Duval

Duval County

Updated on: November 16, 2021
Coordinates
27 40' 48" N, 98 31' 12" W (27.68, -98.52)
State
Texas
Region
South
County Seat:
San Diego
Year Organized:
1858
Total Square Miles:
1795.596
1,793 square miles (4,640 km2) land
2.1 square miles (5.4 km2) water
Population:
11273 (2017)
Population: 11,428 est. (2016) 11,782 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
6
Duval County Website
http://www.co.duval.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

McMullen (N)
Live Oak (NE)
Jim Wells (E)
Brooks (SE)
Jim Hogg (SW)
Webb (W)

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
11273
25 to 64 Years of Age:
46.89%
65 Years of Age and Older:
17.94%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$436.5 M
Labor Force:
5,049
Unemployment Rate:
5.30%

County Contact

PO BOX 189
County Courthouse
San Diego, TX, 78384-0189

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

Duval County, Texas, got its name after Burr H. Duval, who died during the Goliad Massacre of 1836. The first settlers arrived at this location around 1790 and were from New Orleans, Louisiana. 

They settled along a river that ran through what would become known as “The Old Town.” This area became known for its rich soil and fertile land.  

The county seat is San Diego which has most of the county offices and a large economy. 

History of Duval County Texas 

In 1858, an act of Congress found the county. They created it from a section of Bexar County and organized it in 1879. During World War II, many soldiers came to work in the local shipyards. After the war ended, they stayed and started families. 

The county’s early settlers were mostly German immigrants. They worked hard to build their farms and raise crops. Many of these farmers are still living today. In addition, there have been some African American pioneers who helped shape the history of the county. 

Duval County is home to hundreds of churches, schools, businesses, parks, and other community buildings today. 

Duval County Economy 

During the early days, Duval residents relied on hunting and gathering. Later they changed to farming and ranching. These two industries continue to be important parts of the economy.  

In addition, the county is an oil-producing zone with several refineries. There are also numerous manufacturing plants throughout the county. 

Some of the oil companies in Duval include the 3D Oil Company LLC, 3tec Energy Corporations, and Abaco operating LLC. All these companies employ the residents.  

Many small business owners run restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, etc. Some of them employ people while others do not. 

Besides employment, residents engage in self-employment through various means such as selling items online or working at retail shops. 

Population and Other Demographics 

Duval’s current population is estimated at 11,157 as of the 2019 census. The estimated male to female ratio is at 52:48 %. Most of the population lives within the city limits of San Diego.  

However, there are smaller towns like La Villa, El Campo, and Alamo Heights, where more rural areas exist. 

There are three major ethnic groups in Duval County: 

  • There are Hispanic Americans who make up about 70% of the total population. 
  • There are white Americans who account for 20%. 
  • There are black Americans who represent 10% of the population.

There are four different languages spoken in Duval County. Spanish is the primary language used by Hispanics. English is widely understood among all races.  

Other languages include French Creole, Vietnamese, Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, Arabic, Russian, Japanese, Hindi, Urdu, Farsi, Polish, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, Armenian, Hebrew, and Somali. 

County Offices 

The county government runs all the government functions and roles. The offices are in the major towns in the county. You’ll access different activities in the specific offices.  

Here are some of the key offices in the county and their roles 

The county judge’s office presides over the court proceedings and handles legal matters. It is under the commissioner’s court and headed by Honorable Judge Gilbert N. Saenz. You can reach them at (361) 279-6204 or [email protected]. 

The County Attorney handles the prosecution of criminal cases before a jury. It is under the Commissioners Court and headed by Baldemar Gutierrez. He can be reached at (361) 279-6232 or [email protected]. 

Duval County Auditor Monica Longoria heads the County Auditor’s office. You can reach her at [email protected]. Alternatively, call (361) 279-6320. The role of the County Auditor is to audit the county’s financial statements and ensure that taxes are collected properly. 

Duval County Clerk Elodia M. Garza heads the County Clerk’s Office. She can be contacted at [email protected] or call 361-279-6200. The clerks’ office handles records management, marriage licenses, birth certificates, death certificates, deeds, mortgages, liens, leases, and property tax payments.  

Besides, it handles probate filings, vehicle titles, voter registration forms, and much more. 

The Sheriff’s Department is in charge of law enforcement throughout the county. They have jurisdiction over misdemeanor crimes and traffic violations. Their office is under Sheriff Romeo R. Ramirez. Contact them at (361) 279-6209. 

Other offices include the tax office and the treasurer’s office. 

Education in Duval County 

Some of the elite schools in Duval County are Ramirez Elementary School, Freer J High School, Freer High School, Benavides Elementary School, San Diego High School, Benavides Secondary, and Collins-parr Elementary School.  

This means the quality of education is best in this county. Additionally, most people speak English as a first language here. Therefore, it is easy to communicate with others. 

After schooling, graduates can seek employment in the county. You can as construction workers, teachers, nurses, police officers, firefighters, mechanics, electricians, and plumbers.   

Others go for secretary, accountant, janitor, cashier, receptionist, and security guard, mail carrier, insurance agent, and realtor. 

Towns in Duval County 

Some cities in Duval county include San Diego, Freer, Benavides, Conception, and Realitos. San Diego is the county seat with most government offices.   

Freer has many businesses, including an oil refinery. Benavides is home to the University of St. Thomas Aquinas College. Conception is known as “the city where dreams come true.” And finally, Realitos is home to the largest shopping mall in South Texas. 

If you are visiting the county, please check some of these cities to find something interesting. 

Healthcare Facilities in Duval County 

You will find healthcare centers like St. Joseph Hospital, Memorial Medical Center, and Bayfront Health System.   

These hospitals provide medical care to residents. If you need emergency treatment, then head straight to one of these places. 

Many insurance companies are dealing with health insurance in Duval County, Texas. Popular ones are Blue Cross, United Healthcare, Aetna, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, and others. 

Again, private hospital facilities exist to give you specialized treatment. Some doctors are a call away for in-home treatment. 

Conclusion 

In summary, Duval County is a great place to live if you want to enjoy your life. It offers plenty of opportunities for work and fun. You should visit the area soon! If you need more help, ask questions about living in Duval County in the message box below.