Cities and Towns in Galveston County, Texas
Founded in 1838, Galveston County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Galveston County was formed from Brazoria County, Harris County and Liberty County. The city of Galveston is the county seat. With FIPS code of 167, Galveston County has a population of 355,062 and area of 399 square miles (1,033 km²).
List of all cities in Galveston County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alta Loma, TX | 77510 | 409 |
| Arcadia, TX | 77517 | 409 |
| Bacliff, TX | 77518 | 713/281/832 |
| Bayou Vista, TX | 77563 | 409 |
| Bolivar, TX | 77650 | 409 |
| Caplen, TX | 77617 | 409 |
| Clear Lake Shores, TX | 77565 | 713/281/832 |
| Crystal Beach, TX | 77650 | 409 |
| Dickinson, TX | 77539 | 713/281/832 |
| Friendswood, TX | 77546 | 713/281/832 |
| 77549 | 713/281/832 | |
| Galveston, TX | 77550 | 409 |
| 77551 | 409 | |
| 77552 | 409 | |
| 77553 | 409 | |
| 77554 | 409 | |
| 77555 | 409 | |
| Gilchrist, TX | 77617 | 409 |
| High Island, TX | 77623 | 409 |
| Hitchcock, TX | 77563 | 409 |
| Island, TX | 77550 | 409 |
| Jamaica Beach, TX | 77550 | 409 |
| 77554 | 409 | |
| Kemah, TX | 77565 | 713/281/832 |
| La Marque, TX | 77568 | 409 |
| League City, TX | 77573 | 713/281/832 |
| 77574 | 713/281/832 | |
| Port Bolivar, TX | 77650 | 409 |
| San Leon, TX | 77539 | 713/281/832 |
| Santa Fe, TX | 77510 | 409 |
| 77517 | 409 | |
| Texas City, TX | 77590 | 409 |
| 77591 | 409 | |
| 77592 | 409 | |
| Tiki Island, TX | 77554 | 409 |
| U of T Med Br at Galveston, TX | 77555 | 409 |
| Virginia Point, TX | 77550 | 409 |
| West Galveston, TX | 77554 | 409 |
| West Texas City, TX | 77590 | 409 |
| 77591 | 409 |
Major Cities and Towns in Galveston County, Texas
1. Galveston, Texas
Location and History
Galveston is located on Galveston Island in the Gulf of Mexico and is the county seat of Galveston County. The city has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1839, when it became a major port for trade and immigration. In the 19th century, it was one of the wealthiest cities in Texas, thriving due to its maritime activities, including shipping, cotton, and the slave trade. The city’s significance waned after a devastating hurricane in 1900, which caused thousands of deaths and immense damage, leading to the construction of a seawall and raising the city’s elevation to protect it from future storms. Galveston rebounded over time, with tourism and oil playing key roles in its economic resurgence. Today, Galveston is famous for its historic architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and tourist attractions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Galveston is home to several educational institutions, including the Galveston Independent School District (GISD), with a number of elementary, middle, and high schools. The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), located in Galveston, is a major research institution and one of the oldest medical schools in the state. Landmarks in Galveston include the historic Moody Gardens, the Strand Historic District, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, and the 1900 Storm Memorial. The city also boasts several Victorian-era homes and buildings, including the Bishop’s Palace and the Ashton Villa, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Galveston is also known for its beaches and the annual Mardi Gras celebration, which attracts thousands of visitors.
City Details:
- Area: 208.3 square miles
- Population: 50,000+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77550, 77551, 77552, 77553, 77554, 77555
- Latitude and Longitude: 29.3013° N, 94.7977° W
2. League City, Texas
Location and History
League City is located in the southeastern part of Galveston County, about 30 miles from downtown Houston. The city was originally settled in the early 1800s, with a focus on agriculture and maritime trade. It was named after the League family, who were prominent settlers in the area. In the 19th century, League City served as a port for shipping and transport, and the establishment of the Houston and Galveston Railroad brought further growth to the area. Over the decades, League City evolved from a rural town into a suburban community, with significant development beginning in the late 20th century. The proximity to Houston and the Gulf Coast has made it a popular place for commuters and families looking for a mix of suburban amenities and access to larger urban centers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
League City is served by the Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD), which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as the prestigious Clear Springs High School. The city is also home to a number of private schools and educational facilities. Notable landmarks include the League City Historical Museum, which showcases the city’s early history, and the beautiful Clear Lake, which offers recreational opportunities like boating and fishing. The city is also known for its waterfront parks, including the League City Park and Heritage Park, which offer walking trails and green spaces for residents and visitors. The Helen’s Garden, a community-maintained garden, is also a popular attraction in the area.
