Transportation & Community

Mineola: Wood County's Railroad Town With Amtrak Service

Mineola is Wood County's largest city and still has an active Amtrak stop, making it one of the few rural Texas towns with passenger rail service.

Wood County History & Culture

Mineola grew as a railroad junction in the 1870s and became the commercial center of Wood County. Today it is the county's most populated city, with about 5,000 residents. The town sits at the junction of highways and historic rail lines.

Amtrak's Texas Eagle route — which runs between Chicago and San Antonio — stops in Mineola. This is a rare amenity for a rural East Texas county. If you live in Wood County and need to travel without a car, or want to visit, Mineola's Amtrak station is a practical option.

Source to confirm: Texas Almanac — Wood County

More Wood County notes

Property Tax Basics

Who Handles Property Taxes in Wood County

Two separate offices handle your property taxes — the appraisal district sets the value, and the tax assessor-collector sends the bill.

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Homestead Exemption

How to Lower Your Tax Bill with a Homestead Exemption

If your home in Wood County is your main residence, you likely qualify for a homestead exemption that reduces what you owe in property taxes.

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Ag Valuation

How Agricultural Land Gets a Lower Tax Value

Land used for farming, ranching, or timber in Wood County can be valued at its agricultural use — not its market price — which sharply reduces property taxes.

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Fishing Regulations

Fishing at Lake Fork: Special Rules You Need to Know

Lake Fork Reservoir in Wood County has strict catch rules for largemouth bass — most fish must be released, and only one trophy-size fish per day may be kept.

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