Dickens County
- Coordinates
- 33 37' 12" N, 100 46' 48" W (33.62, -100.78)
- State
- Texas
- Region
- Northwest
- County Seat:
- Dickens
- Year Organized:
- 1876
- Total Square Miles:
-
905.221
902 square miles (2,340 km2) land
3.5 square miles (9.1 km2) water - Population:
-
2209 (2017)
Population: 2,184 Est. (2016) 2,444 (2010) - Persons/Square Mile:
- 2
- Dickens County Website
- http://www.co.dickens.tx.us/
Contiguous Counties
Motley (N)King (E)
Kent (S)
Crosby (W)
Garza (SW)
Floyd (NW)
Cottle (NE)
Stonewall (SE)
Dickens County Offices
County structure
- Government Type:
- County
- Authority:
- Dillon's Rule
- Legislative Body:
- Commisioners Court
- Size of Legislative Body:
- 5
Demographics
- 2018 Population:
- 2209
- 25 to 64 Years of Age:
- 49.93%
- 65 Years of Age and Older:
- 22.81%
Economy, 2018
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
- $141.1 M
- Labor Force:
- 672
- Unemployment Rate:
- 4.20%
Dickens County, Texas, is named after the author J. Dickens. The first settlers of this area were Native Americans, who lived here for thousands of years before white people arrived.
In 1836, a group of German immigrants settled near present-day Beeville and established a small town called New Braunfels.
The county seat for Dickens County is Dickens. It is an economic hub for the people of this county and hosts most of the county offices.
History of Dickens County
Dickens county was created in 1876 from Bexar County and later organized in 1891. The county’s earliest inhabitants are believed to be Native American Indians.
They hunted wild animals on the plains around the river valleys. These natives also made pottery and used stone tools to make their weapons. No known records show when these people moved into the region, but they lived there until the 1800s.
After that time, Spanish explorers came through the area looking for gold or silver mines. When they found nothing, they left the land alone. By 1840, most of the original Indian tribes had been killed by disease or war with European settlers.
At this point, many Anglo-Americans began moving westward across the United States. Some of them went as far north as Kansas and some even farther south than Mexico.
Many of those who stayed in Texas became farmers and ranchers. Others worked at jobs such as lumbering and mining. During the Civil War, many men joined to fight for either side.
Those who fought for the Confederacy lost because the Union army won the war. However, the Confederates still controlled much of what is now Texas during the war.
After the war ended, the state government created new counties out of old ones. It took so long to do this because the population growth in the southern part of the country was very slow.
Another reason was that the Mexican–American War caused many problems between Texans and Mexicans living in the border areas. Dickens was among the new counties created.
What Makes Dickens County Unique
Dickens county is famous for its rich history and culture. Its primary attraction is the historic downtown district which has several museums and historical buildings.
The county is home to many attractions like Spur–Dickens County Museum, Dickens City Park,
Dickens Spring, and Swenson Park. All these attractions offer beautiful places to relax on the weekend.
Additionally, the county has rolling plains and ranches where cattle can graze freely. Many tourists come to see the beauty of nature while enjoying fresh air and sunshine.
There are many lakes within the county’s boundaries. They provide excellent fishing opportunities. People enjoy swimming and boating in these bodies of water.
Besides all these natural wonders, Dickens county offers plenty of entertainment options. For example, you will find theaters, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shopping centers. Visit one of these venues if you have never seen any shows before.
If you love music, you should check out the local bands playing at various events throughout the year. If you prefer sports, then watch your favorite team play at the stadium near town.
You can learn more about the county’s history and geography at the Collins Historical Society museum. This place houses artifacts related to the past residents of the county.
Last but not least, the county allows you to become a TSHA member so that you can help protect the history of the region.
Society also helps preserve the environment around the city. It works closely with other organizations to ensure that people follow environmental laws.
Education and Employment Opportunities
Dickens county offers excellent educational opportunities for students from kindergarten through college level. There are two universities in the area: the University of North Texas and Pan American University. Both schools offer bachelor’s degree programs.
Besides education, there are numerous job opportunities available in the county. The most common occupations include farming, ranching, oil production, construction, transportation, manufacturing, retail trade, healthcare services, hospitality industry, etc.
Once students finish their studies, they may choose to work locally or move away to another location. However, moving outside the county requires additional rent, food, gas, and insurance. Therefore, locals usually stay close to home after graduation.
County Population Data
According to Census Bureau estimates, the total number of people residing in Dickens county is approximately 2,211 in 2019.
As far as ethnicity is concerned, the largest group living in this county comprises White Americans, followed by Hispanic or Latino Americans. These ethnic groups make up over 90% of the population.
Other minority races, including Black or African-American, Asian, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander, and Mixed race account for less than 1%.
Dickens County Offices
Dickens county offices help citizens access government resources. They provide information on how to apply for permits, licenses, and benefits offered by the state. The following are some of the key offices.
The county judge office- the office handles all legal matters about the court system. You will find here documents like marriage license forms, divorce papers, birth certificates, death certificates, etc. contact them at (806) 623-5532.
The sheriff’s department provides law enforcement services within the county. Citizens can report crimes committed against them or request help if they need protection. Contact them at (806) 623-5533.
The tax assessor/collector office collects taxes levied by the county. Residents pay property taxes based on the value of their homes. You can reach them at (806) 623-5216 or [email protected].
The clerk of the court’s office issues birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. This office also keeps track of real estate transactions. Call (806) 623-5531 for more information.
Other important departments include the health department, attorney, fire marshal, parks and recreation, public utilities, planning commission, animal control, and community development.
Also, the economic development, library, elections, road district, school board, constable, justice of the peace, and juvenile probation offices are critical. You can use this link through this link to access the offices.
Conclusion
Before moving to Dickens county, it would be better to know about its history, economy, education, healthcare, and crime rate.
Plus, know about the weather, transportation, housing market, demographics, and other statistical data so that you have an idea of what kind of place you would live in.
All these things play a very vital role while making decisions regarding your future residence.