Castro County, TX: income, rent and loan options

First look: Castro County, TX

The latest five-year Census estimate puts Castro County's population at 7,344; only 181 of Texas's 254 county-level areas are larger. Its 894 square miles average 8 people per square mile, by the 2024 Census Gazetteer. Under the July 2023 OMB definitions, Castro County is not part of any metropolitan area. Dimmitt (4,107 people) heads the county's list of 4 Census places, 3 incorporated and 1 census-designated. Census margins of error grow as populations shrink; for a county of 7,344, read each figure as a range.

Income in Castro County compared with Texas

Median household income in Castro County: $56,776 (28% below Texas, $78,476). Only 196 Texas counties post a higher median.

33% under $35,000 and 28% at $100,000 or more: that is the Castro County income split. 19.2% of residents fall below the federal poverty line (statewide: 13.8%). Gini index for Castro County: 0.470. None of these numbers decides a Castro County application. Lenders weigh your own documented income against your own debts.

Employment and commuting in Castro County

Agriculture, forestry and mining (24%), education and health care (24%) and retail trade (13%) lead Castro County's job mix. Castro County over-indexes on agriculture, forestry and mining: 24% versus 2% in Texas. ACS puts five-year average unemployment at 3.7% in Castro County. About 68% drive to work alone and 8% have trips of 45 minutes or more.

Industry shapes paperwork. Salaried and public jobs are easy to verify, while hourly, tipped, commission or contract earners in Castro County should have bank statements and tax returns ready.

Castro County housing compared with Texas

Castro County rent at the median: $896 a month, utilities in ($1,403 in Texas). Rent takes 30% or more of income for 42% of renter households here. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $95,000, about 1.7 times the median household income. Homeowners 64%, renters 36%. Half the housing stock was built before 1966.

Where Castro County differs from the rest of Texas

Where Castro County lands at the extremes of Texas's county rankings:

• Households without a vehicle: 1.7% in Castro County. Only 10 of 253 Texas counties are lower. Nearly every household has a vehicle, so repair costs are a common reason to borrow.
• Castro County ranks 29th lowest of 253 Texas counties for the share of workers who work from home: 3.2%, against 14.4% statewide. Most workers travel to a job here, so commuting costs are part of the budget.
• On the share of commutes over 45 minutes, Castro County sits near the bottom of Texas at 8%, 32nd lowest of 253. Less driving means fewer surprise repair bills.

Dimmitt and the rest of Castro County

The table lists the 4 largest of 4 Census places in Castro County, by population. Together all 4 hold about 5,299 people, so roughly 28% of residents live outside any named place. None of the 4 has its own city guide, so this page covers all of them.

How Castro County compares with nearby counties

Swisher County is closest, 29 miles from center to center; the sixth, Hale County, is 41 miles off. Randall County leads the group on income ($83,864), Swisher County trails ($36,165), and Castro County out-earns 2 of the six.

Castro County residents: age, schooling, coverage

In Castro County, 19% of adults have at least a four-year degree (34% in Texas). The uninsured rate is 22.2%, against 17.1% for Texas.

Reading the Castro County data as a borrower

A few patterns in the Castro County data, and the practical point behind each:

• Medical bills. 22% of Castro County residents are uninsured. Before borrowing for care, ask the provider about financial assistance and payment plans.
• Repairs on manufactured housing. With 15% of homes here, compare a personal loan with any dealer or park repair program.
• Free help first. 19% of residents live below the poverty line; utility, rent and food programs cost nothing to repay (free options).

Debt-to-income at Castro County's medians

Here is the Castro County median household run through a simple DTI check. Your numbers will differ.

• Median income divided by twelve: $4,731 before taxes
• Median rent: $896, or 19 cents of every gross dollar
• With a 35% ceiling, about $760 remains for car, card, student and any new loan payments
• With a 45% ceiling, about $1,233 remains for car, card, student and any new loan payments

Two-income households and single earners in Castro County land in very different places on this math, so run it for your own budget.

Checklist for Castro County applicants

Four checks before you sign anything:

• Write down what the expense costs; a smaller loan costs less.
• Line up offers side by side: APR, fees in dollars, total cost.
• Only work with lenders licensed for Texas borrowers.
• Confirm the first due date before setting up autopay.

Lender oversight for Castro County

Licensing happens at the state level, so a lender working with Castro County borrowers answers to the Texas Department of Banking. A second Texas office, the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner, covers consumer credit. A CFPB complaint gets forwarded to the company for a response. Statewide data and rules: Texas guide.

Beyond Castro County

Next step up from Castro County:

• Texas state guide