County Narrative Profile

Reagan County Report


What are County Narrative Profiles?

The Labor Market and Career Information (LMCI) department of the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has developed the County Narrative Profile (CNP) as a tool for presenting Texas county based statistical data in an easy-to-read narrative format. This CNP module is one of many analytical tools available from the . The narrative approach is an alternative to looking through stacks of tables and charts which can be confusing and difficult to understand or interpret. It allows the user to easily request an easy to understand report on one or more of the 254 counties in Texas. To review all the current TWC's initiatives and services, link to: http://www.twc.state.tx.us


Geography

Regional Information: The Reagan County region (FIPS code:48383) had an estimated population of 3,326 in 2000. The region consists of 1,176 square miles with a population density of 2.83 residents per square mile compared to a statewide density of 79.54. This county ranked 224th in 2000 population compared to all 254 counties in Texas. Reagan County is a member of TWC's Concho Valley Local Workforce Development region. This area is a rural county. This county also ranked 44th in size by square miles when compared to all counties in Texas. The Reagan County area is assigned to the following district(s): Texas Representative District(s) of 85 and State Senatorial District(s) of 28. The area is in the U.S. Congressional District(s) of: 23. The county seat is Big Lake and the county's major city, town or place is Big Lake. See Texas Online at http://www.state.tx.us/category.jsp?language=eng&categoryId=11.1 for State and local updates. Reagan County is classified as a rural county by virtue of either its close relationship with a significant central city or lack thereof. Using 2000 Census population data, roughly 86.05 percent of all Texas population could be found in the 76 metropolitan counties defined by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for 2003. In 1993 the county was classified as a rural county. Texas has established a network of 24 Councils of Government (COGs) to assist local governments in planning for common needs and to coordinate regional economic development activity. Reagan County falls within the Concho Valley Council of Governments region. For additional information and links to the COG regions see www.txregionalcouncil.org/.

The Office of the State Climatologist in College Station, under the guidance of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, maintains 10-year intervals of weather compilations. For most recent interval as of January 1, 1993, the rainfall in the region averages 19.2 inches per year compared to the Texas average of 30.1 inches per year. The average growing season in the Reagan County region is 229 days. Texas is so climatically diverse that statewide averages are generally irrelevant as a means of comparison. The average temperature in January gathered by the Office of the State Climatologist ranges from 28 degrees to an average for July of 94 degrees. The Texas Department of Agriculture estimates the freeze dates range from Nov 12 to Mar 28. Current and past climate information can be found at http://www.farmersalmanac.com/weather/uszone5.html and http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html.
Reagan County on a Texas Map
Natural amenities of the area, according to the U.S. Department of Interior, reflect an overall percent of surface water of 0.1 percent compared to 2.5 percent statewide. The land surface form topography for the region is described as smooth plains. Considerably more detailed information can be found at: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/texaswater/sb1/ and http://www.netstate.com/states/geography/tx_geography.htm.

Local Workforce Boards: Reagan County is a member of the TWC Concho Valley local workforce board area. In order to contact the board or TWC's Tele Center by phone, call 1-800-939-6631. Local addresses, references to specific needs and services can be found at the Concho Valley web site at http://www.twc.state.tx.us/dirs/wdas/wda12.html. For further information on all Local Workforce Board go to http://www.twc.state.tx.us/dirs/wdbs/wdbmap.html.


Population

According to the 2000 Census, Texas grew from 16,986,510 in 1990 to 20,851,820 in 2000 reflecting an increase of 22.8 percent growth. During this same time period, the Reagan County region had a decrease from 4,514 persons to 3,326 persons which reflected a -26.3 percent change. A variety of data topics for Texas and all the counties is available at: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48000.html.

The region's race/ethnic distibution in 2000 is estimated by the Census Bureau to be:

Race/Ethnicity Population Area
Percent
Statewide
Percent
White 2,150 64.6 70.97
Black 100 3.0 11.53
Other 27 0.8 3.33
Hispanicº 1,646 49.5 31.99

º Hispanic count includes White, Black and other representation when reported.


Population Age

The age distribution of an area can provide valuable insight into the region's economic composition and income potential. By national standards, Texas has a relatively young population. The 2000 Census estimates for Texas show a population composition as follows:

Age Population Area
Percent
Statewide
Under 5 272 8.2 7.8
5-14 621 18.7 15.8
15-19 338 10.2 7.8
20-44 1,091 32.8 38.5
45-64 662 19.9 20.2
65+ 342 10.3 9.9

While the median age for Texas was 32.30 years in 2000, the Reagan County area had a median age of 32.40 according to the 2000 Census.


Population Gender

The gender distribution of an area can provide additional insight into the region's overall distribution in the population by male and female. Of the area's population, 1,667 were male which represents 50.1 percent and 1,659 were female which represents 49.9 percent. This compares to the statewide percentage of 49.6 percent for male and 50.4 percent for female.

