Harrison

Harrison County

Updated on: November 18, 2021
Coordinates
32 33' 0" N, 94 22' 12" W (32.55, -94.37)
State
Texas
Region
Northeast
County Seat:
Marshall
Year Organized:
1839
Total Square Miles:
915.754
900 square miles (2,300 km2) land
16 square miles (41 km2) water
Population:
66661 (2017)
Population: 66,534 est. (2016) 65,631 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
73
Harrison County Website
http://harrisoncountytexas.org/

Contiguous Counties

Marion (N)
Caddo Parish, Louisiana (E)
Panola (S)
Rusk (SW)
Gregg (W)
Upshur (NW)

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
66661
25 to 64 Years of Age:
49.26%
65 Years of Age and Older:
16.90%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$4.5 B
Labor Force:
30,028
Unemployment Rate:
4.40%

County Contact

200 W Houston St
County Courthouse
Marshall, TX, 75670-4053

http://harrisoncountytexas.org/

The Congress of the Republic of Texas established the County of Harrison in1839. Congress named it for Benjamin Harrison, who was the father of William Henry Harrison, the 9th president of the US.  

Harrison County covers an estimated area of 2372 square kilometers and has its seat in Marshall.  

The County is located in northeastern Texas along the Louisiana border. The 2019 US censors recorded 208,080 people who live in Harrison County. 

More significantly, numerous economic activities take place in Harrison County. The financial activities include Tourism, Technology, gas and oil extraction, and farming. 

History of Harrison County, Texas 

The Caddo Indians lived in East Texas Timberland that became the present-day Harrison County. Notably, the Caddos became excellent hunters, farmers, and fishermen. That made them settle in one place, and they became the largest and most civilized community in that region. 

1830 marked the arrival of many American settlers. Additionally, in 1835, the Mexican authorities gave grants to dozens of Americans to settle in this area. Thus, the Texas revolution of 1936 found this settlement at its peak. 

The area received more settlers who came in succession after the revolution. As such, the Texas Congress established the County of Harrison to serve the needs of these large inhabitants. 

The Congress of Texas curved out Harrison County from Shelby County. 

Harrison County Offices 

Tax-paying residents in Harrison County elect county officials to perform various administrative functions.  

The Office of the Board of Supervisors consists of Beverly Martin, who occupies the office of the District One Supervisor. Residents can reach her via phone at 228-435-8272. Rebecca Powers occupies the office of the District Two Supervisor, and residents may contact her using her phone:228-865-4122. 

Martin Ladner presides over the office of the District Three Supervisor, and residents can reach him using phone:228-867-6528. Kent Jones remains the District Four Supervisor, and residents may contact him using phone:228-865-4204. Finally, Connie Rockco presides over District Five, and residents can reach him by calling 228-865-4123. 

John McAdams heads the Chancery Clerk Office. People seeking his services can reach him by phone at 228-865-4164. 

Tim Holleman remains the Board Attorney, and people can reach him by calling 228-863-3142. 

Connie Ladner presides over as the Circuit Clerk in Harrison County, and residents can reach her using phone:228-865-4005. 

Brian Switzer occupies the office of the County Coroner, and residents can reach him using phone:228-865-4291. 

W.Crosby Parker remains the District Attorney in Harrison County, and residents can reach him using phone:228-467-6631. 

Sharon Nash Barnett occupies the Office of the Tax Collector, and residents can reach her via phone at 28-865-4039/228-865-4040. 

Cost of Living in Harrison County 

The cost of living in Harrison County remains relatively cheaper compared to other regions of the US. Moreover, the cost of living indicators such as housing, grocery, utilities, and transportation are more affordable than the average US cost. 

However, Harrison County records the cost of health services as higher than the US average. Therefore, residents of Harrison County pay more in hospitals and other health services than Americans living in different regions of the US. 

Education in Harrison County, Texas 

Harrison County boasts 28 schools spread across the entire County. The schools can be categorized as follows. 

  • Pre-schools- 15 
  • Elementary schools- 17 
  • Middle schools- 9 
  • High schools- 5 

The authorities record the student population in Harrison as 10593. Additionally, the enrollment from the minority stands at 10% and 35.2% from economically disadvantaged students. The students-to-teacher ratio stands at 13:1, meaning teachers can give individual students quality time, thus improving student performance. 

The Economy of Harrison County 

Harrison County’s economic activities depend primarily on the following sectors; 

  • Construction 
  • Manufacturing 
  • Retail trade 
  • Healthcare services 
  • Educational services 
  • Public Administration 
  • Accommodation and food services 

The unemployment rate at 6.3% almost mirrors that of the US average of 6.0%. The job market did not decrease in the past year. Also, the projected job market growth for the next ten years stands at 28.4% compared to the US average of 33.5%. 

More importantly, the average annual income per person is $22,224, which remains lower than the US average of $28,555. 

Politics and Voting Patterns in Harrison County, Texas 

The Republican Party commands a massive following in Harrison County. Moreso, residents of this County have voted for the Republicans in all presidential contests since 2000. 

In the last US presidential elections, Harrison County residents voted; 

  • Republicans 61.7% 
  • Democrats 36.5% 
  • Independent 1.8% 

Charity and Community Service in Harrison County 

Many charitable causes and organizations exist in the County of Harrison. You may also choose to donate to charity in your area of interest, such as helping orphanages or contributing mobility devices to people living with physical disabilities. 

Many reputable organizations worthy of your donation will readily and graciously receive your gift in kind. More importantly, Harrison County does so much from the help coming from its residents as charity donations. 

Covid-19 Cases and Deaths in Harrison County 

 Harrison County shares Covid-19 information from cities to rural towns to stop the spread of the pandemic. Notably, the County spreads information on the effects of Coronavirus to families, travel, and commerce. 

More significantly, the information enables residents to follow up on new covid cases and deaths occasioned by the pandemic. 

The US government provides Covid data on their website. They also keep updating the data to ensure it reflects the current status of Coronavirus in each State and County. The data is available for download, and it helps other government agencies to fight Covid-19. 

The Center for Disease and Prevention remains one such agency that depends on Covid-19 data nationwide. 

The total Covid-19 cases in Harrison County stands at 6574. Additionally, 98 deaths have occurred. 

Emergency Management in Harrison County 

Harrison County prepares well for disasters and emergencies that may happen in the future. The crises may come in the form of natural, artificial, or technological disasters. Consequently, the disasters threaten life, the environment, or the property of the citizens. 

Together with the local government, the Federal State prepares a detailed plan that helps during an emergency operation. 

More significantly, if an emergency or disaster occurs, the County government will follow the emergency plan during the emergency operation.