Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Mills County, TX had a population of 4,456. The median age is 47.9 years, with approximately 51% male and 49% female residents. Racially, the county is predominantly White (85.8%), with smaller proportions of Black or African American (2.1%), Native American (0.4%), and others. Hispanic or Latino residents make up 18.3% of the population, indicating some overlap due to ethnicity being counted separately from race.

Elections

Mills County, TX, with around 3,500 residents, had 2,681 registered voters in 2022. Elections include primaries, general, local, school board, and special districts. In the 2020 presidential election, 86% voted Republican and 13% Democrat. Polling locations include the Goldthwaite Annex (1011 4th St.), and churches in Mullin and Priddy. Key issues are property taxes and school funding. The County Clerk’s office administers elections. Both Republican and Democratic parties are active, but Republicans dominate; in the 2022 midterms, 88% of votes went to GOP candidates.

Education, Employment and Housing

Mills County, TX has 4 public schools, including 1 high school, serving about 770 students. Approximately 81% of adults are high school graduates, while 13.5% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety metrics in the county are near the Texas average, with few reported incidents. Average standardized test scores are slightly below state averages. Educational programs include career and technical education and dual-credit courses. Adult education offerings are limited, but GED classes are available through nearby regional centers, supporting continuing education for residents.

As of 2022, Mills County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 52%, with about 1,950 people employed. Key industries include agriculture (23%), education/healthcare (20%), retail trade (14%), and construction (10%). The dominant occupation types are management (19%), sales/office (17%), and natural resources (15%). Most workers (83%) commute alone by car, with a mean travel time of 18 minutes. The majority are employed within the county, while some commute to nearby Brown and Lampasas Counties for work.

Mills County, TX, boasts a homeownership rate of about 79%, with median home values near $156,000 and typical rents around $800 monthly. The housing market has seen moderate growth, with property values rising approximately 5% annually. Housing types primarily include single-family homes, with limited apartments or multi-family units. Popular neighborhoods include Goldthwaite and Mullin. Property tax rates are roughly 1.4%, translating to about $2,200 yearly for a median-priced home. The area offers affordable, rural living with low housing density and a strong sense of community.

County Crime & Safety

Mills County, TX, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to larger urban areas. According to recent data, the county reported approximately 194 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2023, with violent crime accounting for less than 15% of incidents. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, remain the most common offenses. The Mills County Sheriff's Office actively encourages community reporting, resulting in improved response times and case resolutions. Overall, Mills County is considered safer than 80% of Texas counties, offering residents a secure environment with robust law enforcement engagement.