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Caldwell County, Texas

Coordinates: 29°49′57″N 97°37′41″W / 29.832399°N 97.628141°W / 29.832399; -97.628141
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Not to be confused with Caldwell, Texas.

Caldwell County
County
The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart
The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart
Map of Texas highlighting Caldwell County
Location within the U.S. state of Texas
Map of the United States highlighting Texas
Texas's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 29°49′57″N 97°37′41″W / 29.832399°N 97.628141°W / 29.832399; -97.628141
Country United States
State Texas
FoundedMarch 6, 1848
Named afterMathew Caldwell
SeatLockhart
Largest citySan Marcos
Government
 • County judgeHoppy Haden
Area
 • Total
546.452 sq mi (1,415.30 km2)
 • Land544.541 sq mi (1,410.35 km2)
 • Water1.911 sq mi (4.95 km2)  0.35%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
45,883
 • Estimate 
(2024)
52,430 Increase
 • Density96.296/sq mi (37.180/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district27th
Websiteco.caldwell.tx.us

Caldwell County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 45,883,[1] and was estimated to be 52,430 in 2024,[2] Its county seat is Lockhart.[3] The county was founded on March 6, 1848 and named after Mathew Caldwell, a ranger captain who fought in the Battle of Plum Creek against the Comanches and against Santa Anna's armies during the Texas Revolution. Caldwell was also a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Caldwell County is part of the Greater Austin metropolitan area.

History

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Around 8000 BC, Paleo-Indians hunter-gatherers inhabited the area, and later Tonkawa, Karankawa and Comanche peoples became the first identified inhabitants.[4] Caldwell County, of Green DeWitt's petition for a land grant to establish a colony in Texas, was approved by the Mexican government in 1825.

In 1839, Edmund Bellinger became the first settler of Prairie Lea, the county's oldest town. Sam Houston named the town for his future wife Margaret Lea Houston.[5][6] The legislature formed Caldwell County from Bastrop and Gonzales Counties in March 1845. Lockhart was named as the county seat.[4][7]

By 1860, the county population was 2,871, with 1,610 slaves.[4] The community of Fentress was established, originally as Riverside, but later changed to honor the town's first physician, James Fentress.[8] The next year, the county voted 434–188 in favor of secession from the Union. Several hundred men from Caldwell County served in the Confederate States Army.[4]

In the 1870s, St. John Colony was established by former slaves.[9] The town of Luling was established in 1874,[10] close to an earlier farming settlement named Atlanta . John and James Merriwether and Leonidas Hardeman built a gristmill and a sawmill, later known as Zedler's Mills.[11]

The Missouri, Kansas, and Texas completed its track between Lockhart and San Marcos in 1887.[4] Two years later, the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway connected Lockhart and Luling to Shiner.[4] By 1892, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas had laid track from Lockhart east to Smithville.[4]

From 1880 to 1900, tenant farming accounted for nearly half of all the county's farming and as much as 75% of the 3,149 farms.[4] The Southwest Texas Sacred Harp Singing Convention was established in 1902 in McMahan.[12]

On August 9, 1922, Edgar B. Davis discovered the Luling Oilfield.[13] The Luling Foundation was established in 1927 by Davis to teach diversity in agriculture and improve the lives of farm and ranch families.[14]

The Lockhart State Park opened to the public in 1948.[15] In 1953, Luling established its annual Watermelon Thump celebration.[16]

Geography

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 546.452 square miles (1,415.30 km2), of which 544.541 square miles (1,410.35 km2) is land and 1.911 square miles (4.95 km2) (0.35%) is water.[17] It is the 235th largest county in Texas by total area.

Major highways

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Adjacent counties

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18501,329—
18604,481237.2%
18706,57246.7%
188011,75778.9%
189015,76934.1%
190021,76538.0%
191024,23711.4%
192025,1603.8%
193031,39724.8%
194024,893−20.7%
195019,350−22.3%
196017,222−11.0%
197021,17823.0%
198023,63711.6%
199026,39211.7%
200032,19422.0%
201038,06618.2%
202045,88320.5%
2024 (est.)52,430[18]14.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[19]
1790–1960[20] 1900–1990[21]
1990–2000[22] 2010–2020[2]

As of the third quarter of 2024, the median home value in Caldwell County was $214,150.[23]

As of the 2023 American Community Survey, there are 15,741 estimated households in Caldwell County with an average of 2.78 persons per household. The county has a median household income of $68,503. Approximately 13.7% of the county's population lives at or below the poverty line. Caldwell County has an estimated 58.0% employment rate, with 16.4% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 80.3% holding a high school diploma.[2]

The top five reported ancestries (people were allowed to report up to two ancestries, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were English (64.1%), Spanish (35.0%), Indo-European (0.5%), Asian and Pacific Islander (0.2%), and Other (0.3%).

