Hidalgo County Public RecordsTexas

As of 2023, Hidalgo County, TX has an estimated population of about 890,000. The median age is 29.9 years, reflecting a young population. Gender distribution is nearly even, with females making up approximately 51%. The county is predominantly Hispanic or Latino (91%), with White (7%), Black (0.8%), and Asian (0.6%) populations making up smaller shares. The area is one of the fastest-growing and youngest in Texas, known for its vibrant Hispanic heritage.

Hidalgo County, TX, had about 394,000 registered voters in 2022. Residents participate in local, state, and federal elections, with turnout typically ranging from 30% in midterms to 60% in presidential years. In the 2020 presidential election, 58% voted Democratic and 41% Republican. Over 70 polling locations operate across the county. Key issues include immigration and education. The Elections Department manages the process, ensuring compliance and accessibility. The county is primarily Democratic, but Republican support has grown recently. Voter registration remains open year-round, with requirements governed by Texas state law.

Hidalgo County, TX, has over 50 high schools and numerous elementary and middle schools, serving a largely Hispanic population. Approximately 68% of residents have a high school diploma, but only about 18% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools, such as those in McAllen and Edinburg ISDs, average scores in the mid-70s (Texas Education Agency ratings). Adult education centers, vocational programs, and partnerships with South Texas College support lifelong learning. School safety is a priority, with 95% compliance in mandated drills, and various districts offer dual-credit, STEM, and bilingual education programs.

As of 2023, Hidalgo County, TX has an employment rate of about 55%. The largest industries are education and health services (26%), retail trade (13%), and public administration (12%). Most workers are employed in office and administrative support (18%), sales (14%), and education (11%). Approximately 82% of employees commute by car, with an average commute time of 24 minutes, and about 87% work within the county. Top employment hubs include McAllen, Edinburg, and Mission. Unemployment in the county remains higher than the Texas average, at around 6%.

Hidalgo County, TX has a homeownership rate of about 63%, with a median home value near $154,000 and median monthly rent around $900. Property values have risen over 25% since 2020. Housing predominantly consists of single-family homes, with apartments and duplexes in urban areas like McAllen and Edinburg. Popular neighborhoods include Mission’s Sharyland and McAllen’s North 10th. Property taxes average about 2.1%, leading to annual taxes of over $3,200 for median-priced homes. Rental demand is strong, driven by population growth and a sizable student population from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Hidalgo County, TX, has seen a mixed crime and safety trend in recent years. In 2023, the violent crime rate was approximately 330 incidents per 100,000 residents, lower than the state average of 420. Property crime was reported at about 2,400 per 100,000, also below Texas’s average. The Sheriff’s Office and local police have increased community policing efforts, contributing to a 5% decrease in overall crime since 2021. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities, with 16,000+ incident reports filed annually through both online and non-emergency hotlines.