Most Conservative Cities in Texas
As someone who has personally visited every one of the 12 most conservative cities in Texas listed here, I can confidently say that the Lone Star State embodies traditional lifestyles, conservative traditions, and strong religious beliefs like no other. Having explored these regions myself, I’ve witnessed firsthand their distinct social conservatism.
In this article, I’ll delve into the local culture, political leanings, and regional cultures of these cities and how they profoundly influence daily life. My journey through Texas when doing a location search for one of our premium clients has given me a unique perspective, perfect for those looking to relocate to a conservative neighborhood or for anyone curious about the intricacies of Texas politics.
On the flip side, here’s an article on the most liberal cities in Texas you may also want to take a look at.
12. Lubbock
Economy and Voting Patterns
First on the list of the most conservative cities in Texas is Northwest Texas’ Lubbock. This city houses a sizable conservative population. Agriculture, healthcare and education are the main sectors of the city’s economy, with Texas Tech University serving as a significant employer[1].
Lubbock has regularly supported Republicans in federal, state and local elections during the last few decades. For instance, 65% of Lubbock County voters supported the Republican nominee for president in the 2020 election[2]. This is something that was evident on the ground from my conversations with locals, the area has been a staunch republican stronghold for decades and the residents actively “support” the party.
Religion and Social Values
The city has a sizable population of evangelical Christians, which supports its socially conservative viewpoints. The major religious groups in Lubbock are Catholics and Baptists, with around 61% of the population identifying as religious[3].
The city’s position on topics like abortion and conventional marriage is influenced by its prominent religious population. Lubbock recently enacted a bill making the city a “sanctuary city for the unborn,” making abortions illegal inside the boundaries of the city, a vote that was hotly contested by many of the conservative religious groups in the area[4]. The close-knit community and strong sense of shared values are appreciated by the locals.
Key Statistics (US Government Census)
Median Age – 31.8 (younger than national average)
Population aged 65 and older – 11.8% (less seniors than national average)
Same sex relationship status – 0.4% (on par with national average)[5]
11. Amarillo
Economy and Voting Patterns
Another city with firmly planted conservative views is Amarillo, which is located in the Texas Panhandle. Agriculture, oil, and natural gas are the city’s primary economic drivers and these sectors frequently support conservative political ideologies. The city of Amarillo has strong ties with Texas’ space industry, something that aligns itself closely with conservative politics and funding, as I found out when visiting the Texas Air and Space Museum and seeing their list of donors.
The city has strong conservative leanings, as evidenced by the fact that 69.9% of Potter County voters and 79.8% of Randall County voters supported the Republican nominee for president in the 2020 election[6].
Religion and Social Values
The residents of Amarillo are known for their deep religious beliefs and for having a sizable population of evangelical Christians. Amarillo’s population self-identifies as religious to a degree of around 57%[7].
Local officials frequently support conservative causes including minimal government intrusion and pro-life legislation. Also, the city typically votes Republican.
Key Statistics (US Government Census)
Median Age – 35.9 (younger than national average)
Population aged 65 and older – 16.8 (less seniors than national average)
Same sex relationship status – 0.4% (on par with national average)[8]
10. Midland
Economy and Voting Patterns
Number 10 on the list of the most conservative cities in Texas is Midland. This city which lies in the geographic heart of the Permian Basin, is an oil and gas-metropolis. In fact there was so much buzz around oil and gas I had to go and see the Permain Basin Petroleum Museum! You wouldn’t think you could make a museum out of such an industrial topic, but it adds some character to the city alright. These sectors’ contribution to economic stability has resulted in mostly conservative residents. Due to the county’s strong conservatism, 77% of voters in the 2020 presidential election supported the Republican nominee[9].
Religion and Social Values
Midland is a center for conservative ideals. Its citizens frequently place a high priority on economic development, job creation and little government involvement. Many people I talked to were employed by or involved in supplying/supporting the oil and gas industry in the area.
