Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Terry County, TX had a population of 12,473. The median age was about 34.9 years, with 49.6% male and 50.4% female residents. Racially, the county was 74.7% White, 6.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 14.6% from other races; 53.4% identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Elections

Terry County, Texas, had approximately 6,400 registered voters in 2022. Elections include local, state, and federal, with polling locations in Brownfield and Meadow. In the 2020 presidential race, about 83% of votes favored the Republican party, while Democrats received about 17%. The County Clerk oversees election administration. Key issues include agriculture, water resources, and education. Both Democratic and Republican parties are present, but Republicans dominate. Voter turnout in general elections often ranges between 60-70%. Early voting and mail-in ballots are available to eligible voters.

Education, Employment and Housing

Terry County, TX, has several public schools, including Brownfield High School, serving roughly 500 students, and an overall county graduation rate near 80%. Around 67% of adults hold a high school diploma, while only 9% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county features four K–12 schools, and school safety measures meet state standards. Educational programs include career and technical education. Brownfield ISD’s accountability score is 70/100 (2022 Texas Education Agency). Adult education options are limited locally, with most higher education pursued in nearby Lubbock.

As of 2023, Terry County, TX has an employment rate of approximately 55.6%. The leading industries are agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (17%), health care & social assistance (12%), and retail trade (11%). Most common occupation types are in management (19%), sales (14%), and office & administrative support (13%). The median commute time is about 18.3 minutes, with over 80% of residents driving alone to work. Key employment centers include Brownfield and nearby Lubbock, with 13% of workers commuting outside the county.

Terry County, TX, had a homeownership rate of about 66% in 2022, with a median home value of $78,900. The median gross rent was $758 monthly. Recent property value trends show slow annual increases, keeping housing affordable compared to state averages. Housing includes mainly single-family homes and some duplexes, with neighborhoods like Brownfield offering most amenities. Property tax rates average 1.68%, meaning an annual tax bill around $1,325 for a median-priced home. The market is stable, appealing to buyers seeking low-cost options and a small-town atmosphere.

County Crime & Safety

Terry County, TX, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported a total of 95 crimes, including 10 violent crimes and 85 property crimes, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The violent crime rate was approximately 1.4 per 1,000 residents, while property crime was about 12.3 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement emphasizes community engagement and prompt reporting, contributing to effective crime prevention. Overall, the county is considered safe, with most incidents related to theft or minor offenses.