Kenedy County, Texas

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Kenedy County, Texas
Map
Location in the state of Texas
Texas's location in the USA
Statistics
Founded	1921
Seat	Sarita
Area  - Total  - Land  - Water	5,038 km² (1,946 mi²) 3,773 km² (1,457 mi²) 1,266 km² (489 mi²), 25.12%
Population  - (2000)  - Density	414 0.11/km²

Kenedy County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of 2000, the population is 414. Its county seat is Sarita⁶, and the county is named for Mifflin Kenedy, an early rancher in the area. Kenedy County has the distinction of being the fourth smallest county (by population) in the United States, following Loving County, Texas, Kalawao County, Hawaii, and King County, Texas. It is also the easternmost county in the United States to have more square miles than people. The county was created in 1921 from parts of Hidalgo and Willacy counties. In 1999, Hurricane Bret struck the county, but damage was minimal due to the county's low population.

Contents 1 Geography 1.1 Major Highways 1.2 Adjacent counties 2 Demographics 3 2004 Election 4 Communities 5 Education 6 External link

[edit] Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 5,039 km² (1,946 mi²). 3,773 km² (1,457 mi²) of it is land and 1,266 km² (489 mi²) of it (25.12%) is water.

[edit] Major Highways

• U.S. Highway 77

US 77 is the only highway (federal or state) in Kenedy County.

[edit] Adjacent counties

• Kleberg County (north)
• Gulf of Mexico (east)
• Willacy County (south)
• Hidalgo County (southwest)
• Brooks County (west)

[edit] Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 414 people, 138 households, and 110 families residing in the county. The population density was 0.11/km² (0.28/mi²). There were 281 housing units at an average density of 0.07/km² (0.19/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 64.49% White, 0.72% Black or African American, 0.72% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 31.88% from other races, and 1.69% from two or more races. 78.99% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 138 households out of which 35.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.70% were married couples living together, 10.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.60% were non-families. 18.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 3.26.

In the county, the population was spread out with 29.20% under the age of 18, 9.70% from 18 to 24, 26.30% from 25 to 44, 24.20% from 45 to 64, and 10.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 110.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $25,000, and the median income for a family was $26,719. Males had a median income of $18,125 versus $12,188 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,959. 15.30% of the population and 9.90% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 15.60% are under the age of 18 and 18.80% are 65 or older.

[edit] 2004 Election

Kenedy County gave a slim majority to Senator John Kerry over incumbent George W. Bush. Kerry won by three votes, 85 to 82.

[edit] Communities

The only settlement of note is Sarita, an unincorporated community.

[edit] Education

Almost all of Kenedy County is served by Sarita Elementary School (PreK-6) of the Kenedy County Wide Common School District.

A small portion of Kenedy County is served by the Riviera Independent School District.

[edit] External link

• Kenedy County in Handbook of Texas Online at the University of Texas