Demographics

As of 2023, Gaines County, TX, has an estimated population of 22,500. The racial/ethnic makeup is approximately 50% Hispanic or Latino, 45% White (non-Hispanic), 2% Black, and 3% other races. The median age is about 31.5 years, with 29% under 18 and 13% aged 65 or over. The gender distribution is roughly 51% male and 49% female.

Elections

Gaines County, TX, counted roughly 8,600 registered voters in 2022. Voters participate in general, primary, and local elections, typically held at around 6 polling locations, including the Gaines County Civic Building. In the 2020 presidential election, about 88% of votes favored the Republican Party, with Democrats receiving less than 12%. Key issues include agriculture, oil, and education funding. Elections are administered by the County Clerk’s office, ensuring compliance with state law. The county is overwhelmingly Republican, with GOP candidates consistently winning by wide margins in local, state, and national races.

Education, Employment and Housing

Gaines County, TX, serves over 3,000 K-12 students across 8 public schools, including Seagraves and Seminole High Schools. Graduation rates average around 90%, but only about 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools have a “B” accountability rating (TEA 2023), with robust career and technical education programs. Adult education opportunities are limited locally. School safety initiatives include campus officers and security protocols. While academic performance is respectable, educational attainment beyond high school lags behind the state average.

As of 2022, Gaines County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 62%. Key industries include mining, quarrying, and oil & gas extraction (28%), agriculture (16%), and education/health services (11%). Major occupation types are extraction and production (30%), office & administrative (15%), and management (12%). About 75% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 19 minutes. Most residents work within the county, while around 17% commute to neighboring counties such as Ector or Midland for employment.

Gaines County, TX, has a homeownership rate of approximately 67%, with median home values around $140,000. Rental occupancy is about 33%, and median gross rent is near $900 per month. Property values have shown steady growth of 3–5% annually in recent years. Housing mainly consists of single-family homes, with a mix of newer builds in Seminole and older homes in Seagraves. Popular neighborhoods include Seminole Heights. Property tax rates average 1.34%, keeping taxes on a $140,000 home at about $1,876 yearly. The housing market remains stable and affordable compared to state averages.

County Crime & Safety

Gaines County, TX, reports lower-than-average crime rates compared to state and national levels. According to the latest FBI data, the county recorded a violent crime rate of approximately 130 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate near 600 per 100,000 in 2022. Local law enforcement emphasizes community policing and prompt crime reporting. The sheriff’s office received under 200 crime reports annually in recent years, reflecting a generally safe environment; however, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to maintain public safety.