Wilbarger County, located in North Texas, was established in 1881 and named after pioneers Josiah and Mathias Wilbarger. The county seat is Vernon, a small city known for its agricultural economy, including ranching and crop farming. Spanning approximately 978 square miles, the area features a rural landscape with a population of just over 13,000 residents. Key attractions include Doans Adobe, a historic site, and nearby Lake Kemp for outdoor recreation. The county's economy is also supported by oil production and local manufacturing industries. Wilbarger County is part of the larger Wichita Falls metropolitan area.

People & Demographics

As of the latest available data, Wilbarger County, Texas has a population of approximately 12,500. The racial composition is predominantly White (around 75%), with smaller percentages of Hispanic or Latino (about 20%), African American (approximately 3%), and other racial groups making up the remainder. The median household income is roughly $42,000, with a poverty rate of about 18%. The county has a gender distribution of approximately 50% male and 50% female, and the median age is around 40 years.

Wilbarger County Public Records

To obtain public records in Wilbarger County, TX, you can visit the County Clerk's office in person or access certain records online through their official website. Records generally include property deeds, court documents, marriage licenses, and probate records. For online access, search the clerk's digital database or use the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's website for historical records. For specific records, such as birth or death certificates, you might need to meet eligibility criteria and may be required to pay a fee. Always check the county's official site or contact their office for the most accurate information.

Housing in Wilbarger County

As of the latest data, Wilbarger County, TX, has a relatively affordable housing market, with the median home price around $95,000. The housing market is characterized by its rural setting, offering a slow rate of appreciation compared to urban centers. The median household income in the county is approximately $41,500. Homeownership is prevalent, with around 70% of residents owning their homes. The real estate inventory includes a mix of historical homes and ranch-style properties. Rental prices are modest, averaging about $700 per month for a two-bedroom unit.

How Wilbarger County Votes

Wilbarger County, Texas, participates in various elections, including federal, state, and local contests. As of the latest election cycle, the county, like others in Texas, usually sees participation in presidential, gubernatorial, congressional, and local races.

  1. Presidential Elections: Historically, Wilbarger has leaned conservative, with a majority supporting Republican candidates.
  2. Gubernatorial Elections: In the last gubernatorial race, Republican Greg Abbott generally received a significant majority over his Democratic opponent in Wilbarger.
  3. Congressional Elections: Wilbarger is part of Texas's 13th congressional district, represented by Republican Ronny Jackson.
  4. Local Elections: Local offices often include county commissioners, sheriff, and other municipal positions, with candidates typically running as Republicans or Independents due to the county's political dynamics.

For precise numerical data, such as vote counts and specific candidate names, consulting the Wilbarger County Elections Office or Texas Secretary of State’s website is recommended.

Income & Poverty

As of the latest data, Wilbarger County, Texas, has a median household income of approximately $48,000. This figure is notably lower than both the national and Texas state averages. The median household income in the United States is approximately $68,700, while Texas has a median of around $64,000. The lower income figures in Wilbarger County reflect its rural and agricultural nature, contributing to a lower cost of living compared to urban centers.

Here's a summarized statistics table:

Region Median Household Income
Wilbarger County $48,000
Texas $64,000
United States $68,700

This discrepancy highlights economic challenges prevalent in rural areas, including limited access to highly paid employment opportunities compared to larger cities.

Wilbarger County Crime Rates

As of the most recent data available, Wilbarger County, TX, generally experiences lower crime rates compared to national averages. Below is a brief overview of the types of crimes and their estimated occurrences per 1,000 residents:

Type of Crime Estimated Rate (per 1,000 residents)
Violent Crime 3.1
Property Crime 12.4
Burglary 3.5
Larceny-Theft 7.8
Motor Vehicle Theft 1.1

Violent crimes, including aggravated assault and robbery, occur less frequently. Property crimes, such as burglary and larceny-theft, make up the majority of reported incidents. Wilbarger County emphasizes community policing and strives for safe neighborhoods, leading to lower crime rates compared to more densely populated areas. Note that these figures are subject to updates and should be cross-referenced with local law enforcement data for precision.

Useful Links

Other Counties in Texas