The median age in the county was 38.2 years.

Caldwell County, Texas – racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.

Race / ethnicity (NH = non-Hispanic) Pop. 1980[24] Pop. 1990[25] Pop. 2000[26] Pop. 2010[27] Pop. 2020[28]
White alone (NH) 11,768
(49.79%)		 13,547
(51.33%)		 15,929
(49.48%)		 16,841
(44.24%)		 16,560
(36.09%)
Black or African American alone (NH) 3,811
(16.12%)		 2,675
(10.14%)		 2,674
(8.31%)		 2,456
(6.45%)		 2,225
(4.85%)
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 57
(0.24%)		 48
(0.18%)		 90
(0.28%)		 90
(0.24%)		 129
(0.28%)
Asian alone (NH) 167
(0.71%)		 80
(0.30%)		 102
(0.32%)		 344
(0.90%)		 227
(0.49%)
Pacific Islander alone (NH) — — 8
(0.02%)		 8
(0.02%)		 4
(0.01%)
Other race alone (NH) 44
(0.19%)		 54
(0.20%)		 30
(0.09%)		 54
(0.14%)		 178
(0.39%)
Mixed race or multiracial (NH) — — 343
(1.07%)		 351
(0.92%)		 1,092
(2.38%)
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 7,790
(32.96%)		 9,988
(37.84%)		 13,018
(40.44%)		 17,922
(47.08%)		 25,468
(55.51%)
Total 23,637
(100.00%)		 26,392
(100.00%)		 32,194
(100.00%)		 38,066
(100.00%)		 45,883
(100.00%)

2020 census

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As of the 2020 census, there were 45,883 people, 15,010 households, and 10,716 families residing in the county.[29] The population density was 84.3 inhabitants per square mile (32.5/km2). There were 16,379 housing units at an average density of 30.1 per square mile (11.6/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 51.51% White, 5.32% African American, 1.09% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 21.16% from some other races and 20.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 55.51% of the population.[30]

2010 census

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As of the 2010 census, there were 38,066 people, 12,278 households, and _ families residing in the county. The population density was 69.8 inhabitants per square mile (26.9/km2). There were 13,733 housing units at an average density of 25.2 per square mile (9.7/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 75.65% White, 6.78% African American, 0.80% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 13.03% from some other races and 2.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 47.08% of the population.

2000 census

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As of the 2000 census, there were 32,194 people, 10,816 households, and 8,079 families residing in the county. The population density was 59.0 inhabitants per square mile (22.8/km2). There were 11,901 housing units at an average density of 22.0 per square mile (8.5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 70.13% White, 8.50% African American, 0.61% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 17.66% from some other races and 2.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 40.44% of the population.

Of the 10,816 households, 37.0% had children under 18 living with them, 56.0% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.3% were not families. About 21.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.82, and the average family size was 3.28.

A Williams Institute analysis of 2010 census data found about 5.8 same-sex couples per 1,000 households lived in the county.[31]

In the county, the age distribution was 28.3% under 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $36,573, and for a family was $41,300. Males had a median income of $29,295 versus $21,595 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,099. About 10.40% of families and 13.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.10% of those under age 18 and 15.40% of those age 65 or over.

