Harris County, Texas

Harris County, Texas
source
County	Harris County
State	Texas
Founded	1836
Seat	Houston
Largest city	Houston
Area	1,778
Population	4,731,221
Density	2,663

Harris County, Texas. Located in the southeastern part of the state, Harris County is bordered by Waller County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Chambers County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, and Fort Bend County. The county is home to the city of Houston, the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest city in the United States. Harris County is also part of the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area, which includes Baytown, Conroe, League City, and Missouri City. The county is served by George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport.

Geography

Harris County covers an area of 1,778 square miles, with a mix of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. The county is drained by several rivers and streams, including the San Jacinto River, Buffalo Bayou, and White Oak Bayou. The Addicks Reservoir and Barker Reservoir are two major water supply reservoirs in the county, which are operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The county's terrain is generally flat, with some areas of gentle slopes and low-lying coastal plains. Harris County is also home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Armand Bayou Nature Center, Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Reserve, and Terry Hershey Park. The county is served by several major highways, including Interstate 10, Interstate 45, and U.S. Route 290.

History

Harris County was founded in 1836 and was named after John Richardson Harris, an early settler in the area. The county was part of the Mexican Republic until the Texas Revolution in 1836, when it became part of the Republic of Texas. After Texas was annexed by the United States in 1845, Harris County became part of the State of Texas. During the American Civil War, Harris County was a major supply center for the Confederate States of America. The county was also home to several Union Army camps, including Camp Logan. The city of Houston was a major hub for the Texas and New Orleans Railroad and the Southern Pacific Railroad. The county's history is also closely tied to the Spindletop oil field, which was discovered in 1901 and sparked the Texas Oil Boom.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Harris County has a population of 4,731,221 people, making it the third-most populous county in the United States. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Non-Hispanic Whites. The median household income in Harris County is $53,449, and the median home value is $143,800. The county is home to several major universities, including the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, and University of St. Thomas. Harris County is also served by several major hospitals, including the Texas Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Health System, and Houston Methodist Hospital. The county is also home to several major cultural institutions, including the Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Houston Symphony.

Government

Harris County is governed by a Commissioners' Court, which is composed of five members, including the County Judge and four County Commissioners. The county is also served by several other elected officials, including the District Attorney, Sheriff, and Treasurer. The county is part of the Texas 2nd Congressional District, Texas 7th Congressional District, Texas 8th Congressional District, Texas 9th Congressional District, Texas 10th Congressional District, Texas 18th Congressional District, Texas 22nd Congressional District, Texas 29th Congressional District, and Texas 36th Congressional District. Harris County is also home to several major government agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Economy

Harris County has a diverse economy, with major industries in energy, healthcare, aerospace, and technology. The county is home to several major companies, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and United Airlines. The county is also a major hub for international trade, with the Port of Houston being one of the busiest ports in the United States. The county is also home to several major research institutions, including the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Baylor College of Medicine, and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Harris County is also a major center for entrepreneurship, with several major incubators and accelerators, including the Houston Technology Center and the Rice University-based Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Education

Harris County is served by several major school districts, including the Houston Independent School District, Aldine Independent School District, Alief Independent School District, and Spring Independent School District. The county is also home to several major universities, including the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, and University of St. Thomas. The county is also served by several major community colleges, including the Houston Community College System and the Lone Star College System. Harris County is also home to several major research institutions, including the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Baylor College of Medicine, and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The county is also a major center for vocational training, with several major trade schools and career colleges, including the Houston Baptist University-based School of Nursing and Allied Health and the University of Houston–Downtown-based College of Business. Category:Texas counties