Jim Wells County, Texas

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,249 km² (868 mi²). 2,239 km² (865 mi²) of it is land and 10 km² (4 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.43% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 39,326 people, 12,961 households, and 10,096 families residing in the county. The population density is 18/km² (46/mi²). There are 14,819 housing units at an average density of 7/km² (17/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 77.90% White, 0.60% African American, 0.62% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 17.93% from other races, and 2.43% from two or more races. 75.71% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 12,961 households out of which 40.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.00% are married couples living together, 15.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 22.10% are non-families. 19.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.50% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.99 and the average family size is 3.45.

In the county, the population is spread out with 31.40% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 26.50% from 25 to 44, 20.60% from 45 to 64, and 12.40% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 95.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $28,843, and the median income for a family is $32,616. Males have a median income of $30,266 versus $17,190 for females. The per capita income for the county is $12,252. 24.10% of the population and 20.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 31.80% are under the age of 18 and 21.30% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Alfred-South La Paloma
• Alice
• Alice Acres
• Coyote Acres
• K-Bar Ranch
• Loma Linda East
• Orange Grove
• Owl Ranch-Amargosa
• Pernitas Point
• Premont
• Rancho Alegre
• Sandia
• Westdale