Winkler County Public RecordsTexas

As of 2022, Winkler County, TX, has a population of approximately 7,950. The median age is around 33 years. About 50.7% of residents are male and 49.3% female. The racial and ethnic makeup is 38% Non-Hispanic White, 57% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black, and 1.5% other races. The population has remained relatively stable over recent years.

Winkler County, TX, had 5,227 registered voters in 2022. Elections include federal, state, county, and local ballots, with polling places such as the Winkler County Community Center. In the 2020 presidential race, 82% voted Republican and 17% Democrat. Key issues include oil industry regulation and infrastructure. The Winkler County Elections Administrator oversees the process, ensuring compliance and security. Major parties are Republican and Democrat, with the GOP dominating. Early voting and mail ballots are available; voter turnout in 2022 was 44%. Local races are often competitive for sheriff and commissioners.

Winkler County, TX, has two main school districts: Wink-Loving ISD and Kermit ISD, serving about 2,000 students across 4 public schools, including Kermit High School. Around 76% of adults hold a high school diploma, but only 10% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school ratings range from 4 to 6 out of 10. Programs include vocational training and dual-credit courses. School safety initiatives feature on-campus officers and anti-bullying policies. Adult education opportunities are provided through partnerships with Odessa College, supporting GED and workforce skill development.

As of 2022, Winkler County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 56%, with around 2,180 people employed. The leading industry is Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction, employing roughly 34% of the workforce, followed by Education & Health Services at 16%. Most workers (about 84%) commute by car, with an average travel time of 24 minutes; over 73% work within the county. Major occupation types include Extraction (25%), Management (11%), and Construction (10%), reflecting the county’s strong ties to the oil and gas sector.

Winkler County, TX, features a homeownership rate of approximately 75%, with median home values around $110,000 as of 2023. The median gross rent is about $790 monthly. Single-family detached homes dominate the housing market, while neighborhoods are primarily concentrated in Kermit and Wink. Property values have remained relatively stable, with a slight upward trend over the past two years. The local property tax rate averages 1.5%, keeping annual property taxes for median-valued homes near $1,650. This affordability makes Winkler County an attractive option for buyers seeking low-cost homeownership opportunities in West Texas.

Winkler County, TX, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the county reported a violent crime rate of 1.2 incidents per 1,000 residents—significantly below Texas’ average of 4.5. Property crime was reported at 7.8 per 1,000 residents. The Winkler County Sheriff’s Office actively encourages crime reporting and community vigilance. Ongoing efforts, including neighborhood watch programs and rapid incident response, contribute to the county’s overall sense of safety and declining crime statistics.