McLennan

McLennan County

Updated on: December 20, 2021
Coordinates
31 33' 0" N, 97 12' 0" W (31.55, -97.2)
State
Texas
Region
Central
County Seat:
Waco
Year Organized:
1850
Total Square Miles:
1060.231
1,037 square miles (2,690 km2) land
23 square miles (60 km2) water
Population:
251259 (2017)
Population: 247,934 est. (2016) 234,906 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
237
McLennan County Website
http://www.co.mclennan.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Hill (N)
Limestone (E)
Falls (SE)
Bell (S)
Coryell (SW)
Bosque (NW)

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
251259
25 to 64 Years of Age:
46.59%
65 Years of Age and Older:
14.38%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$12.3 B
Labor Force:
118,786
Unemployment Rate:
3.60%

County Contact

PO BOX 1728
County Courthouse
Waco, TX, 76703-1728

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

Perhaps you want to visit McLennan County, Texas, and you might be wondering whether the county is an exceptional place to spend time. You may want to know jobs available, places to visit, or even the county’s history. Well, we are here to help you through. The county began in the 18th century and has grown thanks to the stable government that supports citizens.

The county seat is Waco, known for economic vibrancy and a great location. This city offers many things, from fine dining to art galleries. There are also several parks and greenbelts to enjoy and museums and other attractions.

About McLennan County

McLennan County, Texas, is in Central Texas and is bordered by Baylor University, McLennan County, Bell County, Coryell County, Falls County, Hill County, Karnes County, and Limestone. It was established in 1850 and named for Neil McLennan, an early settler in the region.

The county covers about 730 square miles and is home to over 250,000 people. There are unique housing options in the county, including single-family homes, duplexes, apartments, and condos. There are also some mobile homes around.

The females are more with over 51% while those under 5 years are few. The county boasts different races like whites, blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and others. The whites are 80% of the population, followed by 13% black, 4% Asian, and 3% Hispanic.

The Economy of McLennan County

The county boasts of a robust economy based on Agriculture and mining. Early settlers were farmers and ranchers, but now there are oil companies and manufacturing plants. They practiced small-scale farming and ranching until the 1980s, when they grew corn, soybeans, and wheat. These crops are then processed into food products and livestock feed.

There are also coal mines that produce electricity. Other industries include metal fabrication, paper mill, petroleum refining, chemical processing, and textile mills. Currently, the companies and industries employ a large percentage of the people.

Tourism is another economic activity in the area. Visitors come to see the beautiful scenery and nature. Some of these visitors are hunters, bird watchers, and anglers. Others come just to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

Citizens have business in the county thriving thanks to the incentives and tax breaks offered by the state. For example, the county has low property taxes, no sales tax, no income tax, and no personal property tax. In addition, the county provides free utilities and water.

Attractions in McLennan County

McLennan County is among a few counties with vast lands and beautiful sceneries that attract tourists. There are many parks and green belts to go hiking, fishing, camping, and horseback riding. There are also lakes, rivers, and streams for boating and swimming. These areas offer kayaking, canoeing, rafting, tubing, camping, and picnicking.

Some of the most popular tourist destinations in McLennan County include:

Waco Mammoth National Monument: This park is near the town of New Braunfels. It features ancient fossils dating back millions of years. One can visit the museum or take tours to learn more about this amazing place.

Cameron Park Zoo: Located in Waco, it is the oldest zoo in Texas. It offers a variety of animals from all over the world. People can ride horses, hike through the trails, or picnic at the park.

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum: This museum was established in 1989 to honor the men who served in the Texas Rangers. It showcases the history of the rangers and their contributions to law enforcement.

Mayborn Museum Complex: This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Dr. John H. Mayborn. He was an American physician, educator, author, and politician. His home is preserved here.

Cameron Park: The city of Cameron Park is in the center of the county. It is known for its lovely landscape, trains, rivers, and beautiful bird sounds.

Programs and Assistance

McLennan county offers citizens programs to help them get back on their feet. They assist those who cannot afford housing, medical care, transportation, or other basic needs. If you are looking for job opportunities, McLennan county provides training and education so that individuals can find employment.

To receive the benefits mentioned above, residents must apply for the services. To do so, they should contact the appropriate agency. Below are some agencies that assist the community.

Fugitive Apprehension Program

This program helps citizens apprehend fugitives. Citizens can report suspected criminals using the tip line. Officers who will investigate the case will then contact them.

Community Service Program

The community teams up with local churches to provide food, clothing, and shelter to families who are struggling financially.

Victim Assistance Program

The program helps victims of crime recover from the emotional trauma caused by the event. This is done by providing counseling and financial aid.

County Offices

The county offices provide essential services and listens to concerns from citizens. They also provide information about government programs and services. Below are some of these offices and how to contact them.

The County Judge Office helps people file complaints, request documents, and pay fines. They also handle court cases. It is under Scott Felton, who is reachable at 254-757-5049.

Andy Harwell supervises the County Clerk’s office. If you have concerns, call 254-757-5000.

The Auditor’s Office handles tax payments and audits. Call 254-757-5156 if you need assistance from the office.

The Sheriff’s Office handles law enforcement, jail operations, court security, and prisoner transport. You can call 254-757-5095 to speak with sheriff Parnell McNamara.

The Tax Assessor/Collector Office assesses property taxes. If you want to know your assessment value, you can call  254-757-5130 to talk to Randy H. Riggs.

The Treasurer’s Office is under Bill Helton. The office handles county finances. You can call him at 254-757-5020.

Verdict

McLennan County is a nice place to live. There are many things to see and do. Whether it is visiting historical sites, enjoying nature, or going shopping, plenty of options are available. In addition, the community has many helpful organizations that offer support to citizens. Residents should always remember to check out the resources provided by the county.