Castro County, Texas

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,329 km² (899 mi²). 2,327 km² (898 mi²) of it is land and 3 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.11% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 8,285 people, 2,761 households, and 2,159 families residing in the county. The population density is 4/km² (9/mi²). There are 3,198 housing units at an average density of 1/km² (4/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 75.35% White, 2.27% African American, 1.17% Native American, 0.02% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 19.12% from other races, and 2.05% from two or more races. 51.65% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 2,761 households out of which 40.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.10% are married couples living together, 8.70% have a female householder with no husband present, and 21.80% are non-families. 20.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.20% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.98 and the average family size is 3.45.

In the county, the population is spread out with 33.10% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 24.30% from 25 to 44, 20.90% from 45 to 64, and 12.70% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100 females there are 100.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 98.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $30,619, and the median income for a family is $35,422. Males have a median income of $25,379 versus $20,433 for females. The per capita income for the county is $14,457. 19.00% of the population and 15.70% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 25.30% are under the age of 18 and 13.90% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Dimmitt
• Hart
• Nazareth