# Hawkins, Texas

Hawkins is a city in Wood County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,274 at the 2020 census. It is located twenty miles north of the larger city of Tyler. Just east of the community is Jarvis Christian University, a historically black institution of higher learning.

## History

A post office was established in Hawkins in 1873.

## Geography

* Downtown Hawkins (2014)
* First Baptist Church of Hawkins (2024)
* Another glimpse of Hawkins with City Hall in the blue building on the right (2016).
* City National Bank in Hawkins
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.2 square miles (5.8 km$^2$), of which 2.2 square miles (5.8 km$^2$) is land and 0.44% is water.
Hawkins is located between Mineola (18 miles west of Hawkins) and Big Sandy (7 miles east) on U.S. Route 80. Most of Hawkins is along FM Road 14, which runs north and south. Quitman and the unincorporated community of Holly Lake Ranch are located to the north of Hawkins, while Interstate 20 and Tyler can be reached by traveling south from Hawkins on FM 14.

### Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Hawkins has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

## Demographics

Hawkins racial composition as of 2020 (NH = Non-Hispanic) :
| Race | Number | Percentage |
| White (NH) | 952 | 74.73% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 173 | 13.58% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 3 | 0.24% |
| Asian (NH) | 1 | 0.08% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 9 | 0.71% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 71 | 5.57% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 65 | 5.1% |
| Total | 1,274 | |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,274 people, 562 households, and 320 families residing in the city.
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,331 people, 492 households, and 358 families residing in the city. The population density was 593.1 inhabitants per square mile (229.0/km$^2$). There were 558 housing units at an average density of 248.6 per square mile (96.0/km$^2$). The racial makeup of the city was 82.79% White, 16.08% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.23% from other races, and 0.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.98% of the population.
There were 492 households, out of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 14.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.2% were non-families. 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 78.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,543, and the median income for a family was $36,985. Males had a median income of $31,607 versus $19,800 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,833. About 12.3% of families and 17.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.8% of those under age 18 and 32.3% of those age 65 or over.

## Education

Hawkins is served by the Hawkins Independent School District.
Jarvis Christian University is located in unincorporated Wood County, Texas, east of Hawkins.

## Notable people

* Mel and Norma Gabler, launched a critique of public school textbooks from their kitchen table in Hawkins
* Lillian Richard, an African-American actress who played "Aunt Jemima" for the Quaker Oats Company
* Stanley Richard, great-nephew of Lillian Richard, played in the National Football League

## Area attractions

* Tyler State Park
* Lake Hawkins