, are more common than violent offenses, which occur at a rate of about 2.3 per 1,000 people. The Cooke County Sheriff's Office actively reports and addresses crime, leading to a gradual decline in incidents over recent years. Residents generally consider the county safe, with enhanced law enforcement presence contributing to a strong community sense of security.