Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Falls County, Texas, had a population of 16,968. The median age is approximately 40 years. Gender distribution is nearly balanced, with about 49% male and 51% female residents. Racially, the county is 57% White, 23% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, 0.4% Native American, and 15.7% from other races or mixed. Hispanic or Latino residents make up roughly 25% of the population.

Elections

Falls County, Texas, with a population of around 16,500, had 8,023 registered voters for the November 2022 general election. County residents vote in local, state, and federal elections, with major polling sites in Marlin, Lott, and Rosebud. In the 2020 presidential election, about 71% voted Republican and 28% Democrat. The Falls County Elections Department administers voting, oversees ID requirements, and manages 10 polling locations. Key issues include agriculture, rural infrastructure, and school funding. The county is traditionally Republican, with some Democratic presence in municipal elections. Voter turnout in 2022 was approximately 50%.

Education, Employment and Housing

Falls County, TX, has 13 public schools, including 2 high schools. Approximately 76.6% of adults have a high school diploma, while about 10.6% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School districts like Marlin ISD report accountability scores around 60/100 (Texas Education Agency, 2022). Educational programs include vocational training and dual-credit options. School safety measures meet Texas standards, and adult education is available through local community initiatives.

As of 2022, Falls County, TX had an employment rate of approximately 52%. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (19%), Educational Services (11%), and Retail Trade (10%). The most common occupation types are Office & Administrative Support (13%), Sales (11%), and Production (10%). About 85% of workers commute to work by car, with an average commute time of 26 minutes; around 21% work outside the county, primarily in Waco and Temple.

Falls County, TX, offers affordable housing, with a median home value around $94,000 and median rent of $800 monthly. Homeownership is common, with about 69% of residents owning their homes. Property values have risen modestly, by approximately 4% from 2022 to 2023. Housing types include mainly single-family homes and some apartment complexes, particularly in Marlin and Rosebud neighborhoods. Rural areas dominate, with a few small-town clusters. The average property tax rate in Falls County is approximately 1.6%, making it relatively low compared to state averages, contributing to the area’s affordability.

County Crime & Safety

Falls County, TX, reports a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. According to recent Texas DPS data, the county had a crime rate of approximately 1,500 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2022. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, accounted for over 70% of reported offenses, while violent crimes made up about 15%. Law enforcement agencies promote community reporting to improve safety, and clearance rates for crimes in Falls County hover around 30%, indicating ongoing efforts to address crime. Overall, the county maintains rural safety standards but urges residents to remain vigilant.