Nueces County, Texas
County in Texas, United States

County in Texas
Nueces County, Texas
County
The Nueces County Courthouse in Corpus Christi
The Nueces County Courthouse in Corpus Christi
Official seal of Nueces County, Texas
Seal
Map of Texas highlighting Nueces County
Location within the U.S. state of Texas
Coordinates: 27°44′N 97°31′W / 27.74°N 97.52°W / 27.74; -97.52
Country United States
State Texas
Founded1847
Named afterNueces River
SeatCorpus Christi
Largest cityCorpus Christi
Area
 • Total
1,166 sq mi (3,020 km2)
 • Land838 sq mi (2,170 km2)
 • Water327 sq mi (850 km2)  28%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
353,178
 • Density421/sq mi (163/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district27th
Websitewww.co.nueces.tx.us

Nueces County (/njuˈeɪsɪs/ new-AY-siss) is located in the southern part of the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 353,178,[1] making it the 16th-most populous county in the state. The county seat is Corpus Christi,[2] which is also the most populous city in the Nueces County,[3] at 317,773 people, as of 2021.[4] The county was formed in 1846 from portions of San Patricio County and organized the following year.[5] It is named after the Nueces River, which marks the county's northwestern boundary with San Patricio County before emptying into its mouth at Nueces Bay north of the port of Corpus Christi. [5] Nueces County is part of the Corpus Christi metropolitan area.

Native Americans & History

Earliest signs of life in the county were estimated at 6,000 to 8,000 years ago. The earliest group were a culture named the Aransas. They were a nomadic group of hunter-gatheres, who had left the coastal region around 700-800 years ago, where the region remained uninhabited for about a century. The next group to migrate into the region were the Karankawa people, about 600 years ago, then being followed by other groups. [5]

The Indian tribes that lived in and raided the county were the Lipan Apache, Karankawa, Coahuiltecan, Kickapoo, and the Seminole. The final recorded Indian raid in the county happened in April 1878, when Lipan Apache, Kickapoo, Seminole, Mexicans, and a white man briefly entered the county and onto ranches, before returning west to Laredo.[6]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 1,166 square miles (3,020 km2), of which 838 square miles (2,170 km2) are land and 327 square miles (850 km2) (28%) are covered by water.[7] It borders the Gulf of Mexico, lovated about 210 miles southwest of Houston and 145 miles southeast from San Antonio. The elevation, in the county, ranges from sea level to about 180 feet above seen level. In the county, about 61 to 70 percent of the land is ideal farmland for many agricultrual purpouses. [5]

Major highways

Adjacent counties

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1850698—
18602,906316.3%
18703,97536.8%
18807,67393.0%
18908,0935.5%
190010,43929.0%
191021,955110.3%
192022,8073.9%
193051,779127.0%
194092,66179.0%
1950165,47178.6%
1960221,57333.9%
1970237,5447.2%
1980268,21512.9%
1990291,1458.5%
2000313,6457.7%
2010340,2238.5%
2020353,1783.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1850–2010[9] 2010[10] 2020[11]
Nueces 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 2000[12] Pop 2010[10] Pop 2020[11] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 118,178 111,870 106,165 37.68% 32.88% 30.06%
Black or African American alone (NH) 12,718 12,178 12,651 4.05% 3.58% 3.58%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 933 882 907 0.30% 0.26% 0.26%
Asian alone (NH) 3,458 5,495 7,712 1.10% 1.62% 2.18%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 136 209 281 0.04% 0.06% 0.08%
Other Race alone (NH) 308 399 1,264 0.10% 0.12% 0.36%
Mixed Race or Multiracial (NH) 2,963 2,897 7,146 0.94% 0.85% 2.02%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 174,951 206,293 217,052 55.78% 60.63% 61.46%
Total 313,645 340,223 353,178 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 353,178, and the median age was 37.2 years. 23.5% of residents were under the age of 18 and 15.6% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 98.3 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 96.2 males age 18 and over.[13]

The racial makeup of the county was 54.2% White, 4.1% Black or African American, 0.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 12.6% from some other race, and 25.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 61.5% of the population.[14]

