Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Pecos County, TX had a population of approximately 15,193. The median age was about 36.7 years. Gender distribution was nearly even, with 50.5% male and 49.5% female. Racially, 80.7% identified as White, 2.7% as Black or African American, 1.1% as Native American, and 1.0% as Asian; 13.7% identified as some other race. Ethnically, 77.8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino.

Elections

Pecos County, TX, had about 10,100 registered voters in 2022. Elections include primaries, general, local, and special elections, administered by the Pecos County Elections Office. In the November 2022 gubernatorial race, Republican Greg Abbott received 73% of local votes, while Democrat Beto O’Rourke got 25%. Polling locations span Fort Stockton, Coyanosa, and Iraan. Key issues include water access and infrastructure. The county leans Republican, with GOP and Democratic parties both active. Voter turnout in 2022 was approximately 49%.

Education, Employment and Housing

Pecos County, TX, has 13 public schools, including Fort Stockton High School and Iraan High School, serving over 3,000 students. About 72% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 13% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings average 5/10, indicating moderate academic performance. Programs include vocational training and dual-credit courses. The county prioritizes school safety, implementing resource officers and emergency protocols. Adult education options include GED preparation and workforce certification through Midland College local extension.

As of 2022, Pecos County, TX, had an employment rate of 54.8%. Major industries include Mining, Quarrying, Oil & Gas Extraction (27.4%), Healthcare & Social Assistance (14.2%), and Retail Trade (11.5%). The most common occupation type is Construction & Extraction (18.9%), followed by Office & Administrative Support (13%). About 82.5% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 19.2 minutes. Most residents work within the county, while 13% commute to nearby counties, primarily Midland and Ector.

Pecos County, TX, has a homeownership rate of approximately 71%, with median home values near $110,000 and median rents around $850/month. The property value market has seen gradual appreciation, with prices up about 5% year-over-year as of 2023. Single-family homes are most common, alongside some mobile homes and apartments, especially in Fort Stockton—the county seat. Popular neighborhoods include Alamo Heights and Westside. Property taxes average 1.37%, translating to roughly $1,500 annually for a median-priced home, making Pecos County comparatively affordable within Texas.

County Crime & Safety

Pecos County, TX, generally experiences moderate crime rates compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported a total of 269 crimes, including 28 violent offenses and 241 property crimes. The violent crime rate was 2.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at 20.7 per 1,000. Law enforcement maintains regular patrols, and public safety initiatives have contributed to a gradual 5% decrease in overall crime from the previous year. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to local authorities to further improve community safety.