Special Age Groups and Gender

Youth and Older Workers: Other age cohorts may be of special interest for Workforce Development Board's summer youth programs and older worker programs. The Reagan County region has 905 persons age 14-21 representing 17.2 percent of the population. This compares with 13.3 percent statewide. For the potential older age cohort, 486 persons or 9.2 percent are 55 or over in the Reagan County region based on the 2000 Census. This compares to 9.9 percent statewide.

Ages 25-44: If the population cohort 45 and over is higher than the state average, this suggests a stable, mature population comprised of mainly "empty-nesters," retirees and the aged. When the 25-44 age cohort is higher than the state average, this is a healthy economic situation since this group contains the greatest share of the labor force. Decreases over time in this group, especially when similar changes are not occurring statewide, can be an indication that people are moving out of an area they consider to be a poor labor market. In Reagan County the total number in the age groups of 25 to 44, was 1,476 or 28.0 percent. This compares to a statewide percentage of 31.9 percent.

Ages 18 and Older: For the population generally considered in the ages to participate in the labor market, the total population who were 18 years and over totaled 14,965,061 in Texas which represented 71.8 percent of the total population. In this study area, the total persons in this age group was 2,189 or 65.8 percent of the total population. Within this age group in Texas the number of males in 2000 who were 18 years and over represented 7,338,177 persons or 35.2 percent of the total population while females age 18 years and over represented 7,626,884 or 36.6 percent. In the Reagan County area, males 18 and over represented 1,097 or 33.0 percent in comparison and females totaled to 1,092 or 32.8 percent.

Veteran Status: According to the U.S. Bureau of Census, the area had 2,188 persons in the population age 18 years and older in the year 2000. Of that number, 188 or 8.6 percent responded as being a civilian veteran, compared to 11.8 percent statewide. A "civilian veteran" is a person 18 years old or over who has served (even for a short time), but is not now serving, on active duty in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or the Coast Guard, or who served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. People who served in the National Guard or military Reserves are classified as veterans only if they were ever called or ordered to active duty, not counting the 4-6 months for initial training or yearly summer camps.

Disability Status: From the 2000 Census, data on Disability Status were derived when respondents reported long-lasting conditions: (a) blindness, deafness, or a severe vision or hearing impairment, (sensory disability) and (b) a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting, or carrying (physical disability). Disability status was also derived if the individuals in the working age range of 21 to 64 years had a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting 6 months or more that made it difficult to perform certain activities such as: (a) learning, remembering, or concentrating (mental disability); (b) dressing, bathing, or getting around inside the home (self-care disability); (c) going outside the home alone to shop or visit a doctor's office (going outside the home disability); and (d) working at a job or business (employment disability).

It was reported in the 2000 Census that the area had an estimated 982 persons residing there between the ages of 5 to 20 years of age with approximately 39 or 4.0 percent with a disability. In Texas, the percent with disabilities in this same age bracket was 7.9 percent. In the working age population group - ages 21 to 64 years, the area had approximately 1,698 persons, of which 243 were categorized to be in a disability status. This represented 14.3 percent compared to 19.9 percent in the state overall. For those persons in this age group that had a disability, approximately 126 or 51.9 percent were employed. For those who had no disability, an estimated 1,110 or 76.3 percent were employed. For the retirement age group of 65 years of age and older, 326 persons resided of which 153 were disabled. The percent of this age group with a disabled status was 46.9 percent and this compared to 44.8 percent in Texas overall.

Ages 65 and Older: For the population who are considered to be at the age of retirement or older - 65 years and older, the total number of persons in Texas was 2,072,532 or 9.9 percent of the total population in 2000. This region had a total of 342 or 10.3 percent in this older age group. In the same age group of 65 years and over, males in Texas represented 862,181 or 4.1 percent of the total population and females totaled to 1,210,351 or 5.8 percent, while in this study area, males totaled to 155 or 4.7 percent of all persons in this area and females represented 187 or 5.6 percent of all persons. For other general and special population information from the 2000 Census as well as specific populations topics, link to http://www.census.gov/census2000/states/tx.html.

Population Projections

The Office of the State Demographer for the State of Texas distributes the most widely used population projections for Texas. Projection estimates in these tables and the methodology for migration scenarios have been revised as of 2006 by the Texas State Data Center and Office of the State Demographer - now housed at University of Texas San Antonio. Each projection series includes three scenarios resulting in three alternative sets of population values for the State and each county are presented in these projections. These scenarios assume the same set of mortality and fertility assumptions in each scenario but differ in their assumptions relative to net migration. The net migration assumptions made for three scenarios are derived from 1990-2000 patterns which have been altered relative to expected future population trends. This is done by systematically and uniformly altering the adjusted 1990-2000 net migration rates by age, sex and race/ethnicity. The scenarios so produced are referred to as the zero migration (0.0) scenario, the one-half 1990-2000 (0.5) scenario, the 1990-2000 (1.0) scenario and the 1990-2000 (2.0) scenario.

