Demographics
As of 2023, Rains County, TX has a population of approximately 12,700. The median age is about 44 years, with 22% under 18 and 21% over 65. The gender breakdown is roughly 50.2% female and 49.8% male. Racially, the county is 87% White, 6% Black or African American, 2% Native American, 1% Asian, and 4% identifying as two or more races; 8% of residents are Hispanic or Latino.
Elections
Rains County, TX, had approximately 7,000 registered voters as of 2022. The county participates in federal, state, and local elections, with key polling locations in Emory, Point, and East Tawakoni. In the 2020 presidential election, about 83% voted Republican and 16% Democrat. The Rains County Elections Office administers elections, ensuring compliance with state laws. Voter turnout typically ranges from 60–70% in major elections. Dominant issues include property taxes, rural development, and water resources. Major parties are Republican and Democrat, with Republicans holding most local offices as of the last election.
Education, Employment and Housing
Rains County, TX is served primarily by the Rains Independent School District, with one high school, one middle school, and one elementary school, serving roughly 1,500 students total. The high school graduation rate is about 91%. However, only 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools generally score close to the Texas average on standardized tests. The district offers vocational and college readiness programs, and maintains a low student-teacher ratio of 13:1, contributing to a safe and supportive learning environment. School safety initiatives include secure entrances and routine emergency drills.
As of 2022, Rains County, TX had an employment rate of approximately 56%, with 5,392 residents in the civilian labor force. Major industries include health care & social assistance (13.2%), construction (13%), and retail trade (12.6%). Most workers are employed in management, sales, and office occupations (~50% combined). The mean travel time to work is 33.5 minutes, with over 80% commuting by car; about 88% work outside the county, primarily in neighboring Hunt, Wood, and Hopkins counties.
Rains County, TX, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $215,000 as of 2023, reflecting a 6% yearly increase. Typical rentals average $1,200 monthly. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some lakefront properties near Lake Tawakoni and Cedar Creek Reservoir. Neighborhoods like Emory and Point offer rural, spacious living. The county property tax rate is approximately 1.71%. Overall, Rains County attracts buyers seeking affordable homes and quiet communities, with a housing market that remains stable yet increasingly competitive.
County Crime & Safety
Rains County, TX exhibits relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. According to recent FBI statistics, the county reported a total crime rate of approximately 950 incidents per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the Texas state average of about 2,800 per 100,000. Violent crimes are rare, with only 1-2 incidents reported yearly, while property crimes (mainly theft and burglary) are the most common. Local law enforcement emphasizes prompt reporting, community engagement, and preventative programs to maintain safety, contributing to Rains County’s reputation as a safe rural area.
Popular names
- James Smith
- Christopher Smith
- David Patton
- Rodney Smith
- William Davis
- Amy Wallace
- Betty Potts
- Charles Powers
- Charli Wallace
- Courtney Dejarneatt
- David Tucker
- Debbie Moore
- Emily Harford
- John Clark
- Johnny Jones
- Keith Wallace
- Linda Smith
- Michael Reves
- Misty Willis
- Robert Anderson
- Robert Parker
- Sharon Brown
- Alan Garner
- Alexa White
- Alexis Evans
- Alicia Clifton
- Armando Ayala
- Ashley Gowin
- Ashley Ragan
- Betty Cason
- Beverly Gaston
- Beverly Jones
- Bobbie Harman
- Brandon Bryant
- Brandon Medders
- Brooks Harman
- Carol Scott
- Carol Smith
- Charles Wilkerson
- Cheryl Buffington
- Christine Johnson
- Cole Middleton
- Curtis Pennock
- Cynthia Williams
- Darnell Hill
- David Fritz
- David Northcutt
- Debra Chambers
- Donald Winkler
- Dorothy Wordlaw
- Earl Akin
- Elpidio Giron
- Erica Hernandez
- Erika Godwin
- Ernest Gordon
- Gary Whitecotton
- Halbert Robinson
- Harman Melancon
- Heather Clark
- Holly Northcutt
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