City Details:
- Area: 54.6 square miles
- Population: 115,000+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77573, 77574, 77598
- Latitude and Longitude: 29.5075° N, 95.0949° W
3. Texas City, Texas
Location and History
Texas City is situated along the western shore of Galveston Bay and is one of the major industrial cities in Galveston County. The city was founded in the late 1800s, with its development tied to the expansion of the Texas City Dike and the establishment of a large port. Texas City quickly became an important shipping hub, particularly for the oil and chemical industries, with major refineries and petrochemical plants being constructed in the mid-20th century. The city has also had a significant maritime history, though it was tragically impacted by the 1947 explosion of a ship carrying ammonium nitrate, which killed hundreds of people and devastated much of the town. Today, Texas City is a vital industrial and commercial center, with a focus on energy production and shipping.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Texas City is served by the Texas City Independent School District (TCISD), which provides education at all levels, including several elementary, middle, and high schools. The city is also home to the College of the Mainland, a community college that offers associate degrees and workforce training. Major landmarks in Texas City include the Texas City Dike, which extends into Galveston Bay and is a popular spot for fishing and recreational activities. The city also features the Texas City Museum, which chronicles the history of the area, especially its maritime and industrial heritage. Other notable sites include the Memorial Park and the nearby nature preserves, which offer outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
City Details:
- Area: 46.6 square miles
- Population: 50,000+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77590, 77591, 77592
- Latitude and Longitude: 29.3835° N, 94.8981° W
4. Friendswood, Texas
Location and History
Friendswood is located in the northeastern part of Galveston County, with a small portion extending into Harris County. The city’s history dates back to 1895, when a group of Quakers from the Midwest settled in the area, attracted by the fertile land and mild climate. Originally established as a farming community, Friendswood grew slowly, with agriculture forming the backbone of its economy. The city remained small for much of the 20th century but began to see rapid growth in the 1970s due to its proximity to Houston and the expansion of the Clear Creek Independent School District. Friendswood’s growth has primarily been residential, and today it is known as a family-oriented community with excellent schools and a high quality of life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Friendswood is served by the Friendswood Independent School District (FISD), which includes highly-rated schools such as Friendswood High School, a leader in academic achievement and extracurricular activities. The city is also home to several parks, including Stevenson Park, which offers sports fields, a pond, and walking trails. One of Friendswood’s main landmarks is the Friendswood Historical Society, which operates a museum dedicated to preserving the town’s heritage. The city is known for its charming, small-town atmosphere, and it is frequently recognized as one of the best places to live in the Houston metropolitan area.
City Details:
- Area: 20.4 square miles
- Population: 42,000+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77546
- Latitude and Longitude: 29.5267° N, 95.2025° W
5. Santa Fe, Texas
Location and History
Santa Fe is located in the northern part of Galveston County, just south of Houston. The town was established in the early 1800s, originally as a stop along the stagecoach route between Galveston and Houston. It was named after Santa Fe, New Mexico, in hopes of attracting settlers. Santa Fe remained a small agricultural community throughout much of the 20th century, with farming and ranching as its primary industries. Over the years, the city has gradually transitioned from a rural town to a suburban area as Houston’s metropolitan area expanded. Today, Santa Fe is a quiet, family-friendly community with a rural atmosphere but increasing development due to its proximity to the larger Houston area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Santa Fe is served by the Santa Fe Independent School District, which provides a range of educational opportunities from elementary to high school. The town’s schools are well-regarded, and the community has a strong focus on academics and athletics. Landmarks in Santa Fe include the Santa Fe Community Center, which serves as a hub for local events, and several nearby ranches and nature areas that offer a glimpse into the region’s rural heritage. Additionally, the nearby San Jacinto River provides recreational opportunities like fishing and boating.
City Details:
- Area: 9.9 square miles
- Population: 13,000+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77510
- Latitude and Longitude: 29.3999° N, 95.0986° W
