Ward County Public RecordsTexas

As of the 2020 Census, Ward County, Texas, had a population of 11,858. The median age is approximately 34.6 years. About 51% are male and 49% female. The racial/ethnic composition is 48.9% White (non-Hispanic), 47.1% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, and 1.9% other races, including Native American and Asian. The county has a diverse, youthful population with a significant Hispanic community.

Ward County, TX, had 6,132 registered voters in 2022. The county administers local, state, and federal elections, including primaries, runoffs, and general elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 80.2% voted Republican, and 18.9% Democratic. Polling locations include the Ward County Courthouse in Monahans and satellite sites in Barstow and Wickett. Key issues include oil, water, and education. The County Clerk oversees elections, and both Republican and Democratic parties have local presence. Voter turnout was 58% in the last general election.

Ward County, TX has 13 public schools, including four high schools, serving around 1,800 students. About 75% of adults have a high school diploma, but only 10% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school rating is 5/10 (GreatSchools). Schools provide basic academic and career programs, with limited advanced placement and vocational options. School safety initiatives are in place, though the district reports 2–3 incidents annually. Adult education is available through the local community college, focusing on GED and workforce skills.

As of 2022, Ward County, TX, had an employment rate of 61.1%, with around 5,610 individuals employed. The largest employment sectors are Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction (22%), followed by Construction (15%) and Retail Trade (12%). Common occupations include extraction workers (18%), construction laborers (9%), and truck drivers (7%). Most residents—over 90%—commute by car, and the average commute time is approximately 23 minutes. The majority work within Ward County, though some travel to nearby counties like Ector and Midland for employment.

Ward County, TX has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values around $110,000 and median gross rents near $950. The housing market has seen modest appreciation in recent years, with property values rising by approximately 7% year-over-year. Most homes are single-family detached structures, common in neighborhoods like Monahans and Barstow. Property tax rates average 1.7%, resulting in an annual property tax of about $1,870 for a median-priced home. The area remains affordable for both buyers and renters, with a predominance of long-term residents and stable local housing conditions.

Ward County, TX reports a crime rate below the national average, with approximately 19.4 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crimes, such as assault and robbery, are relatively low, averaging 2.8 incidents per 1,000 people, while property crimes make up the majority at 16.6 per 1,000. Crime statistics are reported by the Ward County Sheriff’s Office and reflect consistent year-over-year trends. Overall, Ward County is considered safer than 48% of U.S. counties, and ongoing community policing initiatives contribute to its steady safety rates.