Dawson County Public RecordsTexas

As of 2023, Dawson County, TX, has a population of approximately 12,900. About 50% are male and 50% female. The median age is around 36 years. Racially, Dawson County is 45% White (non-Hispanic), 48% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Black or African American, and 1% other races. Children under 18 make up 25% of the population, while those 65 and older comprise about 17%.

Dawson County, TX, had approximately 7,200 registered voters as of 2022. Elections held include local school board, city, county offices, state, and federal contests, with major participation in presidential and gubernatorial cycles. In the 2020 presidential election, 83% of Dawson voters chose the Republican candidate, with Democrats receiving 16%. Polling sites include the Dawson County Courthouse and local community centers. Key issues include agriculture, water, and education. The county’s elections are administered by the County Clerk's office, with the Republican Party maintaining substantial influence; Democratic participation remains lower. Voter turnout in general elections often reaches 55-60%.

Dawson County, TX operates four public schools under the Dawson ISD and Lamesa ISD, including Lamesa High School. The high school graduation rate is about 88%, but only 10% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, well below the Texas average. Schools score below average on state exams, with STAAR proficiency at around 38%. Programs include vocational training and dual-credit courses. Adult education opportunities are limited but available through nearby community colleges. School safety incidents are rare, with most schools maintaining secure environments through state-mandated safety protocols and regular emergency drills.

Dawson County, TX has an employment rate of approximately 55.8%, with 5,060 residents participating in the labor force. Major industries include agriculture, oil and gas, healthcare, and education, with agriculture employing around 18% and healthcare 15% of workers. The leading occupation types are management, office support, and production. Most employees (over 82%) commute by car, with an average commute time of 18 minutes; roughly 70% work locally in Dawson County, while the remainder commute primarily to nearby Lamesa and Midland.

Dawson County, TX, features a homeownership rate of about 70%, with the median home value around $75,000 as of 2022. Median gross rent is approximately $750 per month. The county offers a mix of housing types, primarily single-family homes, with some apartments and mobile homes, concentrated in neighborhoods like Lamesa. Property values have remained relatively stable, with minor appreciation over recent years. Property taxes average 1.6% of assessed value, lower than the national average. The area appeals to those seeking affordable housing and a small-town atmosphere.

Dawson County, TX, reported a crime rate of 2,527 per 100,000 residents in 2022, with property crimes comprising 72% of incidents and violent crimes 28%, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The county saw a slight decrease in total reported offenses compared to 2021. Most common offenses included theft (130 cases) and assault (52 cases). Dawson County maintains a lower crime rate than Texas’s state average of 2,947 per 100,000. Local law enforcement encourages community reporting and engagement to further enhance safety efforts.