Polk County, Texas

Polk County is a place in the U.S. state of Texas. It had a population of 50,123 people as of the 2020 census. The main town, called the county seat, is Livingston. The county is named after President James K. Polk.

An important part of Polk County is the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation. This reservation is home to the Alabama-Coushatta tribe, who have lived there since the early 1800s. They were moved there by the government from their original homes in the Southeast. In the year 2000, about 480 people lived on the reservation, but the tribe has around 1,100 members in total. The tribe also runs a place called Naskila, which is a casino.

History

See also: National Register of Historic Places listings in Polk County, Texas

Polk County was named after James Knox Polk, who was a president from Tennessee and later became the President of the United States. The county was created by the first Legislature of the State of Texas on March 30, 1846. It was formed from part of Liberty County and was one of the first 23 counties created by Texas after it joined the United States.

Demographics

Racial and ethnic composition

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, Polk County had a population of 50,123 people. The median age was 47.7 years. About 18.9% of the residents were under 18 years old, and 24.1% were 65 years or older. For every 100 females, there were 111.7 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.0 males age 18 and over.

The racial makeup of the county was 72.5% White, 9.8% Black or African American, 2.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, and 0.7% Asian. Many people also identified as being from two or more races. About 9.39% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Polk County in Texas has a total area of 1,110 square miles (2,900 square kilometers). Of this area, 53 square miles (140 square kilometers), which is about 4.7%, is covered by water.

The county shares borders with several other counties. These include Angelina County to the north, Tyler County to the east, Hardin County to the southeast, Liberty County to the south, San Jacinto County to the southwest, and Trinity County to the northwest. Additionally, part of the county is within the Big Thicket National Preserve.

Education

Polk County, Texas, has several school districts that serve its communities. These include Big Sandy, Chester, Corrigan-Camden, Goodrich, Leggett, Livingston, Onalaska, and Woodville Independent School Districts.

The county is also part of the district for Angelina College. In 2013, Polk County College / Commerce Center was finished. It is located on U.S. Highway 59 Bypass and offers advanced studies and technical training. The center also has space for public events and can be used as a shelter if needed.

Government

Polk County is a place in the state of Texas. It is led by a group of elected leaders who help make decisions for the community. The main city where important meetings happen is called Livingston.

Infrastructure

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Allan B. Polunsky Unit is located in West Livingston. Since 1999, this unit has been used for a special part of the state’s prison system.

Transportation

Polk County has several important roads that help people travel. Some of these roads include U.S. Highway 59, U.S. Highway 190, U.S. Highway 287, and State Highway 146. There are also smaller roads like Farm to Market Road 350 and others that connect local areas.

There is a bus station in Livingston run by Greyhound Lines. Additionally, the city of Livingston operates an airport called the Livingston Municipal Airport in West Livingston.

Communities

Polk County, Texas, has several places where people live. Some of these are cities, like Goodrich, Onalaska, and Seven Oaks. There are also towns, including Corrigan and Livingston, which is the county seat.

Other places in the county are census-designated spots such as Big Thicket Lake Estates, Cedar Point, Indian Springs, Pleasant Hill, and West Livingston. There are also many smaller unincorporated areas like Ace, Asia, and Barnum. One old place that is no longer lived in is the ghost town of Laurelia.

Notable people

Polk County, Texas, has been home to many interesting people throughout history.

Sam Houston, a important leader who helped Texas become independent, spent a lot of time here. Annette Gordon-Reed, a famous historian and writer born in Livingston, Texas, has won important prizes for her work.

Other notable figures from the county include John Wesley Hardin, a well-known figure from the Old West, and Mark Moseley, a professional football player who won a Super Bowl.

Politics

United States Congress