Demographics
As of 2022, Gillespie County, TX, has a population of approximately 27,100. The median age is about 49.3 years, reflecting a relatively older population. Around 51% are female and 49% male. The racial composition is predominantly White (about 87%), with Hispanic or Latino residents making up 18%, and smaller percentages of African American (0.5%), Asian (0.6%), and other races. The county maintains a diverse yet primarily non-Hispanic White community, with steady population growth in recent years.
Elections
Gillespie County, TX, had 21,000 registered voters as of 2022. Voters participate in general, primary, runoff, and local elections, with turnout reaching 70% in presidential contests. The county is strongly Republican—over 80% voted GOP in recent elections. Polling locations include the Gillespie County Courthouse and several community centers. Key election issues are water management and property taxes. Elections are administered by the county Elections Administrator, following state and federal laws, with Party Chairs coordinating primaries. Both Republican and Democratic parties are present, though the GOP predominates.
Education, Employment and Housing
Gillespie County, TX, serves about 3,100 K-12 students across 7 public schools, including Fredericksburg High School, which boasts a graduation rate of 96% and average SAT scores around 1100. Roughly 87% of residents hold a high school diploma, and around 24% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools emphasize safety, with strong anti-bullying policies and secure campuses. Educational programs include AP courses, dual credit, and vocational training. Adult education is available through the Hill Country University Center, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development. Schools generally score above state averages on standardized tests.
Gillespie County, TX, had an employment rate of around 62% in 2022. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (14%), Retail Trade (13%), and Accommodation & Food Services (12%). Leading occupation types are Management (14%), Sales (12%), and Office & Administrative Support (11%). The average commute time is 19 minutes, with approximately 85% of workers commuting alone by car. Most residents work within the county (about 66%), while others commute to nearby areas like Kerr and Bexar counties. Unemployment remains low, averaging near 3% as of early 2023.
Gillespie County, TX, has a homeownership rate of approximately 75%, with the median home value around $430,000 in 2023. Median gross rent is about $1,200 monthly. The market has seen steady value growth, with property values rising over 10% year-over-year recently. Housing types include historic homes, ranches, and modern single-family houses, especially in Fredericksburg and nearby neighborhoods. Property tax rates average 1.4%. Popular neighborhoods like Stone Ridge offer family-friendly amenities, while downtown Fredericksburg features charming, walkable streets.
County Crime & Safety
Gillespie County, TX, reports a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to recent FBI data, the county's violent crime rate is approximately 45 incidents per 100,000 residents, while property crime stands at around 865 per 100,000. The Fredericksburg Police Department ensures prompt reporting and active community engagement, contributing to high levels of public safety. These statistics reflect Gillespie County’s reputation as a safe area, with crime rates significantly lower than Texas’s averages of 446 violent and 2,245 property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Popular names
- Jose Ramirez
- William Smith
- Heather Brown
- Jason Smith
- Jose Aguilar
- Jose Garcia
- Jose Sanchez
- Maria Lopez
- Michael Jones
- Patrick Frantzen
- Richard Johnson
- Christopher Lee
- David Thompson
- David Woodward
- Gabino Sanchez
- Gary Griffin
- Gerianne Icke
- Heather Davis
- James Moore
- John Taylor
- Joyce Smith
- Manuel Rivera
- Maria Ramirez
- Maria Rivas
- Mary Martinez
- Mary Schumann
- Mary Williams
- Michael Stevens
- Ray Geistweidt
- Robert Brown
- Robert Smith
- Sarah Holt
- Steven Mohr
- Vanessa Sanchez
- William Wright
- Alexandria Young
- Armin Engel
- Augustine Arizola
- Betsy Cox
- Betty Martin
- Brenda Albiter
- Bryan Kirchner
- Chassidy Keese
- Cody Pape
- Cristian Hernandez
- David Blake
- David Rodriguez
- Deborah Phillips
- Donald Allen
- Dwight Schmidt
- Edward Stehling
- Elgin Durst
- Elsa Galindo
- George Sanchez
- Hailey Martyn
- Heath Sasko
- Jack Terry
- Jaime Castro
- James Ellis
- James Leftwich
Other Counties in Texas
- Anderson
- Andrews
- Angelina
- Aransas
- Archer
- Armstrong
- Atascosa
- Austin
- Bailey
- Bandera
- Bastrop
- Baylor
- Bee
- Bell
- Bexar
- Blanco
- Borden
- Bosque
- Bowie
- Brazoria
- Brazos
- Brewster
- Briscoe
- Brooks
- Brown
- Burleson
- Burnet
- Caldwell
- Calhoun
- Callahan
- Cameron
- Camp
- Carson
- Cass
- Castro
- Chambers
- Cherokee
- Childress
- Clay
- Cochran
- Coke
- Coleman
- Collin
- Collingsworth
- Colorado
- Comal
- Comanche
- Concho
- Cooke
- Coryell
- Cottle