Grayson County, Texas
26 local notes for Grayson County — practical, plain-English, and pointed at the official source to confirm. DFW / North Texas.
Money & Taxes
Property Tax Basics
Two Different Offices Handle Your Property Taxes
Grayson County splits property tax duties between two offices, and knowing which one to call saves you time.
Homestead Exemption
Apply for a Homestead Exemption to Lower Your Tax Bill
If your home is your main residence, you may qualify for a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of your property.
Agricultural Appraisal
Farm and Ranch Land Can Be Taxed at a Much Lower Rate
Texas allows farmland and ranchland to be taxed on what it can produce, not what it would sell for, which can mean a much lower tax bill.
Appraisal Protest
You Can Challenge Your Property Appraisal Each Year
If you think the Grayson Central Appraisal District overvalued your property, you have the right to protest and get a hearing.
Home & Property
Flood Insurance
Grayson County Got New FEMA Flood Maps in 2022
Updated flood maps for Grayson County took effect in September 2022, so your property's flood risk zone may be different than it was before.
Septic / OSSF
Septic Systems Outside City Limits Require a County Permit
If your rural Grayson County home is not on a city sewer system, you need a permit before you install or replace a septic system.
City vs. County Rules
Where You Live Determines Which Rules Apply to Your Property
Where you live in Grayson County matters. Inside a city, city rules apply. Outside a city, county rules apply instead.
Mineral Rights
In Texas, Mineral Rights Can Be Owned Separately from the Surface
When you buy land in Grayson County, the mineral rights may already belong to someone else. That can affect what happens on your property.
Geography
The Red River Forms Grayson County's Northern Border with Oklahoma
The Red River runs along the top of Grayson County, marking the state line with Oklahoma, and Lake Texoma sits on that border.
Weather Hazards
Grayson County Is in Tornado and Severe Storm Country
Grayson County sits in the southern edge of Tornado Alley, and severe thunderstorms with large hail, high winds, and tornadoes are a real seasonal risk.
Floodplain
Sherman Has a Floodplain Management Program for City Properties
The City of Sherman manages local floodplain information and works with FEMA flood maps to help property owners understand their flood risk.
Cars & Driving
Outdoors
Fishing Licenses
Lake Texoma Has a Special Fishing License That Covers Both States
Because Lake Texoma straddles the Texas-Oklahoma border, a special low-cost license lets you fish the whole lake without needing two state licenses.
Fishing
Lake Texoma Has One of the Few Self-Sustaining Striped Bass Populations in the U.S.
Lake Texoma's striped bass reproduce on their own in the Red River inlet, making it a well-known destination for freshwater striped bass fishing.
Aquatic Invasive Species
Zebra Mussels in Lake Texoma Mean You Must Drain Your Boat Before Leaving
Lake Texoma has established zebra mussels, an invasive species, so state law requires boaters to drain all water from boats, livewells, and bait buckets before leaving.
State Park
Eisenhower State Park Sits on Lake Texoma's Rocky Northern Shore
Eisenhower State Park near Denison offers camping, fishing, hiking, and water access on Lake Texoma, about an hour north of Dallas.
Lake Access
Lake Texoma Has Multiple Public Access Points in Grayson County
Besides Eisenhower State Park, several other public parks and boat ramps give access to Lake Texoma from the Texas side.
Rules & Licenses
Agriculture
Grayson County's Farm Economy Centers on Cattle, Wheat, and Nurseries
Grayson County is still a farming county. Beef cattle, wheat, and nursery products are among its top farm outputs.
Oil and Gas
Grayson County Has a History of Oil and Gas Production
Oil and gas production has been part of Grayson County's economy. The Railroad Commission of Texas regulates all oil and gas activity in the state.
History & Culture
Historic Site
Denison Is the Birthplace of Dwight D. Eisenhower
Denison, Texas is where the 34th U.S. President was born in 1890, and the Texas Historical Commission operates his birthplace as a public historic site.
County History
Grayson County Was Created in 1846 from Fannin County
Grayson County was established by the Texas legislature in 1846 and named for Peter W. Grayson, an attorney general of the Republic of Texas.
Economic History
The Railroad Arrived in 1872 and Transformed Grayson County
When two railroads reached Grayson County in 1872, the region's population and economy expanded rapidly over the next decade.
Civil Rights History
The 1930 Sherman Riot Destroyed the Courthouse and Left a Mark on Local History
On May 9-10, 1930, a mob attacked the Grayson County courthouse, burned it, and lynched a Black man awaiting trial, one of the most violent racial incidents in Texas during that era.
Water History
Lake Texoma Was Created by a Federal Dam Authorized in 1938
Denison Dam on the Red River created Lake Texoma. It is a major federal water project that changed the county's economy and landscape.
Military History
Perrin Air Force Base Operated in Grayson County from 1941
Perrin Air Force Base near Sherman opened in 1941 and was a major military presence in Grayson County for decades. It shaped the local economy.
County Seat
Sherman Is the County Seat and Largest City in Grayson County
Sherman serves as the county seat of Grayson County, where county government offices, courts, and the appraisal district are located.