Zavala

Zavala County

Updated on: January 13, 2022
Coordinates
28° 51' 36"N, 99° 45' 36" W (28.86, -99.76)
State
Texas
Region
South
County Seat:
Crystal City
Year Organized:
1858
Total Square Miles:
1301.734
Population:
11948 (2017)
Persons/Square Mile:
9
Zavala County Website
http://www.co.zavala.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Uvalde (N)
Frio (E)
Dimmit (S)
Maverick (W)
La Salle (SE)

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
11948
25 to 64 Years of Age:
44.76%
65 Years of Age and Older:
14.29%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$945.6 M
Labor Force:
3,593
Unemployment Rate:
9.50%

County Contact

200 E Uvalde St
County Courthouse
Crystal City, TX, 78839-3511

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

The Texas legislature created Zavala County in 1858 and organized it in 1884. It made Crystal city the county seat. Besides, the legislature named the county for Lorenzo de Zavala.  

The county covers an estimated 1302 square miles or 3370 square kilometers. Zavala is the 23rd Congressional District and boasts Crystal City, Amaya, Batesville, and La Pryor. 

The 2019 US population censor recorded the number of inhabitants in Zavala County at 12,039. Also, the County located in Texas in the US has several cultural and historical sites that make it a tourist destination center.  

Topography  

Notably, the county covers 1302 square miles and isn’t short of rivers. The Nueces River drains the western and central parts. Equally, the Leona and Frio pass through the eastern region. 

Furthermore, the county boasts of the Comanche lake, a popular lake with sportsmen and women. 

Furthermore, the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, found in most parts of the county, provides water for industrial use and irrigation. 

Vegetation in Zavala includes vast grasslands and trees situated along major rivers. 

The topography of the county consists of flatland and generally undulating plains. The county’s elevation is between 580-964 feet above sea level. 

Light-coloured and well-drained soils surface the northern region. Conversely, the southern part of the county’s soil remains loamy at the top and clayey below the surface. 

History of Zavala County, Texas 

Archeologists found traces of early human settlement in the Holdsworth site, northeast of Crystal City. It collaborates with Coahuiltecan Indians who lived in the area many years ago. 

Tonkawas explored the area from central Texas. Equally, the Lipan and Mescalero Apaches invaded the region in the 1700s. The fierce Comanches who later joined the fray were not left behind. 

The Mexican government and the Texan Republic claimed ownership of Zavala County after the Texas Revolution. 

The state legislature created Zavala County in 1858, eventually organizing it in 1884. 

Zavala County Offices, Texas 

The Zavala County government comprises numerous offices working to deliver the best services. The offices include the office of the county judge, clerk, auditor, treasurer, commissioners court, tax collector, and sheriff. 

Judge Joe Luna, ESQ, reigns supreme as the County Judge in Zavala County. People can contact him via the phone: 830-374-3810. 

Judge J. Luna presides over the Commissioners Court with four additional members. It serves as the highest decision-making board in the County.  

Joe Cruz serves as Precinct 1 Commissioner in the County. Residents may reach him using the phone: 830-374-5258. 

Raul Gomez occupies the office of the Precinct 2 Commissioner. You can reach him via the phone: 830-374-3810. 

Jesse Gonzalez sits as Precinct 3 Commissioner. Citizens can contact Jesse using the phone: 830-374-3810. 

Florencio “Flo” Melendrez serves as  Precinct 4 Commissioner. Residents can reach Florencio via the phone: 830-374-3810. 

Eduardo Serna occupies the office of the County Attorney. People can contact him via the phone: 830-374-3734. 

Carlos Pereda Jr serves as the County Auditor. Citizens can contact him using the phone; 830-372-2214. 

Michelle B. Urrabazo sits as the County Clerk in Zavala County. Residents can reach her using her phone: 830-374-2331.  

Elizabeth Tovar occupies the office of the County Treasurer. People can contact her using the phone: 830-374-2442. 

Florinda Perez serves as the County Tax Assessor/Collector. Citizens can reach Florinda using the phone: 830-374-2351. 

Eusevio Salinas serves as the County Sheriff. Residents can contact him via the phone: 830-374-3105  

Cost of Living in Zavala County, Texas 

Zavala County remains one of the cheapest counties to live in Texas, US. It has a cost of living index of 66.1% to the US average of 100%. 

Also, the cost of health services and utilities in the county remains relatively high compared to other regions of the US. However, grocery, housing, transportation, and miscellaneous are pretty affordable. 

Education in Zavala County, Texas 

The county has numerous educational institutions that include grade schools, high schools, and colleges and universities. 

The average yearly cost of education or expenditure per student in Zavala County stands at $10,828 compared to the US average of $12,383.  

Notably, Zavala County provides; 

  • A teacher for every 14 pupils
  • A librarian for every 643 pupils
  • A counselor for every 295 pupils

The Economy in Zavala County, Texas 

The performance of the economy in Zavala County is below the US average. Besides, the unemployment rate at 15.0% more than doubles the US average of 6.0%. 

The job market growth recorded a negative growth rate of -2.7%. At the same time, the predicted ten-year job market growth stands at 5.9% to the US average of 33.5%. 

The yearly income per resident stands at $13,595 to the US average of $12,383. The best performing sectors of the economy in Zavala County include agriculture, construction, and mining. 

Politics and Voting Patterns in Zavala County, Texas 

The political climate in Zavala County, Texas, remains strongly liberal. The county residents have voted for the Democratic presidential candidate since 2000. 

As such, it was no different in the last US presidential elections; 

  • 4% voted Democrats
  • 0% voted for the Republican party
  • 6% voted independent

Covid-19 Situation in Zavala County, Texas 

Zavala County authorities have consistently updated the citizens on the Coronavirus state since the pandemic outbreak in 2020. 

It has streamlined most of its operations to ensure the staff and the county residents remain the same while service delivery remains minimally affected. 

The county makes Covid -19 precaution awareness a significant part of their health services. Also, an effort is now made to vaccinate residents to safeguard them from the fangs of the deadly pandemic. 

The latest Covid-19 updates of January 9th, 2022, reveal cases have increased recently. The positivity rate has risen extremely high. The report indicates that the positivity rate in the first week of January 2022 is the highest of the pandemic. 

Equally, Zavala County witnessed an increase in the number of Covid-19 patients in this period. Though, the fatality rate remains almost at the same level. 

Sampled Covid-19 Statistic as of January 7th, 2022 

  • Confirmed case-2408
  • Probable cases-426
  • Deaths-56
  • Recovered-2530

Attraction Centers in Zavala County, Texas 

Things you Can Do in Zavala County 

You can do a lot in Zavala County, Texas. You have an option to visit; 

  • Exhibition centers
  • Parks
  • Architecture and landmarks
  • Historic sites
  • Nature
  • Enjoy traditional/cultural experiences
  • Enjoy a unique lifestyle

Sample Places to Visit in Zavala County, Texas 

  • Uvalde opera house
  • San Antonio Riverwalk
  • Scuba oasis
  • Briscoe garner museum
  • Briscoe arts and antique collection
  • Aviation Museum at corner field