The city’s social and political scene is significantly shaped by local churches and faith-based groups, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a conservative stronghold. Around 50% of Midland’s population self-identifies as religious, with Baptists being the largest religious group, according to the Association of Religion Data Archives[7].
Key Statistics (US Government Census)
Median Age – 33.3 (younger than national average)
Population aged 65 and older – 12.5% (less seniors than national average)
Same sex relationship status – 0.2% (less than national average)[10]
9. Odessa
Economy and Voting Patterns
The conservative tendencies of Midland’s nearby city, Odessa, are quite comparable. The city’s economy is based on the gas and oil sector and citizens generally support conservative politics that emphasize economic growth and little government intervention.
By voting for the Republican nominee in the 2020 presidential contest, 73% of Ector County voters demonstrated the city’s strong conservatism[9].
Religion and Social Values
Odessa has a sizable Christian population and many of its citizens support pro-life beliefs and traditional family values that may explain the city’s social conservatism. About 53% of Odessa’s population self-identifies as religious[7].
The city’s religious population is crucial in influencing local politics and social concerns, enhancing its reputation as a conservative city.
Key Statistics (US Government Census)
Median Age – 33.0 (younger than national average)
Population aged 65 and older – 12.9% (less seniors than national average)
Same sex relationship status – 0.3% (less than national average)[11]
8. Abilene
Economy and Voting Patterns
The three major institutions in Abilene, which is in West Central Texas, are well-known for having strong religious connections. The industries that support the city’s economy include manufacturing, healthcare and education. Republican politicians have always enjoyed the support of Abilene in local, state, and federal elections.
Taylor County residents, who tended to lean conservative, supported the Republican candidate with 72% of the vote in the 2020 presidential election[9].
Religion and Social Values
The conservative culture of the city is greatly influenced by these institutions, especially the Abilene Christian University. Republicans and conservative social beliefs, such as support for traditional marriage and opposition to abortion, are popular among Abilene people, in fact 47% of residents voted to make abortion illegal in 2022[12]. The city also shows strong support for the armed forces, I visited the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum when I was fact-finding, and based on how busy it was the city’s conservative support for the country’s military was palpable.
Approximately 60% of Abilene’s population self-identifies as religious, with Baptists and Methodists being the two largest religious groups[7]. Local politics and social concerns are greatly influenced by the city’s vibrant religious population.
Key Statistics (US Government Census)
Median Age – 34.7 (younger than national average)
Population aged 65 and older – 16.8% (less seniors than national average)
Same sex relationship status – 0.3% (less than national average)[13]
7. Wichita Falls
Economy and Voting Patterns
In national, state and local elections, the majority of Wichita Falls voters favor Republican candidates, continuing a long tradition of conservative voting in North Texas. Oil, gas, manufacturing and the military are the city’s main economic drivers and these sectors frequently support conservative political ideologies.
70% of Wichita County voters choose the Republican nominee for president in the 2020 election, highlighting the city’s solid conservatism[9].
Religion and Social Values
Sheppard Air Force Base’s presence also helps the community’s patriotism and support for a robust national defense, two characteristics that are important to conservative philosophy.
About 52% of the people in Wichita Falls self-identify as religious[7]. Residents of the city usually place a high priority on a strong national defense, traditional family values and minimal government intervention in social concerns.
Key Statistics (US Government Census)
Median Age – 35.0 (younger than national average)
Population aged 65 and older – 17.8% (less seniors than national average)
Same sex relationship status – 0.3% (less than national average)[14]
6. Longview
Economy and Voting Patterns
Another of East Texas’ best cities with a strong conservative character is Longview. Manufacturing, healthcare as well as the oil and gas sector all contribute to the city’s economy. These sectors frequently share conservative political ideologies with development of fossil fuels and minimal government involvement in industry, for example. When conversing with locals it was clear to me that old school American values stood true here in Longview, if you’re looking for a community of straight talking and hard working people you’ll find it here.
Gregg County, which has a conservative leaning, supported the Republican candidate with 72.6% of the vote in the 2020 presidential election[9].
