Your Texas Guide Starts Here
The Lone Star StateFrom Hill Country lakes and East Texas forests to Gulf Coast communities and wide-open western skies, discover Texas one county at a time. Find local businesses, plan a day out, and connect with the public services that serve your community.
Texas at a Glance
Find Your Corner of Texas
Browse our published county guides for local facts, photographs, businesses and public resources. Texas has 254 counties; the links below open the county guides currently available on this site.

Find Your County

Big cities. Small towns. A Texas welcome.
Start with a county, then follow the places, people and businesses that make it distinctive.
Discover More of Texas
Bexar CountyCreated in 1836, Bexar County once covered an enormous part of the Republic of Texas. Its name comes from San Antonio de Béxar, whose…
Travis CountyTravis County was established in 1840 and named for William Barret Travis, who commanded the Texas forces at the Alamo. Austin serves as the…
Smith CountySmith County was established in 1846 and named for James Smith, a general during the Texas Revolution. Tyler became the county seat. Caddo people…
Burnet CountyCreated in 1852 and organized in 1854, Burnet County honors David Gouverneur Burnet, the provisional president of the Republic of Texas. Fort Croghan and…
AMERICA
From coast to coast and every community in between, our nation is built on local stories, local businesses, and a shared sense of belonging.
Rooted in rich history and strengthened by the people who call it home, America is a place where hard work is celebrated, dreams are pursued, and every generation has the chance to leave a lasting impact.
One Nation. Endless Possibilities.
Built on Freedom
A nation shaped by possibility and the freedom to build a meaningful life.
Strength in Community
Our strongest places grow through neighbors helping neighbors.
Opportunity for All
Local ideas and hard work create opportunity for every generation.
A Future Together
We move forward by celebrating what connects us.
Texas Dispatch
News and stories from across the Lone Star State
Texas comptroller investigating spending in Austin ISD, other districts
Texas Comptroller Don Huffines announced the reviews, which were requested by Gov. Greg Abbott, on Monday. Results are…
Read the full storyAround Texas
Stories from every corner of Texas.
Texas comptroller investigating spending in Austin ISD, other districts
Texas Comptroller Don Huffines announced the reviews, which were requested by Gov. Greg Abbott, on Monday. Results are…
The Texas Tribune • Oct 6, 2026 • 2 min read
Texas agency sues to stop release of data center records that it says could aid terrorists
A lawsuit will test whether Texas officials can withhold data center location details under the state Homeland Security…
The Texas Tribune • Oct 6, 2026 • 2 min read
TribCast: Are Texas’ voter systems ready for a contentious election?
Votebeat's Natalia Contreras joins TribCast to explain the state of Texas’ voter rolls one month before election day.
The Texas Tribune • Oct 6, 2026 • 2 min read
Democrat Jon Rosenthal outraises Bo French in Railroad Commission race in latest report
A big chunk of Rosenthal’s haul came after French’s racist social media comments following a UT-Austin football game…
The Texas Tribune • Oct 6, 2026 • 2 min read
Greg Abbott outraised Gina Hinojosa but burned through much of his campaign cash in Texas governor’s race
Abbott outspent Hinojosa 6-to-1 from July to late September, but the governor’s narrow polling lead was largely unchanged…
The Texas Tribune • Oct 6, 2026 • 2 min readTake a Closer Look at Texas
Explore the communities and landscapes of the Lone Star State in our Texas video.
The Spirit of Texas
Meet the symbols that reflect Texas history, wildlife and sense of place.
The Lone Star State
A name that recalls the single star on the Texas flag.
Friendship
The official state motto puts connection at the heart of Texas identity.
Mockingbird
The state bird is known for its varied song.
Bluebonnet
Bluebonnets bring a familiar splash of blue to the Texas spring.
Pecan
The pecan is the official state tree.
Texas Longhorn
The longhorn is an enduring symbol of Texas ranching heritage.
A State Unlike Any Other
Texas stretches from pine forests and coastal wetlands to rolling limestone country, grasslands and desert mountains. Its communities bring together Indigenous histories, Mexican and Tejano heritage, ranching traditions, music, food and new ideas.
Texas
The Lone Star StateExplore Texas places, then use the resources below to plan your next step.






Useful Texas Connections
Explore Texas places, then use the resources below to plan your next step.
