Sonora, Texas
According to Internetsailors.com, Sonora, Texas is located in the heart of Texas Hill Country and is known for its rugged terrain and stunning vistas. The area enjoys a mild climate with hot summers and cool winters, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities year-round. The city was originally founded in 1881 and has a long history of ranching and farming. Today, Sonora’s economy is largely based on agriculture, oil production, tourism, and manufacturing. The city has two public school districts: Sonora Independent School District (SISD) and the Sonora Elementary School District (SESD). SISD consists of five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. SESD consists of two elementary schools.
In addition to its educational offerings, Sonora boasts numerous landmarks that draw tourists from all over the world. These include the Caverns of Sonora—a set of limestone caves located just outside the city—as well as San Angelo State Park—a large recreational area with camping sites, hiking trails, fishing spots, swimming areas, and more. Other popular attractions include Fort Lancaster State Historic Site—an old fort from the 1800s—the International Rock Art Museum—which showcases ancient Native American rock art—and many more places to explore! As far as politics go, Sonora has traditionally been a Democratic stronghold in Texas; however recent elections have shown a shift toward Republican candidates in certain areas.
Population: 2,924. Estimated population in July 2020: 3,008 (+2.9% change)
Males: 1,453 (49.7%), Females: 1,471 (50.3%)
Sutton County
Zip code: 76950
Median resident age: 33.7 years
Median household income: $36,272
Median house value: $52,200
Races in Sonora:
- Hispanic (53.4%)
- White Non-Hispanic (45.6%)
- Other race (23.4%)
- Two or more races (1.5%)
(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)
Ancestries: United States (8.2%), German (6.2%), English (5.4%), Irish (5.2%), French (2.2%), Scotch-Irish (1.7%).
Elevation: 2133 feet
Land area: 2.0 square miles
Population
Sonora, Texas is a small rural town located in western Texas. It is home to a population of just over 3,000 people. The majority of the population consists of Caucasians, making up 67% of the total population. Following Caucasians, Hispanics make up nearly 25%, with African Americans and Native Americans making up the remaining 8%. The median age in Sonora is 36 years old, which is slightly lower than the national average. Additionally, approximately 45% of households are married couples living together and 33% are non-families. The median household income in Sonora is $33,977, which is slightly lower than the U.S median household income of $53,482.
The economy in Sonora revolves mostly around agriculture and ranching. This includes raising livestock such as cattle and horses as well as growing crops like cotton and wheat. Additionally, there are many small businesses located in town that provide local goods and services to residents. These include restaurants, grocery stores, auto repair shops and more. Education is also an important part of life in Sonora; there are three schools within the city limits that serve students from kindergarten through high school graduation. Finally, healthcare services are provided by a local hospital for those who need them most.
For population 25 years and over in Sonora
- High school or higher: 64.8%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.3%
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.5%
- Unemployed: 4.4%
- Mean travel time to work: 15.8 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Sonora city
- Never married: 17.6%
- Now married: 66.8%
- Separated: 2.0%
- Widowed: 6.8%
- Divorced: 6.8%
12.7% Foreign born (11.9% Latin America).
Population change in the 1990s: +34 (+1.2%).
Hospitals
Hospital/medical center in Sonora:
- LILLIAN M HUDSPETH MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (308 HUDSPETH)
Other hospitals/medical centers near Sonora:
- SCHLEICHER COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER (about 22 miles; ELDORADO, TX)
- SAN ANGELO COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER (about 55 miles; SAN ANGELO, TX)
- KIMBLE HOSPITAL (about 61 miles; JUNCTION, TX)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Sonora:
- SAN ANGELO REGIONAL/MATHIS FIELD (about 55 miles; SAN ANGELO, TX; Abbreviation: SJT)
- DYESS AFB (about 139 miles; ABILENE, TX; Abbreviation: DYS)
- MIDLAND INTERNATIONAL (about 143 miles; MIDLAND, TX; Abbreviation: MAF)
Other public-use airports nearest to Sonora:
- SONORA MUNI (about 2 miles; SONORA, TX; Abbreviation: E29)
- ELDORADO (about 20 miles; ELDORADO, TX; Abbreviation: 27R)
- OZONA MUNI (about 41 miles; OZONA, TX; Abbreviation: OZA)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Sonora:
- ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY (about 57 miles; SAN ANGELO, TX; Full-time enrollment: 5,477)
- SOUTHWEST TEXAS JUNIOR COLLEGE (about 107 miles; UVALDE, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,366)
- MIDLAND COLLEGE (about 142 miles; MIDLAND, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,800)
- HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY (about 146 miles; Abilene, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,026)
- ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY (about 146 miles; ABILENE, TX; Full-time enrollment: 4,380)
- ODESSA COLLEGE (about 154 miles; ODESSA, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,555)
- THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO (about 157 miles; SAN ANTONIO, TX; Full-time enrollment: 14,495)
Schools
Public high school in Sonora:
- SONORA H S (Students: 268; Location: 807 S CONCHO AVE; Grades: 09 – 12)
Public primary/middle schools in Sonora:
- SONORA EL (Students: 381; Location: 807 S CONCHO AVE; Grades: PK – 04)
- SONORA J H (Students: 281; Location: 807 S CONCHO AVE; Grades: 05 – 08)
Libraries
Library in Sonora:
- SUTTON COUNTY LIBRARY (Operating income: $81,059; Location: 306 E MULBERRY ST; 15,216 books; 2,211 audio materials; 10 video materials; 19 serial subscriptions)