Borden

Borden County

Updated on: November 15, 2021
Coordinates
32° 44' 24" N, 101° 25' 48" W (32.74, -101.43)
State
Texas
Region
Northwest
County Seat:
Gail
Year Organized:
1876
Total Square Miles:
906.052
897 square miles (2,320 km2) land
8.6 square miles (22 km2) (1.0%) water
Population:
673 (2017)
Population: 641 (2010) 729 (2000) 799 (1990)
Persons/Square Mile:
1
Borden County Website
http://www.co.borden.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Garza (N)
Scurry (E)
Mitchell (SE)
Howard (S)
Dawson (W)
Lynn (NW)

Borden County Town List

County structure

Government Type:
County
Authority:
Dillon's Rule
Legislative Body:
Commisioners Court
Size of Legislative Body:
5

Demographics

2018 Population:
673
25 to 64 Years of Age:
49.07%
65 Years of Age and Older:
24.69%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$615.8 M
Labor Force:
349
Unemployment Rate:
3.20%

County Contact

PO BOX 156
County Courthouse
Gail, TX, 79738-0156

http://www.co.borden.tx.us

Borden County is a rural county in Texas. It was formed on December 18, 1876. Initially, the county name was Bexar County. Currently, the county seat is in Gail and features an old courthouse that is renovated and now houses the Borden County Historical Museum.   

Borden County History 

Borden County traces back to 1876 after its creation from Bexar County. The first settlers were primarily German immigrants who traveled using a wagon train during the mid-1800s. They settled along the Guadalupe River near what would become the town of Gail.  

In 1880, the population was 1,849 people living in 565 households. By 1890, there were 2,906 residents with 613 families living in 437 homes. As the population grew, the demand for more schools, churches, and businesses grew. 

This led to the construction of many buildings, including courthouses, banks, hotels, stores, post offices, hospitals, and cemeteries. Also, jails, bridges, water systems, roads, and other public works projects emerged.  

The county had three newspapers during this period: the Borden Herald, the Borden Times, and the Borden News. 

The Geographical Analysis of Borden County  

Borden County is divided into three areas: Permian Basin, South Plains, and Rolling Plains of Texas. These are also known as the West Texas region or the Western Region. The area lies between two major mountain ranges called the Chihuahuan Desert and the Edwards Plateau.   

The climate in this region is hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 100°F. It varies through four seasons; winter, spring, summer, and fall. Winter lasts from November through March, while Spring runs from April through June.  

As such, living in Borden County can be very challenging because of its extreme weather conditions. However, these challenges have made the area one of the most beautiful places in America.  

Based on the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total land area of 3,742 square miles. Of this amount, only 0.1 percent is urbanized. The estimated population is 654 people. The small population makes the county ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, bird watching, photography, and nature study.  

What You Can Enjoy While in Borden County? 

According to the US Census Bureau, the county’s terrain comprises rolling hills covered with grassland and scattered trees. Other notable mountains include Mount Blanco, Mount Davis, and Mount Wilson.  

Therefore, tourism activities in Borden county are wide. For example, you can go golfing, boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, camping, sightseeing, shopping, dining out, entertainment, museums, historical sites, parks, trails, festivals, and much more.   

Additionally, the caprock escarpment divides this county into two parts. One side is located on the west side of the caprock, where most of the county’s population lives. On the east side of the caprock is an arid landscape that contains some of the best scenery in all of North America.   

It includes sand dunes, mesas, buttes, rock formations, caves, springs, lakes, rivers, streams, forests, prairies, deserts, and even swamps. You will find unique wildlife species here too.  

Moreover, people on each side of the escarpment live different lifestyles. For instance, those on the western side are conservative, whereas those on the eastern side embrace modernity and progressiveness. 

In addition to natural beauty, the county offers plenty of cultural attractions. Some of them include historical landmarks, art galleries, museums, theaters, music venues, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, bookstores, coffee shops, saloons, casinos, and so forth.  

Furthermore, the city of San Angelo boasts several world-class universities which offer excellent education opportunities.   

Borden County Offices 

The Borden County has over nine county offices, including: 

County Judge: This office serves as the administrative head of the county government. They oversee the day-to-day operations of the county. In other words, they ensure everything runs smoothly within the county.  

Additionally, they appoint various officials who help them run the county. The county Judge is Judge Ross D. Sharp. You can reach the office by phone (806) 756-4391 or email at [email protected]. 

County Clerk: Jana Underwood is the county clerk who handles court records and documents pertaining to criminal cases in the county and district. Email the clerk through [email protected] or call 806-756-4312. 

The District Attorney represents the state in legal proceedings against individuals accused of committing crimes. Ben R. Smith is in charge of the district and is reachable at 325-573-2462. 

The sheriff’s Office enforces laws and protects public safety. This office is headed by Sheriff Benny Allison reachable through 806-756-4311 or [email protected]. 

Health District Offices ensure proper sanitation standards through inspections and enforcement actions. 

Tax Assessor collects property taxes from landowners. The office is under Benny Allison. You can reach them at 806-756-4415 or [email protected] 

The County Treasurer’s office is under Shawna Gass reachable at 806-756-4386 or [email protected]. 

If you are interested in a specific service from other offices, use this link. 

Borden County District Court 

The district court hears civil lawsuits filed by private citizens or businesses. These suits involve disputes between parties over real estate transactions, contracts, personal injuries, family law issues, business partnerships, and more.  

There are three major courts in Borden: municipal, statutory, and probate. Municipal courts hear only small claims such as traffic tickets, parking violations, minor misdemeanors, and petty theft. 

Under the district court, we have the District Court judge, clerk, and Attorney General’s Office. The judges preside over trials for misdemeanor offenses and felony charges. If a defendant pleads guilty, they may receive probation instead of jail time.  

However, if a person refuses to plead guilty, then the case proceeds to trial before the jury. 

Is Borden County Good to Live In? 

If you are looking forward to living in a more rural setup, Borden county is one of the best places to settle down. It features beautiful landscapes with rolling hills, lush green forests, and crystal clear lakes.  

Moreover, it also hosts some of the most popular tourist destinations like Lake Mineral Wells, Canyon Lake State Park, Big Spring National Wildlife Refuge, and much more. 

If you need to enjoy life without having to worry about crime rates, this place will be perfect for you. 

Conclusion 

Borden County in Texas is a secure place to live and enjoy the beautiful sceneries. It is affordable and offers great job opportunities. So, if you are planning on moving here, go right ahead.