Walker

Walker County

Updated on: January 12, 2022
Coordinates
30° 44' 24" N, 95° 34' 12" W (30.74, -95.57)
State
Texas
Region
Central East
County Seat:
Huntsville
Year Organized:
1846
Total Square Miles:
801.504
784 square miles (2,030 km2) land
17 square miles (44 km2) water
Population:
72245 (2017)
Population: 72,480 Est. (2018) 67,861 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
90
Walker County Website
http://www.co.walker.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Houston (N)
Trinity (NE)
San Jacinto (E)
Montgomery (S)
Grimes (W)
Madison (NW)

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
72245
25 to 64 Years of Age:
53.04%
65 Years of Age and Older:
13.21%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$2.0 B
Labor Force:
23,970
Unemployment Rate:
4.20%

County Contact

1100 University Ave
County Courthouse
Huntsville, TX, 77340-4639

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

The woodland hills are home to Walker County. Visitors fancy this place because of the beauty and charm that it has. It is a great place for people who are looking for jobs as it has many job opportunities available. There are also many schools in Walker county. 

The county seat is Huntsville, which hosts major universities like Sam Houston State University, University of North Texas, and Texas A&M-Commerce. This write-up looks at Walker’s history, areas to visit, county offices, economy, and people. 

Let’s dive in! 

History of Walker County 

The county was established in 1846. It was among the first counties formed from land grants. The area was settled by French colonists starting in 1765. 

Several Native American tribes were living in the region before the arrival of Europeans. They included Caddo Indians and Wichita Indians who practiced hunting and farming. Most of these tribes had been displaced or killed due to European diseases and conflicts with other European settlers. 

In 1685, Spanish explorers led by Don Juan de Oñate arrived in Walker County. He founded San Antonio on lands he claimed for Spain. 

By 1700, the area had been ceded to France as part of their New France colony. In 1800, Napoleon sold the territory to the United States. 

By 1821, settlers began arriving in the county. The first permanent settlement was named after Robert J. Walker, an early settler. It was later renamed for Samuel H. Walker in 1846. 

Current Economic Activities in Walker County, Texas 

Walker county is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas. The presence of major universities in the county like Sam Houston State University and Texas A&M-College Station means the county values education. 

Once students complete their studies, they join the workforce or continue with studies to higher levels to earn more money. 

Tourism plays a big role in the economy of the county. People come here to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take advantage of the many outdoor activities offered. Most of the attractions are free, so you’ll save a lot by coming here. 

People who work in the service industry make up about half of the workforce in Walker county. Other industries include manufacturing, retail trade, health care, construction, and government. 

The county also helps businesses through various industrial development, economic development, and tax incentives. 

Agriculture is also important to the local economy. Farmers grow cotton, corn, sorghum, wheat, soybeans, oats, and hay. 

Finally, mining is another activity that contributes to the county’s economy and provides jobs for workers. 

Areas of Interest in Walker County 

One thing you’ll love about Walker county is the organization. The county has everything you need within reach. Here are some of the things you can do while visiting: 

  • Visit the historic courthouse built in 1849. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 
  • You can tour the Old Jail Museum inside the old jail where prisoners once stayed. 
  • You can visit the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, which honors the life of the man who helped found the state of Texas. 
  • Take a walk around Sam Houston Park. There are over 100 acres of parkland, and it’s home to the Sam Houston statue. 
  • Take a ride on the Sam Houston Parkway Trail. This trail runs along the banks of Buffalo Bayou and connects all the parks in the city. 
  • Enjoy the outdoors at the Lake Livingston Nature Center, among others. 

Cities and Towns 

There are four towns in Walker county. Each town is unique, with its own culture, history, and traditions. Here are some of the towns and what they can offer you. 

  • Huntsville- This is the county seat of walker county and home to the University of Texas at Tyler. Huntsville offers various activities like shopping, dining, entertainment, and more. 
  • New Waverly- This town is famous for its amazing views and a beautiful lake. New Waverly has a lot of great things to do, including fishing, camping, swimming, boating, and much more. 
  • Riverside- This is another small town located on the banks of the Colorado River. Riverside has a lot of fun things to do, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and much more. 
  • Dodge- Lastly, there is Dodge, a very quiet town known for its antique shops and restaurants. 

When visiting the towns, don’t forget to check out the local events— there is always something going on in each town. Some of the most popular events include: 

  • The annual rodeo held in May 
  • The Fourth of July parade 
  • The Christmas Parade 
  • Festivals throughout the year 

What’s the Weather is Like in Walker County 

Walker County is located in north-central Texas. The climate here is very hot and humid, with an average temperature of 92 degrees F during the summer months. The winters are milder than most other parts of the state due to its proximity to the Gulf Coast. Rainfall averages around 10 inches per year; this means that you can expect between 70 and 90 days of rain a year. 

Some months may see more precipitation than others. For example, July may receive about 8 inches of rainfall while February only receives 2 inches. 

The best time to visit is from May through September when temperatures are mild, and there is less chance of getting caught in a downpour. 

Most tourist activities occur within these months. However, if you want to enjoy some outdoor fun, try visiting in October or November. These months offer cooler weather and fewer tourists. 

You can find out what the weather will be like by checking the forecast for your destination.  

County Offices 

Here are some of the key county offices and their contacts. If you have questions about a specific office, simply call the number for assistance. 

County Judge’s office- The office is under Judge Danny Pierce. Call them at +1 936-436-4910. 

The county treasurer’s office is under Barbara McGilberry. You can call them at +1 936-436-4933. 

The Walker County Clerks’ office is under Kari French. Call them at (936) 436-4922. 

The sheriff’s office handles security issues. You can reach the department at +1 936-435-2400. If it is an emergency, call 911.