Jefferson County Public RecordsTexas

As of the 2020 Census, Jefferson County, TX had a population of 256,526. The median age was 37.3 years. Females made up 50.6% and males 49.4%. Racial and ethnic breakdown: 48.5% White (non-Hispanic), 30.5% Black or African American, 21.5% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Asian, and 0.4% Native American.

Jefferson County, TX, had 156,191 registered voters for the November 2022 General Election. The county holds elections for federal, state, county, and local offices, with early voting and 39 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential race, Jefferson County voted 53.5% for Donald Trump (R) and 45.2% for Joe Biden (D). Key issues include industrial development and hurricane recovery. The Jefferson County Clerk administers elections, with major parties—the Democratic and Republican parties—actively participating in outreach and primary contests. Voter turnout in recent general elections hovered around 57%.

Jefferson County, TX, has over 120 public schools, including 19 high schools, and a high school graduation rate of approximately 88%. About 19% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools like Beaumont Independent School District offer specialized programs such as STEM and career tech. The average school rating hovers around 5/10 (GreatSchools). Adult education is supported through Lamar Institute of Technology and Lamar University. School safety initiatives include campus officers and mental health services, contributing to a 10% decrease in school incidents over five years.

Jefferson County, TX, has an employment rate of approximately 94.5%, with major industries including manufacturing (17.9%), health care (14.2%), and retail trade (11.6%). The top occupations are production (13.7%), office & administrative support (12.4%), and sales (9.6%). About 85% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 22.5 minutes. Most employees work within the county, with Beaumont and Port Arthur being primary employment hubs.

Jefferson County, TX, features a homeownership rate of around 64%, with median home values near $155,000 and median monthly rents about $970. The local housing market has seen modest price growth of roughly 3% year-over-year. Housing types range from single-family homes to duplexes and apartments, with neighborhoods like Beaumont’s West End and Nederland popular for families. Property tax rates are approximately 2.5%, above the national average. The area offers affordable entry points for buyers and renters, making it attractive for various income levels.

Jefferson County, TX, reported a crime rate of 37.5 incidents per 1,000 residents in 2023, above the Texas average of 27.9. Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, accounted for 5.8 per 1,000, while property crimes like burglary and theft were 31.7 per 1,000. The county sheriff’s office emphasizes community policing and encourages reporting via an online portal, receiving over 9,500 reports last year. Despite safety initiatives, certain areas, especially Beaumont, experience higher rates, prompting increased patrols and public safety campaigns.