kids encyclopedia robot

Vanderbilt, Texas facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Vanderbilt, Texas
Location of Vanderbilt, Texas
Location of Vanderbilt, Texas
Jackson County Vanderbilt.svg
Country  United States of America
State  Texas
County Jackson
Area
 • Total 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km2)
 • Land 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km2)
 • Water 0 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation
39 ft (12 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 409
 • Density 216.2/sq mi (83.5/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
77991
Area code(s) 361
FIPS code 48-74984
GNIS feature ID 1370583

Vanderbilt is a small community in Jackson County, Texas. It is known as a census-designated place (CDP). In 2020, about 409 people lived there.

A Look at Vanderbilt's Past

Vanderbilt started in 1904. It grew around a train station for the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway. This area was once part of the old Mitchell land.

Early Growth and Trade

The community became a busy place for local farmers and traders. They would come to Vanderbilt to buy and sell goods. There was even a hotel in town at one point.

A post office opened in 1907. It served the community until 1988, when a new one was built. The special code for mail in Vanderbilt is 77991.

Population Changes Over Time

By 1945, Vanderbilt had about 300 people. There were also around 10 stores and trading posts. The town grew quite a bit. In 1962, its population reached 900 people. This was the highest number of residents ever.

However, by 1971, the population went down to 667. It stayed around that number until 1990. After that, the number of people living in Vanderbilt started to decrease. Only five stores were left in town.

Where is Vanderbilt Located?

Vanderbilt is in the southwestern part of Jackson County, Texas. You can find it at these coordinates: 28°49′20″N 96°36′57″W / 28.82222°N 96.61583°W / 28.82222; -96.61583.

It is about 13 miles (21 km) south of Edna, Texas. Edna is the main town and county seat of Jackson County.

Size of the Community

According to the United States Census Bureau, Vanderbilt covers a total area of 4.9 square kilometers (about 1.9 square miles). All of this area is land. There are no large bodies of water within the community.

Who Lives in Vanderbilt?

The number of people living in Vanderbilt has changed over the years.

Historical population
Census Pop.
2000 411
2010 395 −3.9%
2020 409 3.5%
U.S. Decennial Census
1850–1900 1910
1920 1930 1940
1950 1960 1970
1980 1990 2000
2010 2020

In 2000, there were 411 people living in Vanderbilt. These people lived in 146 households. A household is a group of people living together in one home. Most of these households (111) were families.

The population was made up of different groups. About 66% were White, 10% African American, and 20% were from other races. About 32% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Age Groups in Vanderbilt

The people in Vanderbilt are of different ages.

  • About 30% of the population was under 18 years old.
  • Around 11% were between 18 and 24 years old.
  • About 26% were between 25 and 44 years old.
  • Roughly 23% were between 45 and 64 years old.
  • About 10% were 65 years old or older.

The average age of people in Vanderbilt was 35 years old.

Learning and Schools

Vanderbilt is part of the Industrial Independent School District. This school district serves the local area.

Industrial High School Cobras

Vanderbilt is home to Industrial High School. The sports teams at this school are called the Cobras.

Nearby Colleges and Universities

Students from Vanderbilt have several college options nearby:

  • Victoria College in Victoria, Texas, is about 27 miles away.
  • Wharton County Junior College in Wharton, Texas, is about 50 miles away.
  • Coastal Bend College in Beeville, Texas, is about 83 miles away.

For a major university, the University of Houston–Victoria is about 30 miles away in Victoria, Texas.

kids search engine
Vanderbilt, Texas Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.