Polk County, Texas

Polk County sits deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas, surrounded by thick forests and natural beauty. Parts of the Big Thicket National Preserve reach into the county, making it a great spot for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Livingston is the county seat, while Lake Livingston is one of the area’s biggest attractions. The huge reservoir covers more than 83,000 acres and draws visitors for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe also has a reservation in the county and has called this region home for generations.

Timber has been an important part of the local economy for generations, with cattle ranching also playing a major role. Winters tend to be mild, while summers bring the classic East Texas combination of heat and humidity.

CategoryDetails
County NamePolk County
County SeatLivingston
PopulationApproximately 60,000
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesLivingston, Corrigan, Onalaska, Seven Oaks
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. Highway 59, State Highway 146
FIPS Code48-373
Total Area (Land and Water)1,084 square miles (1,028 sq mi land, 56 sq mi water)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Angelina County (North), Tyler County (East), Hardin County (Southeast), Liberty County (South), San Jacinto County (Southwest), Trinity County (Northwest)
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CST)
StateTexas
Coordinates30°41’N, 94°55’W
EtymologyNamed after James Knox Polk, the eleventh president of the United States
Major LandmarksLake Livingston State Park, Polk County Courthouse
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