Zavala County Public RecordsTexas

As of the 2020 Census, Zavala County, Texas had a population of approximately 9,670. The median age was about 34 years. The gender distribution was nearly even, with 50.2% male and 49.8% female. The county is predominantly Hispanic or Latino, accounting for 95.6% of residents, while 3.6% identified as White (non-Hispanic), and less than 1% as African American, Native American, or other racial groups.

Zavala County, TX, had approximately 7,400 registered voters in 2022. The county holds primary, general, and local elections, with recent general elections showing about 70% Democratic support and 28% Republican. Polling locations include the Zavala County Courthouse in Crystal City and various community centers. Key issues include water management, education, and healthcare access. Elections are administered by the County Elections Administrator, with active involvement from both Democratic and Republican parties. In the 2020 presidential election, turnout was around 55%, reflecting sustained civic engagement despite economic challenges affecting participation.

Zavala County, TX, has approximately 7 public schools, including Crystal City High School. Only about 57% of adults have a high school diploma, and just 7% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings average below state norms, with Crystal City ISD scoring around 4/10 on GreatSchools. The district offers bilingual and career-focused programs but limited advanced coursework. School safety incidents are infrequent, and adult education opportunities, such as GED and ESL, are available locally.

As of 2022, Zavala County, TX had an employment rate of 53.7%, with approximately 4,000 employed residents. The leading industries are agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (18%), educational services (15%), and healthcare (13%). Major occupation types include office & administrative support (21%), sales (15%), and farming-related roles (13%). Around 82% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. Most employees work within Zavala County, while about 18% commute to neighboring counties such as Dimmit and Uvalde for employment.

Zavala County, TX has a homeownership rate of approximately 68%, with median home values around $62,000 (2023). Rental units account for about 32% of housing, with median gross rents near $620/month. The county’s housing stock is primarily single-family homes, with few multifamily options. Recent years have seen modest property value increases, averaging 2–4% annually. Notable neighborhoods include Crystal City and La Pryor. Property taxes are comparatively low, with an average effective tax rate near 2.02%. The market remains affordable, attracting both first-time buyers and investors seeking stable, long-term growth.

Zavala County, TX, experiences higher crime rates compared to state averages, with a violent crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 25.7 per 1,000 (2022 data). The overall crime rate in Zavala County is about 65% above the Texas average. Reporting is handled by local law enforcement and reflected in FBI Uniform Crime Reports. Residents face a 1 in 39 chance of becoming a crime victim annually. Community safety initiatives and collaboration with state agencies aim to address and reduce criminal activity in the area.