Lumberton, Texas

Geography

Lumberton is located at 30°15′50″N 94°12′7″W (30.263896, -94.201918).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.4 square miles (24 km²), all land.

The Eastex Freeway (comprising US 69, 96, and US 287) runs north from Beaumont into Lumberton and splits into two separate highways to the west and east in the south part of the town, both running north to south. The two highways run parallel through the city with Hwy. 96 in the eastern portion of the city and HWY 69 and US 287 in the Western portion. The two highways house the majority of the commercial development on the city. Lumberton is considered a "bedroom" community, one of the fastest growing towns in Texas. It has many subdivisions, and a school district.

Historical development

The town was established as a stop on the Gulf, Beaumont and Kansas City Railway that was built through the area in 1894. Serving the local sawmills and lumber camps, the post office was established at Lumberton in 1909. In 1914, the post office was relocated to the Fletcher site nearby which was a major sawmill until the mid-1920s. After the closure of the sawmill at Fletcher, the area would remain populated and would become part of the City of Lumberton when it was incorporated in 1973.

Demographics

As of the 2010 census Lumberton had a population of 11,943. The ethnic and racial make up of the population was 92.9% non-Hispanic white, 0.4% African-American, 0.3% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 1.0% Some other race and 1.3% reporting two or more races.

As of the census of 2000, there were 8,731 people, 3,198 households, and 2,542 families residing in the city. The population density was 928.5 people per square mile (358.6/km²). There were 3,443 housing units at an average density of 366.2 per square mile (141.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city as of the 2000 census was 97.64% White, 0.05% African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.87% from other races, and 0.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.79% of the population. The population in June 2005 was estimated at 9,657. The estimated population for June 2007 is 10,550.

There were 3,198 households out of which 42.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.4% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.5% were non-families. 17.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the city, the population was spread out with 29.1% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,700, and the median income for a family was $47,184. Males had a median income of $38,315 versus $26,217 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,640. About 5.5% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.0% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over. In 2005, the estimated average value of a home in Lumberton was $111,700.

The crime index rate for Lumberton in 2006 was 154.6. This is well below the national average of 325.2.

Lumberton is a rapidly growing community, and is the largest city in Hardin County. Many of the newest and largest subdivisions that are considered by many as part of Lumberton are actually outside of the city limits and not included in the official city population totals. The estimated population total in June 2007 of Lumberton and the surrounding subdivisions was 25,000 people.

Culture

Lumberton, Texas is the home of Village Creek State Park, which attracts tourists from all over the states of Texas and Louisiana. Every year, the Village Creek Festival is held in Lumberton.

Education

Lumberton is served by the Lumberton Independent School District. The athletic teams of Lumberton High School are known as the Raiders and compete in District 22-5A.

Notable people

Notable events

In October 1994, heavy rains (10-25 inches in 5 days) resulted in a severe flood over southeastern portions of Texas which damaged and destroyed homes across the region and resulted in 22 flood-related deaths. Lumberton suffered significant property damage, particularly in the Pine Island Bayou and Village Creek areas of Lumberton.

In 2005, Lumberton resident Mike Smith walked on to the LISD School Board at the age of 19. Smith became the youngest individual to be on a board of education in the state of Texas. In April 2007, Smith became the youngest man to testify in front of the Texas House of Representatives during the 2007 Legislative Session.

On September 24, 2005, Lumberton made national headlines after suffering a direct hit from Hurricane Rita.

On September 13, 2008, Lumberton made national headlines again for having another direct hit from Hurricane Ike.

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, Lumberton has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.