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.

Wise County History & Culture

The town now called Decatur was first named Taylorsville, after General Zachary Taylor. A local legislator changed the name to Decatur in 1858 to honor naval hero Stephen Decatur. The city sits about 40 miles northwest of Fort Worth on US Highways 287 and 380.

Local tradition says the phrase 'eighter from Decatur' started with Fort Worth and Denver Railway workers who built through the area in 1882. The town grew into a market and shipping hub for the region.

Today Decatur has more than 6,000 residents and serves as the center of county government for Wise County.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Decatur, TX

More Wise County notes

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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