As of the census of 2000, there were 14,314 people, 5,827 households, and 4,067 families residing in the county. The population density was 14 people per square mile. There were 6,916 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was 78.04% White, 17.80% Black or African American, 0.59% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 2.29% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. 4.67% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 5,827 households out of which 28.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.50% were married couplesliving together, 11.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.20% were non-families. 27.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.91. In the county, the population was spread out with 23.90% under the age of 18, 7.80% from 18 to 24, 24.40% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 19.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 92.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.80 males. The median income for a household in the county was $27,558, and the median income for a family was $33,436. Males had a median income of $24,609 versus $17,566 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,058, making it one of the economically poorest counties in the state of Texas. About 13.10% of families and 17.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.20% of those under age 18 and 17.70% of those age 65 or over.
Education
The following school districts serve Red River County:
Edward H. Tarrant, for whom Tarrant County was named, lived in Red River County when he first moved to Texas in the 1830s.
John "Cactus Jack" Garner, Vice President of the U.S. who served for eight years under President F. D. Roosevelt, was born in Red River County, in 1868.
J. D. Tippit, Dallas policeman, who was shot to death a short time after the John F. Kennedy assassination. A monument to J.D. Tippit is located on Highway 37 South. He was born and raised in Red River County.
William Humphrey, author of Home from the Hill and The Ardways and other works was born and raised in Red River County. Home from the Hill was made into a movie starring George Hamilton among other great stars.
