Grimes County
- Coordinates
- 30° 33' 0" N, 95° 58' 48" W (30.55, -95.98)
- State
- Texas
- Region
- Central East
- County Seat:
- Anderson
- Year Organized:
- 1846
- Total Square Miles:
-
801.603
787 square miles (2,040 km2) land
14 square miles (36 km2) water - Population:
-
28082 (2017)
Population: 27,671 Est. (2016) 26,604 (2016) - Persons/Square Mile:
- 35
- Grimes County Website
- http://www.co.grimes.tx.us/
Contiguous Counties
Madison (N)Walker (NE)
Montgomery (SE)
Waller (S)
Washington (SW)
Brazos (W)
Grimes County Offices
Grimes County Town List
County structure
- Government Type:
- County
- Authority:
- Dillon's Rule
- Legislative Body:
- Commisioners Court
- Size of Legislative Body:
- 5
Demographics
- 2018 Population:
- 28082
- 25 to 64 Years of Age:
- 52.28%
- 65 Years of Age and Older:
- 17.38%
Economy, 2018
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
- $1.1 B
- Labor Force:
- 11,108
- Unemployment Rate:
- 4.10%
Grimes County was named after Jesse Grimes, a senator from the state of Georgia. The first settlers in this area were French and Spanish explorers who came to what is now known as Texas during the late 1700s.
They settled along the San Antonio River, where it meets with the Guadalupe River. In 1821, Stephen F. Austin founded his colony at Nacogdoches, which became an important trading center for cotton and other goods that passed through on their way westward.
During the 1830s, many people moved into the area because they wanted to be near the new railroads built by the Santa Fe Railroad Company. By 1840 about 1,000 families were living here.
What is the Population of Grimes County?
Data from the US Census Bureau estimates reveal the population of the county is 28,880 people. They are spread across 787.46 square miles of land. 45.6% are female, and 54.4% are male.
Two thousand eight hundred eleven households are living in the county. Of these, 50.7% have children under 18 residing with parents, while around 60.9% represent couples living together.
About 0.8% of all households comprise individuals, and 6.1% include those residing alone and are 65 years and above. The average household size is 2.81, and the average family size is 3.23.
In terms of race, white Americans make up 81.1% of the total population, followed by black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander (0.4%), American Indian and Alaska Native, and others.
As far as religion goes, Christians account for 81.5%, Muslims are at 10.2%, Buddhists are at 8.3%, Hindus are at 0.4%, Jews are at 0.3%, atheists are at 0.3%.
Attractions in Grimes County
Gibbons Creek State Park: This park offers camping facilities, hiking trails, fishing opportunities, swimming pools, playgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and more.
It also features a nature trail, wildlife viewing, bird watching, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted.
Canyon Lake Recreation Area: Located just outside of Canyon Lake, TX, this recreation area provides visitors with boating, fishing, picnicking, camping, and much more.
Red Board Tarven- Hogan Wildlife Management Area: This WMA comprises over 200 acres of open grassland habitat between two lakes.
Horlock History Center- Horlock, TX: A museum dedicated to preserving local history.
Navasota Theater Alliance- Navasota, TX: An art-house theater located in downtown Navasota, TX.
Texas Hill Country Museum – New Braunfels, TX: Dedicated to the culture and heritage of the German immigrants who arrived in the early 1900s.
New Braunfels Chamber Music Festival – New Braunfels, TX: Held annually since 1969, this festival brings world-class chamber music concerts to the city each summer.
Jollisant Farms- Jourdanton, TX: Home to one of the largest collections of antique tractors in North America.
The Old Town Historic District- New Braunfels, Tx.: One of the oldest towns in Texas, this historic district contains many restored buildings from its days as a frontier outpost.
Education in Grimes County
In Grimes County, public schools educate students from prekindergarten through twelfth grade.
Schools include three high schools, twenty elementary schools, four middle schools, and five alternative education centers. Private school options include Trinity Christian Academy, St. Mary Catholic School, and Holy Cross High School.
Universities and colleges offer higher learning opportunities, including Texas A&M College of Architecture, Office of Student Services, Texas A, Midwestern State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Sul Ross State University, and many other institutions.
The Economy in Grimes County
The county is a business hub that includes several large corporations such as AT&T Mobility, Chevron Corporation, ExxonMobil, Shell Oil Company, Valero Energy Corp., and Waste Connections Incorporated.
There are vast lands available for oil drilling, which has led to an increase in jobs related to petroleum extraction. The economy of the region relies heavily on tourism because of the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Most of the residents work in the service industry or agriculture. Some crops grown here include cotton, corn, sorghum, wheat, soybeans, and hay. Animals kept in the county include cattle, sheep, goats, horses, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, hogs, and ducks.
Healthcare in Grimes County
Hospitals’ healthcare services include Saint Joseph Hospital, Valley Baptist Medical Center, and South Plains Regional Health System. Other healthcare providers include clinics, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, physical therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors.
In case of a disease outbreak, there are two quarantine stations where people can be quarantined if exposed to certain illnesses. These facilities are located at San Angelo and Canyon Lake. There are also numerous nursing homes throughout the area.
Culture in Grimes County
There are annual festivals in the county, including the Heritage Days Celebration, the Spring Arts and Craft Fair, the Fall Art Show, and the Christmas Parade.
Other cultural events include the annual rodeo, art shows, and theater productions. Many churches hold regular worship services with special activities during holidays like Easter Sunday and Thanksgiving Day.
Through cultural activities, you get to know your neighbors better and learn about their traditions. You will find out what makes them unique and appreciate all aspects of life in Grimes County.
Grimes County Offices
County offices help citizens’ access government resources and provide information about programs offered by state agencies. These offices also serve as points of contact with law enforcement officials when needed. They can be found throughout the county at various locations.
County Judge Office
It has a role to play in all aspects of local governance. This office provides administrative support to elected officials and serves as the point of contact between the court system and the people. The current Judge is Joe Fauth III. Contact the office at 936-873-4476.
County Clerk Office
The office maintains records like birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and adoption papers. Vanessa Burzynski is in charge of the office. She is reachable at 936-873-4410 or [email protected].
Tax Collector Office
Collects taxes levied by the county and distributes funds collected to governmental entities. The current officer in charge is Mary Ann Waters. Call the office at 936-873-4465.
Treasurer’s Office
Keeps track of money coming into and going out of the county treasury. The current treasurer is Tom Maynard. Call 936-873-4402 for assistance.
Sheriff’s Department
Has jurisdiction over crimes committed within its boundaries. Sheriff’s deputies enforce laws and maintain order in their communities. The current county sheriff is Donald G. Sowell. Contact the office at (936) 873-2151.
County Attorney
Provides legal advice and representation to individuals and businesses. The office is under Jon C. Fultz. Contact the office at 936-873-6455.
Conclusion
In summary, the Grimes County area offers many opportunities for those who wish to start a new life. There are plenty of opportunities that will allow you to earn enough income to live comfortably. If you have questions, please email us your comments.