Swisher County, Texas

Swisher County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of 2000, the population is 8,378. Its county seat is Tulia⁶. The county is named for James G. Swisher, a soldier of the Texas Revolution. Swisher County is one of 46 prohibition or entirely dry counties in the state of Texas (as of February 2005).

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,333 km² (901 mi²). 2,332 km² (900 mi²) of it is land and 1 km² (0 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.03% water.

Adjacent counties

• Randall County (north)
• Armstrong County (northeast)
• Briscoe County (east)
• Floyd County (southeast)
• Hale County (south)
• Castro County (west)

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 8,378 people, 2,925 households, and 2,152 families residing in the county. The population density was 4/km² (9/mi²). There were 3,315 housing units at an average density of 1/km² (4/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 71.75% White, 5.85% Black or African American, 0.54% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 19.41% from other races, and 2.28% from two or more races. 35.22% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,925 households out of which 35.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.20% were married couples living together, 9.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.40% were non-families. 24.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the county, the population was spread out with 27.90% under the age of 18, 10.30% from 18 to 24, 25.50% from 25 to 44, 20.40% from 45 to 64, and 15.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 109.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $29,846, and the median income for a family was $34,444. Males had a median income of $25,164 versus $20,448 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,326. 17.40% of the population and 14.20% of families were below the poverty line. 24.20% of those under the age of 18 and 11.90% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Cities and towns

• Kress
• Tulia

See also

• Dry counties

External links

• Swisher County government’s website
• Swisher County in Handbook of Texas Online at the University of Texas