Flooding

Much of Hardin County is in a flood-prone river basin — check your address

The Neches River and several creeks drain through Hardin County, putting many low-lying properties in or near FEMA flood zones.

Hardin County Home & Property

The Neches River forms the county's eastern boundary. Pine Island Bayou, Village Creek, and Cypress Creek also drain through the county, all flowing toward the Neches. Southeast Texas is one of the rainier parts of the state, and low-lying areas flood regularly. Tropical systems can cause major flooding even far inland.

Before buying or renting in Hardin County, look up the specific address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov. Properties in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) may require flood insurance if they have a federally backed mortgage. Hardin County is also part of the Neches regional flood planning area overseen by the Texas Water Development Board.

Source to confirm: FEMA Flood Map Service Center

More Hardin County notes

Property Tax

Hardin County has two separate property tax offices

One office sets your property value and another collects the tax. They are not the same office, and you deal with each one for different things.

Read note ->

Homestead Exemption

A homestead exemption can lower your property tax bill

If your Hardin County home is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value.

Read note ->

Agricultural Appraisal

Timber and farm land can be taxed at a lower rate in Hardin County

Land used for timber, cattle, crops, or wildlife management may qualify for a special appraisal that cuts the taxable value well below market value.

Read note ->

National Preserve

Big Thicket National Preserve is free to enter and spans 113,000 acres

Big Thicket National Preserve covers more than 113,000 acres across seven Southeast Texas counties and is free to visit, with over 30 miles of trails.

Read note ->