This is an interactive overview based on the Wikipedia article for Bailey County, Texas. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

Bailey County, Texas

A West Texas Profile: An in-depth exploration of its geography, demographics, history, and community life.

Discover Bailey County ๐Ÿ‘‡ View Demographics ๐Ÿ“Š

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
๐ŸŽฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ŸŽฎ

County Overview

Location & Identity

Bailey County is situated in the High Plains region of West Texas. Its county seat and largest municipality is Muleshoe. Established in 1876 and organized in 1919, it was named in honor of Peter James Bailey III, a participant in the Texas Revolution and a defender of the Alamo.

Population Snapshot

As of the 2020 United States Census, Bailey County recorded a population of 6,904 residents. The county has experienced population fluctuations over the decades, reflecting broader demographic trends in the region.

Governance & Administration

The county operates under a standard county government structure, with its courthouse located in Muleshoe. It is part of Texas's 19th congressional district.

Geographic Landscape

Area & Water

Bailey County encompasses a total area of approximately 827 square miles (2,140 kmยฒ). Water bodies constitute a minimal portion, around 0.08% of the total area, indicating a predominantly land-based geography.

Transportation Network

Key transportation arteries include U.S. Highway 70, U.S. Highway 84, and Texas State Highway 214, facilitating connectivity within the county and to surrounding regions.

Natural Reserves

The county is home to the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1935, making it the oldest refuge of its kind in Texas. It also contains a portion of the Grulla National Wildlife Refuge.

Demographic Profile

Population Trends

Bailey County's population has seen shifts over time. After significant growth in the early to mid-20th century, it experienced a decline before a modest increase in the 2010s. The population density remains relatively low.

Historical Population
YearPopulation%ยฑ
19004โ€”
19103127,700.0%
192051765.7%
19305,186903.1%
19406,31821.8%
19507,59220.2%
19609,09019.7%
19708,487-6.6%
19808,168-3.8%
19907,064-13.5%
20006,594-6.7%
20107,1658.7%
20206,904-3.6%

Ethnic Composition

The county's demographic makeup is diverse, with a significant Hispanic or Latino population. The racial and ethnic distribution reflects the broader cultural landscape of West Texas.

Racial and Ethnic Composition (2020)
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)Population% of Total
White alone (NH)2,19031.72%
Black or African American alone (NH)490.71%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)240.35%
Asian alone (NH)80.12%
Other race alone (NH)270.39%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)660.96%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)4,54065.76%
Total6,904100.00%

Communities

Incorporated Municipality

The primary urban center and county seat is Muleshoe. It serves as the administrative and commercial hub for the surrounding agricultural region.

Unincorporated Settlements

Several smaller communities are scattered throughout Bailey County, contributing to the rural fabric of the area. These include Baileyboro, Bula, Circle Back, Enochs, Goodland, Maple, Needmore, and Progress.

Historical Footprints

The county also holds remnants of past settlements, such as the ghost town of Virginia City, offering glimpses into its historical development and evolution.

Educational Landscape

School Districts

Educational services for the majority of Bailey County residents are provided by the Muleshoe Independent School District. Portions of the county are also served by the Farwell Independent School District and the Sudan Independent School District.

Higher Education

The county falls within the service area of South Plains College, a public community college that offers a range of academic and vocational programs to students in the region.

Historical Context

Founding and Development

Bailey County was officially established by the Texas Legislature in 1876, carved from the vast expanse of Bexar County. Its organization in 1919 marked a formal step in its development. The Muleshoe Heritage Center preserves local history, and the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge stands as a testament to the region's natural heritage.

Local Ordinances

Historically, Bailey County was designated as a prohibition or "dry" county. However, it has since transitioned to a "wet" county, reflecting changes in local regulations and community preferences.

Political Landscape

Presidential Election Trends

Historically, Bailey County showed strong support for the Democratic Party. However, beginning in the mid-20th century, the county's political alignment shifted significantly towards the Republican Party, a trend that has persisted in recent presidential elections.

U.S. Presidential Election Results
Year Republican Democratic Third Party
1924 25.20% 66.40% 8.40%
1960 51.96% 46.85% 1.19%
1984 73.01% 26.45% 0.54%
2000 76.03% 23.35% 0.62%
2012 73.73% 25.66% 0.61%
2020 77.10% 21.99% 0.91%

Senate Election Trends

Recent U.S. Senate election results in Bailey County also indicate a strong Republican leaning, consistent with the county's overall voting patterns in federal elections.

U.S. Senate Election Results (2024)
YearRepublicanDemocraticThird Party
202478.93%18.97%2.10%

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "Bailey County Texas" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about bailey_county_texas while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

References

References

  1.  Texas Education Code, Sec. 130.198. SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Bailey County, Texas Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding geography, history, demographics, or local governance. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.