[3] It is named in honor of Martin Parmer, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and early judge.

[5] As of the census[11] of 2000, 10,016 people, 3,322 households, and 2,614 families resided in the county.

The racial makeup of the county was 66.01% White, 1.01% Black or African American, 0.76% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 29.51% from other races, and 2.35% from two or more races.

About 19.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

School districts:[12] All of the county is in the service area of Amarillo College.