Harris County, Texas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Harris County, Texas | |
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| Map | |
 Location in the state of Texas |
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 Texas's location in the U.S. |
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| Statistics | |
| Founded | December 22, 1836 |
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| Seat | Houston |
| Area - Total - Land - Water |
1,778 sq mi (4,605 km²) 1,729 sq mi (4,478 km²) 49 sq mi (127 km²), 2.75% |
| Population - (2006) - Density |
3,886,207 2,248/sq mi (868/km²) |
| Website: www.co.harris.tx.us | |
Harris County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area. As of 2000 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 3,400,578 (though a 2007 estimate placed the population at 3,935,855), making it the most populous county in Texas and the third most populous county in the United States. Its county seat is Houston[1].
Harris County is named for John Richardson Harris, an early settler of the area.
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[edit] History
The county was founded on December 22, 1836 as Harrisburg County and Harrisburgh County. The name was changed to Harris County in December 1839.
[edit] Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,778 square miles (4,604 km²), of which, 1,729 square miles (4,478 km²) of it is land and 49 square miles (127 km²) of it (2.75%) is water.
[edit] Major highways
See List of Highways in Harris County for more roadways in Harris County.
[edit] Adjacent counties
- Montgomery County (north)
- Liberty County (northeast)
- Chambers County (east)
- Galveston County (southeast)
- Brazoria County (south)
- Fort Bend County (southwest)
- Waller County (northwest)
[edit] Demographics
| Historical populations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1850 | 4,668 |
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| 1860 | 9,070 | 94.3% | |
| 1870 | 17,375 | 91.6% | |
| 1880 | 27,985 | 61.1% | |
| 1890 | 37,249 | 33.1% | |
| 1900 | 63,786 | 71.2% | |
| 1910 | 115,693 | 81.4% | |
| 1920 | 186,667 | 61.3% | |
| 1930 | 359,328 | 92.5% | |
| 1940 | 528,961 | 47.2% | |
| 1950 | 806,701 | 52.5% | |
| 1960 | 1,243,158 | 54.1% | |
| 1970 | 1,741,912 | 40.1% | |
| 1980 | 2,409,547 | 38.3% | |
| 1990 | 2,818,199 | 17.0% | |
| 2000 | 3,400,578 | 20.7% | |
| Est. 2006 | 3,886,207 | 14.3% | |
As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 3,400,578 people, 1,205,516 households, and 834,217 families residing in the county, making it the largest county by population in Texas. The population density was 1,967 people per square mile (759/km²). There were 1,298,130 housing units at an average density of 751 per square mile (290/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 58.73% White, 18.49% Black or African American, 0.45% Native American, 5.14% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 14.18% from other races, and 2.96% from two or more races. 32.93% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 7.2% were of German, 6.2% American and 5.3% English ancestry according to Census 2000. 63.8% spoke English, 28.8% Spanish and 1.6% Vietnamese as their first language.
In 2006 Harris County had 3,886,207 residents. This represented 14.3% growth since 2000.
2005 saw Harris county with 37.5% of its population Latino. This represented an increase of over 120,000 in the number of Latinos in the county. 5.5% of the population was Asian. With South Asians especially Indian Americans making up one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in Harris County, with 35,971 counted in the 2000 Census;.[3]. African Americans constituted 18.4% of the county's population, representing a slight decline in percentage. It however meant the total number of African-Americans in the county had risen.[4].
In 2000 There were 1,205,516 households out of which 37.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.60% were married couples living together, 13.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.80% were non-families. 25.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.38.
