Jim Wells County, Texas

Jim Wells County, Texas
County	Jim Wells County
State	Texas
Founded year	1911
Seat	Alice
Largest city	Alice
Area total sq mi	868
Area land sq mi	865
Area water sq mi	2.7
Population as of	2020
Population total	38,891
Population density sq mi	auto
Time zone	Central
Named for	James B. Wells Jr.
District	27th

Jim Wells County, Texas. Located in the South Texas region, the county was established in 1911 from portions of Nueces County and Brooks County. It is named for the influential Rio Grande Valley land developer and Democratic Party leader James B. Wells Jr.. The county seat and largest city is Alice, a central hub for the surrounding agricultural and energy-producing areas.

History

The region that became Jim Wells County was originally part of the vast Spanish Texas land grants, including the San Diego de Arriba Land Grant. Following the Texas Revolution and annexation by the United States, the area was organized under Nueces County. Settlement increased with the expansion of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway in the late 19th century. The county was officially created by the Texas Legislature in 1911, with the new town of Alice designated as the county seat, named for Alice Gertrudis King Kleberg of the famed King Ranch family. The county gained national notoriety during the 1948 United States Senate Democratic primary, known as the "Box 13 scandal," where disputed ballots from Alice were pivotal in Lyndon B. Johnson's narrow victory over Coke Stevenson. Throughout the 20th century, the economy was shaped by the discovery of the Alice Field oil reservoir and sustained agricultural development.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 868 square miles, of which 865 square miles is land and 2.7 square miles is water. It lies within the Coastal Plains region, characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain. The primary watercourse is the Nueces River, which forms part of the county's northern boundary. The region features a mix of South Texas brush country and cultivated farmland. Major communities include the county seat of Alice, as well as Premont and Orange Grove. The climate is classified as humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 38,891. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the racial and ethnic makeup was predominantly Hispanic or Latino at 84.5%, with Non-Hispanic White at 13.5%, and smaller populations of Black and Asian residents. The population density is approximately 45 persons per square mile. The largest ancestry groups are of Mexican descent. The median household income has historically been below the state average, with a significant portion of the population employed in agriculture, oil and gas, and related support services.

Government

Jim Wells County operates under a Commissioners' court system, led by a County Judge and four elected Commissioners. The county is part of the 27th Congressional District of Texas, represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Michael Cloud. At the state level, it lies within Texas Senate district 20 and Texas House of Representatives district 34. Law enforcement is provided by the Jim Wells County Sheriff's Office, and the county is within the jurisdiction of the 79th Judicial District Court of Texas. The county consistently votes for the Democratic Party in local elections but has trended toward the Republican Party in recent federal contests.

Economy

The economy has long been based on oil and gas extraction and agriculture. Significant oil fields like the Alice Field were discovered in the 1920s and 1930s, with companies such as Humble Oil (later Exxon) operating in the area. Agriculture remains vital, with the county producing cotton, grain sorghum, corn, and vegetables. Cattle ranching is also a major industry, with historic ties to large South Texas ranches like the King Ranch. Alice serves as a commercial and medical hub for the region, hosting the South Texas Medical Center and major retailers. The Eagle Ford Shale development in the early 21st century provided a renewed economic boost to the energy sector.

Education

Public education is provided by several independent school districts, including the Alice Independent School District, Premont Independent School District, and Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco Independent School District. Higher education opportunities are available through Coastal Bend College, which has a campus in Alice. The county is also served by the Jim Wells County Library System, with its main branch located in Alice. Many graduates pursue further education at regional institutions like Texas A&M University–Kingsville or Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi.

Transportation

Major highways include U.S. Route 281, which runs north-south through Alice, and U.S. Route 59 (future Interstate 69W), which runs east-west. Other significant routes are State Highway 44 and Farm to Market Road 665. The county is served by the Alice International Airport, a general aviation facility. Freight rail service is provided by the Union Pacific Railroad, which maintains a line through the county. Public transportation is limited, with some services offered by the Alice Transit System for local travel within the city.

Category:Texas counties Category:1911 establishments in Texas