Texas Porch

County History

Polk County Was Built on Timber, Cotton, and Oil

Polk County was established in 1846 and built its economy on cotton farming, then timber, and later oil production.

Polk County History & Culture

Texas's first state legislature established Polk County in 1846 and named it after President James K. Polk. The county seat, Livingston, was set near the geographic center of the new county. Early settlers built a cotton and corn economy. By 1860, the county had a population of about 8,300, with a slim majority — about 4,200 — being enslaved people working on plantations.

The Houston East and West Texas Railway was completed across Polk County in 1881, opening up the timber industry. By 1981, Polk County led Texas in timber production with 38.4 million cubic feet, mostly pine. Oil was discovered at the Livingston field in 1932. Lake Livingston, completed in 1968 on the Trinity River, later became a major draw for recreation and tourism.

Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook of Texas — Polk County

More Polk County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Different Offices Handle Your Property Tax

In Polk County, one office sets your property value and a separate office collects the tax you owe.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Lowers Your Property Tax Bill

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

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Agricultural Valuation

Farmland and Timberland Can Be Taxed at a Lower Value

Land used for farming, ranching, or timber production may qualify for a special appraisal based on what it produces, not what it would sell for.

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Groundwater & Wells

You Need a Permit Before Drilling a Water Well

Polk County is in the Lower Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, which requires you to register a new well before you drill.

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