Floyd

Floyd County

Updated on: November 18, 2021
Coordinates
34° 4' 12" N, 101° 18' 0" W (34.07, -101.3)
State
Texas
Region
Northwest
County Seat:
Floydada
Year Organized:
1876
Total Square Miles:
992.523
992 square miles (2,570 km2) land
0.4 square miles (1.0 km2) water
Population:
5855 (2017)
Population: 5,917 Est. (2016) 6,446 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
6
Floyd County Website
http://co.floyd.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Briscoe (N)
Motley (E)
Hale (W)
Swisher (NW)
Dickens (SE)

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
5855
25 to 64 Years of Age:
45.50%
65 Years of Age and Older:
18.71%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$331.5 M
Labor Force:
2,693
Unemployment Rate:
5.20%

County Contact

PO BOX 476
County Courthouse
Floydada, TX, 79235-0476

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

Floyd County is named after Brigadier General John Floyd, a hero of the American Civil War. He was killed in action at the Battle of Chickamauga on September 19, 1863.  

The county seat is Floydada which is located about 15 miles south of Lufkin, TX. Floydada is known for housing county government offices and other important departments in the county.  

Floyd County History 

The county’s early settlers were the Apaches and Comanches. They soon gave way to pioneers like the Germans, Irish, Scots-Irish, English, French Huguenots, Jews, Italians, Mexicans, and many others.   

There have also always been African Americans in the area. The first school opened in 1838. By 1860 there were two schools: one that taught white students only and another that taught black children. In 1870 the population reached 3,150 people.  

The earliest economic activities included farming cotton, grain, livestock, lumbering, mining, oil production, ranching, shipping, and tourism.  

Today some industries include agriculture, manufacturing, energy, construction, education, and health care. 

A large portion of the economy still revolves around agriculture and cattle raising. 

Demographics and Population 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Floyd County in Texas has 992.14 sq mi. Big chunks of land are used for agricultural purposes or forested areas. Only 7% of this land is urbanized.  

Regarding the 2019 estimates, the total population of Floyd County is 5,712 residents. Of these, 1,903 live within city limits, while 4,809 reside outside them. The median age here is 37 years old. Over 14 percent of the county population is 65 years old or older. The average household size includes 2.15 members based on 2011 data. 

Geography and Climate of Floyd County 

The county is located in East Central Texas between Dallas and Houston. Its location makes it part of the Great Plains region in North America. Most of the terrain comprises rolling hills, plains, prairies, and grasslands. 

The soil types found in the area consist primarily of clay loams, silty clays, sandy loams, and fine gravels. These soils make up most of the county except for parts of the eastern side where limestone predominates.  

Climate-wise, the temperatures vary significantly throughout the year. January averages range from 41°F to 60°F. During February, daytime highs reach from 50°F to 80°F. July gets warm during the day at 87 degrees Fahrenheit with nighttime lows ranging from 54°F to 72°F.   

August is hot with a daily high temperature reaching 93°F. September highs rise again until October when nighttime lows drop back down to 57°F.  

November and December bring cold weather. Nighttime low readings go down to 42° F. Average annual precipitation ranges from 8 inches to 12 inches. 

Flora and fauna are present throughout the year. Plus, there are lots of birds, including ducks, geese, swans, sparrows, hawks, owls, doves, eagles, osprey, pelicans, etc.  

Mammals include raccoons, foxes, bobcats, rabbits, squirrels, opossums, deer, skunks, bats, coyotes, and wild pigs.   

Transportation Infrastructure & Facilities in Floyd County 

Several highways run through this county. Interstate 35 runs north-south through southern portions of the county. U.S. Highway 81 also passes through the west-central section of the county. 

In addition, State Highway 16, 18, 21, and 256, and 281 passes through the county. Many roads and streets run across different sections of the county that connect various communities. 

A few smaller railroads have tracks that run along certain routes. For example, the Katy Railroad has trackage rights over some segments of IH35. A short line called the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway operates freight trains in the northeastern portion of the county. 

Governmental Offices in Floyd County 

The top office is the County Judge headed by Marty Lucke. They oversee the operations of the entire government in the county. The judge appoints officials who oversee departments and agencies. Call the office at 806-983-4905. 

Commissioners Court meets twice per month. They set policies and decisions regarding governmental operations. To schedule these meetings, call the court clerk at 806-777-1078. 

The County Clerk is under Ginger Morgan. The office records vital documents and keeps records of births, deaths, marriages, divorces, adoptions, property transfers, judgments, and other legal matters. Contact them at 806-983-4900. 

Lex Herrington supervises the County Attorney’s office. The role of the office is to represent county interests before courts and administrative bodies. Contact the office at 806-983-4924. 

Lori Morales maintains the County Treasurer’s office. The job includes managing accounts payable, payroll, bank deposits, and investments.  

All money collected during tax time goes toward paying salaries and expenses associated with running the offices. For questions, contact the office at 806-983-4910. 

Other offices are the tax collector and Sheriff’s offices. 

Conclusion 

In summary, Floyd County offers plenty of activities and places of interest for anyone interested in nature, history, culture, and recreation. People can go to their respective municipal police department or Sheriff’s office whenever they have a problem needing attention.