Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Waller County, TX has a population of approximately 56,800. The median age is 29.5 years, reflecting a younger demographic. Gender distribution is nearly even, with about 50.7% male and 49.3% female residents. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 47.3% White, 30.8% Black or African American, 20.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Asian, and others making up the remainder. This diverse county includes the growing Prairie View city and parts of the Houston metropolitan area.

Elections

Waller County, TX, had approximately 36,000 registered voters in 2022. The county conducts general, primary, runoff, and special elections, with recent turnout at 52% in the 2020 presidential race. Polling locations include Prairie View, Hempstead, and Brookshire. Historically, voter access issues have arisen, especially for Prairie View A&M University students. The Elections Administration manages processes, with both Democratic and Republican parties actively participating; Republicans typically win countywide, with 63% of the vote in the 2020 presidential election. The county continually works to improve polling access and voter outreach amid ongoing demographic changes.

Education, Employment and Housing

Waller County, TX has 24 public schools serving K-12, including Waller High School (2022 graduation rate: 94%), with several schools rated above state average by GreatSchools. About 83% of adults hold a high school diploma, 19% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher (U.S. Census, 2022). While most schools report strong safety records, disciplinary incidents are in line with state averages. Waller ISD offers Advanced Placement, dual credit, and career technical programs. Adult education and GED opportunities are available through Blinn College and community programs.

As of 2023, Waller County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 62%. The largest industries are educational services (24.7%, largely due to Prairie View A&M University), retail trade (12%), and health care (11%). Occupations are mainly in education, management, and sales. About 84% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 35 minutes; a significant portion commutes to Houston and Harris County. Only 26% of residents work within Waller County itself, while the remainder work outside the county, reflecting its status as a commuter community.

Waller County, TX, has a homeownership rate of about 71%, with a median home value near $265,000 as of 2023. Typical monthly rent is around $1,200. The housing market has seen steady growth, with property values rising roughly 5% year-over-year. Housing types range from single-family homes in Brookshire and Prairie View to rural ranches. Notable neighborhoods include Pine Island and Hempstead. Property tax rates average 2.1% of assessed value, higher than the national average. Waller County continues to attract buyers due to its affordability and proximity to Houston.

County Crime & Safety

Waller County, TX, has a crime rate lower than the national average, with approximately 20 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. According to recent reports, property crimes, such as burglary and theft, account for around 75% of offenses, while violent crime remains low at about 2 incidents per 1,000 people. The Waller County Sheriff’s Office encourages prompt crime reporting, which has improved clearance rates. Despite being a largely rural area, law enforcement maintains regular patrols, contributing to a relatively safe community compared to Texas’s statewide averages.