Government
Start with the state portal for online services, agency contacts and public information. County-specific offices and services are linked from each county guide.
Texas.gov
Find state services and agency information. Visit Texas.gov
Texas Secretary of State
Find election information, business filings and official records. Visit Texas Secretary of State
Texas Comptroller
Access state tax information and business resources. Visit Texas Comptroller
Food, housing & family support
Feeding Texas — find your food bank
Select your county to find the regional food bank and its local food-distribution resources.
2-1-1 Texas — local assistance
Search community assistance by location and type of need, including food, housing and family support.
Texas HHS — local family support
Search family-support programs and local services for parents and caregivers.
Schools
Find public-school information, compare school performance and explore college and career pathways. Local district contacts are available in the county guides.
Texas Education Agency
Public-school programs, district information and family resources. Visit Texas Education Agency
TXschools.gov
Explore Texas public schools and accountability information. Visit TXschools.gov
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
College planning, higher-education information and student resources. Visit Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Child care & learning
Texas Child Care Connection — scholarships
Review child-care scholarship information and the application process for families who need care while working or attending education or training.
Texas Child Care Connection — scholarships — details and contacts
Texas A&M AgriLife — county offices
Find county Extension offices for local education, agriculture, gardening, family programs and 4-H information.
Hospitals
Use official directories and health-service resources to find care options and provider information. For an immediate emergency, call 911.
Texas Health and Human Services
Explore health programs and services. Visit Texas Health and Human Services
Texas Department of State Health Services
Find public-health programs and health information. Visit Texas Department of State Health Services
Medicare Care Compare
Search hospitals and other Medicare-certified providers by location. Visit Medicare Care Compare
Health, aging & caregiver support
Texas WIC — office locator
Find a nearby WIC office and contact it about appointments, nutrition support and eligibility.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers
Find the regional center that helps older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers explore services and support.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers — details and contacts
Local mental and behavioral health authorities
Use the Texas HHS directory to find the authority serving your county and its contact information.
Local mental and behavioral health authorities — details and contacts
Public Safety
Find state public-safety services and official contacts. Your city or county guide is the starting point for local police, sheriff and fire department information.
Texas Department of Public Safety
State public-safety services and information. Visit Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Emergency Management
Preparedness and disaster-response information. Visit Texas Emergency Management
Texas Fire Marshal
Fire prevention, inspections and public fire-safety resources. Visit Texas Fire Marshal
Emergency Services
Check official alerts and local instructions when severe weather or a disaster affects your area. Call 911 for an immediate threat to life or safety; 2-1-1 connects Texans with community services.
Texas Division of Emergency Management
State disaster updates and preparedness resources. Visit Texas Division of Emergency Management
2-1-1 Texas
Search community assistance and local service referrals. Visit 2-1-1 Texas
National Weather Service
Check location-specific forecasts, watches and warnings. Visit National Weather Service
Prepare before an emergency
Texas Ready — emergency planning materials
Download emergency plans, supply checklists and preparedness materials in English and Spanish.
Texas Ready — emergency planning materials — details and contacts
State Parks
Find a park that fits your trip, then check reservations, opening hours and current conditions before you leave.
Texas State Parks
Browse parks, activities and visitor information. Visit Texas State Parks
Texas State Parks Reservations
Check camping and day-use reservation availability. Visit Texas State Parks Reservations
National Parks in Texas
Explore national parks and historic sites in Texas. Visit National Parks in Texas
Trails
Choose a trail for your experience level and check its official page for access, closures, weather and route information. Bring water and plan around Texas heat.
Texas Parks & Wildlife Trails
Find hiking opportunities in state parks. Visit Texas Parks & Wildlife Trails
Texas Paddling Trails
Explore designated paddling routes and launch information. Visit Texas Paddling Trails
National Parks in Texas
Find park-managed trails and current visitor alerts. Visit National Parks in Texas
Utilities
Utility providers depend on your address. Use official state resources to understand services, locate provider information and find consumer assistance.
Public Utility Commission of Texas
Electricity, water and telecommunications consumer information. Visit Public Utility Commission of Texas
Power to Choose
Compare electricity offers where retail choice is available. Visit Power to Choose
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Water-system and environmental information. Visit Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Help with household costs
Help for Texans — housing and utility assistance
Find local providers for utility bills, housing, weatherization and accessibility repairs. Providers handle applications; availability and eligibility vary.
