Howard County Public RecordsTexas

As of the 2020 Census, Howard County, TX, had a population of 34,860. The median age is around 37 years. Approximately 51% are male and 49% female. Racially, the county is 68% White, 7% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 21% from other races; about 47% identify as Hispanic or Latino. These figures reflect a diverse and balanced demographic composition.

Howard County, TX, with about 18,000 registered voters as of 2022, participates in federal, state, and local elections. In the 2020 presidential race, 81% of votes favored the Republican candidate. Elections are overseen by the Howard County Elections Administrator, and polling locations include the Courthouse and local schools. Issues like property taxes and school funding are prominent. The county leans strongly Republican, though both major parties maintain local organizations. Early voting and mail-in ballots are available to eligible voters.

Howard County, TX has around 20 public and private schools, including Big Spring High School. Approximately 82% of residents hold a high school diploma, while 14% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is 5/10 (GreatSchools). Howard College, a community college, supports adult education and workforce training programs. Schools implement standard safety protocols with moderate security ratings. Educational programs include dual-credit, vocational, and STEM opportunities, providing diverse paths for students.

As of 2022, Howard County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 57.3%. Major industries include mining, quarrying, and oil & gas extraction (18.5%), health care and social assistance (11.5%), and retail trade (11.3%). Leading occupations are office/administrative support (13.7%) and construction/extraction (13.2%). About 86.7% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 18.6 minutes. The majority of residents (over 90%) work within Howard County, particularly in Big Spring, the county seat and economic hub.

Howard County, TX, has a homeownership rate of around 65%, with a median home value of approximately $130,000 as of 2023. Median monthly rent is about $900. The housing market trends show modest appreciation, with property values rising by about 3% annually. Most homes are single-family, but apartments and mobile homes are available. Popular neighborhoods include Big Spring and Forsan. Property tax rates average 1.8%, equating to roughly $2,340 annually on a median-valued home. The area offers a mix of affordable housing options for buyers and renters alike.

Howard County, TX, has a crime rate higher than the national average, with a reported 3,400 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023. Violent crime accounts for 15% of these incidents, including around 50 aggravated assaults and 3 homicides annually, while property crimes such as burglary and theft comprise the rest. The sheriff’s office encourages prompt reporting through their hotline and online forms, aiding in faster response and investigation. Local law enforcement continues to implement community policing efforts to improve resident safety and lower crime rates.