Our Beginnings

Welcome to beautiful East Texas.

The earliest inhabitants of what is now Smith County, Texas, were Caddo (or Tejas) Indians. The Spanish explorers knew these Indians as Tejas, for whom they named the present Texas.

Although Texas was a province of Spain and Mexico until 1821, few European settlers inhabited the area to become Smith County until after the Texas Revolution. The County was established in 1846 by the new Texas State Legislature and was named for General James Smith who fought for Texas' independence and served during the Indian Wars. Boundaries were established at that time and have not changed to this day.

Currently, Smith County has 932 square miles, 1,273 miles of county roads, nine incorporated cities, and 18 taxing entities.

In 2000, the population of Smith County was about 174,700, ranking it among top 25 in population of the 254 Texas Counties. By 2007, the population of Smith County had grown to over 198,700 and according to the 2010 Census, the population of Smith County had grown to about 209,000.

The 2020 Census showed an estimated population of 233,479 residents in Smith County. Additional businesses and retirees relocate into the area each year because of the quality of life found there. With rapid growth and expansion has come an increased awareness among residents and visitors of the historic significance and charm to be found in the area.

Our Government

Smith County government is composed of 48 departments, including 28 elected officials and 14 department heads. Smith County has approximately 900 employees. 

County services and responsibilities include:

• Building and maintaining county roads
• Operating the judicial system
• Registering voters and holding elections
• Maintaining public records
• Participation in economic development incentive and programs
• Providing health and social services to the indigent
• Assisting Veterans and their dependents w/ benefit/entitlement claims
• Providing law enforcement
• Building and operating jails
• Issuing vehicle registrations
• Collection of property and sales taxes