Red River County is a county in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 11,587. Its county seat is Clarksville. The county was created in 1835 and organized in 1837. It is named for the Red River, which forms its northern boundary. Red River County was the birthplace of John Nance Garner, 32nd Vice President of the United States.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1057 sqmi, of which 1037 sqmi is land and 20 sqmi (1.9%) is water.

Rivers and Lakes

Major highways

Adjacent counties

Communities

Cities

Towns

Unincorporated communities

Ghost town

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 14,314 people, 5,827 households, and 4,067 families residing in the county. In 2020, its population was 11,587. From the 2000 census, the population density was 14 /mi2. There were 6,916 housing units at an average density of 7 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 78.04% White, 17.80% Black or African American, 0.59% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 2.29% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. 4.67% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 5,827 households, out of which 28.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.50% were married couples living together, 11.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.20% were non-families. 27.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.91. In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.90% under the age of 18, 7.80% from 18 to 24, 24.40% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 19.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 92.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.80 males. The median income for a household in the county was $27,558, and the median income for a family was $33,436. Males had a median income of $24,609 versus $17,566 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,058, making it one of the economically poorest counties in the state of Texas. About 13.10% of families and 17.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.20% of those under age 18 and 17.70% of those age 65 or over.

Education

The following school districts serve Red River County: Areas in Clarksville ISD, Detroit ISD, Prairiland ISD, and Rivercrest ISD (formerly Talco-Bogata CISD) within this county are assigned to Paris Junior College. Areas in Avery ISD are assigned to Texarkana College.

Notable people

Politics

Red River County is represented, as of January 2015, in the Texas House of Representatives by the Republican Gary VanDeaver, the former superintendent of the New Boston Independent School District in New Boston, Texas.