As of the census of 2000, there were 1,288 people, 473 households, and 339 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,192.6 people per square mile. There were 515 housing units at an average density of 476.9 per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 90.37% White, 0.31% African American, 0.47% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 8.07% from other races, and 0.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 50.31% of the population. There were 473 households out of which 40.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were married couplesliving together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.3% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.33. In the city, the population was spread out with 30.8% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.8 males. The median income for a household in the city was $32,981, and the median income for a family was $42,500. Males had a median income of $32,500 versus $22,105 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,082. About 13.6% of families and 16.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.0% of those under age 18 and 14.1% of those age 65 or over.
N.A.L.F. Orange Grove
The BRAC decision to close Naval Air Station Chase Field near Beeville led to an increase in Pilot Training Rate and the physical number of aircraft stationed at NAS Kingsville in Kleberg County. Currently 70 T-45 trainer aircraft have arrived. In recognition of the increased congestion at Kingsville, the Navy made a significant investment in improving the facilities and capabilities of the Auxiliary Landing Field at Orange Grove, about southwest of town. The terminal airspace at Kingsville was expanded to include Orange Grove, and the ALF serves as an overflow relief from the primary airfield. Hunting and fishing at NALF Orange Grove and Escondido Ranch is authorized in accordance with station directives and state and federal laws. Naval Air Station Kingsville's gesture is a great example of how the United States Navy gives a hoot. Located in Kingsville, TX, NAS Kingsville has decided to play seasonal host to the burrowing owl. The South TexasNaval air station, in a partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey's Texas Gulf CoastField Research Station, the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend Ambassadors, will offer an open field with artificial burrows for the burrowing owls, which are anticipated to stay there over the winter, beginning in October. The Naval Auxiliary Landing Field in Orange Grove, TX, also will have artificial burrows. NAS Kingsville has 18 artificial burrows, as does NALF Orange Grove. The burrows are done in three groups of six sets, with each group being about apart.