Religion and Social Values
Most of the people in Longview identify as evangelical Christians, which helps to shape the city’s socially conservative views. About 57% of the people in Longview self-identify as religious[7]. The neighborhood is well known for its adherence to traditional family values, pro-life viewpoints and support for little government intervention in religious issues.
Key Statistics (US Government Census)
Median Age – 36.7 (younger than national average)
Population aged 65 and older – 18.7% (more seniors than national average)
Same sex relationship status – 0.2% (less than national average)[15]
5. Tyler
Economy and Voting Patterns
Tyler is well recognized for its prosperous economy, which is supported by the oil and gas, industrial and healthcare sectors. It is widely regarded as one of the best places to live in East Texas. These sectors frequently embrace conservative political ideologies including minimal government intrusion and pro-business regulations. Smith County’s 85% support for the Republican nominee in the 2020 presidential contest demonstrated the city’s conservatism[9].
Religion and Social Values
The abundance of churches and the prominence of evangelical Christians both have an impact on the city’s conservative views. About 58% of Tyler’s population self-identifies as religious[7]. Traditional family values, minimal government intervention in social concerns and a powerful national defense are usually priorities among Tyler people.
Tyler was one of my favorite cities I visited in East Texas due to the high quality of local amenities and a strong-growing economy, making it a great location for those looking to expand their careers with a family.
Key Statistics (US Government Census)
Median Age – 35.4 (younger than national average)
Population aged 65 and older – 19.5% (more seniors than national average)
Same sex relationship status – 0.2% (less than national average)[16]
4. San Angelo
Economy and Voting Patterns
Just missing out on the top three on the most conservative cities in Texas, is San Angelo. This is another city in West Central Texas with a strong conservative character. Manufacturing, agriculture and the military are the city’s main economic drivers and these sectors frequently support conservative political ideologies. This may suit those who want something a little less ‘metropolis’ as their new home, it definitely had a bit more of a country vibe than many of the other cities I toured in order to make up this report.
Tom Green County, which has conservative leanings, voted 71.2% in favor of the Republican nominee for president in the 2020 election[9].
Religion and Social Values
The existence of Goodfellow Air Force Base enhances the community’s sense of patriotism and support for a robust national defense, two characteristics that are important to conservative thought. Approximately 49% of San Angelo’s population self-identifies as religious[7].
Republican voting and conservative social views, such as opposition to abortion and support for traditional marriage, are common among San Angelo citizens.
Key Statistics (US Government Census)
Median Age – 35.1 (younger than national average)
Population aged 65 and older – 18.2% (on par with national average)
Same sex relationship status – 0.4% (on par with national average)[17]
3. Beaumont
Economy and Voting Patterns
Southeast Texas’ Beaumont has a history of conservative voting traditions, with most locals backing Republican candidates in national, state and local elections. Petrochemical manufacturing and the oil and gas sectors, which frequently support conservative political ideologies, are the city’s main economic drivers.
As evidence of the city’s conservatism, 50% of Jefferson County voters elected a Republican candidate in the 2020 Presidential election[9].
Religion and Social Values
The predominance of evangelical Christians in Beaumont adds to the social conservatism of the city. About 53% of Beaumont’s population self-identifies as religious[7]. The neighborhood is popular for its adherence to traditional family values, pro-life viewpoints and little government involvement in issues of religion.
Key Statistics (US Government Census)
Median Age – 36.8 (younger than national average)
Population aged 65 and older – 15.9% (less seniors than national average)
Same sex relationship status – 0.3% (less than national average)[18]
2. Waco
Economy and Voting Patterns
Waco, a city in Central Texas, is popular for its vibrant religious scene. Baylor University, a Baptist-affiliated school, has a big impact on the community’s traditional values. The city’s conservative leanings were highlighted by the fact that 59.2% of McLennan County voters supported the Republican nominee in the 2020 Presidential election[9]. Although Waco has a fairly young population I did feel that it had a strong conservative ethos and the roots of a growing conservative movement. It’s hard to say exactly why, but out of all my travels across Texas, I would earmark Waco as a city that will grow stronger and stronger in it’s conservative population and values over the next 10-20 years.
