Rusk County Public RecordsTexas

As of the 2020 Census, Rusk County, TX had a population of approximately 52,214. The median age was around 39. About 48.7% were male and 51.3% female. Racially, 69% identified as White, 20% as Black or African American, 0.5% as Asian, 0.5% as Native American, and 7.7% as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents made up 14.9% of the population.

Rusk County, TX, had around 33,000 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include federal, state, city, school board, and county races. In the November 2022 general election, about 55% of voters supported Republican candidates, while 44% favored Democrats. Main polling locations are in Henderson, Kilgore, and Overton. Key issues include education funding, property taxes, and infrastructure. The Elections Administration Office oversees registration and polling logistics. The county leans Republican, with notably higher GOP turnout. There are 12 official polling sites. Recent measures to expand early voting and address mail-in ballot security were implemented in 2023.

Rusk County, TX, has 18 public schools, including 6 high schools, and a high school graduation rate around 88%. About 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average reading and math proficiency scores are near 40% and 35%, respectively. School safety is above Texas state averages, with relatively low incident rates. Educational programs include Advanced Placement, CTE courses, and dual-credit options with local colleges. Adult education opportunities, such as GED and workforce training, are available through local community centers and colleges, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development in the region.

As of 2022, Rusk County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 54.2%, with a labor force of about 19,400. The leading employment sectors were Health Care & Social Assistance (14.6%), Retail Trade (13.4%), and Educational Services (12.2%). Most workers (77.9%) commuted alone by car, with an average commute time of 26.2 minutes; over 77% worked within Rusk County. Major occupations included Office & Administrative Support (13.7%) and Sales (10.9%). The unemployment rate was about 4.2%, slightly above the state average.

Rusk County, TX, has a homeownership rate of around 73%, with median home values near $146,000 in 2024. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $990 per month. Housing options mainly consist of single-family homes, with occasional mobile and manufactured houses. Neighborhoods in cities like Henderson and Kilgore mix historic and newer developments. Over the past year, property values rose roughly 4%. Property taxes average 1.6% of assessed value, with the median annual property tax bill just over $2,200. The market remains affordable compared to state and national averages.

Rusk County, TX, has a crime rate below the national average, with a recent overall crime rate of approximately 18.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. Violent crimes (including assault, robbery, and rape) occur at about 1.5 per 1,000 residents, while property crimes (burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft) average 17.2 per 1,000. Local law enforcement actively encourages crime reporting and community involvement. The county’s safety measures and responsive reporting systems contribute to its relatively secure environment compared to other Texas counties.