93.7% of residents lived in urban areas, while 6.3% lived in rural areas.[15]

There were 130,687 households in the county, of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 43.3% were married-couple households, 20.9% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 28.3% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[13]

There were 151,255 housing units, of which 13.6% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 59.6% were owner-occupied and 40.4% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.9% and the rental vacancy rate was 12.1%.[13]

2000 census

As of the 2000 census[16], 313,645 people, 110,365 households, and 79,683 families resided in the county. The population density was 375 people per square mile (145 people/km2). The 123,041 housing units averaged 147 units per square mile (57/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 72.03% White, 4.24% African American, 0.64% Native American, 1.16% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 18.74% from other races, and 3.13% from two or more races. About 55.78% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 110,365 households, 36.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.80% were married couples living together, 15.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.80% were not families. About 22.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.30.

In the county, the age distribution was 28.40% under the age of 18, 10.50% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 21.10% from 45 to 64, and 11.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.50 males. The largest perecentage of citizens is in the age group's 10-19, 20-29, and 30-39.[17]

2024 American Community Survey estimates

As of the 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates[18], the median income for a household in Nueces County was $66,927, and it was $79,880 for a family. The per capita income for the county was $33,465. Approximately 15% of the population were below the poverty line, with 21% of them under age 18, 12.4% between the ages 18 to 64, and 15.6% of them were at age 65 or over.

Communities

Cities (multiple counties)

In the 2000 U.S. census, a portion of San Patricio was indicated as being in Nueces County.[19] As of the 1990 U.S. census, the 2010 U.S. census, and the 2020 U.S. census, that particular area is indicated as being in San Patricio County.[20][21][22]

Cities

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Education

School districts:[23]

Del Mar College is the designated community college for all of Nueces County.[24]

Politics

Past gubernatorial election results[25]
Year Republican Democratic Third Parties
2022 53.27% 47,567 45.32% 40,474 1.41% 1,260
2018 56.33% 52,918 42.28% 39,720 1.40% 1,312
2014 54.13% 30,854 43.41% 24,746 2.46% 1,403
2010 52.68% 32,593 45.13% 27,921 2.16% 1,341
2006 37.07% 25,066 30.95% 20,931 31.97% 21,624
2002 48.16% 33,152 49.39% 34,001 2.37% 1,627
1998 60.80% 38,165 38.70% 24,290 0.50% 316
1994 44.52% 31,116 54.94% 38,399 0.54% 376

Historically, Nueces County leaned Democratic in presidential elections, though in recent years has narrowly voted Republican. Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 became the first Republican candidate to carry the county. Prior to that year, the only times Nueces County did not vote for the national Democratic candidate was in its first presidential election in 1848 for Whig Zachary Taylor, and in 1860, supporting Southern Democratic John C. Breckinridge. Since Eisenhower's election, the only other Republicans to carry the county in the 20th century were Richard Nixon in 1972 and Ronald Reagan in 1984. So far, Bill Clinton remains the last Democratic candidate to win Nueces County, having done so in 1996.

Since 2000, Nueces County has voted for every Republican presidential candidate, with only George W. Bush in 2004 and Donald Trump in 2024 having carried it by a double digit margin, with Bush's 56.8% of the vote also the highest for any Republican in the county's history. In 2016, Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in the county with a plurality of 48.6% to 47.1%, or 1,568 votes, the closest race since 1956.

Democratic strength is concentrated within the inland portion of the county, with particular strengths in center portion of Corpus Christi whereas neighborhoods that are predominately Hispanic and the city of Robstown. Republicans performed well in areas particularly in the suburbs of the city, North Padre Island and Port Aransas.[26]