Communities

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Cities

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Unincorporated communities

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Ghost town

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Politics

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County government

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Caldwell County elected officials

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Position Name Party
County Judge Hoppy Haden Republican
Commissioner, Precinct 1 B. J. Westmoreland Republican
Commissioner, Precinct 2 Barbara Shelton Republican
Commissioner, Precinct 3 Edward "Ed" Theriot Republican
Commissioner, Precinct 4 Joe Roland Democratic
United States presidential election results for Caldwell County, Texas[32]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 8,880 56.43% 6,618 42.05% 239 1.52%
2020 8,031 53.64% 6,672 44.56% 270 1.80%
2016 6,691 54.94% 4,795 39.37% 692 5.68%
2012 6,021 54.40% 4,791 43.29% 256 2.31%
2008 6,107 52.43% 5,403 46.39% 138 1.18%
2004 6,436 55.55% 5,052 43.60% 99 0.85%
2000 5,216 55.34% 3,872 41.08% 337 3.58%
1996 3,239 41.41% 3,961 50.65% 621 7.94%
1992 2,749 32.95% 3,794 45.47% 1,801 21.58%
1988 3,553 43.00% 4,649 56.27% 60 0.73%
1984 4,315 55.81% 3,401 43.99% 16 0.21%
1980 2,879 46.56% 3,155 51.02% 150 2.43%
1976 2,235 37.75% 3,647 61.59% 39 0.66%
1972 3,171 61.45% 1,974 38.26% 15 0.29%
1968 1,402 27.33% 2,889 56.32% 839 16.35%
1964 1,046 22.60% 3,580 77.34% 3 0.06%
1960 1,482 35.10% 2,729 64.64% 11 0.26%
1956 1,747 40.96% 2,513 58.92% 5 0.12%
1952 2,052 41.53% 2,887 58.43% 2 0.04%
1948 623 17.23% 2,792 77.21% 201 5.56%
1944 704 18.11% 2,916 75.00% 268 6.89%
1940 659 15.85% 3,499 84.13% 1 0.02%
1936 247 7.51% 3,019 91.74% 25 0.76%
1932 291 8.06% 3,317 91.88% 2 0.06%
1928 1,189 49.54% 1,211 50.46% 0 0.00%
1924 399 14.27% 2,194 78.44% 204 7.29%
1920 269 13.01% 1,240 59.99% 558 27.00%
1916 225 15.43% 1,216 83.40% 17 1.17%
1912 56 4.64% 1,068 88.48% 83 6.88%

Education

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School districts:[33]

Austin Community College is the designated community college for the county.[34]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Caldwell County, Texas". www.census.gov. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Smyrl, Vivian Elizabeth (June 12, 2010). "Caldwell County, Texas". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
  5. ^ Stock, Barbara (June 15, 2010). "Prairie Lea". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
  6. ^ "Prairie Lea, Texas". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes – Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
  7. ^ "Lockhart, Texas". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes – Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
  8. ^ "Fentress, Texas". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes – Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
  9. ^ "St John Colony, Texas". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes – Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
  10. ^ "Luling, Texas". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes – Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
  11. ^ "Zedler's Mills". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes – Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
  12. ^ "McMahan". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes – Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
  13. ^ Smyrl, Vivian Elizabeth (June 15, 2010). "Luling Oilfield". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
  14. ^ Parsons, Chuck; Luling Main Street (2009). "Agriculture and the Foundation Farm". Luling (Images of America). Arcadia Publishing. pp. 101–106. ISBN 978-0-7385-7145-4.
  15. ^ Taylor, Tom; Molloy, Johnny (2003). "Lockhart State Park Trail". 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: San Antonio and Austin. Menasha Ridge Press. p. 88. ISBN 978-0-89732-533-2.
  16. ^ Pohlen, Jerome (2006). Oddball Texas: A Guide to Some Really Strange Places. Chicago Review Press. p. 160. ISBN 978-1-55652-583-4.
  17. ^ "2024 County Gazetteer Files – Texas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  18. ^ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024". Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  19. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  20. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. 2007. Archived from the original on December 12, 2009. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  21. ^ Forstall, Richard L. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 19, 1999. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  22. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  23. ^ "County Median Home Price". National Association of Realtors. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  24. ^ "Caldwell County, Texas — Population by Race". CensusScope. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  25. ^ "Caldwell County, Texas — Population by Race". CensusScope. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  26. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Caldwell County, Texas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  27. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Caldwell County, Texas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  28. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Caldwell County, Texas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  29. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  30. ^ "How many people live in Caldwell County, Texas". USA Today. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  31. ^ Leonhardt, David; Quealy, Kevin (June 26, 2015), "Where Same-Sex Couples Live", The New York Times, retrieved July 6, 2015
  32. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org.
  33. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Caldwell County, TX" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022. - List
  34. ^ Texas Education Code, Sec. 130.166. AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA..
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