Rockport is a city in Aransas County, Texas, United States. The population was 7,385 at the 2000 census. It is
the county seat of Aransas County6. The town is named for the rock ledge underlying
its shore. It is located south of the Live Oak Peninsula, which stretches out into Copano Bay.
Rockport Texas is a coastal community of approximately 8000 citizens. Large windswept live
oaks are a dominating feature of the area and the state's oldest live oak, "Big Tree," resides on nearby Lamar Peninsula.
The towns of Rockport and Fulton intermingle and many refer to the combined communities as
"Rockport-Fulton." The community boasts a unique Maritime Museum, The Fulton Mansion
State Historic Site, numerous art galleries and unique shops. Rockport is widely known as an artist's haven and many
styles and disciplines are represented.
Birders will find more opportunities to add to their life lists here than almost anywhere else in North America. Local operators offer wintertime tours of nesting whooping
cranes in the large Aransas National Wildlife Refuge located
nearby. Local birders and organizations such as the Aransas Bird and Nature Club have helped preserve unique bird watching
reserves such as the Connie Hagar sanctuary and Aransas Woods that are easily accessible. Located along the migration route of
several species of hummingbirds, the city hosts an annual "Hummer and Birding Expo" which
includes tours of local residences where hundreds of ruby throated hummingbirds can be viewed at feeders.
The city's beachfront park has won awards for "The Nation's Cleanest Beach" and the whole Aransas Bay beckons the sportsman,
sailor and power boater with miles of uncrowded waters. The city hosts several fairs and expositions each year including the
Fiesta De La Playa, Seafair and a Wine Festival. Rockport boasts a mild winter climate and although summers can be hot a cooling
sea breeze is usually blowing. Many winter residents have returned to live year round. Challenges to the town are the same as
those faced by many other small, growing coastal communities such as the ability to preserve local character, nature and
wetlands, and keep city infrastructure growing at a pace with community needs.
Attractions
Rockport is a popular tourist destination for its beach, ski basin, and sport fishing. There are also historic sites such as
the Fulton Mansion and a Heritage district in downtown Rockport that offers a friendly and fun shopping environment.
Geography
Rockport is located at 28°1′52″N, 97°2′60″W (28.031032,
-97.049990)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area
of 37.6 km² (14.5 mi²). 24.3 km² (9.4 mi²) of it
is land and 13.3 km² (5.1 mi²) of it (35.29%) is water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 7,385 people, 3,157 households, and 2,127 families residing
in the city. The population density was 303.7/km² (786.4/mi²). There were 4,533
housing units at an average density of 186.4/km² (482.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 88.68% White, 1.31% African American, 0.50% Native American, 3.64% Asian, 3.40% from other races, and 2.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.50% of the population.
There were 3,157 households out of which 24.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were
non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or
older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.74.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.4% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from
45 to 64, and 24.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females there were 92.9 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,741, and the median income for a family was $40,880. Males had a median
income of $36,195 versus $22,697 for females. The per capita income for the city was
$25,135. About 16.4% of families and 20.4% of the population were below the poverty
line, including 42.3% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.
Education
All of Rockport is served by the Aransas County Independent
School District & Sacret Heart
Pupils are served by the Little Bay Primary School (Rockport, Pre-K-K), Live Oak 1-3 Learning Center (Rockport), Fulton 4-5
Learning Center (Fulton), Rockport-Fulton Middle School (Rockport), and Rockport-Fulton High School (Rockport).
The city is also served by the Aransas County Public Library. The library is located at 701 E.
Mimosa Rockport, Texas.
External links
Coordinates:
28.031032° N 97.04999°
W
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