Hartley County Public RecordsTexas

As of the 2020 Census, Hartley County, Texas, had a population of approximately 5,382. The population is 60.5% male and 39.5% female, reflecting a higher male-to-female ratio due to the presence of correctional facilities. The median age is about 39 years. Racially, the county is 73.9% White, 9.8% Black or African American, 1% Native American, and 2.2% Asian, with 30.2% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Hartley County, TX, has 3 public schools, including Hartley High School and Dalhart High School, serving grades PK-12. About 84% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 16% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school test scores are around 60% proficiency in math and reading. Schools typically have low student-teacher ratios (~11:1), and safety incidents are rare. Educational programs include career readiness and dual-credit options. Adult education opportunities are limited locally but accessible in neighboring communities.

As of 2022, Hartley County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 64%. Major industries include agriculture, transportation, and public administration, with agriculture employing about 16% and transportation around 14% of the workforce. The leading occupation types are management, production, and transportation-related roles. Most residents (86%) commute by car, and the average one-way commute is 17 minutes. A majority of employees work within the county, with Amarillo being a significant nearby employment center for commuters.

Hartley County, TX has a homeownership rate of around 77%, with a median home value near $161,000 and median monthly rent about $856. The property market has remained stable, with moderate value growth over the past five years. Housing mainly consists of single-family homes, with some mobile homes. Popular neighborhoods include Dalhart and Channing. Property tax rates average around 1.5% of assessed value, translating to roughly $2,415 annually for a median-priced home. Housing stock is predominantly owner-occupied, with limited apartment availability, contributing to a tight rental market and steadily rising prices.

Hartley County, TX, had 3,032 registered voters as of 2022. The county holds primary, general, runoff, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 89.6% voted Republican and 9.7% Democratic. Polling places include the Hartley Courthouse Annex in Channing and Dalhart City Hall. Local issues often focus on agriculture, water, and property taxes. Elections are administered by the Hartley County Elections Office. The county is firmly Republican, with the GOP dominating local offices. Voter turnout in major elections typically exceeds 70%, reflecting strong civic engagement among residents.

Hartley County, TX, maintains a notably low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to recent FBI reports, the county experienced fewer than 50 total reported crimes in 2022, with violent crimes such as assault and robbery being particularly rare—violent crime rate stands at approximately 0.5 per 1,000 residents. Property crimes are also minimal, averaging around 2 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting and has a high clearance rate for investigations, contributing to its reputation as a safe and secure rural area.