County Seat

Richmond has been Fort Bend County's seat since 1838

Richmond on the Brazos River has served as the county seat since 1838 and is where county government offices are located.

Fort Bend County History & Culture

Richmond became the Fort Bend County seat on January 13, 1838. That was just weeks after the county was formed. It sits on the Brazos River and was a busy trade town in the 1800s. Steamboats carried goods to Galveston from there.

County offices are still in Richmond. That includes the courthouse, tax assessor-collector, and district courts. Today Richmond is much smaller than Sugar Land next door, which grew fast with new suburbs.

If you need to file papers, pay property taxes in person, or go to court, you will likely head to Richmond. The Handbook of Texas has a full entry on Richmond's history.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas – Richmond, TX

More Fort Bend County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property tax in Fort Bend County

The appraisal district sets your home's value; the tax assessor-collector sends the bill and takes payment.

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Homestead Exemption

How to apply for a homestead exemption in Fort Bend County

Homeowners who live in their home as their main residence can apply with FBCAD to lower the taxable value.

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Municipal Utility Districts

Many Fort Bend neighborhoods are inside a MUD

Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) are special taxing districts that built and now run water, sewer, and drainage in many subdivisions.

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Ag Valuation

Agricultural land in Fort Bend can be taxed at a lower rate

Land used for farming or ranching may qualify for a lower tax value based on what it can produce, not what it would sell for.

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