Kirby, Texas
Encyclopedia
Kirby is a city in Bexar County
, Texas
, United States
. It is an enclave of San Antonio
and is part of the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area. Founded as an agricultural settlement along the Southern Pacific railroad, the city was transformed into a suburban community upon its incorporation in 1955. The population of 8,673 (2000 census) is made up of diverse individuals with numerous backgrounds. German
, Hispanic
, and hobo
elements have all affected the overall culture of the city.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 1.9 square miles (4.9 km²), of which, 1.9 square miles (4.9 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (1.58%) is water.
of 2000, there were 8,673 people, 2,975 households, and 2,317 families residing in the city. The population density
was 4,641.1 people per square mile (1,790.7/km²). There were 3,137 housing units at an average density of 1,678.7/sq mi (647.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 64.27% White, 14.56% African American, 0.53% Native American, 2.06% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 14.83% from other races
, and 3.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 41.69% of the population.
There were 2,975 households out of which 39.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples
living together, 18.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.1% were non-families. 18.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.29.
In the city the population was spread out with 30.3% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $38,919, and the median income for a family was $42,329. Males had a median income of $28,699 versus $22,086 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $15,615. About 8.9% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.1% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.
in the early 1900s. Its name derived from the Kirby yard of the Southern Pacific Railroad
that crossed through the town. In 1920 the population was around 18 people, made up of mostly farmers. At this time German was a commonly spoken language.
In the 1950s, the composition of the city shifted from mostly agricultural to military as individuals settled in homes to commute to work at Randolph AFB. The population grew to 600 at this point, and German was less commonly spoken. In 1955 the city was incorporated
. A two-year long drought began in 1957, which ultimately caused many farm failures. Unable to make a profit, the farmers decided to sell their land to the city. Homes and roads were constructed on the purchased land, and the city was further transformed into the suburban area it is today.
) and a Mayor
that heads the legislative body and represents the city. The current mayor is Johnny Duffek. The charter also identifies a city manager
to be directed by the council, and accountable for the operation of the city.
.
They are zoned to http://www.kirbytx.org/docs/newsinfo/profile.pdf:
capital of Texas" because of its large population of homeless people living under the 410 overpass. It is because of this that the city held its first annual "hobo festival" during the first weekend of May 2008, including a "hobo parade" through the streets of Kirby. Kirby Manor and the Old Town neighborhoods are included in this area.
.
Kirby is a major producer of pecans, which grow there naturally. Pecans produce in large quantities between September and November except for some trees, which do not produce every four years. 1996, 2000, and 2004 were all years when the pecan production was extremely low. It is projected that 2008 will also have low levels of production. Rosillo Creek
is the main stream in Kirby; it once provided the farmers in the agricultural sector with water to irrigate their crops. The creek flows from under the railroad tracks on Gibbs Sprawl Road and further downstream divides Hopkins and Candlewood Elementaries before dispensing towards Interstate 10.
s. This is the newest section of Kirby and has a large young population. To its north is FM 78, to its south is Ackerman Road, to its west is Springfield and to its east is Binz Engleman.
Bexar County, Texas
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,392,931 people, 488,942 households, and 345,681 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,117 people per square mile . There were 521,359 housing units at an average density of 418 per square mile...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It is an enclave of San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States of America and the second-largest city within the state of Texas, with a population of 1.33 million. Located in the American Southwest and the south–central part of Texas, the city serves as the seat of Bexar County. In 2011,...
and is part of the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area. Founded as an agricultural settlement along the Southern Pacific railroad, the city was transformed into a suburban community upon its incorporation in 1955. The population of 8,673 (2000 census) is made up of diverse individuals with numerous backgrounds. German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, Hispanic
Hispanic
Hispanic is a term that originally denoted a relationship to Hispania, which is to say the Iberian Peninsula: Andorra, Gibraltar, Portugal and Spain. During the Modern Era, Hispanic sometimes takes on a more limited meaning, particularly in the United States, where the term means a person of ...
