Willacy County, Texas

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,031 km² (784 mi²). 1,545 km² (597 mi²) of it is land and 486 km² (188 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 23.92% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 20,082 people, 5,584 households, and 4,584 families residing in the county. The population density is 13/km² (34/mi²). There are 6,727 housing units at an average density of 4/km² (11/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 70.37% White, 2.19% African American, 0.50% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 24.46% from other races, and 2.34% from two or more races. 85.69% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 5,584 households out of which 42.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.10% are married couples living together, 16.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 17.90% are non-families. 16.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.70% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.40 and the average family size is 3.85.

In the county, the population is spread out with 31.60% under the age of 18, 11.90% from 18 to 24, 26.60% from 25 to 44, 18.30% from 45 to 64, and 11.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 30 years. For every 100 females there are 105.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 104.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $22,114, and the median income for a family is $25,076. Males have a median income of $19,706 versus $15,514 for females. The per capita income for the county is $9,421. 33.20% of the population and 29.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 42.00% are under the age of 18 and 29.90% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Bausell and Ellis
• Lasara
• Los Angeles Subdivision
• Lyford
• Lyford South
• Port Mansfield
• Ranchette Estates
• Raymondville
• San Perlita
• Santa Monica
• Sebastian
• Willamar
• Zapata Ranch