Van Vleck, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Van Vleck, Texas
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Location of Van Vleck, Texas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Matagorda |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km2) |
| • Land | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km2) |
| • Water | 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2) |
| Elevation | 39 ft (12 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,923 |
| • Density | 601/sq mi (234.5/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
77482
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| Area code(s) | 979 |
| FIPS code | 48-75068 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2409500 |
Van Vleck is a small community in Matagorda County, Texas, United States. It is called a census-designated place (CDP) because it's a special area defined by the government for counting people.
Van Vleck has been growing! In 2010, its population increased by 25% to 1,844 people. This was a big jump from 1,411 people in 2000. It is one of the few places in Matagorda County that has seen its population grow. Even though it's close to Bay City, Van Vleck is managed by county rules and police, not Bay City's.
Contents
About Van Vleck's Location
Van Vleck is located in the state of Texas. It covers an area of about 3.2 square miles (8.2 square kilometers). All of this area is land, with no large bodies of water inside its borders.
Who Lives in Van Vleck?
The most recent count in 2020 showed that 1,923 people live in Van Vleck. This community has continued to grow over the years.
Population Changes Over Time
- 2000: 1,411 people
- 2010: 1,844 people (a 25% increase!)
- 2020: 1,923 people
A Look at the Community in 2000
Back in 2000, there were 1,411 people living in Van Vleck. They lived in 505 households, with 397 of these being families.
- Most people (70.09%) were White.
- About 17.51% were African American.
- A smaller number were Native American (0.35%) or Asian (0.07%).
- About 8.72% were from other backgrounds, and 3.26% were from two or more backgrounds.
- Many residents (25.66%) were Hispanic or Latino.
Households and Families
In 2000, about 36.4% of households had children under 18 living there. Most households (61.4%) were married couples. The average household had about 2.79 people, and families had about 3.18 people.
Age Groups in Van Vleck
The community had people of all ages:
- 29.2% were under 18 years old.
- 8.4% were between 18 and 24.
- 26.9% were between 25 and 44.
- 23.3% were between 45 and 64.
- 12.1% were 65 or older.
The average age in Van Vleck was 37 years old.
Income in Van Vleck
In 2000, the average income for a household was $30,810. For families, it was $40,170. A small number of families (3.6%) and people (4.8%) lived below the poverty line.
Van Vleck's Economy
The economy in Van Vleck mainly depends on industrial jobs in nearby places like Sweeny and Bay City. Many people who work in Bay City choose to live in Van Vleck because of its good school district.
Local Businesses and Growth
Van Vleck has seen a lot of new businesses open nearby on Highway 35. These include new restaurants, banks, and hotels. A large Walmart supercenter also opened, which helps the local economy.
The center of Van Vleck has also been improving. There's a new post office, a church, and a popular restaurant that can seat over 100 people. You can also find Mexican restaurants, a doughnut shop, gas stations, and equipment rental stores.
Busy Roads and Connections
Van Vleck is a busy place because of Texas Highway 35. This main road connects Bay City to other major highways like Texas State Highway 288 and U.S. Route 59. Over 10,000 cars pass through Van Vleck every day! This high traffic helps local businesses. Being close to the growing city of Bay City is also a big plus for Van Vleck.
Healthcare Services
Van Vleck does not have its own hospitals. Residents go to nearby hospitals and clinics for their medical needs.
Nearby Hospitals and Clinics
- Sweeny Community Hospital: This hospital in Sweeny has been adding new doctors and clinics because of high demand.
- Matagorda Regional Medical Center: This hospital in Bay City is closer and often used by Van Vleck residents. It was built in 2009 and offers many different doctors and specialties.
The need for healthcare in the area is strong. The Matagorda Regional Medical Center is working to bring in more doctors and is even planning to develop a cancer center.
Education in Van Vleck
Van Vleck is served by the Van Vleck Independent School District (ISD). This school district is known for its excellent programs and has received state recognition.
What Van Vleck ISD Offers
- Digital Learning: Students in all grades (K-12) have one-to-one digital learning.
- STEM Courses: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) courses are available for all grades.
- Fine Arts: There are strong Fine Arts Programs for K-12 students.
- Advanced Classes: Students in grades 6-12 can take Pre-Advanced and Advanced Placement (AP) classes.
- Career & Technical Education: High school students (9-12) can take courses to prepare for careers.
- Dual Credit: Students can earn college credit while still in high school.
Schools in the District
The Van Vleck ISD includes:
- Van Vleck Elementary
- E.Rudd Intermediate
- O.H. Herman Middle School
- Van Vleck High School
One of the elementary schools has even been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School! The district is also proud of its sports programs, especially powerlifting and jump sports. Famous Olympic gold medalist Charles Austin is from Van Vleck and set records in jump sports for the district. The district also has a recognized FFA Chapter and strong Fine Arts and UIL Sports Programs.
College Opportunities
For students looking to continue their education, Wharton County Junior College is the designated community college for the Van Vleck ISD area.
Van Vleck's History: A Timeline
- 1830s: Bailey Hardeman moved to this area in Matagorda County.
- 1836: Hardeman passed away near Caney Creek, an area once known as Caney Crossing.
- 1840s: The area became known as Hardeman's Post Office, named after Bailey Hardeman, who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence.
- Early 1900s: The The Texas and New Orleans railroad (T&NO) built train lines through Matagorda County, with a stop in Van Vleck.
- 1901: The town was officially named Van Vleck. It was named after W. G. Van Vleck, a railroad official. In this year, the railroad connected Van Vleck to Wharton, Texas.
- 1930: The town moved from its original spot to its current location when State Highway 35 was built.
- 1952: The First Baptist Church was built.
- 1955: A Methodist church was built.
- 1996: Charles Austin, from Van Vleck, won an Olympic gold medal.
- 2010: The town's population grew by 25% compared to the 2000 census.
- 2010: The first doctor's clinic, a Dermatology clinic, opened in the area.
- 2010: The First Baptist Church of Van Vleck built a new church building on Highway 35.
- 2015: The Van Vleck Lions Club was started.
Images for kids
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US Post Office on Highway 35
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Bay City Regional Airport is on FM 2540 south of town
See also
In Spanish: Van Vleck (Texas) para niños
