Wise County, Texas
26 local notes for Wise County — practical, plain-English, and pointed at the official source to confirm. DFW / North Texas.
Money & Taxes
Property Tax
Who Sets Your Property Value in Wise County
The Wise County Appraisal District sets the value of your property, and a separate tax office collects the bill.
Property Tax
The Homestead Exemption Saves Money on Your Tax Bill
If your home in Wise County is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption to lower your property tax.
Agricultural Valuation
Farm and Ranch Land Can Be Taxed at a Lower Rate
Landowners who use their land for farming, ranching, or wildlife management may qualify for a much lower tax valuation.
Special Districts
Special Districts Can Add to Your Property Tax Bill
Some Wise County properties fall inside special districts that add their own property taxes on top of county and school rates.
School Districts
Seven School Districts Cover Wise County
Your property's school district determines a big part of your tax bill, and Wise County has seven of them.
Home & Property
Mineral Rights
In Wise County, the Land and What's Under It Can Have Different Owners
Buying land in Wise County does not always mean you own the oil and gas beneath it.
Septic Systems
Rural Properties in Wise County Need a Septic Permit
If your Wise County property is not on a public sewer, you need a county permit before installing or changing a septic system.
Water Wells
Private Wells in Wise County Tap the Trinity and Woodbine Aquifers
Rural Wise County residents rely on private water wells, and the area sits over the Northern Trinity and Woodbine aquifers.
Groundwater Planning
Wise County Is in a Priority Groundwater Management Area
State regulators have flagged the Wise County area as having groundwater supply concerns because of heavy regional demand.
Flooding
The West Fork of the Trinity River Drains Most of Wise County
About two-thirds of Wise County drains through the West Fork Trinity River, making flood risk a real concern for low-lying land.
Weather Hazards
Wise County Is in Tornado and Hail Country
Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and large hail are real seasonal risks in Wise County.
Growth and Development
Wise County Is Growing as a DFW Commuter County
Wise County's population has grown steadily as people move out of the DFW metro and commute to jobs in Fort Worth and beyond.
Cars & Driving
Vehicle Registration
Wise County Vehicles Do Not Need an Emissions Test
Wise County is not an emissions-testing county, so you skip that step when registering most vehicles.
Roads
Many Wise County Roads Are Farm-to-Market Roads With Low-Water Crossings
Farm-to-market roads serve most of rural Wise County, and some low-water crossings can flood and close after heavy rain.
Outdoors
Lakes and Fishing
Lake Bridgeport Offers Fishing and Boating in Wise County
Lake Bridgeport sits on the West Fork Trinity River in Wise and Jack counties and supports bass, catfish, crappie, and other fish.
Federal Public Land
The LBJ National Grasslands Offer Trails, Camping, and Hunting Near Decatur
The Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands in Wise and Montague counties provide free public access for hiking, horseback riding, camping, and hunting.
Trails
The LBJ Multiuse Trail System Has About 75 Miles of Trails
Hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders share nearly 75 miles of trails on the LBJ National Grasslands in Wise and Montague counties.
Paddling
The Bridgeport Falls Paddling Trail Runs Through Wise County
TPWD's Bridgeport Falls Paddling Trail offers a designated canoe and kayak route near Lake Bridgeport.
Rules & Licenses
Invasive Species
Zebra Mussels in Lake Bridgeport Require You to Drain Your Boat
Lake Bridgeport is a zebra mussel-positive water body, meaning boaters must clean, drain, and dry before leaving.
Hunting
Wise County Deer Hunting Has a Specific Antler Rule
Hunters in Wise County can take up to four deer per season, but only one buck can have an inside spread of 13 inches or more.
Oil and Gas
Oil and Gas Production Is Part of the Wise County Economy
Wise County has a history of oil and gas production, and the Railroad Commission of Texas regulates all drilling and production activity.
Zoning and Jurisdiction
Most of Wise County Is Unincorporated — Different Rules Apply
Land outside city limits in Wise County is unincorporated, meaning you follow county rules rather than city ordinances.
History & Culture
County History
Wise County Was Created in 1856 and Named for a Virginia Congressman
Wise County was officially established on January 23, 1856, named for Henry A. Wise, a U.S. Congressman from Virginia who supported Texas annexation.
County Seat
Decatur Has Been the County Seat Since the 1850s
Decatur sits at the center of Wise County and has served as the county seat since the county was organized in the 1850s.
Historic Courthouse
The 1896 Wise County Courthouse Was Restored to Its Original Design
The Wise County Courthouse in Decatur dates to 1896 and was restored with an $8.4 million grant through a Texas state preservation program.
Transportation History
The Butterfield Overland Mail Route Passed Through Wise County
Before the Civil War, the Butterfield Overland Mail — one of the first transcontinental mail services — ran through Decatur on its way west.