Texas Porch

County Seat

Henderson Is the County Seat and Central Hub for Services

Henderson has been Rusk County's seat of government since the county was organized in 1843 and is where you go for most county services.

Rusk County History & Culture

The Republic of Texas created Rusk County in January 1843. The county was named for Thomas Jefferson Rusk. He served as secretary of war under Sam Houston. Henderson was picked as the county seat. It sits near the center of the county. By 1860, Rusk County was the most populous county in Texas.

Henderson is still where most county offices are. You will find the county courthouse there, along with the appraisal district and the tax assessor-collector. Kilgore, on the western edge of the county, is the other major city.

If you need to file paperwork, protest a property value, or handle county business, go to Henderson. The Texas State Historical Association's Handbook of Texas entry on Rusk County is a good place to start if you want more background.

Source to confirm: TSHA – Rusk County

More Rusk County notes

Property Tax Basics

One Office Values Your Property. Another Collects the Tax.

The Rusk County Appraisal District sets your property value; separate taxing units like school districts and cities bill and collect the tax.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Property Tax Bill

If your home is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value used by school districts.

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Ag & Wildlife Valuation

Farmland and Timberland May Qualify for a Lower Tax Value

Land used for farming, ranching, or wildlife management may be taxed on its productivity value rather than market value, which is usually much lower.

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Groundwater & Wells

A Local District Oversees Your Water Well

The Rusk County Groundwater Conservation District regulates all private water wells in the county and requires registration of any new well.

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