Bastrop County, Texas
According to countryaah.com, Bastrop County, Texas is located in Central Texas and is part of the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area. According to the 2019 U.S. Census estimates, Bastrop County has a population of 86,519 people making it the sixth most populous county in the state of Texas. The racial makeup of the county is 72% White, 14% Hispanic or Latino, 9% Black or African American, 2% Asian, 0.5% Native American and 2% from two or more races.
The median age in Bastrop County is 39 years old and the gender ratio is nearly even with 50.7% female and 49.3% male as per 2019 U.S Census estimates. The largest age group in the county are those aged 25-44 at 24%, followed by those aged 45-64 at 22%, and those aged 18-24 at 19%.
In terms of educational attainment, 32% of residents have a high school diploma or equivalent while 12 percent have earned an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Bastrop County as per 2019 U.S Census estimates; 6 percent hold a bachelor’s degree or higher; 2 percent possess a master’s degree; 1 percent hold a professional degree; and 0 percent has earned a doctorate degree or higher qualification from an accredited college or university in Bastrop County as per same data source..
The median household income for Bastrop County was estimated to be $61,105 as per 2018 U.S Census Bureau estimates which is slightly higher than the statewide median household income for Texas which was estimated to be $56,565 during this same period of time.. Additionally, 6 percent of households were below poverty level according to 2018 U.S Census Bureau estimates compared to 14 percent across Texas during this time period.
History of Bastrop County, Texas
Bastrop County, Texas is located in Central Texas and is part of the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area. The county was established in 1834 and was named after Felipe Enrique Neri, Baron de Bastrop – a Dutch-born empresario who helped bring settlers to the region. The first settlers arrived in Bastrop County in 1804 when Moses and Stephen F. Austin brought 300 families from the United States and Europe to settle in the area.
In 1836, during the Texas Revolution, General Edward Burleson led a force of Texan volunteers into Bastrop County to battle Mexican troops under General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. The Battle of Coleto Creek was fought on March 19th and 20th resulting in a surrender by the Texan forces. After Texas won its independence from Mexico, Bastrop County was officially recognized by the Republic of Texas on December 14th, 1837.
In 1850, Bastrop County became one of the original 21 counties created by state legislature when it separated from Travis County. During Reconstruction (1865-1877), African Americans were able to exercise their political rights for the first time and many were elected to local political offices including constables, justices of peace, county commissioners and even sheriffs.
By 1900, Bastrop County had grown to become an agriculturally based economy with cotton as its main crop as well as peaches and other fruits being produced for local markets. The area also saw growth in other industries such as lumbering and tourism thanks to its proximity to Austin which began drawing visitors from around the world beginning in 1907 with the opening of Congress Avenue Bridge over Town Lake (now known as Lady Bird Lake).
During World War II (1941-1945), Camp Swift was established near Elgin which served as a training center for U.S Army infantrymen until it closed down at war’s end in 1945; however it reopened again during 1950s where it served as an induction center for draftees before closing down permanently in 1964 following President Johnson’s decision not to renew its lease with private landowner James Eickhoff Jr..
The 1950s also saw significant growth for Bastrop County with increased industrialization bringing more jobs and economic opportunities to area residents; however, this period would also be marked by tragedy after five separate fires destroyed much of downtown Bastrop between 1952-1958 resulting in what would become known as “The Great Fire” which destroyed over 250 buildings including many historical landmarks such as Hotel Sayers which had been built back in 1849.
Major cities and towns in Bastrop County, Texas
Bastrop County, Texas is home to many vibrant cities and towns. Bastrop, the county seat, is the largest city with a population of around 8,200. It is known as the “Most Historic Small Town in Texas” and is home to many attractions such as the Bastrop County Museum and Lost Pines Art Bazaar. The city also offers a variety of entertainment venues including the historic Bastrop Opera House and Campfire Theater.
The city of Elgin is located just south of Bastrop and has a population of over 10,000. It was founded in 1872 as a railroad town and was named after its first postmaster Robert Morris Elgin. Today, it is home to many unique attractions such as the Elgin Christmas Lighting Festival and the annual Elgin Sausage Fest. The city also boasts an impressive collection of historic buildings including the old Elgin Hotel which dates back to 1882.
Smithville lies just east of Bastrop along Highway 71 and has a population of around 4,000 people. This small town was originally founded in 1856 by German immigrants and today it offers visitors a unique blend of rural charm with modern amenities. Smithville features several historical sites such as the old Smithville Cemetery which dates back to 1887 as well as several antique stores along its Main Street district.
The smaller towns located throughout Bastrop County include Red Rock, Paige, McDade, Rosanky, Cedar Creek, Paige Circle (a census-designated place) and Utley (an unincorporated community). Each one has its own unique character offering visitors plenty to explore including local restaurants, art galleries, museums and other attractions like golf courses or recreational areas for outdoor activities like hiking or camping.
Population in Bastrop County, Texas
According to Act-Test-Centers, Bastrop County, Texas is home to a population of over 83,000 people. The county seat of Bastrop has a population of 8,200 while Elgin has a population of over 10,000. Other cities in the county include Smithville with 4,000 residents and Red Rock with 1,800 people. The smaller towns located throughout Bastrop County include Paige, McDade, Rosanky, Cedar Creek and Utley (an unincorporated community).
The majority of the population in Bastrop County is White (62%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (30%) and Black or African American (5%). The median age for the county stands at 37 years old with 28% of the population under 18 years old and 12% over 65 years old. The median household income for Bastrop County is $53,935 while the per capita income stands at $27,772.
The largest employers in Bastrop are healthcare/social assistance companies which provide jobs for around 5% of the population. Other industries that employ significant numbers include retail trade (4%), educational services (3%), manufacturing (2%) and construction/real estate/utilities (2%).
Bastrop County is home to many vibrant cities and towns that offer their own unique attractions to visitors as well as plenty of employment opportunities for its residents. With its diverse population and growing economy, it is no surprise that Bastrop continues to be an attractive destination for both tourists and new residents alike.
