Kerr County vs. Bailey County
River Valleys & Sandhill Cranes
This match-up pairs the serene beauty of the Hill Country with the rugged wildlife of the High Plains. Kerr County, home to Kerrville and the Guadalupe River, is a destination for artists, campers, and retirees. Bailey County, on the New Mexico border, is famous for the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge and its massive sandhill crane migration. One is defined by cypress trees and limestone; the other by prairie grasses and migratory birds.
Kerr County (Population Approx. 53,000)
Kerr County is the heart of the "Hill Country lifestyle." Kerrville serves as a cultural hub, hosting the famous Kerrville Folk Festival. The economy is driven by tourism, healthcare, and education (Schreiner University). Residents value the arts, the river, and the natural beauty, but face challenges with disaster preparedness and housing affordability as popularity grows.
Bailey County (Population Approx. 6,800)
Bailey County is a hidden gem of nature. Muleshoe, the county seat, is the gateway to the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge, the oldest in Texas. The economy relies on agriculture (dairy and cotton) and nature tourism. The community is resilient and quiet, proud of its role in conservation and food production. Challenges include groundwater depletion and the need for rural economic development.
Why It Matters
Kerr County is a steward of the Guadalupe River headwaters. Bailey County protects a critical stop on the Central Flyway for migratory birds. Both counties demonstrate the importance of conservation, whether for recreation or biodiversity, in rural Texas.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the artist in Kerrville and the birdwatcher in Muleshoe both appreciate the beauty of our state.
In Kerr County, the electorate is engaged and environmentally conscious. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who prioritize river protection and strengthen disaster preparedness over partisan bickering. Ranked Choice Voting would help bridge the divide between new residents and old ranching families.
In Bailey County, the rural voice is vital. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the agricultural and conservation communities to support candidates who understand the specific needs of the High Plains aquifer and wildlife management. It ensures that Muleshoe has a voice in Austin.
Did You Know…
The Kerrville Folk Festival runs for 18 straight days and is one of the longest-running songwriter festivals in North America.
Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge (Bailey) was the first national wildlife refuge established in Texas (1935).
The Muleshoe statue in Bailey County commemorates the request by residents to name the town after the local ranch brand.
Schreiner University in Kerrville is a premier liberal arts college in the Hill Country.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Kerr residents love the music, the cool river water, and the vibrant arts community. Bailey locals love the spectacular sight of thousands of cranes taking flight, the quiet peace of the plains, and the friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Kerrville Folk Festival: A legendary gathering of songwriters and music lovers at Quiet Valley Ranch.
Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge Crane Fest: Celebrating the arrival of the sandhill cranes.
Texas Arts & Crafts Fair (Kerrville): Showcasing the best of Texas artisans.
Bailey County Stock Show: A community tradition supporting local youth agriculture.
People & Tech Created This
The profiles and shared challenges were gathered from Texas Forward Party supporters and written using ChatGPT and Gemini models to combine verified public data, official county/state sources, and general knowledge from Texas historical and government records:
