Harris

Harris County

Updated on: November 18, 2021
Coordinates
29° 51' 36" N, 95° 23' 24" W (29.86, -95.39)
State
Texas
Region
Central East
County Seat:
Houston
Year Organized:
1836
Total Square Miles:
1777.483
1,703 square miles (4,410 km2) land
74 square miles (190 km2) water
Population:
4652980 (2017)
Population: 4,698,619 est. (2018) 4,092,459 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
2618
Harris County Website
http://www.harriscountytx.gov/

Contiguous Counties

Montgomery (N)
Liberty (NE)
Chambers (E)
Galveston (SE)
Brazoria (S)
Fort Bend (SW)
Waller (NW)

Harris County Offices

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
4652980
25 to 64 Years of Age:
53.56%
65 Years of Age and Older:
10.52%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$361.4 B
Labor Force:
2,304,397
Unemployment Rate:
4.40%

County Contact

1001 Preston St Ofc Main
Downtown Main Office
Houston, TX, 77002-1839

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

The State Legislature founded Harris County, Texas, in 1836. Then, it organized the County a year later, in 1837. 

Harris County, located on the upper Gulf Coast, is bordered on the north and west by Waller County. Also, Liberty and Chambers border it on the east, Montgomery on the north, Brazoria and Galveston on the south, and Fort Bend County on the west. 

The County covers an estimated area of 1703 square miles, and Houston remains the County seat. Additionally, the 2020 US census recorded Harris County’s population at 4,731,145 people, making it the highest populated County in Texas. 

The State Legislature named the County after John Richardson Harris, who founded Harrisburg. Notably, Harrisburg remains part of the present Houston City. 

History of Harris County 

Most pioneer settlers came to Houston from Louisiana in 1822. Houston ship channels and the railroads offered economic opportunities to the emerging Mexican immigrant communities seeking to settle in Houston. 

More significantly, the Mexican Revolution caused political uncertainties that led to settlers moving into Houston from Mexico. Most of the immigrants stayed close to their workplaces and the Catholic church. 

Another wave of settlers came after the Civil War. Equally, they chose to live along streams and railroads, which were significant cornerstones of civilization.  

By 1836, the number of immigrants settling in Houston had become big enough to warrant the legislature to create Harris County.  

The Economy of Harris County 

The economy of Harris County thrives on the following sectors; 

  • Retail 
  • Construction 
  • Manufacturing 
  • Scientific, technical and professional services 
  • Health 
  • Social assistance 
  • Food services and accommodation 

Harris County’s unemployment rate stands at 8.0%, while the US average is 6.0%. At the same time, the job market increased by 3.2% in the past year. 

The county’s ten-year economic growth projection rate stands at 32.3%, while the average US projection rate for the same period remains at 33.5%. 

Comparatively, the average annual income per person in Harris County is  $28,454 to the US average of $28555. 

The Weather in Harris County 

Harris County gets an annual average of 53 inches of rain in a standard year. Therefore, the County records one of the highest rainfall in Texas and the US. 

Also, it doesn’t record any snowfall against an annual US average snowfall of 28 inches. Residents enjoy plenty of sunshine, recorded at 204 sunny days in an average year. Most other parts of the US enjoy almost a similar number at 205. 

Harris County recorded precipitation on average 91 days in a year. Additionally, the best months to hang around in the County are March, April, and October. In contrast, July and August are considered the least pleasant months. 

Education in Harris County, Texas 

Parents pay less for the education of their children in Harris County compared to the average US expenditure. The annual education expenditure per student in Harris stands at $9741 compared to the US average of $12383. 

Harris County provides one teacher per 19 pupils, a librarian for every 1654 pupils, and a counsellor for 958 pupils. 

Harris County’s Health Status 

The health status refers to the air quality, risk of getting diseases, and water quality.  

The county boasts 185 doctors per 100,000 people. However, this figure falls short of the average US ratio, which stands at 210 doctors for every 100,000 people. 

Political and Voting Patterns in Harris 

Citizens of Harris County voted for the Democrats in the past four presidential elections. Here is how they voted in the last presidential election:

  • Democrats, 55.9% 
  • Republicans, 42,7% 
  • Independent, 1.4% 

Therefore, Harris County remains a democratic leaning County in Texas State. 

Harris County Offices 

Harris County government comprises the office of the County Judge, Attorney, Clerk, Treasurer, Sheriff, and the Commissioners Court. They work in tandem to provide services to the residents of the county. 

Ina Hidalgo presides over as the County Judge in the County of Harris. Residents may reach her using her phone number:713-755-4000. 

Tereshia Hudspeth occupies the office of the Harris County Clerk, and Residents can reach her using her phone number:713-274-8600. 

Christian D.Menefee presides over as the Harris County Attorney, and people can reach him using the phone: 713-755-5800. 

Michael Post remains the Harris County Auditor, and County residents may reach him using his phone number: 713-755-6505.  

Dylan Osborne occupies the office of the Treasure, Harris County. People can reach him via the phone number: 832-927-6877. 

Ed Gonzalez presides over as the Sherrif in the County of Harris, Texas. Residents may reach him using phone number;713-755-5300.