A Comprehensive Look at Local Voting-Age Demographics: Midland and Fort Stockton, Texas

Source: The Carrasco Chronicle Files/U.S. election day

By Josiah Carrasco

Recent data released by the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) provides detailed insights into the changing makeup of voting-age citizens across the United States. The 2023 ACS 1-year estimates, released on September 12, 2024, give us a clearer picture of how populations are evolving at both state and county levels, with direct relevance to areas like Midland and Fort Stockton, Texas.

Key National Trends and Their Relevance to West Texas

Nationally, the ACS data reveals several notable trends:

• Aging Population: The share of the U.S. population aged 65 and older increased in every state, while the proportion of citizens aged 18-29 declined.

• Racial and Ethnic Changes: Non-Hispanic white citizens decreased in nearly every state, while those identifying as two or more races rose in most areas.

• Educational Attainment: Every state saw a rise in citizens with at least a bachelor's degree.

  
  

These trends are mirrored at the state level in Texas, but specific dynamics in Midland and Fort Stockton add nuance to the broader picture.

Midland's Voting-Age Population

Midland has long been a hub for the energy sector, and this is reflected in its demographic shifts. Here’s what the latest data shows:

• Aging Population: Between 2019 and 2023, the percentage of citizens aged 65 and older in Midland rose by 2.1 percentage points. This growth in the older population is tied to long-term residents who have settled in the area during Midland’s oil boom periods.

• Younger Voters Decline: Like many areas nationwide, Midland saw a decrease in the share of voters aged 18-29, down by 1.3 percentage points. While young professionals continue to move to the area for jobs, many are transient, contributing to a shrinking base of younger permanent residents.

• Increasing Diversity: Midland’s racial makeup has shifted, with the non-Hispanic white population decreasing by 1.5 percentage points. Hispanic residents, already a significant part of the electorate, have seen their numbers grow, now representing over 40% of the voting-age population.

  
  

These changes are expected to influence Midland’s political landscape, as issues like healthcare, education, and equitable economic policies become more prominent for both older and more diverse voters.

Fort Stockton’s Demographic Shifts

Fort Stockton, a smaller and more rural area than Midland, is experiencing similar trends, but at a slightly different pace:

• Aging Population: Fort Stockton’s citizen voting-age population aged 65 and older increased by 3.5 percentage points, reflecting one of the most significant shifts in the region. This older electorate will likely bring more attention to issues like local healthcare services and infrastructure support for seniors.

• Stable Yet Diverse: The Hispanic population continues to dominate Fort Stockton’s demographics, accounting for approximately 70% of the voting-age population. Additionally, the share of residents identifying as two or more races has risen, adding to the area's diversity.

  
  

Educational Attainment

Across both Midland and Fort Stockton, there has been a notable rise in educational attainment:

• Midland: The share of citizens with at least a bachelor’s degree increased by 2%, a sign of the growing demand for a highly skilled workforce, especially in sectors like energy and technology.

• Fort Stockton: While the increase in degree holders is more modest at 1.3%, the trend still represents progress in education for the area. Local initiatives focused on improving higher education access could continue to drive this trend.

Implications for Local Elections

The changes in the age, racial composition, and educational attainment of Midland and Fort Stockton’s voting-age populations will likely shift the focus of political campaigns.

Candidates will need to address a growing older population and prioritize healthcare, Medicare, and retirement issues. Additionally, the increasing Hispanic and multiracial populations will expect policies that support immigration reform, bilingual education, and economic opportunities for diverse communities.

As educational attainment rises, local elections may also see more discussion around higher education, workforce development, and economic diversification.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how these demographic shifts impact Midland and Fort Stockton is critical as we look toward future elections. The combination of an aging population, increasing diversity, and rising educational levels will shape political discourse and policy-making in ways that reflect the evolving needs and priorities of West Texas voters.

For more detailed information on the 2023 ACS data, including specific statistics for Midland and Fort Stockton, visit the U.S. Census Bureau’s ACS data page and the official press kit for the 2023 ACS 1-year estimates​(Census.gov)​(Census.gov)​(Census.gov).