Guadalupe

Guadalupe County

Updated on: November 18, 2021
Coordinates
29 34' 48" N, 97 57' 0" W (29.58, -97.95)
State
Texas
Region
Central
County Seat:
Seguin
Year Organized:
1846
Total Square Miles:
714.815
711 square miles (1,840 km2) land
3.5 square miles (9.1 km2) water
Population:
159659 (2017)
Population: 159,659 Est. (2017) 131,533 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
223
Guadalupe County Website
http://www.co.guadalupe.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Hays (N)
Caldwell (NE)
Gonzales (SE)
Wilson (S)
Bexar (SW)
Comal (NW)

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
159659
25 to 64 Years of Age:
52.26%
65 Years of Age and Older:
13.81%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$9.3 B
Labor Force:
79,824
Unemployment Rate:
3.10%

County Contact

307 W Court St
County Courthouse
Seguin, TX, 78155-5701

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

Guadalupe County, Texas, is named after the Guadalupe River. The county seat is Seguin, which was founded in 1849 by German immigrants. The seat is a host to many county offices and businesses.  

It has the largest population of any city in the state and one of the highest per capita incomes. Besides its enormous size, it also contains several small towns such as La Vernia, New Braunfels, San Antonio, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City, Shiner, Victoria, and Wimberley. 

Geography and weather 

Estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau shows the county has an area of 711.30 square miles, of which is land and 0.10% water. Most of the county lies within the Edwards Plateau region of West Texas.  

This includes most of the county’s eastern border with Comal County, except for a narrow strip along the Rio Grande that forms part of Bexar County. Plenty of the western zone of the county comprises rolling hills covered mostly with grassland or brushlands.  

The weather in Guadalupe is milder than in other parts of Central Texas because of the proximity to Mexico. Summers can be hot, but winters are usually cool. 

Rainfall averages about 40 inches annually. The climate varies from semi-arid desert conditions on the county’s east side to temperate rainforest-type vegetation on the west side. 

There are two distinct seasons, i.e., summer and winter. Summer temperatures average between 80°F – 90°F while winter lows range around 50°F. Average annual rainfall ranges from 20″ near the coast to over 100″ inland. 

No major rivers are flowing through the county. However, the Guadalupe River runs through the center of town. This river provides irrigation for most of the farmland in the county. 

Attractions in Guadalupe county 

Guadalupe River: The major attraction in this county is the Guadalupe River. There are numerous parks throughout the county to enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, camping, hiking, etc. Many people come here to relax at these beautiful places.  

Son’s Island: Located off Highway 281 south of Seguin, Son’s Island is home to some of the best beaches in all of South Texas. You will find plenty of activities, including surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, jet-skiing, paddle boarding, and windsurfing. 

Other activities are kiteboarding, sailing, tubing, horseback riding, biking, golfing, tennis, volleyball, picnicking, barbecuing, shopping, dining, and more! 

San Marcos State Park: Located in the county’s heart, this park offers visitors scenic views of the Guadalupe River Valley. Visitors will find plenty of activities, including picnicking, horseback riding, biking, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, nature trails, and playgrounds. 

Besides, you enjoy picnic areas, restrooms, showers, boat ramps, campgrounds, cabins, R.V. sites, and more! 

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: This National Historical Park features three missions built during Spanish rule in downtown Seguin. These missions were used to convert Native Americans into Christianity. Today they serve as museums displaying artifacts found inside them. 

Museum of Southwestern Art: MSWA is home to some of the finest collections of art created by artists working in the Southwest United States.   

Cities and Towns in Guadalupe County 

Guadalupe has 10 cities, with each city having its unique character. 

Seguin- The largest city in the county which is also in the middle of the county. It was founded in 1849 and named after Juan de Salcedo y Gómez, who led an expedition down the San Antonio River in 1519. Besides being the seat of government for the county, it also serves as the commercial hub of the area. 

Cibolo: A small community that sits along I.H. 35, approximately 30 miles north of Austin. Cibolo is a quiet place with many old homes dating back to the 1800s. 

Marion- Another small community on S.H. 16 about 25 miles west of Victoria. Marion is known for its historic courthouse, which dates back to 1854. 

McQueeney– McQueeny is a tiny village on FM 518 about 12 miles east of Seguin. It is one of the oldest communities in the county.  

Kingsbury- Kingsbury is another small community in U.S. 87 between Seguin and New Braunfels. It is mostly residential, but there are several businesses scattered around the main street. 

New Berlin- This town is near Lake Travis and is surrounded by rolling hills covered with oak trees. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts because of its proximity to lakes, rivers, mountains, caves, and other natural attractions.  

Geronimo– Geronimo is a very rural community located just outside of Fredericksburg. No restaurants are here, so if you want to eat out, head over to nearby Fredericksburg. 

Santa Clara– Santa Clara is a small farming community located on Farm Road 605, about 20 miles northeast of Seguin. Most people live here year-round, although summer brings tourists from across the country. 

Other cities are Staples, Zuehl, and Redwood City. 

County Offices and Functions 

The county offices provide services to citizens. The following are county offices. 

The County Judge’s office presides over the court system and handles all civil matters. The office is under Kyle Kutscher. Contact the office at 830-303-8867. 

The Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement services within the county. The current sheriff is Arnold S. Zwicke. Contact the office at (830)379-1224.  

The Clerk’s Office administers elections and records deeds, mortgages, etc. The officer in charge of this office is Honorable Teresa Kiel. She can be reached at 830-303-8859. 

Tax Collector collects taxes and distributes tax money among local governments. Daryl John supervises the office. Contact the office at 830-379-2315.  

The county treasurer is tasked to collect property taxes and distribute them to various counties. She is currently Sharon Hodge. Contact her at 830-303-8981. 

The County Attorney prosecutes crimes committed against individuals and business owners. He is currently John Rolater. Contact him at 830-303-8900. 

Conclusion 

In summary, Guadalupe county is home to some beautiful scenery, including the Hill Country region and the Colorado River valley.  

Its history includes Spanish explorers, Mexican settlers, American pioneers, German immigrants, African Americans, Native Americans, and more.  

When you decide to move to this county, make sure you visit all the great places we have shared with you.