The recommended scenario for most county based projection reporting used is believed to be the 0.5 scenario as most appropriate scenario for most counties in Texas. This scenario has been prepared as an approximate average of the zero (0.0) and 1990-2000 (1.0) scenarios. It assumes rates of net migration one-half of those of the 1990s. The reason for including this scenario is that many counties in the State are unlikely to continue to experience the overall levels of relatively extensive growth of the 1990s. A scenario which projects rates of population growth that are approximately an average of the zero and the 1990-2000 scenarios is one that suggests slower but steadier growth than occurred during 1990-2000 (For a more detailed discussion see http://txsdc.utsa.edu).

Using this projection scenario, the following table represents population projections for Reagan County:

Population Projections and Percent Change Since 2000*
Year Total Pct Chg Anglo Pct Chg Black Pct Chg Hispanic Pct Chg Other Pct Chg
2000 3,326 --- 1,558 --- 101 --- 1,646 --- 21 ---
2005 3,532 6.2 1,581 1.5 105 4.0 1,825 10.9 21 0.0
2010 3,785 13.8 1,630 4.6 112 10.9 2,022 22.8 21 0.0
2015 3,990 20.0 1,661 6.6 121 19.8 2,188 32.9 20 -4.8
2020 4,166 25.3 1,666 6.9 124 22.8 2,356 43.1 20 -4.8
2025 4,312 29.6 1,639 5.2 123 21.8 2,529 53.6 21 0.0
2030 4,363 31.2 1,573 1.0 127 25.7 2,642 60.5 21 0.0
2035 4,380 31.7 1,480 -5.0 133 31.7 2,746 66.8 21 0.0
2040 4,381 31.7 1,401 -10.1 135 33.7 2,824 71.6 21 0.0

     * Anglo, Black,and Other excludes Hispanic counts.

For comparison purposes, the Texas population projections, using the same scenario methodology, are as follows:

Population Projections and Percent Change Since 2000*
Year Total Pct Chg Anglo Pct Chg Black Pct Chg Hispanic Pct Chg
Other Pct Chg
2000 20,851,820 --- 11,074,716 --- 2,421,653 --- 6,669,666 --- 685,785 ---
2005 22,556,054 8.2 11,327,875 2.3 2,588,604 6.9 7,820,854 17.3 818,721 19.4
2010 24,330,612 16.7 11,533,974 4.1 2,754,744 13.8 9,080,436 36.1 961,458 40.2
2015 26,156,715 25.4 11,694,533 5.6 2,913,063 20.3 10,436,536 56.5 1,112,583 62.2
2020 28,005,788 34.3 11,796,493 6.5 3,052,401 26.0 11,882,998 78.2 1,273,896 85.8
2025 29,897,443 43.4 11,830,579 6.8 3,170,986 30.9 13,448,469 101.6 1,447,409 111.1
2030 31,830,589 52.7 11,789,298 6.5 3,268,616 35.0 15,140,100 127.0 1,632,575 138.1
2035 33,789,668 62.0 11,682,014 5.5 3,345,684 38.2 16,934,444 153.9 1,827,526 166.5
2040 35,761,201 71.5 11,525,112 4.1 3,403,169 40.5 18,804,298 181.9 2,028,622 195.8

     * Anglo, Black,and Other excludes Hispanic counts.


County to County Migration

Out Migration: Using Internal Revenue Service (IRS) information regarding changes in residences between two filing years 2005 and 2006, statistics regarding moving in and out of counties can reveal patterns of migration as well as patterns of out-of-state and foreign migration to and from selected counties. During this time Reagan County reported 1,033 total tax were matched to tabulate outflow migration. Of these returns approximately 8.2 percent showed a change in residences by moving out from their originating county in 2005 to another county in 2006. Of these who moved out of their original county, 88.2 percent moved to another county within Texas, while 11.8 percent moved to a different state but within the U.S. Those who moved from their originating county in the year 2005 to a foreign country in 2006 was approximately 0.0 percent.

In-Migration: During the period 2005 to 2006, there were approximately 1,007 total tax returns were matched to calculate inflow migration. Of these returns approximately 5.9 percent showed a change in residences by moving in from their originating county in 2005 to a county in the study area in 2006. Of these who moved into the study area from another county, 0.0 percent moved from other counties in Texas, while 0.0 percent moved from a county in a different state but within the U.S. Those who moved into the study area during the 2005-2006 period from a foreign country was approximately 0.0 percent.

Vital Statistics: According to the Texas Department of State Health Services for vital statistics for the year 2004, the Reagan County area had a total of 47 live births which represents a live birth rate of 15.0 births for every 1,000 persons in the study area compared to a statewide rate of 17.0 births per 1,000 persons in the population. The area had a total of 20 deaths representing a rate of 6.4 for every 1,000 persons compared to a statewide rate of 6.8.


