Rains

Rains County

Updated on: January 11, 2022
Coordinates
32 52' 12" N, 95 48' 0" W (32.87, -95.8)
State
Texas
Region
Northeast
County Seat:
Emory
Year Organized:
1870
Total Square Miles:
258.828
229 square miles (590 km2) land
29 square miles (75 km2) water
Population:
11762 (2017)
Population: 12,896 est. (2019) 10,914 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
45
Rains County Website
http://www.co.rains.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Hopkins (N)
Wood (E)
Van Zandt (SW)
Hunt (NW)

Rains County Town List

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
11762
25 to 64 Years of Age:
49.10%
65 Years of Age and Older:
24.53%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$183.3 M
Labor Force:
5,903
Unemployment Rate:
3.50%

County Contact

PO BOX 158
County Courthouse
Emory, TX, 75440-0158

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

In the northeastern region of Texas, Rains County is located close to the upper reaches of the Sabine River. Hunt, Hopkins, Woods, and Van Zandt Counties border it. Emory is located at Latitude 32°50′ N and Longitude 95°50′ W, making it the county seat and the largest city. In the center of the county, Emory is located 64 miles from Dallas. About 406 to 491 feet of elevation above sea level change is required for a sea-level traveler to reach Rains County. A typical July temperature is 95° F, whereas a typical January temperature is 31° F.

The company’s headquarters are in Emory. In honor of Texas politician Emory Rains, the county and the city are both named after him.

The Recorded Texas Historic Landmark 10860 was placed in the courthouse yard in 1970 and remains there today. It has the smallest land area in Texas and the fifth-smallest overall area in the state.

History of Rains County

In 1870, Rains County was formed: Small pieces of land from Wood, Van Zandt, Hunt, and Hopkins counties were combined to create it. Emory was named after Mr. Emory Rains, the Republic of Texas’s first president. In addition to Rains County and Emory, named after Mr. Rains, Emory Rains was born in Warren County, Tennessee. In 1817, he migrated to Texas and stayed there for some time. Emory Rains worked hard for the public in various roles in the government.

In the early 21st century, agriculture and industries were essential to the local economy. With 46 percent of the area utilized for crops, 41 percent for pastures, and 10 percent for woodlands in 2002, 584 farms and ranches covered 93,601 acres in the region. In 2002, this is what it looked like: The agricultural and ranching industries in the region generated a great deal of revenue, summing up to $11,790,000. Animal sales accounted for $9,507,000 of the total revenue. The primary agricultural products were cattle, horses, vegetables, hay, wheat, and a minor amount of wheat. The county’s seat, Emory, had a population of up to 1,226.

Additionally, the communities of Point (811), East Tawakoni (811), and others may be found nearby (876). Rains County’s major reservoirs provide a wide range of exciting activities. The Texas Lakes Trail has added Road 47. Iron Bridge Dam may be seen from this route as it travels south from Point. It is possible to access Lake Tawakoni and Lake Fork via public boat ramps. In September of 2004, a yearly bass fishing and golf tournament began, and it has continued ever since.

Topography and Climate

The total area of Rains County spans up to 259 square miles, an equivalent to 670 kilometers squared. The land occupies 590 229 square miles(km2) while the remaining 29 square miles is covered by water (75km2)

During the growing season, the county receives an average of 42.2 inches of rain. The lakes of Tawakoni and Fork have helped reduce flooding as more than 10% of Rains County have drowned since their creation. This county is the smallest in the state, covering only 258.8 square miles. The majority of the soil is composed of sand and clay. The southern boundary of the county is the Sabine River.

The Sabine’s Lake Fork is a northeasterly-flowing stream that receives most of the county’s streams. Rains County is home to all of these streams. There are also a variety of springs to choose from. The stream that cuts through Emory’s city park draws its waters from Springville Springs. As a result of well pumping in recent years, the water table has dropped, which has affected the flow of this and other springs.

Rains County’s income comes from agriculture, including cattle, hay, and vegetables.

Places to Visit in Rains County

Lake Tawakoni

The Iron Bridge Dam and Reservoir Project, commonly known as Lake Tawakoni, was the first significant project undertaken by the Sabine River Authority of Texas.

The total area of Lake Tawakoni is around 36,700 acres. Wills Point is 10 miles northeast of the dam’s location. More than just three counties are covered by the reservoir, including sections of many additional counties.

Water conservation and delivery will be the primary focus of this project. With a height of 437.5 meters above sea level, the reservoir’s storage capacity is 900,000 liters.

When they were a part of the Sabine River, they were considered headwaters. They are now buried under a lake, where the river originates.

Many outdoor activities are available in Lake Tawakoni State Park, including fishing, swimming, and camping, just a short drive away.

Lake Fork

Bass fishing is one of the most popular pastimes at Lake Fork. Currently, it holds the record for 34 of the state’s top 50 most giant largemouth bass.

Hopkins, Rains, and Wood Counties are home to this pristine lake located just north of Mineola and northwest of Quitman. These three counties are where it is. Since it was excavated in 1980, the water level has risen to a whopping 70 feet.

Among anglers, the reservoir’s resident bigmouth bass is a perennial favorite. In addition to rigorous harvest limits, stocking with Florida strain largemouth, and plenty of habitats, Lake Fork has risen to become one of the most incredible trophy bass lakes in the country.

County Offices

The majority of services for automobile registration and title are supplied by county tax assessor-collector offices, such as the ones seen here:

Renewing a registration is possible (License Plates and Registration Stickers), changing a car’s title, changing the address to Motor Vehicle Records, Purple Heart, and Disabled Veteran License Plates, temporary registration.

Judge Linda Wallace is the county judge, and Cricket kisser acts as the Judge’s assistant. To get to the Judge, you can contact her assistant at 903-473-5000 x12 or email [email protected].

The county judge heads the county of commissioners and other precinct commissioners, including Jeremy Cook, Precinct 1 Commissioner. You can get him by phone at 903-473-5000, ext. 121 or email [email protected]; Mike Willis, who is Precinct 2 Commissioner and is available through the telephone number 903-473-5000, ext. 123 or email [email protected]; Precinct 3 is headed by Korey Young and is readily available through email [email protected] or telephone number 903-473-5000. Precinct 4 Commissioner is Joe Humphrey, and you may contact him through the email [email protected] or telephone 903-473-5000, ext. 124.

Robert Vititow heads the county district attorney. The address to the office is Rains County Courthouse Annex 220 W. Quitman Street, Emory, TX 75440. Alternatively, you may get to him through telephone number 903-473-5000, ext—115 or Fax 903-473-5085. Amy Wallace acts as the chief legal assistant to the district attorney’s office.

David Traylor is the Sheriff of Rains County, and the address to the county jail is 313 E. North Street Emory, TX 75440. You may get to him via his telephone number 903-473-3181, and in case of an emergency, you call 911. Through fax, he’s available at 903-473-3008.