Until November 2018, Martin County was one of six[5] entirely dry counties in Texas. During that month, Martin County changed from a dry county to a partially wet[6] county after Stanton residents voted to approve the sale of beer and wine within city limits.[7] Five dry counties remain.[8][9]
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 916 square miles (2,370 km2), of which 915 square miles (2,370 km2) is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km2) (0.08%) is water.[10] The northern portion of the Spraberry Trend, the second-largest oil field in the United States by 2013 estimated crude oil production, underlies much of the county.[11]
Martin 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.
As of the census[17] of 2000, there were 4,746 people, 1,624 households, and 1,256 families residing in the county. The population density was 5 people per square mile (1.9 people/km2). There were 1,894 housing units at an average density of 2 units per square mile (0.77/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 79.01% White, 1.58% Black or African American, 0.82% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 16.06% from other races, and 2.36% from two or more races. 40.56% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 1,624 households, out of which 42.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.30% were married couples living together, 9.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.60% were non-families. 21.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.36.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 33.90% under the age of 18, 6.70% from 18 to 24, 26.40% from 25 to 44, 19.70% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 95.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $31,836, and the median income for a family was $35,965. Males had a median income of $29,360 versus $19,063 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,647. About 14.90% of families and 18.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.90% of those under age 18 and 17.10% of those age 65 or over.
Media
The county is served by a weekly newspaper, local station KKJW (FM), nearby stations KBXJ (FM) and KPET (AM), and the various Midland and Odessa radio and TV stations.
Communities
Martin County Hospital, a 20-bed facility, serves the community.