Employment

Civilian Labor Force (CLF): The most recent civilian labor force estimates from TWC for Texas statewide in February 2008 is 11,500,870 which is an increase in the labor force of 82,731 persons since February 2007. This represents a 0.7 percent change in Texas during this time period. These estimates are not seasonally adjusted. Reagan County had a civilian labor force of 2,548 for February 2008 which was a change of 155 in CLF since February 2007. This change represented an increase of 6.5 percent for the study area. For another glimpse into TWC/LMI's Texas and County information, link to: http://www.tracer2.com/cgi/dataanalysis/AreaSelection.asp?tableName=Labforce.

Economic Diversification: Relative to the Texas economy, the LMCI economic diversification index measures the degree to which a county economy is diversified. Significant concentrations of employment in only one or two industrial sectors makes an area less diversified and more susceptible to widespread economic decline should a key sector suffer a significant loss. While economic diversification or a balanced distribution of employment across all major industry sectors, is generally desirable, in some cases, especially where a region is exploiting a comparative advantage (such as access to raw materials, access to transportation routes, etc.) a statistically diverse economy does not necessarily correlate with higher growth. Of the three levels of diversification ranging from below average, average and above average, Reagan County had an economic base which is of average diversity.

Employment By Major Industry Sector: The most recent employment data from TWC by major industrial sector for Reagan County compared to Texas are shown below in a table for two years. The Department of Labor calls these major categories "Super Sectors". One advantage in reviewing employment changes at broad industrial levels is that it allows for a unique snapshot of major differences in the total civilian labor force for a selected study area when compared to any larger statewide trend. When employment changes at a higher rate than the state, there may be comparative advantages in the local economy which are driving these changes. Conversely, when change is at a lower rate, then the Super Sector is showing less growth in comparison to the state and may consequently have a smaller comparative change impact.

Reagan County      AREA
EMPLOYMENT
     STATEWIDE
EMPLOYMENT
Industry
Sector
     2006  
1st Qtr
2007  
1st Qtr
Abs
Chg
Pct 
Chg
  2006  
1st Qtr
2007  
1st Qtr
Abs  
Chg  
Pct 
Chg
Total, All Industries      1,756 1,861 105 5.98      9,719,010 10,048,199 329,189 3.39
Natural Resources & Mining      494 460 -34 -6.88      236,212 257,039 20,827 8.82
Construction      46 56 10 21.74      622,232 657,740 35,508 5.71
Manufacturing      NA NA NA NA      915,190 936,812 21,622 2.36
Trade, Transport. & Utilities      792 867 75 9.47      2,103,698 2,164,776 61,078 2.90
Information      NA NA NA NA      229,088 227,164 -1,924 -0.84
Financial Activities Group      22 23 1 4.55      613,457 631,936 18,479 3.01
Prof., Business & Other Svcs      8 12 4 50.00      1,204,538 1,272,803 68,265 5.67
Education & Health Svcs.      252 264 12 4.76      2,173,510 2,238,883 65,373 3.01
Leisure & Hospitality Group      37 58 21 56.76      926,049 960,510 34,461 3.72
Other Services      17 39 22 129.41      275,605 281,953 6,348 2.30
Public Administration      79 79 0 0.00      408,486 410,548 2,062 0.50


Compared to Texas, the table above shows employment sectors in Reagan County changed at a higher rate for Construction, Trade, Transport. & Utilities, Financial Activities Group, Prof., Business & Other Svcs, Education & Health Svcs., Leisure & Hospitality Group and Other Services between 1st quarter 2006 and 1st quarter 2007. During that same time period, area employment for Natural Resources & Mining and Public Administration changed at a lower rate when compared to Texas.


Occupations: The best source of occupational information at the county level is from the 2000 Census. The total number of persons 16 years of age or older who were employed in Reagan County during the 2000 Census was 1,406. The following presents a table of those employed by occupational categories for this region compared to statewide percentages:

Occupational Categories Count Area
Percent
Statewide
Percent
Mgmt., Professional Occs. 340 24.2 33.3
Service Occupations 227 16.1 14.6
Sales and Office Occupations 282 20.1 27.2
Farming/Fishing/Forestry Occs. 62 4.4 0.7
Constr., Extraction Occs. 220 15.6 10.9
Production, Transport. Occs. 275 19.6 13.2


Class of Worker: Another way to view the types of workers in an area's labor force is by class of worker. According to the 2000 Census, the area had 895 employees who were private wage and salary workers representing 63.7 percent of all workers. The region had another 306 persons who were government workers or 21.8 percent, 188 who were self employed workers or 13.4 percent and 17 who were unpaid family workers representing 1.2 percent. This compares to the Texas statewide distribution of 78.0 percent for private wage and salary workers, 14.6 percent for government workers, 7.1 percent for self employed, and 0.3 percent for unpaid family workers.

