Kaufman County, Texas

Kaufman County, Texas
County	Kaufman County
State	Texas
Founded year	1848
Seat	Kaufman
Largest city	Forney
Area total sq mi	808
Area land sq mi	786
Area water sq mi	22
Population as of	2020
Population total	145,310
Population density sq mi	auto
Time zone	Central
Named for	David S. Kaufman
Ex image cap	The Kaufman County Courthouse in Kaufman

Kaufman County, Texas is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Texas. It is part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex and has experienced significant population growth in recent decades. The county was created in 1848 from parts of Henderson County, Texas and named for David S. Kaufman, the first Texas Congressman from the state. Its county seat is Kaufman, while its most populous city is Forney.

History

The area that is now Kaufman County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee. Following the establishment of the Republic of Texas, settlement increased, and the county was officially organized by the Texas Legislature in 1848. The county seat, Kaufman, was platted in 1852. During the American Civil War, the county's residents were largely supportive of the Confederate States of America, and it was part of the wartime Texas home front. The late 19th century saw the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway, which spurred growth in towns like Terrell. The 20th century was marked by agricultural development and, later, suburban expansion as part of the growing Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. A significant modern event was the 2013 shooting deaths of Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland and Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse, which garnered national attention.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 808 square miles, of which 786 square miles is land and 22 square miles is water. It is situated within the Blackland Prairie region of Texas. Major waterways include the Trinity River, which forms part of the western boundary, and its tributaries like Kings Creek and Richland Creek. The terrain is generally characterized by rolling prairies. The county contains several reservoirs, including Lake Ray Hubbard and Cedar Creek Reservoir, which are popular for recreation. It is bordered by Rockwall County to the north, Van Zandt County to the east, Henderson County to the south, and Dallas County and Ellis County to the west.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 145,310, reflecting rapid growth from previous decades. The racial and ethnic composition was approximately 65.5% Non-Hispanic White, 15.5% Black or African American, 1.2% American Indian, 1.1% Asian, and 0.1% Pacific Islander. Individuals identifying as Hispanic or Latino of any race constituted 24.5% of the population. The largest cities by population are Forney, Terrell, and Kaufman. The median household income has historically been below the state average, though it has been rising with new development. Population density is highest in the western sections nearest to Dallas.

Government

Kaufman County operates under a Commissioners' court system, led by a County Judge and four Commissioners elected from single-member precincts. The current county judge is Bruce Wood. Other key elected officials include the Kaufman County Sheriff and the Kaufman County District Attorney. The county is part of several Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives districts. At the federal level, it is represented in the United States House of Representatives by members from Texas's 5th congressional district and Texas's 6th congressional district. The county has historically voted for Republican candidates in national and statewide elections.

Economy

Historically an agricultural economy based on cotton, corn, and cattle, Kaufman County has diversified significantly. It remains a center for agribusiness and livestock production. Manufacturing and distribution have grown, with major employers including the GAF Materials Corporation roofing plant in Forney and the Walmart Distribution Center in Terrell. The Terrell State Hospital is a major healthcare employer. Retail and service sectors have expanded rapidly due to suburban growth from the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The county also benefits from tourism related to its lakes and annual events like the Terrell Heritage Festival.

Education

Public education is provided by several independent school districts, including Forney Independent School District, Kaufman Independent School District, Terrell Independent School District, and Crandall Independent School District. The county is also served by the Kaufman County Special Education Cooperative. For higher education, Trinity Valley Community College operates a campus in Terrell. The county is within commuting distance of major institutions like the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of North Texas. Private school options include Trinity Christian Academy in Forney.

Transportation

Major highways serving the county include Interstate 20, which runs east-west, and U.S. Route 175, which connects to Dallas. Other significant routes are U.S. Route 80, State Highway 34, and Farm to Market Road 548. The county does not have a major commercial airport; residents primarily use Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport or Dallas Love Field. Public transportation is limited, though there is some commuter bus service to Dallas provided by the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system. Rail infrastructure includes freight lines operated by the Union Pacific Railroad and the Dallas, Garland and Northeastern Railroad.

Category:Kaufman County, Texas Category:Texas counties Category:1848 establishments in Texas