Economic History

Railroads in the 1870s–1890s Opened Collin County to Large-Scale Farming

Before 1872, Collin County farmers had no good way to ship crops far away. The railroads changed that and transformed the county's economy.

Collin County History & Culture

Before the Houston and Texas Central Railway reached the county in 1872, farmers had no practical way to get crops to markets more than 150 miles away. Because of this, the county never developed a large plantation economy. That was true even though most settlers came from the upper South.

After the railroad arrived, five more rail lines followed by the mid-1890s. Farmers could now sell crops profitably on the fertile Blackland Prairie soils. Farm output grew sharply between 1870 and 1920. The county population rose from about 9,000 in 1860 to nearly 50,000 by 1920.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas – Collin County

More Collin County notes

Property Tax Relief

How the Homestead Exemption Lowers Your Property Tax Bill

If you own and live in your home in Collin County, you can apply for a homestead exemption that removes part of your home's value from the tax calculation.

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Property Tax Basics

Two Offices Handle Property Taxes in Collin County

Two separate offices deal with your property taxes. One sets your home's value. The other sends your bill and collects payment.

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Agricultural Appraisal

Land Used for Farming Can Be Taxed at a Much Lower Rate

Texas law lets land used for farming be taxed on its farming value, not its full market value. This can sharply lower the tax bill.

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Special Districts

Many New Subdivisions Have an Extra Tax Line for a MUD or PID

Many new neighborhoods in Collin County have an extra charge on top of regular property taxes. It pays for water lines, roads, and parks built by the developer.

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