In the county, the population was spread out with 29.00% under the age of 18, 10.30% from 18 to 24, 33.40% from 25 to 44, 19.80% from 45 to 64, and 7.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 99.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $42,598, and the median income for a family was $49,004. Males had a median income of $37,361 versus $28,941 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,435. About 12.10% of families and 14.97% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.60% of those under age 18 and 12.20% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Elected officials
[edit] United States Congress
| Senators | Name | Party | First Elected | Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senate Class 1 | Kay Bailey Hutchison | Republican | 1993 | Senior Senator | |
| Senate Class 2 | John Cornyn | Republican | 2002 | Junior Senator | |
| Representatives | Name | Party | First Elected | Area(s) of Harris County Represented | |
| District 2 | Ted Poe | Republican | 2004 | Kingwood portion of Houston, Spring, northeastern communities (including Baytown, Humble and La Porte) | |
| District 7 | John Culberson | Republican | 2000 | West Houston, Memorial Villages, Bellaire, West University Place, west and northwest areas of county | |
| District 9 | Al Green | Democrat | 2004 | Alief, Southwest Houston, Houston’s Southside | |
| District 10 | Michael McCaul | Republican | 2004 | Northwest | |
| District 18 | Sheila Jackson Lee | Democrat | 1994 | Downtown Houston, Bush IAH, northwest and northeast Houston, inner portions of Houston’s Southside | |
| District 22 | Nick Lampson | Democrat | 2006 (also served 1997-2005) | Clear Lake City, NASA Johnson Space Center, Ellington Field, southern and central Pasadena, Deer Park | |
| District 29 | Gene Green | Democrat | 1992 | East Houston, northern Pasadena, Galena Park, Channelview | |
List above took effect January 4, 2007.
[edit] Texas Legislature
[edit] Texas Senate
| District | Name | Party | First Elected | Area(s) of Harris County Represented | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Tommy Williams | Republican | 2003 | Kingwood, far eastern portions of Baytown | |
| 6 | Mario Gallegos | Democrat | 1995 | Houston Ship Channel, eastern portions of Houston, Jacinto City, Galena Park, northern Pasadena, western portion of Baytown | |
| 7 | Dan Patrick | Republican | 2007 | Memorial Villages, Memorial/Spring Branch area, Addicks Reservoir, northwest portions of county | |
| 11 | Mike Jackson | Republican | 1999 | Southeast | |
| 13 | Rodney Ellis | Democrat | 1990 | Downtown Houston, Texas Medical Center, southwest and northeast Houston, Houston’s Southside | |
| 15 | John Whitmire | Democrat | 1983 | Northwest Houston, Bush IAH, southern portion of Humble, eastern Harris County | |
| 17 | Kyle Janek | Republican | 2002 | Meyerland, Bellaire, West University Place, much of Katy area, far west Houston, Barker Reservoir | |
[edit] Texas House of Representatives
| District | Name | Party | First Elected | Area(s) of Harris County Represented | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 126 | Patricia Harless | Republican | 2006 | Champions/FM 1960 | |
| 127 | Joe Crabb | Republican | 1992 | Kingwood, Lake Houston, Crosby, Wallisville | |
| 128 | Wayne Smith | Republican | 2002 | Baytown, Deer Park, La Porte | |
| 129 | John Davis | Republican | 1998 | Clear Lake City, NASA Johnson Space Center | |
| 130 | Corbin Van Arsdale | Republican | 2002 | Northwest | |
| 131 | Alma Allen | Democrat | 2004 | Outer portions of Houston’s Southside | |
| 132 | Bill Callegari | Republican | 2000 | West | |
| 133 | Jim Murphy | Republican | 2006 | West Houston, western portion of Memorial/Spring Branch, part of the Energy Corridor | |
| 134 | Ellen Cohen | Democrat | 2006 | Inner western portions of Houston (including Meyerland, River Oaks and Memorial Park), Texas Medical Center, West University Place, Bellaire, Southside Place | |
| 135 | Gary Elkins | Republican | 1994 | Jersey Village and southeastern segments of the Champions/FM 1960 area | |
| 136 | Beverly Woolley | Republican | 1994 | Memorial Villages | |
| 137 | Scott Hochberg | Democrat | 1992 | Southwest Houston | |