, and hobo
Hobo
A hobo is a term which is often applied to a migratory worker or homeless vagabond, often penniless. The term originated in the Western—probably Northwestern—United States during the last decade of the 19th century. Unlike 'tramps', who work only when they are forced to, and 'bums', who do not...
elements have all affected the overall culture of the city.
Geography
Kirby is located at 29°27′40"N 98°23′20"W (29.461032, -98.388763).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 1.9 square miles (4.9 km²), of which, 1.9 square miles (4.9 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (1.58%) is water.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 8,673 people, 2,975 households, and 2,317 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 4,641.1 people per square mile (1,790.7/km²). There were 3,137 housing units at an average density of 1,678.7/sq mi (647.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 64.27% White, 14.56% African American, 0.53% Native American, 2.06% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 14.83% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 3.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 41.69% of the population.
There were 2,975 households out of which 39.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 18.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.1% were non-families. 18.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.29.
In the city the population was spread out with 30.3% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $38,919, and the median income for a family was $42,329. Males had a median income of $28,699 versus $22,086 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $15,615. About 8.9% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.1% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.
History
Kirby was founded as an agricultural community by German immigrantsGerman Texan
German Texan is an ethnic category that includes residents of the state of Texas with German ancestry who identify with the term. This identification may include cultural agreements—German language, German cuisine, feasts, music, hard work, frugality, and close family ties. From their first...
in the early 1900s. Its name derived from the Kirby yard of the Southern Pacific Railroad
Southern Pacific Railroad
The Southern Pacific Transportation Company , earlier Southern Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Company, and usually simply called the Southern Pacific or Espee, was an American railroad....
that crossed through the town. In 1920 the population was around 18 people, made up of mostly farmers. At this time German was a commonly spoken language.
In the 1950s, the composition of the city shifted from mostly agricultural to military as individuals settled in homes to commute to work at Randolph AFB. The population grew to 600 at this point, and German was less commonly spoken. In 1955 the city was incorporated
Municipal corporation
A municipal corporation is the legal term for a local governing body, including cities, counties, towns, townships, charter townships, villages, and boroughs. Municipal incorporation occurs when such municipalities become self-governing entities under the laws of the state or province in which...
. A two-year long drought began in 1957, which ultimately caused many farm failures. Unable to make a profit, the farmers decided to sell their land to the city. Homes and roads were constructed on the purchased land, and the city was further transformed into the suburban area it is today.
Government
Kirby is characterized as a "home rule" city as permitted under Texas law. The city can govern itself, and mandate ordinances and actions as long as they do not infringe on state or federal law. The government is set up by the 1988 City Charter that calls for a legislative body of six members (City CouncilCity council
A city council or town council is the legislative body that governs a city, town, municipality or local government area.-Australia & NZ:Because of the differences in legislation between the States, the exact definition of a City Council varies...
) and a Mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
that heads the legislative body and represents the city. The current mayor is Johnny Duffek. The charter also identifies a city manager
City manager
A city manager is an official appointed as the administrative manager of a city, in a council-manager form of city government. Local officials serving in this position are sometimes referred to as the chief executive officer or chief administrative officer in some municipalities...
to be directed by the council, and accountable for the operation of the city.
Education
Residents of Kirby are zoned to Judson Independent School DistrictJudson Independent School District
Judson Independent School District is a public school district based in San Antonio, Texas .Judson Independent School District covers and serves the incorporated cities of Converse, Kirby, and Selma as well as portions of Live Oak, Universal City and San Antonio.In 2009, the school district was...
.
They are zoned to http://www.kirbytx.org/docs/newsinfo/profile.pdf:
- Hopkins Elementary School
- Kirby Middle School
- Karen Wagner High SchoolKaren Wagner High SchoolKaren Wagner High School is a high school in unincorporated Bexar County, Texas . The school is operated by the Judson Independent School District...
