Texas Porch

Local Economy

Petrochemical Plants Are a Major Part of Life in Orange County

Orange County has been a center for oil refining and chemical plants since the early 1900s. Industry still shapes jobs and daily life here.

Orange County History & Culture

Orange County has a long history of heavy industry. Oil was discovered near Orange in 1913, and the county quickly became a center for refining and processing. After World War II, big companies moved in. DuPont, Allied, Spencer, Firestone, and Goodrich-Gulf all built chemical and petrochemical plants here. Along with Beaumont and Port Arthur, Orange is part of the Golden Triangle industrial region.

For people who live here, that means many jobs are tied to refining and chemicals. It also means industrial plants are close by. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the state agency that regulates these plants. TCEQ tracks every permitted site. If you are buying property near an industrial area, look it up in TCEQ's records first.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas – Orange County

More Orange County notes

Property Tax Basics

Orange County Has Two Separate Property Tax Offices

The appraisal district sets your property value; the tax assessor-collector handles your bill and payment.

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Homestead Exemption

File for a Homestead Exemption to Lower Your Tax Bill

Homeowners who live in their home on January 1 can apply for a homestead exemption to lower their tax bill.

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Flood Risk

Orange County's FEMA Flood Maps Have Been Updated

FEMA released revised preliminary flood maps for Orange County in early 2025, which may change flood insurance requirements for some properties.

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Wind Insurance

Orange County Is Not in the TWIA Windstorm Insurance Zone

TWIA is the state's backup windstorm insurer for coastal counties. Orange County is not on its covered list.

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