Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Parmer County, TX, had a population of 9,869. The median age was about 32.7 years. Gender distribution was nearly even, with approximately 50.4% male and 49.6% female. Racially, the population was 74.6% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 1.1% Native American, and 0.6% Asian. Hispanic or Latino residents made up 57.3% of the population, reflecting the county’s significant Hispanic community.
Elections
Parmer County, TX had 5,178 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include primaries, general, school board, and bond elections. In the 2020 Presidential election, 83.4% voted Republican and 15.7% Democrat. Key polling locations are in Friona, Farwell, and Bovina. Major issues include property taxes and school funding. The county clerk’s office administers elections, mainly supported by the Republican and Democratic parties. In the 2022 General Election, turnout was 47%.
Education, Employment and Housing
Parmer County, TX, has 9 public schools serving around 2,100 students, including Farwell and Friona High Schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 86%, while only about 15% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school ratings hover around 5/10. Programs focus on career and technical education. School safety reports are generally favorable, with minimal incidents reported. Adult education opportunities are limited, though some GED and ESL classes are available locally.
As of 2022, Parmer County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 59%, with about 4,100 employed residents. The leading industries are agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (27%), manufacturing (18%), and educational services (11%). The most common occupation categories include management (18%), production (15%), and office & administrative support (11%). Around 81% of workers commute alone by car, with an average travel time of 19.5 minutes. The majority of residents work within Parmer County, though some commute to neighboring Castro and Lubbock Counties.
Parmer County, TX, has a homeownership rate of about 70%, with median home values near $105,000 and median gross rents around $750. Most homes are single-family detached houses, though some duplexes and small apartment buildings exist, mainly in Friona and Bovina neighborhoods. The local housing market remains affordable, with modest property value growth of 2–4% annually. Property taxes average 1.6% of assessed value. The area offers quiet rural living with small-town amenities, attracting families seeking affordability over urban bustle. Rentals and homes are more available in the county’s larger towns.
County Crime & Safety
Parmer County, TX, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 80 total offenses, including 10 violent crimes and 70 property crimes, according to Texas DPS data. The violent crime rate stands at 1.5 per 1,000 residents, while property crime is 10.5 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement emphasizes community policing and prompt reporting, contributing to steady crime resolution rates. Residents generally describe Parmer County as safe, with law enforcement agencies encouraging public involvement in crime prevention efforts.
Popular names
- Jose Lopez
- Guadalupe Estrada
- Jose Guevara
- Maria Hernandez
- Maria Lopez
- Maria Rodriguez
- Maria Sanchez
- Maria Vega
- Salvador Garcia
- Charles Wilkins
- Debbie Allen
- Douglas Norwood
- Jose Gonzalez
- Jose Hernandez
- Jose Lara
- Jose Torres
- Juan Garcia
- Mark White
- Martin Gama
- Omar Ramirez
- Pilar Gomez
- Rebecca Andrade
- Refugio Mendoza
- Tammy Villanueva
- Tessa Schueler
- Adam Carrasco
- Adriana Garcia
- Alan Fairweather
- Alfredo Bermea
- Amber Garcia
- Andrea Mares
- Bryon Fillpot
- Caleb Christian
- Cleburne Stokes
- Colton Sudderth
- Cosme Granado
- Crystal Torres
- Curtis Drager
- Cynthia Silva
- Daniel Garcia
- Daniel Guerra
- Daniel Padilla
- David Gonzalez
- Debra Beauchamp
- Donna Schueler
- Erika Maldonado
- Erin Barnett
- Eva Rubio
- Floyd Schlenker
- Frank Galvan
- George Frye
- Gerald Norton
- Glen Herring
- Guillermo Correa
- Irma Armendariz
- Isidro Galvan
- Jairo Rocha
- Jamie Mares
- Jamie Martin
- Jay Barrett
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