Jeff Davis County Public RecordsTexas

As of the 2020 Census, Jeff Davis County, Texas had a population of 1,996. The median age is about 53, reflecting an older population. Approximately 50.6% are male and 49.4% female. The racial makeup is 88% White, 1% African American, 1% Native American, and around 7% from other races, with about 43% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The county is sparsely populated and rural, with a declining population trend.

As of 2024, Jeff Davis County, TX, has just over 1,600 residents, with approximately 1,200 registered voters. Elections held include general, primary, and special elections, typically yielding a turnout rate of 65-75%. Voting occurs at locations such as the Jeff Davis County Courthouse in Fort Davis. In 2020, Republican candidates secured over 75% of the county’s vote. Key issues include water management and rural healthcare. The county’s elections are administered by the County Clerk’s Office, with the Republican and Democratic parties sparsely represented but Republicans dominating recent results.

Jeff Davis County, TX, serves education mainly through the Fort Davis Independent School District, which includes one elementary and one high school. The high school graduation rate is around 90%, while about 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. School safety scores are above the state average, with schools participating in regular safety drills and programs. Educational offerings feature small class sizes (average 10:1 student–teacher ratio) and extracurricular activities. Adult education opportunities are limited but accessible via nearby colleges or online programs.

As of 2022, Jeff Davis County, TX, has a labor force participation rate of about 49.2%, with an unemployment rate around 2.9%. The largest employment sectors are Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance (31%), followed by Arts, Entertainment, and Accommodation (18%), and Public Administration (13%). Most workers are employed in management, education, or administrative roles. About 58% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 14.5 minutes, and most are employed within the county, particularly in Valentine and Fort Davis.

Jeff Davis County, TX, features a homeownership rate of about 76%, with median home values around $220,000 as of 2022. Median gross rents average $665 monthly. Housing mainly includes single-family homes, historic adobe structures, and some ranch properties, especially in Fort Davis. The area is largely rural with small, close-knit neighborhoods. Property values have seen modest annual increases of 3–5% in recent years. Property tax rates typically range from 1.3% to 1.5%, lower than many Texas counties, making housing relatively affordable compared to urban areas.

Jeff Davis County, TX, is one of the safest counties in Texas, with significantly low crime rates. According to recent FBI data, the violent crime rate is 0.0 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate is approximately 1.5 per 1,000, well below state and national averages. Law enforcement relies on the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office, and crime reporting is minimal, reflecting the county’s small population (around 1,800). Overall, Jeff Davis County maintains a reputation for strong community safety and minimal criminal activity.