Duval County, Texas
From Free net encyclopedia
Duval County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of 2000, the population is 13,120. Its county seat is San Diego6. Duval is named for Burr H. Duval, a soldier in the Texas Revolution who died in the Goliad Massacre. Despite its impressive history, the county has had a tradition of recurring political corruption stretching over many generations. For years, it was practically the personal feifdom of George Parr, Sr., and George Parr, Jr.
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Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 4,651 km² (1,796 mi²). 4,643 km² (1,793 mi²) of it is land and 8 km² (3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.17% water.
Adjacent counties
- McMullen County (north)
- Live Oak County (northeast)
- Jim Wells County (east)
- Brooks County (southeast)
- Jim Hogg County (southwest)
- Webb County (west)
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 13,120 people, 4,350 households, and 3,266 families residing in the county. The population density was 3/km² (7/mi²). There were 5,543 housing units at an average density of 1/km² (3/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 80.22% White, 0.54% Black or African American, 0.53% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 15.46% from other races, and 3.11% from two or more races. 87.99% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 4,350 households out of which 36.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.20% were married couples living together, 16.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.90% were non-families. 22.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.40.
In the county, the population was spread out with 29.50% under the age of 18, 9.50% from 18 to 24, 26.40% from 25 to 44, 20.60% from 45 to 64, and 14.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 100.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $22,416, and the median income for a family was $26,014. Males had a median income of $25,601 versus $16,250 for females. The per capita income for the county was $11,324. 27.20% of the population and 23.00% of families were below the poverty line. 35.90% of those under the age of 18 and 25.30% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Politics
Duval County is notorious for corrupt politics, particularly during the mid-20th Century, when it was largely controlled by the political machine headed by George Parr.
