Houston County Public RecordsTexas

As of 2023, Houston County, TX, has a population of approximately 22,000. The median age is 43. About 50.7% are female and 49.3% male. Racially, the county is 68% White, 23% Black or African American, 7% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and 1% identifying as other or multiracial. Around 22% of residents are under 18, while nearly 21% are 65 or older, reflecting a relatively older population profile compared to state averages.

Houston County, TX, had approximately 15,500 registered voters in 2022. Elections include federal, state, county, municipal, and school board races, with major parties being Republican and Democrat; in the 2020 presidential election, Republicans secured around 73% of the vote. Key issues often include property taxes and rural infrastructure. The County Clerk’s Office administers elections at 15 polling locations. Voter turnout averaged 56% in recent general elections. Both traditional in-person and early voting are offered, while absentee ballot applications must meet eligibility requirements. Administration aims to ensure election security and compliance with Texas law.

Houston County, TX, has 18 public schools, including 3 high schools. About 79% of residents hold a high school diploma, while roughly 12% possess a bachelor's degree or higher. Average public school ratings in the county are 4/10 (GreatSchools). School safety measures comply with state standards but face funding challenges. Adult education is available through regional community colleges. The district offers programs in career and technical education, and dual credit courses, aiming to boost graduation rates.

As of 2022, Houston County, TX had an employment rate of approximately 50%. Major industries include healthcare and social assistance (21%), educational services (16%), and retail trade (12%). Top occupation types are management, business, science, and arts occupations (28%) and sales and office occupations (24%). The average commute time is around 25 minutes, with 87% of workers driving alone. While most residents are employed locally, about 14% commute outside the county for work, primarily to nearby cities like Lufkin and Palestine.

Houston County, TX, offers a mix of homeownership (around 70%) and rental (30%) opportunities. The median home value is approximately $150,000, with recent market trends showing steady appreciation of 4-5% annually. Housing types range from single-family homes to rural ranch properties, concentrated in neighborhoods like Crockett and Grapeland. Median rent is about $800/month. Property tax rates average 1.6%, totaling roughly $2,400 annually on a median-valued home. Cost of living remains below the national average, making Houston County an affordable option in East Texas.

Houston County, TX, experiences a moderate crime rate compared to Texas averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 320 total crimes, including 22 violent crimes (7%), and 298 property crimes (93%). The violent crime rate stands at about 2.8 per 1,000 residents, while property crime is around 38 per 1,000. Local law enforcement actively monitors and reports incidents, emphasizing community safety and prompt response. While lower than some urban areas, residents are encouraged to practice standard safety measures and report suspicious activities to maintain the county’s relatively safe environment.