County Identity

Rockwall is the smallest county in Texas by land area

At only 147 square miles, Rockwall is the smallest county in Texas — a fact that shapes everything from its rapid growth to the tight-knit feel of its communities.

Rockwall County History & Culture

Rockwall County covers just 147 square miles. The county was carved out of Kaufman County in 1873. Despite its small size, it has grown fast. The population was around 7,000 in 1970. By 2019 it had surpassed 100,000 residents — driven by its location about 25 miles northeast of Dallas and its proximity to Lake Ray Hubbard.

The county sits on the Blackland Prairies. Its elevation ranges from about 390 to 620 feet above sea level. The lake now covers about 13.5% of the county's total area. Because the county is small and nearly surrounded by the DFW metro, almost no part of it feels rural in the traditional sense anymore.

Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook — Rockwall County

More Rockwall County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property taxes in Rockwall County

Rockwall County splits property tax duties between two separate offices, and knowing which does what saves you a wasted trip.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead exemption cuts your school tax bill in Rockwall County

Texas law requires every school district to give homeowners a $140,000 exemption on their home's appraised value, which directly lowers your tax bill.

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Senior & Disability Exemption

Extra homestead exemption for seniors and disabled homeowners in Rockwall

Homeowners aged 65 or older, or those with a qualifying disability, get an extra $60,000 off their home's school district appraised value.

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Ag Valuation

Agricultural valuation can lower taxes on rural land in Rockwall County

Land used for farming, ranching, or wildlife management may qualify to be taxed on its farm productivity value instead of its market value, which is often much lower.

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