Galveston County, Texas
32 local notes for Galveston County — practical, plain-English, and pointed at the official source to confirm. Houston / Upper Gulf Coast.
See the Galveston place page ->Money & Taxes
Property Tax Basics
Two Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Galveston County
The appraisal district sets your property value; the tax office collects what you owe — and they are two separate offices.
Homestead Exemption
Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Tax Bill in Galveston County
If you own and live in your home, you can apply for a homestead exemption that reduces how much of your property value gets taxed.
MUD / PID / Special Districts
Galveston County Has Dozens of Special Tax Districts
Many newer neighborhoods in the county sit inside a Municipal Utility District or other special district that adds an extra layer of taxes to your bill.
Ag Valuation
Agricultural Land in Galveston County May Qualify for a Special Tax Rate
Land used for farming, ranching, or beekeeping can be taxed on its agricultural productivity instead of its market value, which often means a much lower bill.
Tax Protest
You Can Challenge Your Property Value in Galveston County Each Year
If you think the Galveston County Appraisal District valued your property too high, you have the right to protest — and many homeowners do.
Veterans Exemption
Disabled Veterans Can Get Big Property Tax Breaks in Galveston County
Texas veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating pay no property tax on their home. Partial ratings get partial exemptions.
Senior Tax Freeze
Homeowners 65 and Older Can Freeze Their School Tax in Galveston County
Once you turn 65, you can freeze the school district portion of your property tax so it cannot increase as long as you live in your home.
Home & Property
Windstorm Insurance
Most Galveston County Homes Need a Separate Windstorm Policy
Private home insurance in Galveston County usually does not cover hurricane wind damage, so many owners must buy a separate policy from TWIA.
Flood Risk
Much of Galveston County Is in a High-Risk Flood Zone
Galveston County has updated federal flood maps, and many properties — especially on the island — are in zones that require flood insurance.
Flood Insurance
Flood Insurance Is Separate From Home Insurance in Galveston County
Standard home insurance does not cover flood damage, so many Galveston County homeowners carry a separate federal flood policy.
Coastal Building Code
New Coastal Construction in Galveston County Needs a WPI-8 Certificate
Homes in the Texas coastal zone must be built to windstorm-resistant standards and get a certificate — without it, getting wind insurance can be hard.
Mineral Rights
Mineral Rights and Surface Rights Can Be Owned Separately in Texas
In Texas, you can buy a home without owning the oil, gas, or other minerals beneath it — and the mineral owner's rights often take priority.
Water Supply
Most of Galveston County Uses Public Water, Not Private Wells
Galveston Island and most developed areas use treated public water. Private wells are limited and often poor quality because of saltwater in the ground.
Septic / OSSF
Septic Systems in Unincorporated Galveston County Are Regulated by the County
If your property is not on a public sewer, you need a septic system. In unincorporated Galveston County, the Health District handles permits and inspections.
Cars & Driving
Vehicle Registration
Galveston County Vehicles Need an Emissions Check Before Registration
As of January 2025, non-commercial vehicles in Texas no longer need a safety inspection. Galveston County still requires an emissions test because it is in the Houston metro emissions area.
Ferry / Transportation
The Bolivar Ferry Connects Galveston to the Bolivar Peninsula for Free
The Galveston-Bolivar ferry is a free, state-operated car ferry that crosses Galveston Bay and is also an evacuation route during storms.
Outdoors
State Park
Galveston Island State Park Offers Beach and Bay Access
Galveston Island State Park on FM 3005 has camping, fishing, hiking, and beach access on both the Gulf and bay sides of the island.
Fishing
Galveston Bay Is One of Texas's Most Productive Fishing Areas
Galveston Bay and the Gulf waters off the island offer speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and more — all regulated by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Hunting
Hunting in Galveston County Is Possible but Mostly on Private Land
Galveston County has regulated hunting seasons for deer, dove, duck, and other species, though most accessible land is private.
Birding
Galveston County Is a Major Spot for Migrating Birds
Galveston Island and the bay marshes are on major bird migration routes, attracting hundreds of species each spring and fall.
Water Quality
Galveston Bay Water Quality Affects Swimming and Shellfish Harvesting
Galveston Bay has ongoing water quality issues that can lead to shellfish harvesting closures and swimming advisories after heavy rain.
Paddling
Galveston County Has Coastal Paddling Trails on the Bay and Bayous
Kayakers and canoeists can explore coastal marshes, bayous, and bay waters around Galveston Island using TPWD-mapped paddling trails.
Rules & Licenses
Hurricane Evacuation
Know Your Evacuation Zone Before Hurricane Season in Galveston County
Galveston County uses lettered evacuation zones, and knowing yours before a storm can save your life.
City Limits vs. Unincorporated
Whether You Are in City Limits Matters a Lot in Galveston County
Living inside a city means following city rules. Living outside city limits means county rules apply instead — and they can be very different.
Weather Hazard
Hurricane Season Runs June Through November in Galveston County
Galveston County is on the Gulf Coast and faces real hurricane risk every year from June 1 through November 30.
History & Culture
Historic Engineering
After 1900, Galveston Built a Seawall and Raised the Entire City
Following the 1900 hurricane, Galveston constructed a seawall — originally six miles long, later extended — and pumped sand from the Gulf to raise the elevation of 2,000-plus buildings.
Historic Disaster
The 1900 Galveston Hurricane Remains the Deadliest U.S. Natural Disaster
A hurricane on September 8, 1900 killed between 6,000 and 8,000 people in the city of Galveston, with island-wide casualties estimated between 10,000 and 12,000, and reshaped the county's history.
County History
Galveston County Was Established in 1838 Under the Texas Republic
Galveston County is one of Texas's oldest counties, organized in 1839, with deep roots in trade, piracy, and early American settlement on the Gulf Coast.
Local Economy
Galveston County's Economy Mixes Petrochemicals, Port Trade, and Tourism
Galveston County's economy is built on five main pillars — port trade, oil and petrochemicals, medical services, financial services, and tourism — that have defined the county since the mid-twentieth century.
Geography
Galveston County Is a Mix of Island, Bay, and Mainland
Galveston County includes Galveston Island, mainland cities along Interstate 45, and the large waters of Galveston Bay.
Healthcare & Economy
UTMB Is a Major Employer and Medical Center in Galveston County
The University of Texas Medical Branch on Galveston Island is one of the county's biggest employers and a major source of medical care for the region.
Industry
Texas City Is a Major Industrial and Petrochemical Hub in Galveston County
Texas City, on the mainland, has large oil refineries and chemical plants. They are a major part of Galveston County's economy.