Help for Texans — housing and utility assistance — details and contacts
Libraries
Libraries offer local collections, learning programs and research help. Use statewide resources to find libraries and explore Texas history and archives.
Texas State Library and Archives
Library services, archives and research resources. Visit Texas State Library and Archives
Find a Texas Library
Locate library contact information. Visit Find a Texas Library
The Portal to Texas History
Explore digitized Texas newspapers, photographs and historical materials. Visit The Portal to Texas History
Accessible reading & library services
Texas Talking Book Program
Learn about accessible library services for qualifying Texans with visual, physical or reading disabilities.
Courts
Find court information and public legal-research resources. Court procedures and filing requirements vary; check the relevant court directly for current instructions.
Texas Judicial Branch
Court directories, opinions and statewide court information. Visit Texas Judicial Branch
Texas State Law Library
Public legal research guides and library resources. Visit Texas State Law Library
TexasLawHelp
Legal information and self-help resources for Texans. Visit TexasLawHelp
Find legal assistance
TexasLawHelp — legal help directory
Search legal-aid organizations by counties covered and area of legal help. Each organization determines service availability and eligibility.
DMV
Driver licenses and vehicle services are handled by different agencies. DPS handles driver licenses; TxDMV provides vehicle title and registration information, with many local services handled by county tax offices.
DPS Driver License Services
License and ID information, appointments and online services. Visit DPS Driver License Services
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle titles, registration and motor-vehicle information. Visit Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Texas.gov Driver Services
Find links to state driver and vehicle services. Visit Texas.gov Driver Services
Transportation
Plan road travel with current conditions and official transportation resources. Local transit schedules and services vary by community.
DriveTexas
Check reported road conditions and closures. Visit DriveTexas
Texas Department of Transportation
Highway projects, travel information and transportation services. Visit Texas Department of Transportation
Texas Travel Information
Maps and information for planning travel around Texas. Visit Texas Travel Information
Postal Services
Find a nearby post office, confirm service hours or manage mail through USPS. Check a location’s details before visiting.
USPS Locations
Find post offices and postal services by ZIP code. Visit USPS Locations
USPS Tracking
Check a shipment using its tracking number. Visit USPS Tracking
USPS
Access mailing services, ZIP code tools and delivery information. Visit USPS
Veterans
Connect with state and federal veterans services for benefits information, support and local assistance.
Texas Veterans Commission
State veterans assistance and service information. Visit Texas Veterans Commission
Texas Veterans Land Board
Information about Texas veterans programs and facilities. Visit Texas Veterans Land Board
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Federal benefits, health care and service information. Visit U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Employment
Explore jobs, workforce services and training resources. Local workforce offices can help connect job seekers and employers with available programs.
Texas Workforce Commission
Employment services, workforce programs and training information. Visit Texas Workforce Commission
WorkInTexas
Search job listings and employer opportunities. Visit WorkInTexas
Texas Workforce Solutions
Find a local workforce office. Visit Texas Workforce Solutions
Job search & employment support
Vocational rehabilitation — office lookup
Find a vocational rehabilitation office to discuss employment services for people with disabilities.
Vocational rehabilitation — office lookup — details and contacts
Answers, contacts, and trusted local resources are always close at hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about living, visiting, working, and doing business locally.
Austin is the state capital.
Texas has 254 counties. This site links to the county guides currently published here.
Choose a name in Find Your County above. Each link opens the corresponding local guide.
Houston is the largest city by population.
Use the resource tabs above or visit Texas.gov.
Check Texas State Parks for visitor information, alerts and reservations.
Visit DriveTexas for reported road conditions and closures.
The widget shows the Texas location selected in Forecast7. For local conditions and alerts, check your town or county on weather.gov.
Select a county ad or statewide banner to open that advertiser’s page. Ads on its page link to the business website or start a phone call.
The news section displays headlines from The Texas Tribune RSS feed. Select a story to read it at the original publisher.
Keep exploring the communities, stories, and local connections that make this state feel like home.
Celebrating the places we call home.







































