Jack

Jack County

Updated on: November 18, 2021
Coordinates
33 14' 24" N, 98 10' 48" W (33.24, -98.18)
State
Texas
Region
North Central
County Seat:
Jacksboro
Year Organized:
1857
Total Square Miles:
920.126
911 square miles (2,360 km2) land
9.5 square miles (25 km2) water
Population:
8832 (2017)
Population: 8,744 est. (2016) 9,044 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
10
Jack County Website
http://www.jackcounty.org/

Contiguous Counties

Clay (N)
Montague (NE)
Wise (E)
Parker (SE)
Palo Pinto (S)
Young (W)
Archer (NW)

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
8832
25 to 64 Years of Age:
51.59%
65 Years of Age and Older:
17.12%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$675.5 M
Labor Force:
4,444
Unemployment Rate:
2.50%

County Contact

100 N Main St
County Courthouse
Jacksboro, TX, 76458-1746

http://www.jackcounty.org/

Jack County, Texas, is named after Patrick Churchill Jack and his younger brother William Houston Jack. Both were soldiers who fought during the Texas revolution. They settled on what is now known as Old Mill Creek Road. It ran from the present-day town of Collinsville southward through the county’s center.  

The county seat is Jacksboro, and it features everything you would want to trace in the county, including top sites, business hubs, and county offices. Continue reading for more information about Jack County, Texas 

Jack County Early Days 

Jack County was established in 1856 from Cooke County. The first settlers came into this area around 1790. In 1835, a group of men met at the home of John W. Jones near the site where the courthouse stands today.  

The men decided that they wanted their government so they could have control over themselves. This meeting led to the formation of the Republic of Texas, which lasted until February 1st, 1861 when it became part of the United States.  

After being under US rule for almost two years, these people had enough and formed the state of Texas. On March 2nd, 1863, the State Legislature passed an Act establishing Jack County. It was then named after the two brothers and soldiers. 

Indians were among the first settlers in the region. There are many stories told about how some of them got here, but one story tells us that there was once a large Indian village called “Tallapoosa.” A man named James Bowie killed several members of this tribe during the War Between the States.  

He took them back to Fort Worth and sold them to slave traders. When he returned to Tallapoosa with money, he found out that all inhabitants had been massacred. That is why the county is known as “the land of no regrets.” 

Additionally, the simple lifestyle of the early settlers made farming very easy. Many farmers still live off the land today. Some even raise cattle or horses. Others grow crops like corn, wheat, cotton, oats, beans, etc.  

The Geography and Climate of Jack County 

There are three major rivers in the county: the Colorado River, Buffalo Bayou, and Elm Fork. All three run north-south along the eastern edge of the county. The main highway running east-west across the county’s middle is US Highway 69/US Highway 287. Other highways include SH 71 and FM. 

The county experiences different types of climates throughout the year. Temperatures can drop below freezing during the winter months, while summer days often reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Springtime brings pleasant weather with warm sunny days and cool nights. Fall has its share of rainstorms and cooler evenings. 

In terms of geography, most of the county lies in the plains. However, there are also hills and mountains scattered throughout. Most of the terrain consists of rolling prairie grasslands. There are also small lakes and ponds scattered throughout the county. 

County Population Growth Rate 

According to the 2019 census, the total population of Jack county was 8,935. Of those residents, 5,817 lived inside city limits, and 3,118 resided outside of city limits. The average household size was 2.6 persons per household. The median age of the entire population was 37.5 years old. The percentage of males compared to females was 50% versus 49%. 

In terms of race, whites are the majority at 92%, followed by blacks at 4%, Hispanics at 0.7%, and Asians at 0.2%. As far as religion goes, Christians make up 90% of the population. Catholics account for 41% of the people, followed by Protestants, who comprise 39%. 

Census statistics reveal that the housing units are 4,184, with occupied houses at 81.3% and vacant ones at 16.7%. The number of households is 3,099, with families making up 64.4% and non-family households at 35.6%. The average value of a single-family residence is $86,300.  

Attractions in Jack County 

Jack County has beautiful places if you want to visit and relax. Here are some of the top sights that you must see when in the county. 

  • Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site- This park offers visitors an opportunity to see what life was like when living on the frontier. It features a museum where exhibits tell the area’s history from prehistoric times until the present day. 
  • Lost Creek Reservoir State Trail: Located just south of Collinsville, the Lost Creek reservoir state trail provides hikers with scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors will enjoy nature trails, picnic areas, fishing spots, hiking paths, bird watching sites, historical markers, and more. 
  • Museum of Western Art: This art gallery showcases works created by artists from around the world. Its collection includes paintings, sculptures, pottery, glasswork, jewelry, textiles, photography, prints, drawings, and other media. 
  • Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame & Museum: This attraction tells how cowboys have shaped American culture over time. You’ll find cowboy memorabilia, photographs, clothing, toys, tools, weapons, and much more. 
  • Lake Jacksboro: Lake Jacksboro is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in the United States. Boaters come here to fish or simply take advantage of the many recreational activities available.  

County Offices and Roles 

County offices are critical players in ensuring that all citizens receive equal access to services provided by government agencies. They help people resolve taxes, licenses, permits, health care, public records, etc. Their main goal is to provide information about local laws and regulations so individuals can understand their rights and responsibilities. 

Below are the key county offices and how to contact them.  

The County Judge Office is under Honorable Brian Keith Umphress. He ensures that justice prevails throughout the county. Call the office at # 940-567-2241. 

The County Clerk Office is under Honorable Vanessa James. She handles vital documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates, among others. Contact the office at # 940-567-2111. 

The Jack County Attorney’s Office is under Mr. Michael Brad Dixon. He ensures everyone gets fair treatment before the law. His phone number is # 940-567-3321. 

Sheriff Thomas Spurlock heads the sheriff’s office. Contact the office at (940) 567-2161. 

The Collector’s office is under Honorable Sharon Robinson. She helps residents pay for property tax bills. Her phone number is # 940-567-2352. 

Lastly, the County Treasurer’s Office is under Honorable Brad Campsey. Contact the office at # 940-567-2251 or [email protected]