Donley County, Texas


Donley County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 [United States census|2020 census], its population was 3,258. Its county seat is Clarendon. The county was created in 1876 and later organized in 1882.

History

Donley County was established in 1876 from land given by the Bexar District. It is named for Stockton P. Donley, justice of the state supreme court.
Several historical sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Donley County.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total land area of, of which are covered by water.

Major highways

Racial and ethnic composition

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 3,258. The median age was 46.5 years. 20.5% of residents were under the age of 18 and 25.8% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 100.7 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 102.7 males age 18 and over.
As of the 2020 census, the racial makeup of the county was 81.3% White, 5.3% Black or African American, 1.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% Asian, <0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 3.7% from some other race, and 8.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 10.9% of the population.
As of the 2020 census, <0.1% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.
As of the 2020 census, there were 1,340 households in the county, of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 49.8% were married-couple households, 19.4% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 27.4% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 32.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.
As of the 2020 census, there were 1,942 housing units, of which 31.0% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 72.0% were owner-occupied and 28.0% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.8% and the rental vacancy rate was 13.4%.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, 3,828 people, 1,578 households, and 1,057 families resided in the county. The population density was. The 2,378 housing units averaged. The racial makeup of the county was 91.41% White, 3.94% Black or African American, 0.89% Native American, 0.10% Asian, 2.72% from other races, and 0.94% from two or more races. About 6.35% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Of the 1,578 households, 24.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% were married couples living together, 7.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.00% were not families. About 31.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the county, the population was distributed as 22.40% under the age of 18, 9.80% from 18 to 24, 20.60% from 25 to 44, 25.50% from 45 to 64, and 21.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $29,006, and for a family was $37,287. Males had a median income of $24,375 versus $18,882 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,958. About 10.50% of families and 15.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.90% of those under age 18 and 15.90% of those age 65 or over.

Culture

The Harold Dow Bugbee Ranch, formerly owned by the Western artist and his second wife, Olive Vandruff Bugbee, also an artist, is located in Donley County.
U.S. Highway 287, which passes through the county, has a modern rest area. The rest area also provides sanctuary from weather, offering a tornado shelter in the main building.

Communities

Cities

Education

School districts include:
The Texas Legislature assigns all of Donley County to Clarendon College.