Lavaca County Public RecordsTexas

As of the 2020 Census, Lavaca County, Texas, had a population of approximately 20,337. The median age is 46.3 years, with 21% under 18 and 23% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The county is predominantly White (85.7%), with Hispanic or Latino residents making up 18.1%, African American residents at 4.1%, and smaller proportions of Asian (0.4%) and other races.

Lavaca County, TX, had 13,850 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include local, state, and federal races, with recent turnout at 56% in the 2022 general election. Results often favor Republicans; in 2020, Trump received 84% of the presidential vote. There are 11 polling locations across the county’s precincts. Key issues include property taxes, agriculture, and infrastructure. The County Clerk’s Office administers elections, ensuring compliance with Texas laws. Party representation is predominantly Republican, with the GOP holding major local offices.

Lavaca County, TX, has 12 public schools, including 3 high schools. About 83% of adults have a high school diploma, and 16% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school rating is 6/10 (GreatSchools). Programs include vocational training and dual-credit courses. School safety is above state average, with low incident rates reported. The county offers adult education and GED preparation through regional centers, supporting lifelong learning.

Lavaca County, TX had an unemployment rate of approximately 3.7% as of early 2024. Major industries include agriculture, manufacturing (19%), and health care (14%). The leading occupation types are production (16%), management (13%), and office/administrative roles (12%). About 81% of employed residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 24 minutes. Roughly 76% work within the county, while others travel to neighboring cities like Victoria or Houston for employment.

Lavaca County, TX, has a homeownership rate of about 82%, with median home values near $185,000 and median rents around $850 per month. Property values have shown moderate appreciation, rising approximately 5% annually since 2020. Housing is predominantly single-family homes, with some ranches and a small proportion of multi-family units. Key neighborhoods include Hallettsville and Shiner. Property tax rates average 1.62%, leading to an estimated annual tax of $2,997 per $185,000 home. The local market remains stable with affordable options for buyers and renters.

Lavaca County, TX, boasts a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. According to recent FBI data, the violent crime rate is about 50 per 100,000 residents, and property crime stands at approximately 700 per 100,000. This is significantly lower than Texas’s statewide averages. Law enforcement agencies, including the Lavaca County Sheriff's Office, actively encourage community reporting, contributing to effective crime management. The county’s emphasis on neighborhood watch programs and swift police response bolsters safety, making it one of the safer rural counties in Texas.