Houston

Houston County

Updated on: November 18, 2021
Coordinates
31 19' 12" N, 95 25' 48" W (31.32, -95.43)
State
Texas
Region
Central East
County Seat:
Crockett
Year Organized:
1837
Total Square Miles:
1236.575
1,231 square miles (3,190 km2) land
5.7 square miles (15 km2) water
Population:
23021 (2017)
Population: 22,754 est. (2016) 23,732 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
19
Houston County Website
http://www.co.houston.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Anderson (N)
Cherokee (NE)
Angelina (E)
Trinity (SE)
Walker (S)
Madison (SW)
Leon (W)

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
23021
25 to 64 Years of Age:
51.53%
65 Years of Age and Older:
22.01%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$883.3 M
Labor Force:
10,162
Unemployment Rate:
3.70%

County Contact

401 East Houston Avenue, Town Square
County Courthouse
Crockett, TX, 75835-2045

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

Houston County was the first County to be established by the Republic of Texas. The county is located in East Texas, the Timberlands region. It was created in 1837, during which its government was organized. 

Anderson County borders Houston to the north, Cherokee to the east, Angelina to the South, and Leon to the west. The County was named for President Sam Houston.  

The original territory of Houston County included Trinity and Anderson Counties and a part of Pork and Henderson Counties. Crockett is the county seat. 

Houston County Demographics 

According to the United States Census Bureau, Houston County has a population of 22,066. The largest ethnic groups are white with 58.7%, blacks with 23.3%, and 13.9% are Hispanic. 

Houston County’s median household income for the year 2019 was $37,904. However, families living below the poverty line make 15.1%. 

Houston County Ecosystem 

Houston County, Texas, covers 1,234 miles, with an elevation of between 200-300 feet. The land covers 1,231 square miles, while 5.7 square miles are surrounded by water. The Trinity river borders the County on the west while the Neches River forms the northeastern boundary.  

Houston County terrain is hilly to rolling. Generally, Houston soils are loamy and light-colored with deep reddish subsoils, but west soils are sandy. About 30% of Histon land is prime land and has the vegetation of hardwood and pine.  

The country’s climate is humid and subtropical but also experiences winter and summer seasons. The average low temperature ranges from 36°-58°. On the other hand, average high temperatures range from 71°- 94°. 

January is usually ranked the coldest month at 5.7 °C (42.2 °F) while August is the warmest month at 34.7 °C (94.5 °F). The annual snowfall average is less than 1inch. The average rainfall is forty-two inches per year, and the growing season lasts 260 days.  

Houston County Public schools 

There are 22 Public Schools in Houston. There is 1 Public School per 55 square miles and one public school per 1,038 people. The County has been ranked 105th of 254 counties per square mile and 63rd of 254 counties in Public Schools per capita. 

The Public Schools in the County are publicly funded. Houston’s legal requirement is to provide tuition-free education to all children from Grade 12 to kindergarten. 

The Houston County public school does not discriminate based on sex, disability, genetics, national origin, religion, color or race, or children or employment.  

Houston County Economic Development 

Crockett is not only the seat but also the largest town in Houston County. The city is well-positioned to promote economic growth. The 1.5% sales tax rate in Crockett has been set to promote economic growth in the County.  

The decision was delivered in 1995 by Crockett voters. Crockett economic and industrial development corporation plans to oversee the utilization of the funds. These funds are used as incentive packages to attract investors interested in operating in Houston.  

The corporation is a 4A sales tax corporation and operates under Texas State Law. The attorney general’s office has produced a handbook Economic Development Handbook for Texas Cities(2008), to understand how the corporation works. 

How does CEIDC promote economic growth? 

  • Attract new businesses and investors by offering incentive packages. 
  • Negotiate with the State on behalf of companies and companies to provide financial help. 
  • Submit tax abatement applications to the State so that businesses can enjoy reduced start-up costs. 

Institutions such as Bush Intercontinental Airport contribute primarily to the economic development of the County. Also, good telegraphic and telephone connections, ample banking, good education, railroads, and roads make business possible. 

Attraction sites in Houston County, Texas 

There are many fun experiences, unique attractions, shopping, dining, and cultural activities in Houston. The County is renowned for beautiful green spaces, inspiring museums, famous chefs, and Space Center Houston.  

 The County is also famous for rodeos, livestock shows, signature events, and sports games. Some of the top-rated tourist’s attraction sites in Houston County include 

  • The Space Center Houston 
  • The Buffalo Bayou Park 
  • Houston Children’s Museum 
  • Houston’s Museum District 
  • The beautiful beaches of Galveston 
  • Houston Zoo 

Houston County, Texas Offices 

County Judge

Jim L. Lovellis Houston’s County judge. You can reach him by phone: 936-544-3255, ext. 221, Fax: 936-544-8053 Or visit his office at 401 East Goliad Avenue, Suite 201 Crockett, Tx-75835 

Commissioners Court

Houston County has four Precinct commissioners: Gary Lovell, Willie Kitchen, Gene Stokes, and Jimmy Henderson. 

Their offices are located at 401 East Goliad Avenue, Suite 202 Crockett, TX 75835, or call 936-544-3255. 

County Auditor

Houston County auditor is Melissa Mosley Jeter, CPM, CIO. Her contacts are 936-544-3255 x 225(phone) and 936-544-3260(fax). Her office location is 401 East Goliad, Ste 204 Crockett, TX 75835.   

County Attorney

Daphne Lynette Session heads the Houston County attorney’s office. Her office is at Daphne Lynette Session 401 East Houston Avenue, 2nd Floor Crockett, TX 75835. Contact her through Phone: (936)544-3255 or Fax: (936)-544-9811. 

County clerk

Terri Meadows is a Houston County clerk. For any query or concern, visit her office at Houston County Courthouse401 East Houston Avenue, First Floor Crockett, Texas 75835, or call 936-544-3255, ext. 239. 

County Treasurer

Janis Omelina heads Histon County treasurer’s office. Contact her through 936-544-3255, ext. 237 or visit her office at 401 E. Goliad, Suite 104 Crockett, TX 75835.   

Histon County, Texas, has other offices readily open to offer the residents excellent services. You can find them by visiting their website 

Houston County FAQs 

How much oil does Houston County, Texas produce?  

In June 2021, Houston County was ranked 144 for BOE production. About 2.6 million barrels of crude oil are processed in Houston’s refineries per day. The County contributes 14.3% of the nation’s overall output and 45.4% of the State’s production. 

Which fruits can I grow in Houston County, Texas? 

Houston County has the most extensive peach orchards globally. It is the United States’ well-known fruit-producing county. Some of the best fruits to grow to include: figs, plums, peaches, pears, citrus, apples, and pomegranates.