Gregg

Gregg County

Updated on: November 18, 2021
Coordinates
32° 28' 48" N, 94° 48' 36" W (32.48, -94.81)
State
Texas
Region
Northeast
County Seat:
Longview
Year Organized:
1873
Total Square Miles:
275.764
Population:
123367 (2017)
Population: 123,745 Est. (2016) 121,730 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
447
Gregg County Website
http://www.co.gregg.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Upshur (N)
Harrison (E)
Rusk (S)
Smith (W)

County structure

Government Type:
County
Authority:
Dillon's Rule
Legislative Body:
Commisioners Court
Size of Legislative Body:
5

Demographics

2018 Population:
123367
25 to 64 Years of Age:
49.45%
65 Years of Age and Older:
15.37%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$7.9 B
Labor Force:
57,815
Unemployment Rate:
4.10%

County Contact

101 E Methvin St
County Courthouse
Longview, TX, 75601-7200

http://www.co.gregg.tx.us

Gregg County was named after John Gregg, who was a Confederate General. The county dates back to the 1800s where the Caddo Tribes inhabited it and were forced to move out of their lands by the white settlers. 

The first settler that came into this area was James W. Collins. He settled here around 1835-1840. He built his home on what would become known as “The Old Green Place.” This place became the center of all the ancient settlements in the area. 

In 1848, William H. Greer bought land from Mr. Collins and moved there with his family. John Gregg purchased some more land from him and then sold it to other people. 

By 1850, most original families had left the area because they could not make enough money farming or ranching. They went west to find work. Some stayed behind, but others did not.  

Population, Land Area, and Races in Gregg County 

Based on U.S. Census Bureau statistics, Gregg County has an estimated population of 123,945. Out of this, the percentage of females is 51.5% while that of males is 49.6. Children under five years are 6.9%, while adults above 65 years are 15.7%. Those under 18 years occupy 15.7%. 

The total area of the county is 273.30 square miles. The average elevation is 1,822 feet. There are many housing units in the county. Most of the land is occupied while they use the rest for agriculture. 

The whites, Blacks, Asian, Native American, Latino, and white races have occupied the county. Currently, most of the residents are White, but other races also occupy part of the region.  

Economic Activities in the County 

Majority of the people in the county practice farming and ranching. Some of the crops farmers grow include cotton, coffee, wheat, and corn. 

Other economic activities include construction, manufacturing, transportation, and trade. 

The government supports businesses through tax incentives and grants. Additionally, business people get waivers when paying taxes.  

Employment opportunities in the county boost lifestyles. People can work at local companies, shops, and farms.  

Education in Gregg County 

 The county features the best schools in the state. It offers education up to the high school level. Some of the top schools in the county are; 

  • Canyon High School 
  • Brazosport Junior College 
  • Texas A&M University-Commerce Campus 
  • The University of Houston – Clear Lake campus 
  • There are several colleges in the city, including: 
  • College Station Community College 
  • Southwest Texas State University 
  • Texas A&M International University 

Once students complete their studies, they apply for employment. Many jobs require college degrees. However, some employers hire workers with no degree. 

Most of the students usually volunteer in different organizations to have first-hand experience with their professionals. Luckily, this county has many organizations admitting students on an internship basis.  

Healthcare Facilities in Gregg County 

Most healthcare facilities offer services like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, dentists’ offices, etc. These facilities provide medical care to patients. In addition, these facilities help prevent diseases and injuries. 

Emergency services are accessible 24 hours a day. 

Hospitals in Gregg County include: 

  • Longview Regional Medical Center 
  • Good Shepherd Hospital 
  • CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center – Longview 
  • Roy H Laird Memorial Hospital 
  • St Luke’s Episcopal Hospital 

Gregg County offices 

Gregg county offices are located in various parts of the county. They serve as centers where citizens go to file complaints or seek help from officials. Below is the list of offices in the county: 

County Judge office

Bill Stoudt supervises the office. His roles include serving as judge, presiding over court sessions, and handling cases that must be heard immediately. He presides over criminal trials and civil hearings. Contact the office at 903-236-8420. 

County Clerk Office

This office serves as the principal center where all documents related to business transactions are filed. The district clerk is Michelle Gilley. Call the office at 903-237-2663. 

Tax Assessor-Collector

Tax Assessor-Collector is to collect property taxes. The assessor collects taxes based on the value of properties. The office is under Kirk Shields. If you want your home valued correctly, contact them at 903-235-8500. 

District Attorney’s Office

The DA handles most crimes committed within the county. The current officeholder is Tom Watson. You may report any crime by calling 903-238-7000. 

Sheriff’s Department

The sheriff’s department provides security to the entire county. Their primary responsibility is to protect lives and property.  

Elections in Gregg County, Texas 

Election dates vary depending on whether it is a federal election year. Federal elections occur every four years, while local elections happen once every two years. Elections take place during odd-numbered years only.  

While in Gregg County, you can register as a voter online through the website www.votetexas.gov.  

Voters must also bring proof of identities such as driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, social security card, military I.D., student I.D., tribal enrollment card, and naturalization papers.  

Once registered voters receive a confirmation letter via mail, they should return it to the registrar before voting. 

If you want to register as a voter, use this link. Ensure you provide all the details required.  

Towns and Cities in Gregg County, Texas 

The following towns and cities have their governing bodies that govern the town or city.  

Each has its police force, fire departments, schools, libraries, parks, streets, zoning codes, building permits, planning commissions, and other municipal functions. 

White Oak town: White oak is an unincorporated community in Gregg County, Texas, United States. It lies along U.S. Highway 69 between Longview and Tyler. As of 2000, the population was 1,931. 

Lakeport town: Lakeport is a small town in east-central Texas near the Louisiana border. It is about 30 miles southeast of Marshall. 

Longview Town: Longview is a large city in East Texas. It is a business hub for the county. 

Tyler Town: Tyler is a medium-sized city in eastern Texas. It is the second-largest city in Gregg County after Longview. 

Liberty City: Liberty is a census-designated place in southeastern Gregg County, approximately south of Hendersonville.  

Clarksville city: Clarksville is a city in southern Gregg County, Texas, USA. Located just north of Interstate 20, it is part of the Diboll Micropolitan Statistical Area.  

Conclusion 

In summary, Gregg County is one of the fastest-growing counties in America. With that growth comes new jobs, businesses, housing developments, shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, etc.