Jasper

Jasper County

Updated on: November 18, 2021
Coordinates
30 44' 24" N, 94 1' 48" W (30.74, -94.03)
State
Texas
Region
Central East
County Seat:
Jasper
Year Organized:
1836
Total Square Miles:
969.697
939 square miles (2,430 km2) land
31 square miles (80 km2) water
Population:
35561 (2017)
Population: 35,710 (2010) 35,604 (2000) 31,102 (1990)
Persons/Square Mile:
37
Jasper County Website
http://www.co.jasper.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

San Augustine (N)
Sabine (NE)
Newton (E)
Orange (S)
Hardin (SW)
Tyler (W)
Angelina (NW)

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
35561
25 to 64 Years of Age:
48.94%
65 Years of Age and Older:
19.57%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$985.2 M
Labor Force:
13,377
Unemployment Rate:
6.50%

County Contact

121 N Austin St.
County Courthouse
Jasper, TX

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

Jasper County, Texas, is named after William Jasper. He was killed in 1779 while attempting to stamp the American colors at the storming of Savannah. Jasper took part in the American revolution that saw the end of slavery and the beginning of a new nation.  

In addition, he also fought against Native Americans during the war with Mexico. The county seat of Jasper County is called Jasper. You’ll find most things in this town including easy access to government offices and businesses.  

Keep reading for more information about the history, population, safety, and government.  

History of Jasper County 

Jasper County early settlers were Indians who lived along the rivers. They hunted game and fished. When white men came, they found many Indian graves, showing how long ago they had been here.  

Many years later, when the first European explorers arrived, there were no signs of any human habitation. It wasn’t until 1836 that the first permanent settlement began. This happened near what would become known as Jasper.  

At the time, it was just a small trading post, but by 1850 it became an actual city. By 1900 it had grown into an important railroad hub. Today it’s still home to several industries like oil refineries and chemical plants. 

Other races that settled in Jasper included Germans, Irish, English, French Canadians, Mexicans, African-Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Russians, Poles, Italians, Greeks, and Syrians.  

However, the whites dominated the area and pushed out all other groups except those already living here. There are now over 100 different nationalities represented in Jasper.  

Jasper Economy 

The economy has always depended on agriculture. Cotton farming was very successful because of its high yield per acre. Today, farmers use modern technology to increase their yields even further today. Oil production is another primary industry in Jasper.  

Other companies include food processing, manufacturing, retail trade, transportation, construction, finance, insurance, health care, education, arts, entertainment, accommodation, and services. 

Industries employ almost half of the residents while the other half own businesses or work from home. Most jobs require a college degree.  

Jasper’s largest employers are Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, ExxonMobil Corporation, Marathon Petroleum Company, Shell Oil Co, and Dow Chemicals. 

Jasper’s economy also relies on tourism, thanks to the attractions across the county. As such, many people flock to the county to glimpse the beautiful terrain and hilly views. 

Finally, Jasper county invests in education to ensure the residents get the skills perfect for good job markets. Schools offer courses ranging from elementary school to university level programs.  

These schools help students prepare for careers in medicine, law enforcement, engineering, nursing, teaching, and accounting, among others. 

Geography and Population of Jasper County 

Jasper is one of the fastest-growing counties in America. Its landmass covers 1,935 square miles. That makes it larger than Rhode Island. However, only 2% of the total land is used for agricultural purposes. The rest is covered by forests, lakes, mountains, hills, valleys, and plains.  

There are several cities within Jasper County. They include Jasper, Buna, Evadale, and Kirbyville. The cities offer residents shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, banks, medical facilities, churches, and more.  

Each community offers something unique so you can find your favorite place to live. The population growth rate in Jasper is flourishing. According to Census 2019, Jasper’s population was at 35,529. Out of this number, 50.5 % were female, while 49.5 % were male. 

In terms of ethnicity, White Americans account for 81.1% of the population. Hispanic/Latino American accounts for 12.6%. Asian Americans represent 5.3%, Black Americans 0.8%, and Native Americans 0.2%. 

Education in Jasper 

Schools play an essential role in shaping up future generations. The education system in Jasper includes public schools, private schools, charter schools, and homeschooling. Public schools provide free tuition to children who qualify based on income levels.  

Private schools charge fees, but most families cannot afford them. Charter schools allow parents to choose what kind of curriculum they want their child to learn. Homeschooling allows parents to teach their kids without interference from government officials. 

Schools in Jasper vary greatly depending on where you go. For example, two universities in Jasper offer degrees in science, math, social studies, English language, computer programming, art, music, and physical therapy.  

There are four colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in biology, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, and sociology. In addition, three junior colleges are providing associate degrees in general studies, liberal arts, and applied sciences.  

County Offices 

County offices are critical institutions in any country because they link citizens and local governments. They collect taxes, maintain records, issue licenses, and permits, enforce laws, keep track of budgets, and much more. 

The following list shows all county offices in Jasper: 

Jasper County Judge Office is under Mark Allen. The judge ensures that justice prevails throughout the county. He also oversees court operations, including jury selection, bail bond agents, and other judicial matters. Contact the office at 409-384-2612. 

The sheriff’s office is responsible for maintaining order and safety across the county. It is under Sheriff Mitchel Newman. Contact them at (409) 384-5417. 

The County Clerk Office is under Debbie Newman. The office maintains vital documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, property deeds, and many others. Contact them at 409-384-2632. 

The County Treasurer’s office handles tax payments and collections. It is under County Treasurer Rene Kelley-Ellis. You may contact her at 409-384-2461. 

The Tax Collector Office is under Bobby Bushcamp. This agency handles tax payments and collections. Reach them at 409-384-6896. 

The County Auditor office is under Mellissa Smith. The auditor audits financial statements and ensures that money collected by various agencies goes back into those same agencies. Contact them at 409-384-5212.  

Attractions in Jasper County 

Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage houses collections related to history, culture, architecture, natural resources, agriculture, transportation, military, and maritime affairs. 

  • Frampton Plantation House: Located near Lake Texoma, Frampton Plantation house has been restored into a museum dedicated to preserving Southern plantation life during the 19th century. It also serves as a venue for weddings, receptions, parties, and other events. 
  • Sergeant Jasper Park: Sergeant Jasper Park is home to many wildlife species, including deer, wild turkey, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, snakes, turtles, frogs, fish, and birds. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing ponds, camping sites, and picnic areas. 
  • Blue Heron Nature Center: Blue Heron Nature Center provides visitors with information about nature conservation and environmental education programs. They have exhibits featuring native plants and animals found in Jasper County.