County Seat History

Hempstead Grew Because of the Railroad, Not the River

Hempstead became the county seat of Waller County because the Houston and Texas Central Railway chose it as a terminus in 1858, making it a major trade hub almost overnight.

Waller County History & Culture

Before the railroad, most settlers were along the Brazos River bottoms. When the Houston and Texas Central Railway reached northwest of Houston in 1858, Hempstead formed at that spot and was incorporated in November of the same year. It quickly became a trading center for the surrounding cotton plantation economy.

Waller County itself was not created until 1873, carved from parts of Austin and Grimes counties. It was named for Edwin Waller, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Hempstead has served as county seat since the county's founding. Today it is home to about 6,000 people and sits roughly 50 miles northwest of Houston on US Highway 290.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Waller County

More Waller County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Separate Offices Handle Your Property Taxes

In Waller County, one office sets your home's value and another collects the taxes — you need to know which is which.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Tax Bill

If you own and live in your home in Waller County, you likely qualify for a homestead exemption that reduces your property taxes.

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Agricultural Valuation

Land Used for Farming or Ranching May Be Taxed at a Lower Rate

In Waller County, qualifying farm and ranch land is taxed on its agricultural productivity, not its market value, which can mean a much lower tax bill.

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Municipal Utility Districts

Many Waller County Subdivisions Are Inside a MUD

A Municipal Utility District — called a MUD — is a small local government that provides water, sewer, and drainage to a subdivision, and it adds its own tax rate on top of county and school taxes.

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