Cottle County Public RecordsTexas

As of the 2020 Census, Cottle County, TX had a population of 1,380. The median age was around 46 years, with about 23% under 18 and 26% over 65. The population was approximately 54% male and 46% female. Racially, the county was 76% White, 7% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, and 12% from other races. Hispanic or Latino residents made up about 24% of the total population.

Cottle County, TX had 1,063 registered voters as of 2022. The county holds general, primary, and local elections; in the 2020 presidential election, 87.8% voted Republican and 11.1% Democrat. Voting takes place at the Cottle County Courthouse in Paducah. Key issues include rural healthcare and infrastructure. The election administrator manages voter rolls and polling logistics. The county leans heavily Republican, reflected in recent results. Turnout in recent elections was about 60%. Both major parties operate locally, but Republicans are dominant.

Cottle County, TX, is served primarily by the Paducah Independent School District, which operates one school covering pre-K through 12th grade, with an enrollment of about 200 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 95%, while around 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Niche scores the district a C+, citing limited AP and extracurricular programs but high levels of school safety. Adult education resources are sparse locally. Overall, educational attainment in Cottle County trails state averages, but small class sizes contribute to a close-knit learning environment.

As of 2022, Cottle County, TX, has an employment rate of approximately 53%, with about 620 residents in the labor force. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (20%), Educational Services (15%), and Agriculture (13%). Major occupation types include Management (18%), Office & Administrative Support (14%), and Food Preparation (11%). Around 82% of workers commute alone by car, with an average travel time of 17 minutes; most jobs are located within the county, notably in Paducah, the county seat.

Cottle County, TX, has a homeownership rate of around 75%, with median home values near $45,000 as of 2023. Rental options are limited, with median gross rent about $590. The housing market is stable, showing minimal value change annually. Most homes are single-family, built before 1980, in rural settings—no distinct neighborhoods but small communities like Paducah. Property tax rates average 1.40%, resulting in low annual taxes under $700 for median-value homes. The county’s affordable housing and low tax burden make it accessible for buyers seeking rural Texas living.

Cottle County, TX, reports relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. In 2022, the county recorded just 8 total reported crimes, none of which were violent offenses, resulting in a crime rate of 330 per 100,000 residents—significantly lower than Texas’s average of 2,800 per 100,000. Property crimes made up the majority, with burglary and theft as the primary concerns. Law enforcement presence is minimal due to the small population, and crime reporting is primarily managed by the Cottle County Sheriff’s Office. Overall, Cottle County is considered a safe rural community.