| 138 | Dwayne Bohac | Republican | 2002 | Northwest Houston and parts of the Memorial/Spring Branch area north of I-10, Addicks Reservoir | |
| 139 | Sylvester Turner | Democrat | 1988 | North Houston and Aldine west of I-45 | |
| 140 | Natasya Bedos | Democrat | 1990 | North Houston and Aldine east of I-45 | |
| 141 | Senfronia Thompson | Democrat | 1972 | Northeast Houston, Bush IAH, Greenspoint, southern portion of Humble | |
| 142 | Harold Dutton, Jr. | Democrat | 1984 | East Houston, Northshore | |
| 143 | Ana Hernandez | Democrat | 2006 | East Houston within Loop 610, Houston Ship Channel, Galena Park, Jacinto City, northern Pasadena | |
| 144 | Robert Talton | Republican | 1992 | Southern Pasadena, far southeast Houston | |
| 145 | Rick Noriega | Democrat | 1998 | Inner southeastern portions of Houston (mainly east of I-45), South Houston (not part of the city of Houston) | |
| 146 | Borris Miles | Democrat | 2006 | Inner portions of Houston’s Southside | |
| 147 | Garnet Coleman | Democrat | 1990 | Downtown Houston, inner southeastern portions of Houston (mainly west of I-45) | |
| 148 | Jessica Farrar | Democrat | 1994 | Northwest Houston mainly within Loop 610 (including Houston Heights) | |
| 149 | Hubert Vo | Democrat | 2004 | Far west Houston, Alief, unincorporated portions of Katy area east of Fry Rd, Barker Reservoir | |
| 150 | Debbie Riddle | Republican | 2002 | North | |
[edit] Harris County elected officials
| Position | Official | Party |
|---|---|---|
| County Judge | Ed Emmett | Republican |
| County Commissioner Precinct 1 | El Franco Lee | Democrat |
| County Commissioner Precinct 2 | Sylvia Garcia | Democrat |
| County Commissioner Precinct 3 | Steve Radack | Republican |
| County Commissioner Precinct 4 | Jerry Eversole | Republican |
| County Attorney | Mike Stafford | Republican |
| County Clerk | Beverly Kaufman | Republican |
| District Attorney | Kenneth Magidson | (appointed) |
| District Clerk | Theresa Chang | Republican |
| Sheriff | Tommy Thomas | Republican |
| Assessor-Collector | Paul Bettencourt | Republican |
| County Treasurer | Orlando Sanchez | Republican |
| Constable Precinct 1 | Jack F. Abercia | Democrat |
| Constable Precinct 2 | Gary L. Freeman | Democrat |
| Constable Precinct 3 | Ken Jones | Democrat |
| Constable Precinct 4 | Ron Hickman | Republican |
| Constable Precinct 5 | Phil Camus | Republican |
| Constable Precinct 6 | Victor Trevino | Democrat |
| Constable Precinct 7 | May Walker | Democrat |
| Constable Precinct 8 | Bill Bailey | Republican |
[edit] Politics
| Year | Democrat | Republican |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 44.6% 475,865 | 54.6% 584,723 |
| 2000 | 42.9% 418,267 | 54.3% 529,159 |
| 1996 | 45.2% 386,726 | 49.2% 421,462 |
| 1992 | 38.2% 360,171 | 43.1% 406,778 |
| 1988 | 42.1% 342,919 | 57.0% 464,217 |
| 1984 | 38.3% 334,135 | 61.5% 536,029 |
| 1980 | 38.1% 274,061 | 57.9% 416,655 |
| 1976 | 47.0% 321,897 | 52.2% 357,536 |
| 1972 | 36.9% 215,916 | 62.6% 365,672 |
| 1968 | 38.8% 182,546 | 42.9% 202,079 |
| 1964 | 59.5% 227,819 | 40.3% 154,401 |
| 1960 | 45.6% 148,275 | 51.7% 168,170 |
[edit] Communities
[edit] Cities
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[edit] Unincorporated areas
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[edit] Education
Several school districts serve Harris County communities.
Harris County operates its own public library system, the Harris County Public Library.
In addition, Houston has the Houston Public Library, a city-controlled public library system.
The cities of Baytown, Bellaire, Deer Park, and Pasadena have their own city-controlled libraries.
[edit] Emergency services
[edit] Police services
Incorporated areas operate their own police departments.
Harris County operates the Harris County Sheriff's Office, which serves unincorporated areas and supplements police forces of incorporated areas.
Harris County also has a constable for each of its eight precincts and hundreds of deputies assigned to each. They mainly serve in a patrol function, established to maintain peace in the county as well as providing security to county buildings such as court houses and district attorney's offices.
[edit] Fire services
Harris County maintains the Harris County Fire Marshall office [1] to assist with fire investigations.