Religion and Social Values
Republicans and conservative social beliefs, such as opposition to abortion and support for traditional marriage, are popular among Waco voters. About 54% of Waco’s population self-identifies as religious[7]. The city’s vibrant religious scene significantly influences local politics and social concerns, furthering its reputation as a conservative metropolis.
Key Statistics (US Government Census)
Median Age – 30.6 (younger than national average)
Population aged 65 and older – 13.0% (less seniors than national average)
Same sex relationship status – 0.3% (less than national average)[19]
1. Temple – Most Conservative City in Texas
Economy and Voting Patterns
Temple, which is in Central Texas, is the most conservative city in Texas on my list. The city has always voted conservatively and has conservative ideals. The healthcare sector, especially the presence of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, which provides employment to numerous citizens, serves as the city’s economic backbone. Bell County’s 69.2% support for the Republican nominee in the 2020 presidential contest demonstrated the city’s conservative leanings[9].
Religion and Social Values
Temple is a bastion for conservative ideals. Its citizens frequently prefer minimal government interference, financial growth and support for traditional family values. About 50% of Temple’s population self-identifies as religious, according to the Association of Religion Data Archives[7]. The city’s significant number of churches and other faith-based institutions also adds to the social conservatism of the area.
When conversing with locals I found that in terms of outlook, values and viewpoints Temple was the most conservative of all the locations I visited. If you are looking for a place with solid traditional values, an established conservative community and a lifestyle that involves religious beliefs at its core Temple is the place for you.
Key Statistics (US Government Census)
Median Age – 35.9 (younger than national average)
Population aged 65 and older – 16.0% (less seniors than national average)
Same sex relationship status – 0.4% (on par with national average)[20]
Conclusion – 12 Most Conservative Cities in Texas
In the end, Texas has a large number of cities with distinctly conservative identities that are influenced by things like industry, religious inclination and cultural tradition. These 12 cities showcase their socially conservative ideals that dominate the Lone Star State.
Traditional family values, little government intervention in social concerns and support for sectors like oil and gas, agriculture and manufacturing are frequently a priority for residents of these communities. Evangelical Christians have a large role in influencing local politics and social concerns in these cities, which also have a high number of inhabitants who identify as religious.
Remember that although these cities are notable for their conservatism, they also provide a variety of cultural and recreational possibilities, making them suitable to individuals with a variety of interests and lifestyles.
From Tyler’s rich history and picturesque landscapes to Lubbock’s vibrant arts scene, these communities provide a distinctive fusion of traditional values and modern amenities that make them wonderful locations to call home.
References
3 – https://guides.library.ttu.edu/lubbock/religion
4 – https://www.texastribune.org/2021/05/01/lubbock-abortion-vote-sanctuary-unborn/
5 – https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=United%20States&g=160XX00US4845000
6 – https://eu.amarillo.com/story/news/2020/11/03/2020-general-election-results/6150540002/
7 – https://www.usreligioncensus.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/2020_US_Religion_Census.pdf
8 – https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=United%20States&g=160XX00US4803000
9 – https://abcnews.go.com/Elections/texas-county-presidential-election-results-2020
10 – https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=United%20States&g=160XX00US4848072
11 – https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=United%20States&g=160XX00US4853388
12 – https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/abilene-narrowly-passes-sanctuary-city-for-the-unborn-ordinance
13 – https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=United%20States&g=160XX00US4801000
14 – https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=United%20States&g=160XX00US4879000
15 – https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=United%20States&g=160XX00US4843888
16 – https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=United%20States&g=160XX00US4874144
17 – https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=United%20States&g=160XX00US4864472
18 – https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=United%20States&g=160XX00US4807000
19 – https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=United%20States&g=160XX00US4876000
20 – https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=United%20States&g=160XX00US4872176
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