Castro

Castro County

Updated on: November 16, 2021
Coordinates
34 31' 48" N, 102 15' 36" W (34.53, -102.26)
State
Texas
Region
Panhandle
County Seat:
Dimmitt
Year Organized:
1876
Total Square Miles:
899.293
894 square miles (2,320 km2) land
4.9 square miles (13 km2) water
Population:
7843 (2017)
Population: 7,669 Est. (2016) 8,062 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
9
Castro County Website
http://www.co.castro.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Deaf Smith (N)
Randall (NE)
Swisher (E)
Hale (SE)
Lamb (S)
Parmer (W)

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
7843
25 to 64 Years of Age:
45.18%
65 Years of Age and Older:
15.81%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$438.5 M
Labor Force:
3,525
Unemployment Rate:
2.90%

County Contact

100 E Bedford St
County Courthouse
Dimmitt, TX, 79027-2624

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

Castro County, Texas, got its name from Henri Castro, a consul general to France. He was the first person of French descent in this area.  

It is in the north part of the state on the border with Oklahoma. The county seat is Dimmitt which has about 1,200 people living there. 

History of Castro County Texas 

The county dates back to 1876 when it formed from the Young and Bexar Territories. During the time, the population was scarce. But by 1900, that number grew, and currently, the US Bureau of Statistics shows that the population is above 7,530. 

The original settlers were the Comanches who lived there before they moved westward.  

Little is known about the Apaches, who are beloved to be among the first settlers. Their culture was unique from the other tribes. They did not have any written language but used pictographs for communication.  

In 1879, the railroad came through town, bringing prosperity to the residents. In 1890, the county became one of the largest producers of cotton in the United States. 

Demographics and Climate 

The county covers 900.33 square miles. The average temperature ranges between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. Most of the rainfall comes from May till September. 

There are several industries present in the county, including agriculture, oil production, manufacturing, retail trade, and professional services, among others.  

The Castro County Attractions 

Castro has plains where the cattle roam freely, beautiful lakes, and rivers. One of the most popular tourist spots is Lake Amistad. It is a man-made lake created by damming up the Pecos River. Another place worth visiting is Fort Stockton State Park. Also, if you want to go fishing, then you should try out the Guadalupe River. 

Additionally, the county has a lot of recreation activities like pheasant hunting, visiting the Italian POW campsite, and the Dimmitt Harvest Days Festival.  

If you love camping, then you must come to Big Bend National Park.  

Towns in Castro County  

The county has three major cities, Nazareth, Hart, and Dimmitt (the county seat). At Dimmitt, you will find most of the government offices, banks, post offices, hospitals, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, among others.  

At Nazareth, you can enjoy shopping at the malls or going to the movie theaters. While at Hart, you can shop at the outlet mall. All these towns offer different amenities and services. 

Castro County Offices 

Judge Carroll Gerber heads the Commissioners Court. You can call the office at (806) 647-4451 or visit them physically at Castro County Courthouse at 100 E Bedford St, Dimmitt, TX 79027. 

The county Attorney’s office is under Shalyn Hamlin. The office’s role is to represent the interests of the county residents. They can be reached via phone at 806-647-4445 or email at [email protected]. Alternatively, visit physically @ 100 East Bedford, Room 213, Dimmitt, Texas 79027-2643. 

The County Clerk’s office is under JoAnna Blanco. You can visit them at 100 East Bedford Street, Room 101 Dimmitt, Texas 79027, or call 806-647-3338. The office is open from Monda to Fridays. 

The County Treasurer’s office is another key office that deals with financial matters in the county. It is under Elaine D. Flynt. You can reach them through CPA 114 South Broadway Dimmitt, Texas 79027 or call 806-647-5534. 

The County Tax Assessor-Collector Office is under Pam Rickert. if you want services in this section, visit 100 East Bedford, Dimmitt, Texas 79027 or call 806-647-5336 

Finally, we have the County Sheriff Office under Sheriff Salvador Rivera. You can reach them at 100 East Bedford, Dimmitt, Tx 79027, or call 806-647-3311. 

Public Notices and News 

The county government allows free access to information regarding public notices and events. For instance, they publish the monthly newsletter called “News From Around Town.” They also put up posters around town informing their citizens about upcoming events.  

In addition, they hold regular meetings every month to educate the community members about what is happening in the county. 

Is Castro County Good to Live In? 

If you move to Castro County, you are likely to meet welcoming people with amazing experiences. Also, you can live in the county because; 

  • The herds of cattle kept for beef, and milk products make this a great economic region. 
  • The weather is favorable throughout the year. 
  • The schools are well equipped to provide quality education.  
  • Healthcare facilities are excellent and well prepared for emergencies. Better still, the roads are paved and safe enough to drive on. 
  • The cost of living is affordable.