Unemployment: According to TWC unemployment figures for February 2008 Reagan County had an unemployment estimate of 46 persons which represents a rate of 1.8 compared to a Texas statewide unemployment rate of 4.3 for the same month. For the study area these estimates represent a decrease from February 2007 unemployment rate of 2.2 percent. The Texas statewide unemployment rate was 4.6 for February 2007. For the latest unemployment rates, see TWC's LMI website - Unemployment Rates (LAUS): http://www.tracer2.com/cgi/dataanalysis/AreaSelection.asp?tableName=Labforce and for a description of methodology link to: http://www.tracer2.com/article.asp?ARTICLEID=148.

Reporting Establishments: The TWC indicates 119 business reporting units operating in Reagan County in the first quarter of 2007 with an average of 15.64 workers per unit. Average firm size makes a difference for job hunting and job development strategy because larger firms tend to have better defined ports of entry and in-house training capabilities. Although definitions vary greatly, small business can be defined as less than 50 workers and medium sized is 250 or less. The Texas average is 22.86 workers per unit. Regions with higher than average number of workers per unit tend to be dominated economically by a few very large employers.

Commuting to Work: Commuting to work for workers 16 years and over has a number of implications for transportation and municipal services study. Reagan County had a total of 1,046 or 74.9 percent who drove their car to work alone, 263 or 18.8 percent who car pooled, 0 or 0.0 percent used public transportation, 30 or 2.1 percent who walked to work, 21 or 1.5 percent of regional workers who used other means to work, and 37 or 2.6 percent who worked at home. These methods of commuting to work compare to the Texas statewide results by: car alone (77.7%), car pool (14.5%), public transportation (1.9%), walked (1.9%), other means (1.3%), and worked at home (2.8%). The average travel time to work in minutes was 18.80 for the region as compared to an overall statewide average of 25.4 minutes.

Employers by Employee Size Class: According to the information used by the which utilizes the American Labor Market Information System's (ALMIS) employer contact data from INFOUSA, Inc. for Fall, 2004, the area had approximately 36 establishments which employed 10 or more employees. Of these employers, approximately 0.0 percent employed over 1000 employees. 0.0 percent employed between approximately 500 and 999 employees, 5.6 percent employed between approximately 100 and 499 employees, 19.4 percent employed between 50 and 99 employees, 19.4 percent employed between 20 and 49 employees, and 55.6 percent employed between approximately 10 and 19 employees.

Top 3 Manufacturers for the Reagan County Region:

  • Fisher Lease Svc
  • Phillips Petroleum
  • Publitex


    Income

    Personal Income: According to the most recent data released by the BEA 2005, Reagan County's total personal income, excluding farm, was $79,153,000 which represented an increase of $10,939,000 when compared to the 2004 total personal income, excluding farm, of $ 68,214,000. For Statewide personal income, the total of $686,943,289,000 for 2004 and $741,099,703,000 for the year 2004, shows an increase of $54,156,414,000. This indicates that Reagan County has a personal income showing a rate change of 16.0 percent compared to the statewide income at a rate change of 7.9 percent for the same period. Income from all government and government enterprises for the area was a total of $13,032,000 for the year 2005. This was an increase of 5.2 percent from the 2004 figure of $12,392,000. Texas statewide had an increase of 5.7 percent for government income. Military income, excluding federal civilian income, for 2005 was $272,000 compared to $251,000 in 2004 for the study area. This was an increase of 8.4 percent compared to a statewide change of no change percent for the same period. For further information link to: http://www.bea.gov/bea/regional/reis.

    Per Capita Income: Total personal income is a widely used measure of regional economic health while per capita income is generally used to compare the relative well-being of residents across areas (not accounting for differences in area cost of living). The per capita personal income for 2005 was $26,725 in Reagan County while Texas statewide had a per capita income of $32,460. For more information on this data, please go to http://www.bea.gov/bea/regional/reis.

    Government Transfer Payments: The Reagan County region received over $13,819,000 in transfer of payments in FY2005 which reflected a $4,600 per capita transfer payment compared to the Texas per capita payment of $4,194. Transfer payments includes the total amount of government allocations to people who qualify for income assistance. This consists largely of supplemental security income payments, family assistance, general assistance payments, food stamp payments, and other assistance payments, including emergency assistance. For more information on this data, please go to http://www.bea.gov/bea/regional/reis.

    Residence Adjustment: Some areas function as major employment centers and others serve as "bedroom communities". This means that residents may work in one region but live, pay taxes and spend most of their income in their resident region. The degree to which a regional area serves as a bedroom community can be measured by a "residence adjustment" to the area personal income. The residence adjustment in the Reagan County region was $-12,888 in 2004. By 2005 the adjustment represented a decrease to $-18,062. A negative number implies that workers commute into the region to earn income but do not reside there. Growth over time of negative residence adjustments generally implies an eroding tax base for the region. Similarly, a positive figure implies that on balance the region exports jobs and income to residents of other regions. For more information on this data, please go to http://www.bea.gov/bea/regional/reis.

