Tom Green County, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Green County
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Tom Green County Courthouse in San Angelo
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Location within the U.S. state of Texas
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 Texas's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Texas |
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| Founded | 1875 | |
| Named for | General Thomas Green | |
| Seat | San Angelo | |
| Largest city | San Angelo | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 1,541 sq mi (3,990 km2) | |
| • Land | 1,522 sq mi (3,940 km2) | |
| • Water | 19 sq mi (50 km2) 1.2% | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 120,003  |
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| • Density | 78/sq mi (30/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) | |
| Congressional district | 11th | |
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Tom Green County is a county located in the state of Texas. It sits on a high flat area called the Edwards Plateau. In 2020, about 120,003 people lived here. The main city and county seat is San Angelo.
The county was created in 1874. It was named after Thomas Green, a lawyer and soldier. Tom Green County is part of the San Angelo metropolitan area. It is also home to Goodfellow Air Force Base and Angelo State University.
Contents
County History: How Tom Green County Began
Tom Green County was officially started by the Texas state government on March 13, 1874. It was named to honor Thomas Green. He was a Confederate general during the American Civil War. When it was first formed, the county was very large, covering over 60,000 square miles (155,000 square kilometers).
Early County Seat and a Big Flood
The first county seat was a town called Ben Ficklin. But in 1882, the Concho River flooded badly. The flood destroyed the town and sadly, 65 people lost their lives. After this disaster, the county seat was moved to a nearby town called Santa Angela.
In 1883, the U.S. Post Office officially changed Santa Angela's name to San Angelo.
Growth and Changes in San Angelo
The Santa Fe Railway was completed in 1888. This helped the county's cattle business grow a lot. Ranchers could now send many train cars full of cattle to other places. In 1889, San Angelo became an official city. Around the same time, Fort Concho, a military fort that had been open for 22 years, closed down.
The Unique Shape of Tom Green County
Tom Green County has a long, narrow strip of land that stretches to the west. This unusual shape exists because Reagan County, which is to the west, used to be part of Tom Green County. Texas law required that all counties have a continuous land path to their county seat. This small strip of land connected the two main parts. In 1903, people in the western section voted to form Reagan County. They also decided that the connecting strip would stay part of Tom Green County.
Weather Events in Tom Green County
Tom Green County has experienced several significant weather events. In February 2021, during Winter Storm Uri, San Angelo had very cold temperatures. It stayed at or below freezing for 152 hours straight. The county has also been affected by tropical storms and hurricanes, including:
- Hurricane Matagorda (1942)
- Tropical Storm Delia (1973)
- Hurricane Gilbert (1988)
- Tropical Storm Erin (2007)
- Tropical Storm Hermine (2010)
Geography: Rivers, Lakes, and Land
Tom Green County covers a total area of about 1,541 square miles (3,991 square kilometers). Most of this is land, with about 19 square miles (49 square kilometers) covered by water.
Water Bodies and Parks
The county is home to several important water bodies. These include Lake Nasworthy, O.C. Fisher Reservoir, and Twin Buttes Reservoir. You can also find San Angelo State Park here, which is a great place for outdoor activities. The Heart of Texas Wildlife Trail is also in the county. The Concho River flows through the county, along with its branches, the North Concho River and the South Concho River. There is also a smaller stream called Kickapoo Creek.
Neighboring Counties
Tom Green County shares borders with several other counties:
- Coke County (north)
- Runnels County (northeast)
- Concho County (east)
- Menard County (southeast)
- Schleicher County (south)
- Irion County (west)
- Reagan County (west)
- Sterling County (northwest)
People of Tom Green County: Demographics
The population of Tom Green County has grown steadily over the years. In 1880, there were 3,615 people. By 2020, the population had reached 120,003.
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 3,615 | — | |
| 1890 | 5,152 | 42.5% | |
| 1900 | 6,804 | 32.1% | |
| 1910 | 17,882 | 162.8% | |
| 1920 | 15,210 | −14.9% | |
| 1930 | 36,033 | 136.9% | |
| 1940 | 39,302 | 9.1% | |
| 1950 | 58,929 | 49.9% | |
| 1960 | 64,630 | 9.7% | |
| 1970 | 71,047 | 9.9% | |
| 1980 | 84,784 | 19.3% | |
| 1990 | 98,458 | 16.1% | |
| 2000 | 104,010 | 5.6% | |
| 2010 | 110,224 | 6.0% | |
| 2020 | 120,003 | 8.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1850–2010 2010 2020 |
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Population Makeup
In 2000, about 104,010 people lived in the county. The population density was about 68 people per square mile. The county's population is made up of people from many different backgrounds. About 30.71% of the people were of Hispanic or Latino origin. Many residents also reported German, American, English, and Irish ancestry.
Households and Families
There were about 39,503 households in 2000. About 33% of these households had children under 18 living with them. The average household had 2.52 people, and the average family had 3.09 people.
Age and Income
The median age in the county was 34 years old. This means half the people were younger than 34 and half were older. The median income for a household was $33,148. For a family, it was $39,482. About 15.20% of the population lived below the poverty line.
Education: Schools and Colleges
Tom Green County offers various educational opportunities for its residents.
Colleges in the County
- Angelo State University
- Howard College
Public School Districts
Several public school districts serve the students of Tom Green County:
- Christoval Independent School District
- Grape Creek Independent School District
- Miles Independent School District
- San Angelo Independent School District
- Veribest Independent School District
- Wall Independent School District
- Water Valley Independent School District
Transportation: Getting Around
Tom Green County is served by several major highways, making it easy to travel within and outside the county.
Major Highways
U.S. Highway 67
U.S. Highway 87
U.S. Highway 277
SH 208
SH Loop 306
Communities: Towns and Places
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Tom Green County has one main city and several smaller communities.
City
- San Angelo (This is the county seat, where the main county government offices are located.)
Census-Designated Places (CDPs)
These are areas that are like towns but are not officially incorporated as cities:
Unincorporated Communities
These are smaller communities that do not have their own local government:
Ghost Town
- Ben Ficklin (This was the original county seat, but it was destroyed by a flood.)
Military Base
- Goodfellow Air Force Base
Notable Person
- August Pfluger is a politician and former military officer. He serves as the U.S. representative for Texas's 11th congressional district.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Tom Green para niños