Description
Kirby is located in eastern Bexar County. The northern and southern sections of the city differ both in culture and appearance. The city has a large community sector and much support for the city comes from the public. Kirby takes full advantage of its natural resources found both in the neighborhoods and the agricultural sector alike.Northern Kirby
The northern section of the city comprises Kirby Middle School, Old Seguin Road, FM 78, Gibbs Sprawl as well as the Southern Pacific railroad tracks. Because of the railroad tracks, Kirby has been dubbed "The hoboHobo
A hobo is a term which is often applied to a migratory worker or homeless vagabond, often penniless. The term originated in the Western—probably Northwestern—United States during the last decade of the 19th century. Unlike 'tramps', who work only when they are forced to, and 'bums', who do not...
capital of Texas" because of its large population of homeless people living under the 410 overpass. It is because of this that the city held its first annual "hobo festival" during the first weekend of May 2008, including a "hobo parade" through the streets of Kirby. Kirby Manor and the Old Town neighborhoods are included in this area.
Southern Kirby
The southern section of the city contains Hopkins Elementary School named after longtime principal Joseph Hopkins. This area of the city is divided between a strictly agricultural sector between Hopkins Elementary and Candlewood Elementary and the homes of the astronaut streets on the other side of Binz Engleman. Ackerman is the main road here; it leads to Interstate 10Interstate 10
Interstate 10 is the fourth-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, after I-90, I-80, and I-40. It is the southernmost east–west, coast-to-coast Interstate Highway, although I-4 and I-8 are further south. It stretches from the Pacific Ocean at State Route 1 in Santa Monica,...
.
Community sector
Kirby is characterized as strictly a suburban area of San Antonio and because of this, the city hall discourages small business. Kirby has its own fire and police departments. The city hall is across the street from the Fire Department, and inside its complex is the Post Office. The city has two parks on both sides of Binz Engleman separated by Ackerman. The western half of the park consists of mostly baseball fields, and the eastern section is accommodated with a full range of recreational activities.Natural resources
Rosillo Creek
Rosillo Creek begins at 29°31' N, 98°22' W, approximately 0.5 miles north of FM 1976, in Northeastern Bexar County, Texas, within the city limits of Windcrest, Texas, and flows southwestward for eighteen miles through the Rosillo Creek Basin, with an elevation ranging from 265 meters above sea...
is the main stream in Kirby; it once provided the farmers in the agricultural sector with water to irrigate their crops. The creek flows from under the railroad tracks on Gibbs Sprawl Road and further downstream divides Hopkins and Candlewood Elementaries before dispensing towards Interstate 10.
Neighborhoods
The Neighborhoods of Kirby can be placed under three categories: Kirby Manor, Old Town, Kirby Terrace, and the Springfield Manor (Astronaut Streets).Kirby Manor
Kirby Manor is located within Old Seguin Road to its north, Ackerman Road to its east and Binz Engleman to its south. The houses of Kirby Manor were built between the 1950s and 1960s. The citizens are a mix of the native settlers in this area and the newer crowd of young people moving in from other San Antonio suburbs and urban areas to start a life. Kirby Manor's proximity to the police station on Ackerman is the main reason why this area has a lower crime rate than the other areas of Kirby.Old Town
Old Town is located between Old Seguin Road and FM 78. Its eastern and western boundaries include Gibbs Sprawl Road and Kirby Middle School, respectively. This is the area where the first homes of Kirby were built. The area is also where Kirby City Hall, Kirby Post Office and the Kirby Fire Department are located. The inhabitants of this area are increasingly becoming younger as the older citizens die off, but there is still a large elderly population.Springfield Manor
The Springfield Manor (Astronaut Streets) is the southernmost section of Kirby. The area is given this name due to the streets, which are named after famous AstronautAstronaut
An astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft....
s. This is the newest section of Kirby and has a large young population. To its north is FM 78, to its south is Ackerman Road, to its west is Springfield and to its east is Binz Engleman.