Hood County
- Coordinates
- 32 25' 48" N, 97 49' 48" W (32.43, -97.83)
- State
- Texas
- Region
- North Central
- County Seat:
- Granbury
- Year Organized:
- 1865
- Total Square Miles:
-
436.828
421 square miles (1,090 km2) land
16 square miles (41 km2) water - Population:
-
58273 (2017)
Population: 60,537 est. ( 2018 ) 51,182 (2010) - Persons/Square Mile:
- 133
- Hood County Website
- http://www.co.hood.tx.us/
Contiguous Counties
Parker (N)Johnson (E)
Somervell (S)
Erath (W)
Palo Pinto (NW)
Hood County Offices
Hood County Town List
County structure
- Government Type:
- County
- Authority:
- Dillon's Rule
- Legislative Body:
- Commisioners Court
- Size of Legislative Body:
- 5
Demographics
- 2018 Population:
- 58273
- 25 to 64 Years of Age:
- 47.70%
- 65 Years of Age and Older:
- 24.56%
Economy, 2018
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
- $2.2 B
- Labor Force:
- 26,510
- Unemployment Rate:
- 3.70%
Hood County is located in the Edwards Plateau region of Texas. Its first settler was an Indian trader along the Brazos River.
Its formation came from Johnson County in November 1866 after an eleventh Texas Legislature act. Hood County is named after John Bell Hood. He was a hero of the American Civil War, Commander, and Confederate lieutenant-general, of Hood’s Texas Brigade.
The county seat is Granbury. Granbury is named after Confederate General Hiram Bronson Granbury.
Economic Activities
Despite being famous for Legendre and agriculture, about 8.50% of the 41,100 population are below the poverty line. The primary source of income was cotton and livestock. However, the economy and growth diminished after barraging Brazos River to form synthetic Lake Granbury. Today, the primary sources of water remain the Paluxy and Brazos.
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service offers residents research-based data. Besides that, they give educational programs, youth development, consumer, and family sciences. Also, this information allows them to introduce the ideas into their lives.
Moreover, tourism is a big player in its economic growth. Fantastic wildlife and parks lure both international and local tourists. Other essential mineral resources are gas, limestone, oil, and even industrial sand.
Population Demographic
As per the 2020 US Census, the region records 16,176 households carrying 12,099 families totaling about 41,100 people.
Out of the total population, females take up over 50%. Persons over 65 years take 25%, while people below 18 years are 21.1%. Children below five years are 5.4%.
Geographical Area
The region has a 421 square miles land area, equal to 1,090km2 as per the US Census Bureau. Its waters cover 16 square miles, the same as 41km2.
The adjacent counties include:
- Palo Pinto on the Northwest
- Parker on the North
- Johnson on its East
- Erath on the West and
- Somervell on its South
Education Programs and System
Hood County has over four major district schools. However, most of them are partly in other counties but still serve Hood County. For instance:
Godley Independent School District
It is a public school in Godley, Texas. Because of the higher number of 1765 students, 145 teachers, and 321staff, it has different grades and inter-schools. Although 70.6% are white, 56.7% are economically disadvantaged students.
Granbury Independent School
Granbury is a district school in the Granbury area. Besides hosting students for Pre-K through 12, it has a high population. The school, with over 6970 students, 854 staff, and over 445 teachers, serves several counties.
Its grades and inter-schools separation simplifies management. It has 23.75 white race students, with 49.75 being economically disabled pupils.
Lipan Independent School
Lipan Learning institution lies in the Lipan area but still serves Hood County students. This public education institution accommodates over 56 staff, 35 staff, and 436 students. Like Bluff Dale School, it lies within several other areas.
Tolar Independent School District
Tolar School operates from the Tolar area but also offers educational programs to the Paluxy residents. The system comprises grades 6-12 and prekindergarten to grade five.
Bluff Dale Independent School District
This public school is in Erath County; however, a part of it lies in Hood County. It holds grades Pre-K up to 12 learners. It hosts 218 students with over 15 teachers and 27 staff members. Hence, this manageable team contributed to its Texas Education Agency ‘Exemplary’ District award for years.
Cities
Out of the six major cities, Cresson is partly in Johnson and Parker counties. The other cities are Lipan City, Brazos Bend, Oak Trail Shores, DeCordova, Tolar, and Granbury as the seat county.
Hood County Offices
The Hood County offices offer quality services with modern technologies. It preserves the county’s history and shares updated records with its citizens. Here is a list of county offices:
Hood County Clerk’s Office – Since 1836, the county clerk has headed its operation in Granbury, Texas. Contact the office via +1817-579-3222.
Hood County Court at Law – It hears crime cases besides civil and family law matters. In addition, it is the appellate court for cases from peace and municipal courts. Contact the court via 817-408-3483.
Hood County Sheriff’s Office – This vital office operates from Granbury, Texas. Its head, Sheriff Roger Deeds, has broad experience in fire, emergency services, law enforcement, and EMS. For more information, contact the office at 817-579-3316.
End Note
Hood County has over six cities, with other counties around it. Hence, it is one of the fast-growing regions in the US. Besides engaging in agriculture, residents take part in beneficial educational programs to boost their livelihoods. The county has enriched excellent tourism stops like rare wildlife species and unique Texas parks, among others.
