| Statistic | Shepherd | Texas | National |
| Population | 2,489 | 28,995,881 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 408 | 113 | 91 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 34.2 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 1.1:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 52% | 56% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 56% | 48% | 43% |
| Speak English | 73% | 65% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 26% | 30% | 13% |
The demographics of Shepherd offer invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of both urban and rural areas, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to foster prosperity, equity, and well-being for all residents. With a population of 2,489, Shepherd exhibits a population density of 408 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 91. The median age stands at 30.6, with 52% of individuals aged 15 or older being married and 56% having children under 18. In terms of income equality in Shepherd, 35% of households report a median income below $25,000, while 2% report an income exceeding $150,000, showcasing a diverse economic landscape.
The 5 largest ethnic groups in Shepherd are 70.4% White, 9.7% Black or African American, 0% Asian, 0% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 20.6% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Of note, 73.3% of households reported speaking English only, while 26.4% reported speaking Spanish only. Additionally, 6.1% of residents were classified as foreign-born. The Shepherd racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown are essential for comprehending and addressing systemic inequities, advancing social justice and inclusion and cultivating resilient communities.
Towns, villages or even small cities with below-average population density, like Shepherd, offer the expectation of a more laid-back lifestyle, deeper immersion in nature, strong community bonds, improved affordability and enhanced safety, drawing individuals seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of urban living. These regions often feature a more affordable cost of living, with housing prices typically more reasonable and residents may enjoy reduced taxes, living expenses and insurance rates. Low population density areas generally boast lower crime rates than densely populated urban areas, fostering a greater sense of safety and security for residents and their families. Shepherd has a population density of 408 people per square mile, which falls below 50% of cities nationwide, positioning it to leverage these outstanding benefits.
A family-friendly city like Shepherd can prioritize the well-being and needs of families, creating an environment where children thrive, parents feel supported and families can enjoy a high quality of life together. Family-friendly cities are also known to foster a strong sense of community, with neighbors supporting and looking out for one another. These areas could also boast excellent educational opportunities, including high-quality schools, libraries and extracurricular activities. Access to quality education is essential for children's development and future success. By prioritizing the well-being of its residents, such cities become vibrant and resilient communities where families can truly flourish. In Shepherd, 56% of families have kids under the age of 18 and 52% of residents over 15 years old are married. These demographics put this area in a position to reap the benefits of a family-friendly area.
Healthcare Planning: The analysis of Shepherd demographics can offer insights into healthcare planning and delivery, identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. By understanding demographic trends, healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities. Through the use of demographic data and statistics, healthcare providers and policymakers aim to achieve equitable, accessible and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive approach to healthcare planning ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and customized healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of populations.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics serve as valuable tools for guiding policy and decision-making processes across government entities, organizations, and businesses. Through the analysis and interpretation of Shepherd demographics, policymakers, government officials and organizational leaders can identify areas requiring attention, allocate resources strategically and develop policies and initiatives that cater to the unique needs and preferences of various demographic groups. Shepherd demographic statistics can play a critical role in policy planning by informing resource allocation, enabling evidence-based decision-making, identifying priority areas, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy outcomes and fostering equity and inclusivity. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can craft policies that are targeted, efficient and equitable, thereby addressing the diverse needs of communities.
Urban Development: Urban planners could use Shepherd demographic data to design and create areas that accommodate the needs of residents, including housing, transportation and public services, while promoting sustainability and quality of life. Demographic shifts can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood change in urban or rural areas. As neighborhoods attract new residents with different income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may rise, leading to displacement of long-time residents and changes in the character and identity of the neighborhood. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels helps inform decisions related to zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Lastly, using Shepherd demographics for planning and development of affordable housing can help prevent displacement.
| Race | Shepherd | Texas | National |
| White | 70.43% | 74.84% | 73.35% |
| Black | 9.72% | 11.95% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.00% | 4.36% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.00% | 0.48% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.08% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 13.58% | 2.50% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 6.27% | 5.79% | 4.75% |
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