Zapata County Public RecordsTexas

As of the 2020 Census, Zapata County, TX, had a population of 13,889. The median age is approximately 33 years. About 50.3% of the population is male and 49.7% female. The county is predominantly Hispanic or Latino, comprising 95.3% of residents, with White (non-Hispanic) at 4%, and other races making up less than 1%. The population under 18 is roughly 26%, while those 65 and older constitute 15%.

Zapata County, TX, had approximately 8,000 registered voters for the 2022 general election. Elections held include local, state, and federal, with polling locations such as Zapata High School and community centers. In 2020, Zapata County narrowly favored Donald Trump (52%) over Joe Biden (47%), marking a significant historical shift. Election issues include border security and economic development. Administration is managed by the Zapata County Elections Department. Major parties are Democrats and Republicans, with Democrats previously dominating local offices. Early voting and mail-in ballots are available to improve accessibility.

Zapata County, TX has 7 public schools, including Zapata High School. Around 60% of residents have a high school diploma, while just 10% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school rating hovers near 5 out of 10. School safety measures are in place, including resource officers. Adult education and vocational programs are offered through local community centers. The district participates in state-funded educational programs but faces challenges with college readiness; only about 36% of students demonstrate proficiency in reading and math according to Texas Education Agency data.

Zapata County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 45.8% in 2022. The leading industries are educational services, healthcare, and social assistance (22.7%), followed by retail trade (13.2%) and public administration (12.4%). Major occupation types include management, business, science, and arts occupations (26.3%), and service occupations (24.7%). About 87% of workers commute alone by car, with a mean travel time of 26.6 minutes. Most employed residents work within Zapata County, while a smaller portion commutes to nearby counties, such as Webb and Starr.

Zapata County, TX, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values near $95,000 and median rents around $650. Most housing consists of single-family homes, with some mobile homes and limited apartment availability. Neighborhoods like Zapata and Siesta Shores are most prominent. The property market has been stable, with slight annual value increases of about 2–3%. Property taxes average 1.8% of a home's value, leading to an average tax bill of approximately $1,700 per year. The area offers affordable living compared to Texas and national averages.

Zapata County, TX, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages, with recent FBI data indicating a violent crime rate of approximately 1.2 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 12.5 per 1,000. The county reported fewer than 20 violent crimes and around 200 property crimes in the latest year. Local law enforcement emphasizes proactive patrolling and community engagement, contributing to public safety. Crime reporting is encouraged through the sheriff’s office and anonymous tip lines, supporting a collaborative community approach to safety.