Sunset, Montague County, Texas Explained

Official Name:Sunset, Texas
Settlement Type:census-designated place
Mapsize:250px
Image Map1:Sunset_Aerial_2017.jpg
Mapsize1:250px
Map Caption1:Aerial of Sunset in 2017 - Michael Eichler
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Montague
Unit Pref:Imperial
Area Total Km2:2.8
Area Land Km2:2.8
Area Water Km2:0.0
Area Total Sq Mi:1.1
Area Land Sq Mi:1.1
Area Water Sq Mi:0.0
Population As Of:2020
Population Footnotes:[1]
Population Total:543
Population Density Km2:auto
Population Density Sq Mi:auto
Timezone:Central (CST)
Utc Offset:-6
Timezone Dst:CDT
Utc Offset Dst:-5
Elevation M:302
Elevation Ft:991
Coordinates:33.4539°N -97.7667°W
Postal Code Type:ZIP code
Postal Code:76270
Area Code:940
Blank Name:FIPS code
Blank Info:48-71264[2]
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank1 Info:1369410[3]

Sunset is an unincorporated community in Montague County, Texas, United States. Until 1900, a surveying error had placed the community in Wise County.[4] The Fort Worth and Denver Railway runs through Sunset. The population was 339 at the 2000 census. The city disincorporated on April 19, 2007.[5]

History

2009 wildfires

On April 9, 2009, the community was evacuated in advance of approaching wildfires. The fires ripped through the town in "patchwork fashion", destroying many homes and businesses.[6] [7]

Geography

Sunset is located at 33.4539°N -97.7667°W (33.453823, -97.766724).[8] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.1sqmi, all land.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, Sunset had 339 people, 133 households, and 90 families with a population density of 318.8 people per square mile (123.5/km). Additionally, Sunset had 151 housing units at an average density of 142sp=usNaNsp=us. The racial makeup was 95.28% White, 1.18% Asian, 1.47% from other races, and 2.06% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 3.24% of the population.

Of the 133 households noted in the 2000 census, 36.1% had children under the age of 18, 54.1% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.6% were not families. About 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.15.

Per the 2000 census, the population of Sunset was distributed as 18 or younger (28.6%), 18-24 (7.7%), 25-44 (28.9%), 45-64 (22.1%), and 65 or older (12.7%). The median age was 35 years.

The median income at the 2000 census was $24,886 for households and $29,643 for families. Males had a median income of $26,875 versus $17,083 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,304. About 17.3% of families and 16.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.4% of those under the age of 18 and 4.2% of those 65 or over.

Education

Sunset is served by the Bowie Independent School District.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: May 2023 . Census Bureau profile: Sunset, Texas . . Jun 3, 2024.
  2. Web site: U.S. Census website. United States Census Bureau. 2008-01-31.
  3. Web site: US Board on Geographic Names. 2008-01-31. United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25.
  4. https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hls89 Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. "Sunset, TX" https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hls89
  5. https://www.census.gov/popest/geographic/boundary_changes/index.html Population Estimates Boundary Changes
  6. News: Wildfires destroy 2 Texas towns, kill 2. Reuters. 2009-04-10.
  7. News: 3 killed as fires scorch lands, homes in Texas, Oklahoma. Associated Press. 2009-04-11.
  8. Web site: US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990. United States Census Bureau. 2011-04-23. 2011-02-12.