Hardin County Public RecordsTexas

As of the 2020 Census, Hardin County, TX had a population of approximately 56,231. The median age is about 39.7 years. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female. Racially, the county is 84.6% White, 7.6% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 4.7% of two or more races. Around 7.2% identify as Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Hardin County, TX, had approximately 34,500 registered voters for the 2022 general election. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, with major contests including presidential, gubernatorial, and local school board races. In 2022, Republican candidates typically won with over 80% of the county vote. Polling locations include the Hardin County Courthouse and city halls in Kountze, Lumberton, and Silsbee. Issues like property taxes and school funding are key. The Hardin County Elections Administration oversees processes, with both Republican and Democratic parties active, though the county leans heavily Republican.

Hardin County, TX has about 19 public schools serving K-12, including four high schools. The graduation rate is around 90% and about 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school ratings are 6/10 (GreatSchools). The student-teacher ratio is 15:1. Programs include CTE, gifted education, and dual credit classes. Safety measures such as SROs and controlled campus access are in place. Adult education opportunities are available through local community colleges and online platforms.

As of 2022, Hardin County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 94.8%. The leading industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (14.4%), Retail Trade (13.2%), and Construction (11.6%). Most employed residents work in Office & Administrative Support (12.3%), Sales (10.8%), and Management (10.5%) occupations. The average commuting time is 29.8 minutes, with over 87% driving alone. A significant portion of residents commute to nearby Beaumont and Lumberton for employment, reflecting the county's role as a suburban area within the Beaumont-Port Arthur metropolitan region.

Hardin County, TX, has a homeownership rate of about 78%, with a median home value around $180,000 and median rent near $950 monthly. The housing market has seen steady growth, with property values rising approximately 6% over the past year. Most residences are single-family homes, especially in neighborhoods like Lumberton and Silsbee. The county offers a blend of rural and suburban housing options. Property taxes average 1.75% of assessed value, equating to roughly $3,150 annually on a median-priced home. Rentals are less common but available, mostly concentrated in larger towns.

Hardin County, TX, has a crime rate lower than the national average. In 2023, the county reported 221 total crimes, including 23 violent crimes (assault and robbery) and 198 property crimes (burglary and theft). This results in a crime rate of about 12 per 1,000 residents. Crime reporting is managed by the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, focusing on proactive community policing and public safety education. Despite periodic spikes in theft, public awareness and law enforcement efforts have maintained an overall decrease in serious offenses over recent years.