Walker County, Texas spreads across 801 square miles of the Piney Woods Region. This lovely portion of East Texas consists of rolling hills blanketed with forests of pine, loblolly, and hardwoods, with patchwork stretches of open prairie between the stands of trees. Walker County, TX lies at the far western end of the TX Gulf Coast Plains. Elevations here run between 140 to 400 feet above sea level. Walker is a well-hydrated county, receiving 46 inches of rain annually. The Trinity River bisects the region in the north, the San Jacinto River in the south, while numerous creeks and streams grace Walker County, Texas throughout.
Walker County, TX, population of 61,758 during the 2000 Census, has three communities: Huntsville, New Waverly and Riverside. Huntsville, TX is the county seat, with over 35,000 residents. Situated in the center of Walker County, Huntsville lies sixty miles north of the bustling city of Houston, and houses the Sam Houston State University, a major factor in Walker County’s economy. Two public agencies own much of Walker County’s land, the National Forest Service and the Texas State Prison System. Located throughout the region are various prison farms. The lush and lovely Sam Houston National Forest covers a large portion of Walker County, TX, offering excellent hunting and fishing opportunities.
Walker County, Texas continues to grow at a steady pace as neighboring Houston's population increases in the north. Many people are choosing to live in rural Walker County, to enjoy the natural beauty of its setting, and commute to the city for work. Interstate 45 and US Highway 190 make travel easy. Residents here enjoy the annual Walker County Fair and the Sam Houston Folk Festival among other events.