Incorporated cities operate their own fire departments; some cities share fire departments.
Fire departments serving unincorporated areas:
- Aldine
- Atascocita VFD
- Champions VFD
- Channelview VFD
- Cloverleaf VFD
- Community VFD (covers unincorporated southwest Harris County and unincorporated northeast Fort Bend County)
- Crosby VFD
- Cypress-Fairbanks VFD
- Cypress Creek VFD and EMS
- Easttex FD
- Forest Bend VFD (Southeast unincorporated Harris County)
- Huffman VFD
- Little York VFD
- Northwest VFD
- Ponderosa VFD
- Rosehill FD
- Spring FD
- Tri-County FD
- West I-10 FD
- Westfield
[edit] Political organization
The head of a Texas County, as set up in the Texas Constitution, is the County Judge, who sits as the chair of the county's Commissioners' Court. As of 2007, this position in Harris County is held by Judge Ed Emmett. The county is split into 4 geographical divisions called Precincts. Each precinct elects a Commissioner to sit as a representative of their precinct on the commissioners court and also for the oversight of county functions in their area.
Other elected positions in Harris County include a County Attorney, a County Clerk, a District Attorney, a District Clerk, a Sheriff, 8 Constables, a Tax Assessor-Collector, a County Treasurer, and every judge in the county except municipal judges, who are appointed by the officials of their respective cities.
[edit] Hospital services
Within Harris County, hospital services for the indigent and needy are provided by the Harris County Hospital District, a separate governmental entity. Harris County Hospital District operates three hospitals: LBJ General Hospital, Quentin Mease Community Hospital, and Ben Taub General Hospital, as well as many clinics.
Additionally, numerous private and public hospitals operate in Harris County, including institutions in Texas Medical Center and throughout the county.
[edit] Transportation
Many areas in Harris County are served by Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO), a public transportation agency headquartered in Downtown Houston.
Two commercial airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport, are located in Houston and in Harris County. The city of Houston operates Ellington Field, a general aviation and military airport in Harris County.
Four general aviation airports are located outside of Houston and in Harris County:
- La Porte Municipal Airport in La Porte
- Baytown Airport in unincorporated east Harris County, north of Baytown
- West Houston Airport is a general aviation airport located in unincorporated western Harris County, west of the Houston city limits.
- David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport, a general aviation airport, is located outside of the Tomball city limits in unincorporated northwest Harris County.
[edit] Trivia
- Harris County receives more tornado warnings than any other county.[5]
- Harris County has sent more people to the death chamber than any other county.[6]
[edit] References
- ^ Find a County. National Association of Counties. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ I n d i a P o s t . c o m - Illegal immigrants from India on the rise
- ^ Harris County QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau
- ^ Thousands could die if a giant tornado ever hits Houston, Eric Berger, Houston Chronicle, Feb. 20, 2007.
- ^ Death Penalty Uneven, Dallas News, Jul. 28, 2007.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Harris County government’s website
- The Handbook of Texas Online: Harris County
- Account of the early days of Harris County, 1824 - 1838 from Indian Wars and Pioneers of Texas by John Henry Brown, hosted by The Portal to Texas History
- Harris County local event listings
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Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown METROPOLITAN AREA |
|---|---|
| Counties | Austin | Brazoria | Chambers | Fort Bend | Galveston | Harris | Liberty | Montgomery | San Jacinto | Waller |
| "Principal" cities |
Houston | Sugar Land | Baytown | Galveston |
| Cities and towns |
Alvin | Angleton | Bellaire | Cleveland | Clute | Conroe | Dayton | Deer Park | Dickinson | Freeport | Friendswood | Galena Park | Hitchcock | Hempstead | Humble | Jacinto City | Jersey Village | Katy | Lake Jackson | La Marque | La Porte | League City | Liberty | Meadows Place | Missouri City | Pasadena | Pearland | Richmond | Rosenberg | Santa Fe | Seabrook | Sealy | South Houston | Stafford | Texas City | Tomball | Webster | West University Place |
| Unincorporated areas | Atascocita | Channelview | Cloverleaf | Cypress | Klein | Spring | The Woodlands |
