Demographics

As of 2023, Hockley County, TX, has an estimated population of 21,405. The median age is about 34.7 years, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female residents. Racially, 47.2% identify as White (non-Hispanic), 42.8% as Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% as Black or African American, and 1.5% as other races or mixed. The county exhibits a diverse demographic, with a significant Hispanic community shaping its cultural landscape.

Elections

Hockley County, Texas, had approximately 13,000 registered voters for the 2022 elections. The county hosts general, primary, and local elections, with Republicans dominating: in 2020, Trump received 81% of the vote. Polling locations include the Hockley County Courthouse and local schools. Issues such as agriculture policies and oil regulation are prominent. The Hockley County Elections Administrator manages elections, ensuring compliance with state laws. Both Democratic and Republican parties are active, but GOP influence prevails. Voter turnout is typically around 55%, reflecting rural Texas trends.

Education, Employment and Housing

Hockley County, TX, has around 17 public schools serving approximately 5,000 students, with Levelland High School being the largest. About 76% of residents hold a high school diploma, while 15% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school ratings hover near 6/10. The district emphasizes adult education, vocational programs, and career readiness. School safety measures have improved, resulting in below-average incident rates. Educational programs include Advanced Placement and dual-credit courses, supporting college preparedness.

As of 2022, Hockley County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 54%. The largest industries are educational services (18%), health care (14%), mining/quarrying/oil & gas (12%), and retail trade (11%). Most workers are employed in office/administrative (22%) and management/business (15%) occupations. Around 83% of employees commute by car, with an average travel time of 20 minutes. The majority (over 85%) work within Hockley County, with Levelland as the central employment location.

Hockley County, TX, has a homeownership rate of about 70%, with median home values around $120,000 (2022), while typical monthly rents are about $900. The housing market remains steady with modest appreciation in recent years. Most homes are single-family residences, with some apartments and mobile homes, and popular neighborhoods include Levelland and Sundown. The county’s property tax rate averages 1.77%, resulting in annual taxes of roughly $2,120 for a median-priced home.

County Crime & Safety

Hockley County, TX, reports a moderate crime rate, with the overall crime rate at 28.7 per 1,000 residents—higher than the U.S. average. In 2022, there were 410 reported crimes, including 51 violent crimes (e.g., assault, robbery) and 359 property crimes (e.g., burglary, theft). The sheriff’s office encourages prompt reporting and community involvement, which has improved response times. While certain areas face higher risks, overall safety measures and law enforcement visibility contribute to a relatively secure environment compared to similar Texas counties.