Demographics
As of 2023, Stephens County, TX, has a population of approximately 9,000. The median age is 41.2 years, with 22% under 18 and 20% 65 or older. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.2% male and 49.8% female. The racial/ethnic makeup is predominantly White (81%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (15%), Black or African American (2%), and other races making up the remainder.
Elections
Stephens County, TX, had about 6,150 registered voters as of 2022. The county holds local, state, and federal elections, with recent turnout at 48% during the 2022 general election. Polling locations include the courthouse in Breckenridge and several community centers. Major issues include property taxes and school funding. Elections are administered by the county clerk, with both Republican and Democratic parties present; Republicans dominate, winning 80% of the 2020 presidential vote. Early voting and mail-in ballots are available for qualified voters, ensuring accessible participation.
Education, Employment and Housing
Stephens County, TX has about 8 public schools, including Breckenridge High School. Approximately 80% of residents hold a high school diploma, while around 13% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools in the county typically score near the Texas state average, with Texas Education Agency ratings between 70-80 (C to B range). Adult education programs are limited, primarily available through regional centers. School safety measures are in place, with reported incidents below state averages. Educational programs focus on core academics and vocational training, but options for advanced placement and specialized courses are more limited compared to larger districts.
As of 2022, Stephens County, TX had an employment rate of 53.9%, with major industries including Health Care & Social Assistance (18.6%), Retail Trade (15.2%), and Education Services (10.8%). The predominant occupation types are Office & Administrative Support (12.9%) and Sales (11.8%). The average commute time is about 19.2 minutes, with 81% of residents commuting by car. Employment is concentrated in Breckenridge, the county seat, while some residents commute to nearby counties like Shackelford and Eastland, with approximately 11% working outside Stephens County.
Stephens County, TX has a homeownership rate of about 70%, with median home values around $97,000 as of 2023. Rentals make up roughly 22% of housing, with average rents near $850/month. The market has seen modest growth, with prices rising 3-5% annually. Housing mainly includes single-family homes, especially in Breckenridge, the largest city, alongside rural properties. Neighborhoods are quiet and community-focused, often near schools or parks. Property tax rates average 1.4% of assessed value, lower than many Texas counties, making Stephens County an affordable option for buyers and renters alike.
County Crime & Safety
Stephens County, TX, maintains a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. According to recent statistics, the overall crime rate is approximately 28.9 incidents per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crime accounts for about 2.6 per 1,000 residents, while property crime is higher at 26.3 per 1,000. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting, contributing to a clearance rate of around 36%. Although lower than some urban areas, residents are advised to remain vigilant and participate in neighborhood watch programs to enhance safety further.
Popular names
- Jose Garcia
- Maria Palacios
- Mary Noble
- Eva Cantrell
- Jose Arellano
- Michael Davis
- Rene Martinez
- Charles Dollins
- Cheryl Belson
- Colton Lewis
- David Hazard
- Dirk Owen
- Elizabeth Patterson
- Heather Hudgins
- James Jackson
- James Robertson
- James Wells
- Jennifer Smith
- Jose Palacios
- Larry Briley
- Maria Duran
- Maria Reyes
- Mary Noel
- Nathan Rincon
- Nicholas Gallo
- Rea Cates
- Samuel Hare
- Sheila Fournier
- Tracy Noggle
- Tracy Patterson
- Vicki Nelson
- William Harper
- Alan Asher
- Alicia Trejo
- Amanda Neely
- Amythist Jimenez
- Anthony Montgomery
- Anthony Smith
- April Wehba
- Artie Mitchell
- Benjamin Ison
- Bill Smalley
- Bobby Williamson
- Bonnie Nelson
- Brandi Honea
- Brenda Nance
- Brenda Raulston
- Brian Masters
- Brooke Wimberley
- Candace Burns
- Carolyn Moore
- Chelsey Taylor
- Christopher Andrews
- Christopher Hobbs
- Cinda Martinez
- Clayton Otts
- Clint Carey
- Cody Wimberley
- Connie Kilburn
- Danny Madison
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