Central

Central Texas

Updated on: January 12, 2022

The Central Texas Region has 20 counties and covers approximately 17,400 square miles. The region stretches from Hillsboro towards San Saba and Colorado rivers. The area is known for its beautiful scenery, friendly people, and great food. Several cities have a population of over 1,000,000.  

Central Texas is an excellent place if you are looking for a home to raise your family or retire. It offers many opportunities. Central Texas also has a lot of history, with the Battle of San Jacinto being fought here. This was one of the most important battles during the Texas Revolution. 

Follow through as we explore more about the Central- Texas Region.   

Metropolitan Statistical Areas in Central- Texas Region 

Central Texas Region has three metropolitan areas (MSAs): College Station-Bryan MSA, Waco MSA, and Killeen-Temple MSA. Each MSA has a different population density. The college town of Bryan has a high population density while the other two towns have lower densities. 

Bryan MSA 

This MSA is located in Brazos County and includes all of Bryan and College Stations. The MSA has a total population of 817,959. Bryan is the largest city in this MSA. 

Waco MSA 

The Waco MSA is in McLennan County and includes the City of Waco and Temple. The MSA has 693,726 residents. 

Killeen-Temple MSA 

This area covers three counties. The population is approximately 475,367. 

History of Central- Texas Region 

During the early 1800s, settlers came into the central part of Texas and settled there. In 1836, Stephen F. Austin founded the colony of Texas. He named it after his state of residence, Massachusetts. 

As the years went by, Indians and Mexicans attacked the colonists. They had to fight for their lives. They won independence from Mexico in 1836. In 1845, they joined and formed the Republic of Texas. 

Then on March 2, 1861, the Confederate States of America were formed. In 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse. During the Civil War, many men died fighting for the Union Army and the Confederacy. 

Many women worked hard to help feed soldiers who were away from home. The war ended on May 13, 1865. By 1900, the population of Texas grew to 4 million people. Today, Texas has over 27 million people, with central Texas having approximately 1.2m people.  

Attractions in Central Texas Region 

Central Texas is one of the most beautiful places in the world. You can see amazing natural landscapes such as mountains, lakes, rivers, and prairies. The region is full of attractions like museums, parks, historic sites, zoos, botanical gardens, art galleries, theaters, etc. Here are some of the things you can do in Central Texas: 

Texas Capitol Building 

The Texas Capitol building is a symbol of democracy in Texas. It is the seat of government of the State of Texas. It is in downtown Austin. The building is made up of limestone and granite. 

The dome of the capitol is covered with copper tiles. There are four statues inside the building. One statue depicts the first governor of Texas, Sam Houston. The second statue shows the last governor of Texas, Miriam Martinez.  

Zilker Park 

Zilker is a park that is in Austin. This park is known for its beautiful views of Lake Travis. The park also has a zoo, a children’s museum, a planetarium, a science center, a theater, and a botanic garden. 

Museum of Fine Arts 

The Museum of Fine Arts is located in Houston. The museum has more than 200,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, glassware, jewelry, textiles, drawings, prints, photographs, and other media.  

Sam Houston National Forest 

The Sam Houston National Forest- This is a national forest in Texas. It covers about 3,500 square miles. There are several trails within this forest. These trails include the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Trail, the Guadalupe River Trail, and the Pecan Valley Trail. These trails have scenic beauty and wildlife.  

Enchanted Rock- Austin 

Enchanted Rock is an ancient rock formation located near Austin. Enchanted Rock is a huge rock formation that is shaped like an egg. It is surrounded by a large lake called Lake Austin. The rock formation is estimated to be between 6,000 and 7,000 years old.   

The economy in the Central- Texas Region 

The Central- Texas Region has a vibrant economy. Many businesses are operating here. The main industries are oil and gas, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, tourism, banking, healthcare, education, and retail trade.   

The U.S. Army’s Fort Hood influences the economy in the Central- Texas Region. Many people work at the base because it provides jobs. Many military families live in the area. They spend their money in local stores and restaurants. 

Oil & Gas Industry 

Many oil companies are operating in the Central Texas Region. In fact, there are over 1,200 active wells in the area. Most of them are producing oil. The oil industry is vital to the economy of the region. 

Manufacturing Industry 

The manufacturing sector makes up about 25% of the total employment in the Central Texas Region. Manufacturing includes food processing, chemical production, metal fabrication, plastics, machinery, electronics, textiles, and furniture making. 

Agriculture Industry 

The Central Texas Region is one of the largest producers of cotton in the United States. Cotton is grown in the area. The crop is used to make clothing. The region produces about 2 million bales of cotton each year. Other crops produced in the area include corn, sorghum, soybeans, wheat, peanuts, and cattle. 

Conclusion 

If you want to explore the Central- Texas Region, I suggest you visit some of its attractions. The region’s economy is robust. You can find a lot of things to do while visiting the area. For example, you can go hiking or camping.  

If you love nature, then you should visit Enchanted Rock. This place is beautiful. Also, if you enjoy history, then you should visit the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. The museum has a lot of exciting exhibits.  

Central Texas County Offices by Type

Central Texas Counties