Demographics
As of 2023, Kaufman County, TX has an estimated population of about 169,000. The median age is approximately 36 years. The gender split is roughly even, with 50.2% female and 49.8% male. Racial and ethnic composition is 62% White (non-Hispanic), 16% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 27% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). Other races and mixed backgrounds make up around 5% of the population.
Elections
Kaufman County, TX had 83,500 registered voters as of 2024. The county holds general, primary, runoff, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 70.1% voted Republican and 28.6% Democrat. There are 35 polling locations across cities like Terrell and Forney. Key 2024 issues include property taxes and school funding. Elections are administered by the Kaufman County Elections Office, currently led by Democrat Laura Hughes. Voter turnout in recent elections averaged 62%. The county is predominantly Republican, with GOP holding most local offices.
Education, Employment and Housing
Kaufman County, TX hosts 40+ public schools, with 7 high schools serving over 12,000 students. About 87% of adults have a high school diploma, while 19% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools have an average GreatSchools rating of 5/10. The county emphasizes adult education through GED and vocational programs. School districts prioritize safety with controlled access and resource officers. Kaufman ISD and surrounding districts offer AP, dual-credit, and CTE programs to support college and career readiness.
As of 2023, Kaufman County, TX, has an employment rate of approximately 62%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (13.2%), retail trade (12.7%), and construction (12%). Occupation types are led by office and administrative support (14.5%), sales (10.9%), and management occupations (10.8%). The average commute time is about 32 minutes, with over 80% of workers driving alone; many residents commute to Dallas and surrounding areas for employment.
Kaufman County, TX, boasts a homeownership rate of about 72%, with median home values around $295,000 in 2024. Rental rates average $1,550/month. Property values have risen approximately 8% year-over-year, driven by suburban growth and proximity to Dallas. Predominant housing types are single-family homes, with new developments emerging in neighborhoods like Forney, Terrell, and Heartland. Property tax rates average 2.4%, impacting affordability. Popular neighborhoods offer amenities, good schools, and community parks, attracting families and first-time buyers to the area’s expanding real estate market.
County Crime & Safety
Kaufman County, TX, has seen a moderate crime rate in recent years. In 2023, the county reported approximately 1,000 total crimes, with a crime rate of 17.4 per 1,000 residents. Violent crime remains relatively low, with 130 reported cases (2.3 per 1,000), while property crimes like burglary and theft account for over 80% of incidents. Local law enforcement’s proactive reporting and community programs contribute to maintaining safety, and the county’s crime rate is below the Texas state average of 25.8 per 1,000 residents.
Popular names
- Jose Rodriguez
- Michael Smith
- Robert Smith
- Jose Hernandez
- Jose Martinez
- Juan Martinez
- David Smith
- Jason Smith
- Jennifer Smith
- Jose Garcia
- Juan Lopez
- Maria Garcia
- Maria Martinez
- Jose Perez
- Juan Rodriguez
- Maria Hernandez
- Maria Sanchez
- John Davis
- Michael Brown
- William Johnson
- Carlos Cruz
- David Jones
- James Johnson
- James Smith
- Jose Ramirez
- Jose Sanchez
- Juan Garcia
- James Jones
- Jose Gonzalez
- Jose Lopez
- Michael Johnson
- William Moore
- Brian Smith
- James Davis
- Robert Williams
- Jesus Martinez
- John Williams
- Jose Alvarez
- Justin Smith
- Maria Ramirez
- Michael Moore
- Patricia Smith
- Steven Smith
- James Williams
- John Smith
- Juan Hernandez
- Kenneth Smith
- Linda Smith
- Maria Rodriguez
- Mary Jones
- Stephanie Smith
- David Johnson
- David Williams
- Elizabeth Smith
- Francisco Rodriguez
- James Taylor
- Kenneth Williams
- Maria Gonzalez
- Maria Perez
- Mary Johnson
Other Counties in Texas
- Anderson
- Andrews
- Angelina
- Aransas
- Archer
- Armstrong
- Atascosa
- Austin
- Bailey
- Bandera
- Bastrop
- Baylor
- Bee
- Bell
- Bexar
- Blanco
- Borden
- Bosque
- Bowie
- Brazoria
- Brazos
- Brewster
- Briscoe
- Brooks
- Brown
- Burleson
- Burnet
- Caldwell
- Calhoun
- Callahan
- Cameron
- Camp
- Carson
- Cass
- Castro
- Chambers
- Cherokee
- Childress
- Clay
- Cochran
- Coke
- Coleman
- Collin
- Collingsworth
- Colorado
- Comal
- Comanche
- Concho
- Cooke
- Coryell
- Cottle