United States presidential election results for Nueces County, Texas[27]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
№  % №  % №  %
1912 85 6.50% 910 69.63% 312 23.87%
1916 404 16.85% 1,830 76.35% 163 6.80%
1920 383 21.55% 1,246 70.12% 148 8.33%
1928 2,481 45.36% 2,985 54.58% 3 0.05%
1932 967 12.62% 6,659 86.91% 36 0.47%
1936 1,234 15.54% 6,597 83.09% 109 1.37%
1940 3,065 23.87% 9,740 75.84% 37 0.29%
1944 3,819 24.21% 11,091 70.32% 863 5.47%
1948 5,577 25.60% 15,240 69.96% 966 4.43%
1952 19,124 48.59% 20,156 51.21% 79 0.20%
1956 19,985 49.89% 19,912 49.71% 162 0.40%
1960 18,907 39.09% 29,361 60.70% 100 0.21%
1964 14,048 25.75% 40,426 74.10% 84 0.15%
1968 21,307 31.57% 39,025 57.82% 7,159 10.61%
1972 41,682 55.39% 33,277 44.22% 291 0.39%
1976 32,797 37.99% 52,755 61.11% 773 0.90%
1980 40,586 46.84% 43,424 50.12% 2,634 3.04%
1984 54,333 53.68% 46,721 46.16% 159 0.16%
1988 46,337 48.30% 49,209 51.30% 386 0.40%
1992 36,781 36.49% 46,317 45.95% 17,693 17.55%
1996 37,470 40.22% 50,009 53.68% 5,689 6.11%
2000 49,906 51.28% 45,349 46.59% 2,071 2.13%
2004 59,359 56.77% 44,439 42.50% 762 0.73%
2008 52,391 51.75% 47,912 47.33% 927 0.92%
2012 48,966 50.95% 45,772 47.63% 1,366 1.42%
2016 50,766 48.62% 49,198 47.12% 4,441 4.25%
2020 64,617 50.75% 60,925 47.85% 1,780 1.40%
2024 67,201 55.23% 53,248 43.76% 1,229 1.01%
United States Senate election results for Nueces County, Texas1[28]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
№  % №  % №  %
2024 62,062 51.52% 55,433 46.02% 2,964 2.46%

See also

References

  1. ^ "Nueces County, Texas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ "About Us – Nueces County Appraisal District". nuecescad.net. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
  4. ^ Association (TSHA), Texas State Historical. "Nueces County". Texas Almanac. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d Association, Texas State Historical. "Nueces County: Geography, History, and Economy". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
  6. ^ "INDIAN RAID IN DUVAL AND NUECES COUNTIES | Texas History and genealogy, written by those who lived it".
  7. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
  8. ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". US Census Bureau.
  9. ^ "Texas Almanac: Population History of Counties from 1850–2010" (PDF). Texas Almanac. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
  10. ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Nueces County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
  11. ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Nueces County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
  12. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Nueces County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
  13. ^ a b c "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  14. ^ "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  15. ^ "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)". United States Census Bureau. 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  16. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  17. ^ "Census profile: Nueces County, TX". Census Reporter. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
  18. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  19. ^ "CENSUS 2000 BLOCK MAP: NUECES County (Page 2)" (PDF). 2000 U.S. census. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  20. ^ "1990 COUNTY BLOCK MAP (RECREATED): NUECES County (Page 2)" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  21. ^ "2010 CENSUS - CENSUS BLOCK MAP: Nueces County, TX (Page 2)" (PDF). 2010 U.S. census. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  22. ^ "2020 CENSUS - CENSUS BLOCK MAP: Nueces County, TX" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  23. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Nueces County, TX" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved September 27, 2024. - Text list
  24. ^ Texas Education Code Sec. 130.177. DEL MAR COLLEGE-CORPUS CHRISTI JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA.
  25. ^ "Election History Nueces County, TX". www.nuecesco.com.
  26. ^ Rohla, Ryne. "2016 Presidential General Election Maps". Ryne Rohla.
  27. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  28. ^ "2024 Senate Election (Official Returns)". Commonwealth of Texas by county. November 5, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nueces County, Texas.
  • Nueces County government's website
  • Nueces County in Handbook of Texas Online at the University of Texas
  • Historic Nueces County materials, hosted by the Portal to Texas History.

27°44′N 97°31′W / 27.74°N 97.52°W / 27.74; -97.52

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nueces_County,_Texas&oldid=1332335046"