Wharton County, Texas
13 local notes for Wharton County — practical, plain-English, and pointed at the official source to confirm. Houston / Upper Gulf Coast.
Money & Taxes
Property Tax
Who Sets Your Property Value in Wharton County
The Wharton County Appraisal District sets property values, and a separate tax office collects the bills — two different offices, two different jobs.
Homestead Exemption
How to Lower Your Property Tax Bill With a Homestead Exemption
Texas homeowners can cut their school property tax bill by filing a homestead exemption — but you have to apply for it yourself.
Taxing Units
Many Taxing Units Can Bill You in Wharton County
About 22 separate taxing units can bill you in Wharton County. Your bill depends on where your property sits.
Home & Property
Flood Risk
The Colorado River Floods — and Wharton County Has a Long History of It
The Colorado River cuts through Wharton County, and its floodplain puts many homes at serious flood risk.
Groundwater & Water Wells
Wharton County Has Its Own Groundwater District for Water Wells
The Coastal Bend Groundwater Conservation District regulates water wells in Wharton County and draws from the Gulf Coast Aquifer.
Mineral Rights & Oil/Gas
Oil and Gas Is Part of Wharton County's History — and Still Active
Oil production began in Wharton County in 1925 and continues today; if you buy land, check whether mineral rights are included.
Weather Hazards
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms Reach Wharton County
Wharton County sits about 35 miles from the Gulf Coast and can see strong winds and heavy rain from tropical storms and hurricanes.
Outdoors
Rules & Licenses
History & Culture
County History
How Wharton County Got Its Name and Its Start
Wharton County was created in 1846 and named for two brothers who were leaders in Texas independence.
Agriculture & Land Use
Wharton County's Farming Roots: Rice, Cotton, and the Gulf Coast Prairie
Wharton County has a long farming history. It shifted from cotton and sugar to rice, cattle, and oil over more than 150 years.
Historic Courthouse
The Wharton County Courthouse Has Stood Since the 1930s
Wharton's courthouse was built during the 1930s Depression era. It is a landmark in the county seat.
Community & Culture
Wharton County Was Settled by a Wide Mix of People
Wharton County was settled by many different groups. Its population today reflects that long history.