Ballinger, Texas is a city located in Runnels County. It is bordered by several cities and towns, each offering its own unique attractions and experiences. To the north of Ballinger lies Winters, Texas which is home to the Winters Public Library as well as many restaurants and shops. To the east lies Miles, Texas which features a variety of outdoor recreation sites such as the Lake Sweetwater State Park and the historic Santa Fe Depot, both of which are popular destinations for visitors.
To the south of Ballinger lies Paint Rock, Texas which is home to several historical sites such as the Paint Rock State Historic Site and Fort Lancaster State Historical Park. This area also features many outdoor activities including hiking trails, horseback riding trails and fishing spots.
To the west lies Rowena, Texas which features a variety of attractions such as The Big Blue Hole Swimming Pool & Water Slides, a public golf course and several museums. This area also offers plenty of opportunities for shopping with stores such as Walmart Supercenter and Walgreens located here.
Finally, to the northwest lies Talpa, Texas which is home to many art galleries featuring local talent as well as numerous restaurants offering unique dishes from around the world. From small family-owned restaurants to fine dining establishments there are plenty of options available in Talpa for visitors looking to enjoy some great food while visiting Ballinger.
Population of Ballinger, Texas
The population of Ballinger, Texas is estimated to be 3,726 residents as of 2019. Approximately 37.4% of the population identify as White, 28.5% identify as Hispanic or Latino, 24.7% identify as African American and 6.8% identify as Native American or other races. The median age in Ballinger is 34 years old with a gender ratio of 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The city has a relatively small population density with only 1,965 people per square mile compared to the national average of 82 people per square mile. The majority of the population in Ballinger are employed in either healthcare and social assistance (17%), retail trade (14%) or educational services (10%). The median household income for Ballinger is $38,082 which is slightly lower than the U.S average of $60,293 according to data from 2018-2019 US Census Bureau estimates.
Ballinger also has a diverse religious makeup with many residents identifying as Protestant (48%), Catholic (20%), Other Christian Denomination (15%) or Non-Religious (13%). The city also features several churches such as First United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church which offer weekly services for its community members looking to connect with their faith and community alike.
Schools and Education of Ballinger, Texas
According to topschoolsintheusa.com, Ballinger, Texas is home to several educational institutions that serve the needs of its students and community members. The Ballinger Independent School District (BISD) operates three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school in the city. The district is highly rated with a 8 out of 10 rating from GreatSchools.org and is dedicated to providing an environment where students can learn, grow and succeed.
The district also offers a variety of extracurricular activities for all grade levels such as sports teams, academic clubs, fine arts programs and more. BISD also provides advanced learning opportunities for its high school students including college classes and dual credit courses that allow them to earn college credits while still in high school.
In addition to the public schools in Ballinger there are also several private schools in the area such as St. Mary’s Catholic School which offers a faith-based education for grades Pre-K through 8th grade, as well as San Angelo Christian Academy which provides an excellent education based on Christian values for grades Pre-K through 12th grade.
Higher education options are available in Ballinger as well with Howard Payne University located just outside of town offering bachelor’s degrees in a variety of disciplines such as business, education and nursing. Angelo State University is located about 30 miles away in San Angelo offering bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral programs for those looking to further their educational career.
Landmarks in Ballinger, Texas
According to a2zdirectory, Ballinger, Texas is home to a variety of landmarks that draw visitors to the city. One of the most iconic is the Ballinger Water Tower which is located in downtown Ballinger and has been standing since 1925. The water tower was originally built as part of a Works Progress Administration project and stands at 80 feet tall with a capacity of 500,000 gallons. It is visible from all parts of the city and serves as a reminder of Ballinger’s proud history.
The Old Bluffton Schoolhouse is another historic landmark located in Ballinger that was built in 1894 and served as an elementary school until 1951. Today, it serves as a museum with exhibits showcasing the history of education in the area, as well as artifacts from its time as an active schoolhouse.
Another popular landmark in Ballinger is the Runnels County Courthouse which was built in 1909 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976. The courthouse features beautiful architecture and architecture details such as stained glass windows, marble staircases and intricate wood carvings throughout its interior.
The First United Methodist Church also serves as an important landmark for many residents due to its age and historical significance having been established in 1888. The church offers weekly services for community members looking to connect with their faith, while also serving as an important gathering place for special events suchas weddings, funerals, baptisms and more.
Finally, there are several other landmarks throughout Ballinger including several historical markers that commemorate key moments in local history suchas the Battle of Dove Creek which took place during the Civil War, or Camp Colorado which served as a Confederate camp during the same war. Visitors can explore these sites to gain insight into Ballinger’s past while also enjoying some beautiful scenery along their journey.