Smith County Public RecordsTexas

As of 2023, Smith County, TX, has an estimated population of about 245,000. The gender split is nearly even, with 51% female and 49% male. The median age is approximately 37 years. Racially, the population is 59% White (non-Hispanic), 18% Black or African American, 18% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Asian, and 3% multiracial or other groups. Children under 18 make up about 25%, while seniors 65 and over comprise 16% of residents.

Smith County, TX had 154,629 registered voters as of 2022. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, including primaries dominated by Republican and Democratic parties. In the 2020 presidential election, 70.3% voted Republican and 28.5% Democratic. The county operates over 35 polling locations. Common issues include property taxes, education, and infrastructure. The Smith County Elections Administration oversees voter registration and elections. Recent turnout rates have ranged from 55% to 64%. Political discussions often focus on party balance, with Republicans holding most local offices.

Smith County, TX has 18 public high schools and over 60 public schools in total. Approximately 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average high school graduation rate is 90%, with schools like Whitehouse and Tyler Legacy scoring above state averages (average GreatSchools rating: 5/10). Notable educational programs include STEM and dual-credit courses. School safety initiatives are emphasized, with most districts employing resource officers. Adult education opportunities are available through Tyler Junior College and UT Tyler.

As of 2023, Smith County, TX, has an unemployment rate of approximately 3.8%. Major employment sectors include health care and social assistance (23%), retail trade (14%), and educational services (10%). The most common occupation types are office and administrative support (about 13%) and sales (10%). Roughly 86% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 22 minutes. The largest employment center is the city of Tyler, where around 68% of county residents work, with others commuting to neighboring counties.

Smith County, TX, has a homeownership rate of about 63%, with a median home value around $218,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $1,050 per month. Popular housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and some apartments, mainly in neighborhoods like South Tyler and Hollytree. The area has seen a 6% annual rise in property values. Property taxes average 1.77% of assessed value, higher than the national average. Growth in both rental and owner-occupied markets reflects local economic expansion and Tyler’s appeal as Smith County’s urban center.

Smith County, TX, has seen fluctuating crime rates in recent years. In 2022, the overall crime rate was about 2,450 incidents per 100,000 residents—below the Texas average. Violent crime, including assault and robbery, accounted for roughly 380 cases per 100,000. Property crime, mainly theft and burglary, was higher at approximately 2,070 per 100,000. The Smith County Sheriff's Office encourages active reporting through online and phone methods, contributing to consistent crime tracking and an increased clearance rate of about 38% for reported offenses. Public safety initiatives focus on community policing and preventive measures.