According to homosociety, Silverton, Texas is a small town located in the northwestern corner of the state, near the Oklahoma border. Geographically, it is in a flat area of the Texas Panhandle, with an elevation of 1,853 feet. The climate is dry and semi-arid, with hot summers and cold winters. The average high temperature in July is 92 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low temperature in January is 17 degrees Fahrenheit.
The history of Silverton dates back to 1873 when it was founded by six settlers who arrived from Iowa. It was officially incorporated as a city in 1889 and had its first mayor elected in 1890. Since then, Silverton has grown slowly but steadily due to its agricultural industry and oil production.
Politically, Silverton leans Republican but there are some Democratic voters as well. The city has had several mayors over the years and currently has a mayor-council form of government.
The economy of Silverton relies heavily on agriculture and oil production as well as tourism from nearby attractions such as Palo Duro Canyon State Park and Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway which draw visitors from all over Texas to experience the natural beauty of these areas. Additionally, there are several small businesses that serve both locals and tourists alike such as restaurants, hotels, stores and more.
Silverton is home to one school district which includes two elementary schools (Kindergarten through 5th grade) one middle school (6th through 8th grade) and one high school (9th through 12th grade). All schools offer many extracurricular activities such as sports teams and clubs for students to participate in during their free time.
As far as landmarks go, Silverton has several historic sites including the old courthouse which was built in 1895; the First United Methodist Church which was established in 1876; numerous churches throughout town; two cemeteries; two parks; an art gallery; a museum; an opera house; a library; numerous monuments dedicated to veterans who served our country; a post office building that dates back to 1911; three banks dating back to 1888; various local stores that have been around since early 1900s or before; multiple oil wells throughout town that have been producing since 1880s or before; plus much more!
Population: 771. Estimated population in July 2020: 706 (-8.4% change)
Males: 358 (46.4%), Females: 413 (53.6%)
Briscoe County
Zip code: 79257
Median resident age: 38.4 years
Median household income: $27,014
Median house value: $25,700
Races in Silverton:
- White Non-Hispanic (70.0%)
- Hispanic (28.1%)
- Other race (15.7%)
- Two or more races (3.5%)
- American Indian (1.0%)
- Black (0.5%)
(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)
Ancestries: United States (24.1%), Irish (5.7%), German (4.9%), English (4.5%), Scottish (2.3%), Scotch-Irish (1.3%).
Elevation: 3278 feet
Land area: 1.0 square miles
Population
Silverton, Texas is a small rural town located in Briscoe County. It has a population of only 854 people, according to the 2010 census. The majority of the population is white, accounting for 87.8 percent of the population. The remaining 12.2 percent are comprised of Hispanic or Latino individuals, African Americans and Native Americans. The median age in Silverton is 40 years old and the median household income is $45,000. The poverty rate in Silverton is slightly higher than the national average at 17 percent compared to 14 percent nationwide. Despite this, it remains a tight-knit community with strong ties to its past and a dedication to preserving its heritage and culture for future generations. Education is highly valued in the town, with several elementary schools and one high school serving local children from kindergarten through 12th grade. There are several churches within the town limits as well as numerous local businesses that serve both residents and visitors alike. With its quaint charm, friendly atmosphere and rural setting, Silverton has something to offer everyone looking for a safe place to call home or just an enjoyable visit!
For population 25 years and over in Silverton
- High school or higher: 69.4%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.1%
- Graduate or professional degree: 2.5%
- Unemployed: 3.5%
- Mean travel time to work: 20.9 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Silverton city
- Never married: 22.0%
- Now married: 61.3%
- Separated: 2.5%
- Widowed: 11.3%
- Divorced: 2.9%
6.6% Foreign born (6.6% Latin America).
Population change in the 1990s: -7 (-0.9%).
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Silverton:
- W J MANGOLD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 21 miles; LOCKNEY, TX)
- SWISHER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 30 miles; TULIA, TX)
- COVENANT HOSPITAL PLAINVIEW (about 35 miles; PLAINVIEW, TX)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Silverton:
- AMARILLO INTL (about 59 miles; AMARILLO, TX; Abbreviation: AMA)
- LUBBOCK INTL (about 67 miles; LUBBOCK, TX; Abbreviation: LBB)
- CANNON AFB (about 140 miles; CLOVIS, NM; Abbreviation: CVS)
Other public-use airports nearest to Silverton:
- FLOYDADA MUNICIPAL (about 33 miles; FLOYDADA, TX; Abbreviation: Q41)
- JOE VAUGHN SPRAYING (about 33 miles; KRESS, TX; Abbreviation: 29F)
- CITY OF TULIA/SWISHER COUNTY MUNI (about 33 miles; TULIA, TX; Abbreviation: Q06)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Silverton:
- WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY (about 35 miles; PLAINVIEW, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,578)
- WEST TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY (about 54 miles; CANYON, TX; Full-time enrollment: 5,476)
- AMARILLO COLLEGE (about 63 miles; AMARILLO, TX; Full-time enrollment: 4,876)
- TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY (about 70 miles; LUBBOCK, TX; Full-time enrollment: 22,439)
- SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE (about 97 miles; LEVELLAND, TX; Full-time enrollment: 3,851)
- EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS (about 143 miles; PORTALES, NM; Full-time enrollment: 2,955)
- HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY (about 175 miles; Abilene, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,026)
Public primary/middle school in Silverton:
- SILVERTON SCHOOL (Students: 234; Location: 700 LORETTA ST; Grades: PK – 12)
Libraries
Library in Silverton:
- SILVERTON PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $7,287; Location: 415 MAIN ST; 7,502 books; 35 audio materials; 32 video materials; 3 serial subscriptions)