    Average Weekly Wage: TWC reported an average weekly wage during 1st quarter 2006 for all covered wages and salaried employment in the Reagan County region to be $737.02. Average weekly wages for 1st quarter 2007 was $782.41, an increase of 6.2 percent. This is compared to an increase of 5.5 percent statewide for the same period of time. The Texas statewide average weekly wage in the 1st quarter of 2007 was $871.46.  These wage data are the result of the reported quarterly wages and salaries paid by employers divided by 13 weeks. For the most current information, link to: http://www.tracer2.com/cgi/dataanalysis/AreaSelection.asp?tableName=Industry

    UI Benefits: The region had $61,939 in Unemployment Insurance benefits paid during calendar year 2001. In the Reagan County region, the average duration before exhausting regular UI benefits in calendar year 2001 was approximately 15.74 weeks, while the statewide average duration before exhausting regular UI benefits in calendar year 2001 was approximately 15.85 weeks. The most likely interpretation of longer duration times is greater difficulty finding a job. Therefore, duration can serve as a good barometer for local general economic conditions. The average weekly benefits payment for Regular UI in 2001 was $171.10 for the Reagan County region compared to $238.53 in Texas statewide.

    Personal Income by Place of Residence: Personal income by place of residence, based on the 2000 Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) estimates was roughly $51,943 for the Reagan County region. This compares to $78,626 statewide. This figure is much higher than the per capita income level because it includes all wage earners living within a single household. Also, income data from BEA will be different than income data from other agencies due to that fact the BEA includes other sources of income such as farm wages, dividends, interest, rent and transfer payments. For more information on this data, please go to http://www.bea.gov/bea/regional/reis.

    Poverty Population: The U.S. Department of Census estimated a 2002 poverty population for the Reagan County region for people of all ages at 395 persons. That figure represents 12.5 percent of the non-institutional population compared to a Texas percentage of 15.4 percent for people of all ages. The estimated number of people under the age of 18 in the study area in poverty was 120 in 1999. This figure was 2.3 percent of all people under 18 in the study area compared to Texas statewide which was 6.0 percent of all people under 18 as estimated in 1999. According to the 2000 Census, the number of families living below poverty status in 1999 were 83 which was 9.3 percent of all families in the study area. This compared to 12.0 percent of all families statewide living in poverty status in 1999. The total number of individuals living below poverty status was 387 in 1999 which was 11.6 percent of all individuals in the study area. This compared to 15.0 percent of all individuals living below poverty status statewide. For the most recent Poverty information, see: http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/saipe/county.html .

    Gross Retail Sales: Income can be viewed in several ways and under different definitions. Per capita income tends to have a direct relationship with the growth of gross sales and most service sector industries in an area. Gross sales for the region estimated by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts were $5,443,280 in the 2nd quarter 2006 which represented a decrease of -37.8 percent to $3,388,098.00 by the 2nd quarter 2007. The statewide change for the same period was an increase of 5.7 percent in gross sales. The total number of reporting outlets for the same period was 30 in the 2nd quarter 2006 and 29 in the 2nd quarter 2007. This region had a decrease of -3.3 percent in the study area compared to the statewide change for the same period of a decrease of -0.1 percent. For the most recent Gross Retail Sales information, please see: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/sales/.


    Housing

    Household Units and Size: The total number of housing units in 2000 in Reagan County according the Census was 1,107 with an average household size of 3.0 persons. The average household size for Texas was 2.7 persons for the same period. Home ownership rates for this area was 78.4 percent compared to Texas statewide which had a rate of 63.8 percent. While in Texas statewide the percent of households with persons under 18 years of age in 2000 was 40.9 percent, this study area had a percent of 51.9. The percent of households with persons 65 years of age or older was 19.9 percent in Texas statewide while 20.9 percent of Reagan County had households with individuals 65 years of age and older.

    Types of Structures: While Texas had approximately 63.4 percent of the housing units in the category of one detached structures in 2000 according to the census, the study area had approximately 67.4 percent. Mobile homes in the area made up 25.8 percent when compared to a statewide percentage of 9.0 percent. More recently built housing structures in the area shows new development has taken place in the region. The total number of new housing structures built between 1995 and March 2000 was 93 or 6.4 percent in Reagan County compared to 13.2 percent statewide.

    Owner and Renter Occupied: According to the 2000 Census, the percent of owner-occupied units with a value of $100,000 or greater in Reagan County was 9.0 percent compared to 36.7 percent for the state. The percent of renter-occupied units with rent values of $500 per month or greater was 25.0 percent as compared to the Texas percentage of 60.4 percent. The median home value in Reagan County according to the 2000 census was $50,500.00 compared to a statewide median value of $82,500.00. Median rent for the area was $369.00 compared to $574.00 for the state. For this area, the total number of renter-occupied housing units was 239 which represented 21.6 percent of all occupied housing units in 2000. This compares to a Texas statewide percentage of 36.2 percent for the same period.


    Education

    The total number of public independent school districts in Reagan County for the school year 1999-2000 was 1 according to the Texas Education Agency. The overall average daily attendance for the same year was 890.

