Demographics
As of 2023, Upton County, TX, has a population of approximately 3,270. The median age is 39.3 years, with about 51% male and 49% female residents. Racially, the population is 60% White (non-Hispanic), 36% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Black or African American, and 3% other races. The county is primarily rural, reflecting a small, aging community with modest diversity.
Elections
Upton County, TX, had 2,070 registered voters in 2022. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, with general, primary, and special elections held regularly. In the 2020 presidential election, 89% voted Republican, and 10% Democrat. Polling locations include the Upton County Courthouse in Rankin and McCamey Recreation Center. Key local issues involve oil regulations and rural infrastructure. The County Clerk’s office administers elections. The area is predominantly Republican, with the GOP holding most local offices. Voter turnout in 2020 was about 68%.
Education, Employment and Housing
Upton County, TX has 4 public schools (2022 data), including 1 high school. About 72% of adults have a high school diploma, while approximately 13% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings average around 5/10. Educational programs include early college and career readiness tracks. The school district emphasizes safety, maintaining a 16:1 student-teacher ratio and implementing emergency protocols. Adult education options are limited locally, with some residents pursuing GED or college coursework online or in neighboring areas.
Upton County, TX had a 2022 employment rate of approximately 56.8%. The largest industries are mining, quarrying, and oil & gas extraction (34.2%), educational services and health care (13.5%), and retail trade (10.8%). Most common occupations include construction and extraction (29.7%) and sales (11.2%). The average commute time is about 25.6 minutes, with 86% of residents driving alone to work. Major employment centers are within Upton County and neighboring Midland and Ector counties.
Upton County, TX has a homeownership rate of approximately 74%, with median home values around $85,000 as of 2023. The rental vacancy rate hovers near 12%, and median gross rent is about $770 per month. Property values have remained relatively stable, with minor 1-2% growth annually. Housing consists mainly of single-family homes; multifamily units are scarce. Communities like Rankin and McCamey are the primary neighborhoods. Property tax rates average about 1.55%, making homeownership relatively affordable compared to state averages. The area offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with modest housing inventory.
County Crime & Safety
Upton County, TX, is known for its low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported a total of 18 criminal offenses, including 3 violent crimes and 15 property crimes, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The crime rate per 1,000 residents stands at approximately 6.9, significantly lower than the Texas average of 25. Law enforcement presence and community engagement contribute to the area's safety. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to maintain the county’s secure environment. Overall, Upton County remains a safe community.
Popular names
- Destinee Ramirez
- Dollye Cura
- Jesus Sanchez
- John Evridge
- Alan Peters
- Angela Golson
- Apolonio Gonzales
- Barbara Lawson
- Bernie Phillips
- Betty Hughes
- Bobbi Templeton
- Bobby Vogel
- Bobby Whisman
- Bodie Bennett
- Carol Evans
- Catherine Summers
- Ceneesa Quigg
- Charles Peterson
- Charlotte Jones
- Charlotte Sutherland
- Christina Martinez
- Clarence Bell
- Coy Lynch
- Cynthia Blonco
- Daniel Ball
- Daniel Rivera
- David Acosta
- David Ezell
- Debbie Storie
- Debra Duncan
- Dena Phillips
- Dennis Glenn
- Derek Garcia
- Derek Latzel
- Dorena Abalos
- Dustin Ratliff
- Ellen Salinas
- Erasmo Dominguez
- Eric Ferguson
- Erlinda Rodriguez
- Felix Segura
- George Woolf
- Gilbert Tellez
- Glenn Throckmorton
- Grace Rivera
- Gregory Lopez
- Hal Hutchens
- Heather Latzel
- Hilton Luckie
- Israel Gomez
- James Johnson
- Jason Luckie
- Jeri Mendez
- Jerry Goff
- Jesus Mendez
- Jimmy Armendarez
- Jimmy Martinez
- Joe Brookins
- Joel Gomez
- John Proffitt
Other Counties in Texas
- Anderson
- Andrews
- Angelina
- Aransas
- Archer
- Armstrong
- Atascosa
- Austin
- Bailey
- Bandera
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- Bell
- Bexar
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