While Texas averages 65.6 residents per square mile, the Northeast Texas region averages only 50.2 residents per square mile, with no major metropolitan areas. The economic system in the region is dependent on agriculture, timber, and related industries. The region faces needs and challenges typical of many rural areas in that poverty is widespread. Poverty is even higher for some groups, especially African Americans. In 28 of the 36 counties, more than 40 percent of African Americans live in poverty.
Inadequate resources constitute a major challenge to the rural residents of the region.
Area service providers must administer services to many counties simultaneously, rather than to just one county. A compounding factor in accessing resources for rural residents is physical isolation and the lack of public transportation in the region, thus restricting access to services. There is a limited number of professionally educated service providers to meet the needs of the region. The shortage of professional social workers is a particular problem, according to the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. The School of Social Work is committed to assisting the region in meeting these challenges in partnership with local communities.