    Enrollment: School enrollment data from the 2000 Census showed that there were 1,036 persons in the population who were 3 years of age and older and enrolled in school in the study area during the census collection period. Of this population, the following table shows a breakdown of what types of schools persons were enrolled compared to similar statewide information:
    Type of School Count Area
    Percent
    Statewide
    Percent
    Nursery school or preschool 86 8.3 6.6
    Kindergarten 70 6.8 5.9
    Elementary School (grades 1-8) 538 51.9 45.5
    High School (grades 9-12) 302 29.2 21.9
    College or graduate school 40 3.9 20.2


    Educational Attainment: The total number of persons 25 years of age or older who responded to the level of educational attainment during the 2000 Census was 1,955. Of those persons, the following presents a table on various levels of educational attainment for this region compared to statewide percentages:
    Educational Attainment Count Area
    Percent
    Statewide
    Percent
    Less than 9th Grade 399 20.4 11.5
    9th to 12th grade, no diploma 324 16.6 12.9
    H.S. graduate (inc. equiv.) 584 29.9 24.8
    Some college, no degree 398 20.4 22.4
    Associate Degree 71 3.6 5.2
    Bachelor's Degree 125 6.4 15.6
    Graduate or Prof. Degree 54 2.8 7.6

    Another useful grouping of these statistics shows that the percent of high school graduates or higher was 63.0 percent for the area compared to 75.7 percent for Texas. Also, the percent with bachelor's degree or higher was 9.2 percent as compared to 23.2 percent for Texas.

    Dropout and Attrition Rates: Information from the Texas Education Agency on student dropouts from public schools for 2004-2005 shows that 0 students, grades 7-12, dropped out of school in this study area. This represents a dropout rate of 0.00 percent as compared to a Texas statewide percentage of 0.90 percent of all students who dropped out during this period. Attrition rates are often viewed as measures of the percentage of students that begin high school but do not graduate with a diploma. It is arguably a more reasonable way to view dropouts from an economic viewpoint. One way to view educational progress in a region is to estimate the number of persons who persist to high school graduation as opposed to standard dropout statistics. Attrition rates are calculated by the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA). IDRA conducts research and development activities; creates, implements and administers innovative education programs; and provides teacher, administrator, and parent training and technical assistance. The attrition rates for Reagan County during the period 2004-2005 by race and ethnicity were 0 percent for all students, 0 percent for Blacks, 0 percent for Whites, and 1 percent for Hispanics. In order to review the latest Secondary Schools Enrollment and Dropouts information posted on the Texas Education Agency, link to: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/research/.


    Health

    Health Facilities - The number of acute and psychiatric care hospitals in Reagan County as of October 2007 was 1, with an average total beds capacity of approximately 14.0 compared to a statewide ratio of 123.1 beds per hospital according to statistical reports from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Link to http://www.dshs.state.tx.us for more data reporting on health care facilities. The Texas State Board of Pharmacy data for October 2007 shows there are 2 licensed pharmacies in the study area. The total number of licensed pharmacies statewide is 5,919. For additional information on Texas Pharmacies, link to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy at http://www.tsbp.state.tx.us/index.htm.

    Health Practitioners - According to the Texas Department of State Health Services October 2007 report, there were 4 direct patient care and primary care physicians who practiced in the region. The ratio of total persons to each physician in the area was 909.0 residents per each physician. This compares to a statewide ratio of 460.5 persons for each physician in Texas. Another way of reporting these figures is by showing the number of physicians as a ratio per 100,000 residents. In this study area, the ratio in direct patient care was 3,636.0 as compared to the statewide ratio of 638.3 in direct patient care physicians per 100,000 population as of 2007. The ratio of physicians in primary care was 3,636.0 compared to a statewide ratio of 1,472.0 physicians in primary care per 100,000 persons in the population statewide. Link to http://www.dshs.state.tx.us for more data.

    The study area had a total of 6 registered nurses (RN) working in the study area, representing a ratio of 606.0 persons for each RN in the area. The statewide ratio was 152.2 persons for each RN in the state. For the same time period, the ratio of RNs per 100,000 population was 165.0 compared to 657.0 per 100,000 statewide. Link to http://www.dshs.state.tx.us for more data.

    The number of licensed vocational nurses (LVN) who practiced in the area was 9 representing a ratio of 404.0 persons per each LVN in the area. This compared to 363.8 persons per each LVN statewide. The ratio of LVNs per 100,000 population was 247.5 compared to 274.9 per 100,000 population statewide. See http://www.dshs.state.tx.us for a wider variety of Health Professionals and related information.

    The Texas Department of State Health Services information for October 2007 also reports that there were 0 dentists in the study area, with a ratio of n/a persons for each dentist in the area. The ratio of dentists per 100,000 residents was n/a. By comparison, there was a statewide ratio of 42.8 dentists per 100,000 residents, with a total of 10,151 dentists statewide. See http://www.dshs.state.tx.us for a wider variety of Health Professionals and related information.

