Reeves County, Texas

Infobox U.S. County
county = Reeves County
state = Texas

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map size = 250
founded = 1883
seat = Pecos | area_total_sq_mi =2642
area_land_sq_mi =2636
area_water_sq_mi =6
area percentage = 0.23%
census yr = 2000
pop = 13137
density_km2 =2
web =
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Reeves County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. In 2000, its population was 13,137. Its seat is PecosGR|6. Reeves County is named for George R. Reeves, a Texas state legislator and colonel in the Confederate Army.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,642 square miles (6,843 km²), of which, 2,636 square miles (6,827 km²) of it is land and 6 square miles (16 km²) of it (0.23%) is water.

Major Highways

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Adjacent counties

*Eddy County, New Mexico (north)
*Loving County (northeast)
*Ward County (east)
*Pecos County (southeast)
*Jeff Davis County (southwest)
*Culberson County (west)

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 13,137 people, 4,091 households, and 3,129 families residing in the county. The population density was 5 people per square mile (2/km²). There were 5,043 housing units at an average density of 2 per square mile (1/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 79.33% White, 2.10% Black or African American, 0.51% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 15.03% from other races, and 2.68% from two or more races. 73.38% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,091 households out of which 38.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.60% were married couples living together, 12.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.50% were non-families. 21.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 3.45.

In the county, the population was spread out with 29.90% under the age of 18, 11.30% from 18 to 24, 25.20% from 25 to 44, 21.00% from 45 to 64, and 12.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 112.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $23,306, and the median income for a family was $24,856. Males had a median income of $23,913 versus $13,248 for females. The per capita income for the county was $10,811. About 25.40% of families and 28.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.20% of those under age 18 and 21.60% of those age 65 or over.

Ranching Industry

The sprawling 320,000 deeded acre (1,400 km²) La Escalera Ranch headquarters is located 20 miles south of Fort Stockton, Texas and is owned and operated by the Gerald Lyda family. The ranch extends over much of Pecos County and portions of Reeves County, Brewster County, Archer County, and Baylor County.

Originally owned by California-based Elsinore Land & Cattle Company, the 100-year old ranch was acquired by building contractor Gerald Lyda of San Antonio, Texas and re-named La Escalera Ranch (Spanish for "The Ladder"). It is known for its reputation Black Angus cattle and its abundant wildlife. Gerald Lyda passed away in 2005. Today, the ranch is owned and operated by Lyda's sons Gerald D. and Gene Lyda, as well as Lyda's daughter Jo Lyda Granberg.

Located near the entrance to the ranch is Sierra Madera crater. La Escalera Ranch has been ranked by Texas Monthly, Worth and The Land Report magazines as one of the largest cattle ranches in Texas and the United States.

Cities and towns

*Balmorhea
*Lindsay
*Orla
*Pecos
*Toyah
*Toyahvale

References

External links

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* [http://escalera.us/ La Escalera Ranch - Reeves County, Texas]
* [http://texashistory.unt.edu/search/?q=%22United+States+-+Texas+-+Reeves+County%22&t=dc.coverage Historic Reeves County materials] , hosted by the [http://texashistory.unt.edu/ Portal to Texas History.]