As of the2020 census, its population was 631,[2] making it the fifth-least populous county in Texas. Borden is one of three remainingprohibition or entirelydry counties in the state of Texas.[3]
The county was created in 1876 and later organized in 1891.[4] Gail and Borden County are named forGail Borden Jr., businessman, publisher,surveyor, and pioneer ofcondensed milk.
Farmers and ranchers settled the county, but the population remained relatively small. In 1902, Texas placed lands in the public domain and spurred a land rush in Borden County. Many of the newcomers grew cotton.[5]
Borden County has had two courthouses, one built in 1890. The current courthouse is of brick and concrete construction and was erected in 1939. The architect was David S. Castle Co.[7]
Oil was discovered in the county in 1949. By 1991, more than 340,000,000 barrels (54,000,000 m3) of petroleum had been taken out of Borden County since its discovery.[8]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 906 square miles (2,350 km2), of which 897 square miles (2,320 km2) are land and 8.6 square miles (22 km2) (1.0%) are covered by water.[9]
As of the2020 census, the county had a population of 631 and a median age of 46.1 years; 25.4% of residents were under the age of 18 and 21.4% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 110.3 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 97.1 males age 18 and over.[12]
<0.1% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.[14]
There were 256 households in the county, of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 57.8% were married-couple households, 18.0% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 20.7% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[12]
There were 359 housing units, of which 28.7% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 72.7% were owner-occupied and 27.3% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.0% and the rental vacancy rate was 1.4%.[12]
Borden County, Texas – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
As of the census[18] of 2000, 729 people, 292 households, and 216 families resided in the county. The population density was 0.80 people per square mile (0.31 people/km2). The 435 housing units averaged 0.48 units per square mile (0.19/km2). Theracial makeup of the county was 90.53% White, 0.14% African American, 0.27% Native American, 6.31% from other races, and 2.74% from two or more races. About 11.93% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Of the 292 households, 30.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.10% were married couples living together, 6.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.70% were not families. Around 22.60% of all households consisted of individuals, and 9.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the county, the population was distributed as 24.60% under the age of 18, 6.70% from 18 to 24, 27.40% from 25 to 44, 25.00% from 45 to 64, and 16.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $29,205, and for a family was $36,458. Males had a median income of $25,556 versus $21,607 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,364. About 14.00% of the population and 11.80% of families were below the poverty line. Of the total people living in poverty, 14.30% were under the age of 18 and 11.60% were 65 or older.
The county is served by nearby radio stations KBXJ (FM) and KPET (AM), and the various Midland and Odessa radio and TV stations.
The largest self-reported ancestry groups in Borden County are:[19]· English – 17%· Irish – 15%· German – 12%· Mexican – 9%· French (except Basque) – 3%· Scotch-Irish – 3%· Other Hispanic or Latino – 3%· Scottish – 2%· Spanish – 1%· American Indian tribes, specified – 1%