    According to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services for October 2007, there were 15 licensed Emergency Medical Technicians, or EMTs, for the study area; a ratio of 412.5 licensed EMTs per 100,000 residents. The statewide ratio was 218.0 EMTs per 100,000 residents, with a total of 51,718 EMTs statewide. See http://www.dshs.state.tx.us for a wider variety of Health Professionals and related information.

    Also, according to the October 2007 report from the Texas Department of State Health Services, there were 1 pharmacists in this area, which is a ratio of 3,636.0 persons for each pharmacist. Texas has 18,138 pharmacists statewide, or a ratio of 1,308.2 persons for each pharmacist in the area. The ratio of pharmacists per 100,000 residents was 27.5 compared to 76.4 per 100,000 residents statewide. See http://www.dshs.state.tx.us for a wider variety of Health Professionals and related information.

    The Texas Department of State Health Services information for October 2007 shows that for the study area there were 0 occupational therapists; a ratio of n/a persons for each occupational therapist. The statewide ratio was 11,072.6 persons for each occupational therapist, with a total of 2,143 occupational therapists statewide. The ratio of occupational therapists per 100,000 residents was n/a compared to 9.0 statewide. See http://www.dshs.state.tx.us for a wider variety of Health Professionals and related information.

    Medical & Health Services Employment*


    Area Statewide
    2006 1st Qtr 2007 1st Qtr Pct
    Change
    2006 1st Qtr 2007 1st Qtr Pct
    Change
    0 0 ---% 994,043 1,015,987 2.21%


    * Includes: Hospitals, Medical/Health Offices; Home Health, Nursing, Elderly Residential facilities;
    Individual/Family, Emergency & Other Relief Svcs., Vocational Rehab. Svcs.
    [NAICS: 6211,6212-19,6221-23,6231-32,6239,6242-43]
    Due to confidentiality, employment for small areas may be suppressed and reported as zero.


    Health Statistics - Some of the leading causes of mortality in Texas include malignant neoplasms or cancer, heart disease, and chronic lower respiratory disease. From information gathered by Texas Department of State Health Services for 2004, the study area had a total of 2 reported deaths from malignant neoplasm cancer. On a statewide level, Texas had 33,836 reported deaths from malignant neoplasm cancer. Texas Department of State Health Services reports that for 2004 there were 6 deaths from heart disease, and 2 deaths from lower respiratory disease in the selected study area. By contrast, Texas statewide had 40,091 deaths from heart disease and 7,387 deaths from chronic lower respiratory disease. See http://www.dshs.state.tx.us for a wider variety of Texas health, disease and related information.

    Several state agencies collect statistics on health status indicators that can be used to assess the strengths or weaknesses of public health in a local area or community. For this study area, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported for August 2004 there were 0 infant deaths, as compared with a statewide rate of 2,398. See http://www.dshs.state.tx.us for a wider variety of Texas health, disease and related information.

    The Texas Department of State Health Services reported that for August 2003 there were 2 total teen pregnancies in this area. There were different teen pregnancy rates in the study area depending on race, with 0 for Black teens, 1 for Hispanic teens and 1 for White teens. Statewide rates for teenage pregnancy were 19,730 for total teenage pregnancies, with 3,003 for Black teens, 12,693 for Hispanic teens and 4,034 for White teens. See http://www.dshs.state.tx.us for a wider variety of Texas health, disease and related information.

    In the Health and Human Services 2003 Data Book, figures show that the number of children under 19 in this area whom were not covered by health insurance is 186, which is 6.1% of the reported population in that age group. The number of uninsured children statewide is 885,999, or 7.1% of the reported population for children under 19. For more information, or to view or download the entire data book, see http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us.


    Information On The Web

    The Bureau of Census has a variety of useful Quick Facts for each county in Texas. The Quick Fact report for Reagan county can be accessed at the following URL: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/48383.html. Some counties maintain their own Internet sites for local information. If a county hosts its own Web site, it may be accessed through a URL with the following format http://www.co.County Name Goes Here.tx.us.

    To research additional websites on Counties, consider any of the following:

    Texas A-Z List of counties with web sites: http://www.state.tx.us/category.jsp?language=eng&categoryId=6.2.1
    Texas Conference on Urban Counties: http://www.cuc.org
    State of Texas Web Site - Texas Counties:http://www.state.tx.us
    Texas Economic Development: http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev
    TWC's LMI unit, Tracer: http://www.tracer2.com/
    Texas Association of Counties: http://www.county.org
    V.G. Young Institute of County Government: http://vgyi.tamu.edu/
    Real Estate Center, Texas A&M University: http://recenter.tamu.edu
    Bureau of Business Research, University of Texas: http://www.utexas.edu/depts/bbr
    National Association of Counties: http://www.naco.org
    "Uniform Crime Statistics, County Reports" Geostat-Geospatial & Statistical Data Center, University of Virginia: http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/crime
    Compare County Data Nationwide: http://www.stats.indiana.edu/uspr/a/sbs_profile_frame.html



    Other Facts of Interest





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