Refugio County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. According to the 2020 United States Census, the county had a population of 6,981. The county seat and largest municipality is the city of Refugio. Refugio County is part of the Victoria, Texas, metropolitan statistical area.
History
The area now encompassed by Refugio County was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Karankawa. Spanish exploration and mission activity began in the 18th century, and the region became part of the Spanish province of Tejas. Following Mexican independence, the territory was organized as the Refugio Municipality within the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. After Texas declared independence in 1836, the Texas Legislature created Refugio County on December 14, 1837; it was formally organized the following year. Early economic activity centered on cattle ranching, cotton cultivation, and later oil and gas production after discoveries in the 1930s.
Geography
Refugio County occupies a total area of 818 square miles (2,120 km²), of which 801 sq mi (2,074 km²) is land and 16 sq mi (41 km²) (2.0%) is water. The county lies on the Gulf Coast of Texas and borders the following counties: Bee County to the north, Goliad County to the east, Victoria County to the west, and Nueces County to the south. Major water features include Copano Bay and the Guadalupe River, which flows into the bay within the county’s southern portion. The climate is classified as humid subtropical, with hot summers, mild winters, and precipitation distributed throughout the year.
Demographics
The 2020 Census reported 6,981 residents. The racial and ethnic composition was approximately:
- White (non‑Hispanic): 68%
- Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 30%
- Black or African American: 2%
- Other races and multiracial: 1%
The median household income was reported at $45,300, and about 16% of the population lived below the federal poverty line. The age distribution reflected a median age of 42 years.
Economy
Historically, the county’s economy has been based on agriculture (cattle, hay, and limited row crops) and petroleum extraction. Oil and natural gas production continue to contribute to local employment and tax revenue. The proximity to the Gulf of Mexico supports a modest tourism sector, particularly related to fishing and beach recreation along Copano Bay.
Government
Refugio County is governed by a Commissioners Court, consisting of four commissioners elected from single‑member districts and a county judge elected at large. The county provides standard services such as law enforcement (Refugio County Sheriff’s Office), road maintenance, and public health. The county is part of Texas’s 27th congressional district for representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Education
Public education is administered by several independent school districts, the largest of which is Refugio Independent School District. Portions of the county are also served by Woodsboro ISD and the Calallen ISD extension. Higher‑education services are provided through the Coastal Bend College (formerly Bee County College) service area.
Transportation
Major highways traversing the county include U.S. Highway 77 and State Highway 35. The county is also served by a network of Farm to Market roads. Rail service is provided by the Union Pacific Railroad, primarily for freight. The nearest commercial airports are Victoria Regional Airport (approximately 45 mi north) and Corpus Christi International Airport (approximately 70 mi south).
Communities
Cities
- Refugio (county seat)
Towns
- Austwell
- Woodsboro
Unincorporated communities
- Copano
- Aldine
Notable people
- James P. "Jim" McNutt (1908–1974), Texas state senator who represented Refugio County among other districts.
- John H. Hines (1911–1998), former Texas House of Representatives member born in Refugio County.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census.
- Texas State Historical Association, Handbook of Texas Online, entry “Refugio County.”
- Texas Department of Transportation, County Maps.
This entry reflects information available from verified governmental and historical sources as of the 2023 data cut‑off.