Angleton, Texas

History

Angleton was founded in 1890 near the center of Brazoria County and named for the wife of the general manager of the Velasco Terminal Railway. A bitter rivalry emerged between the town and nearby Brazoria for the location of the county seat; Angleton was chosen as the seat in 1896 and re-chosen by county-wide election in 1913. The town was incorporated on November 12, 1912.

As the county seat, Angleton hosts the Brazoria County Fair every October; it is considered Texas's largest county fair.

Geography

Angleton is located near the center of Brazoria County at 29°9′59″N 95°25′41″W (29.166478, -95.428122). Texas State Highway 288, a four-lane freeway, runs along the western edge of the city, with access from five exits. Highway 288 leads north 43 miles (69 km) to downtown Houston and south 18 miles (29 km) to Freeport near the Gulf of Mexico. Texas State Highway 35 crosses Highway 288 and passes through the center of Angleton, leading northeast 21 miles (34 km) to Alvin and west 37 miles (60 km) to Bay City.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Angleton has a total area of 11.3 square miles (29.2 km²), of which 0.019 sq mi (0.05 km²), or 0.17%, is covered by water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, 18,130 people, 6,508 households, and 4,894 families resided in the city. The population density was 1,716.3 people per square mile (662.9/km²). There were 7,220 housing units at an average density of 683.5 per square mile (264.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 63.21% White, 23.19% Hispanic or Latino, 11.38% African American, 0.47% Native American, 1.12% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 9.63% from other races, and 2.15% from two or more races.

Of the 6,508 households, 41.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.5% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.8% were not families. About 21.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the city, the population was distributed as 29.8% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,184, and for a family was $50,019. Males had a median income of $39,711 versus $23,508 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,915. About 8.9% of families and 11.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.4% of those under age 18 and 13.8% of those age 65 or over.

Government and infrastructure

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) operates the Angleton District Parole Office in Angleton. In addition, the TDCJ Wayne Scott Unit is located in an unincorporated area near Angleton.

The United States Postal Service operates the Angleton Post Office.

Parks

Angleton is home to nine parks, including a dog park.

Emergency services

The city is served by the following for emergency services:

Public schools

The public schools in the city are operated by Angleton Independent School District.

Alternative instructional

Private schools

Public Libraries

The Angleton Library and the Brazoria County Historical Museum Library are a part of the Brazoria County Library System.

Economy

Benchmark Electronics is based in Angleton. Country Hearth Inn, originally known as Homeplace, opened its first location in Angleton in 1983.

Transportation

Greyhound Bus Lines operates the Angleton Station at 530 E Mulberry St, located in the city.

Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport serves Angleton.

Southern Brazoria County Transit provides bus service options for Angleton, along with Clute, Lake Jackson, and Freeport.

Notable people

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Angleton has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.