Cities and Towns in Hardin County, Texas
Founded in 1858, Hardin County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Hardin County was formed from Jefferson County and Liberty County. The city of Kountze is the county seat. With FIPS code of 199, Hardin County has a population of 56,973 and area of 894 square miles (2,315 km²).
List of all cities in Hardin County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Batson, TX | 77519 | 936 |
| Beaumont, TX | 77657 | 409 |
| Grayburg, TX | 77659 | 409 |
| Honey Island, TX | 77625 | 409 |
| Kountze, TX | 77625 | 409 |
| Lumberton, TX | 77657 | 409 |
| Saratoga, TX | 77585 | 936 |
| Silsbee, TX | 77656 | 409 |
| Sour Lake, TX | 77659 | 409 |
| Thicket, TX | 77374 | 936 |
| Village Mills, TX | 77663 | 409 |
| Votaw, TX | 77376 | 936 |
| Wildwood, TX | 77663 | 409 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hardin County, Texas
1. Silsbee, Texas
Location and History
Silsbee is the largest city and the county seat of Hardin County, located in the southeastern part of Texas, about 20 miles north of Beaumont and 100 miles east of Houston. The town was founded in the late 19th century, with its establishment dating back to the 1880s. Silsbee grew rapidly during the timber boom, as it became an important center for the lumber industry. The town was named after a prominent figure in the timber industry, Fred Silsbee, who helped develop the area’s early economy. Silsbee’s location in the Piney Woods of East Texas made it ideal for the logging and timber industries, and the construction of the railroad further facilitated the transportation of goods. Over time, the economy of Silsbee diversified, with agriculture, oil, and service industries also playing significant roles. Today, Silsbee remains an important regional hub for commerce, education, and industry, with a focus on manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Silsbee is served by the Silsbee Independent School District, which includes Silsbee High School, known for its strong academic programs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities. The town is also home to Lamar State College–Orange, a community college that offers a range of academic and vocational programs. Key landmarks in Silsbee include the Silsbee Heritage Museum, which preserves the town’s history and culture, and the nearby Village Creek State Park, which offers outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, canoeing, and camping. The Hardin County Courthouse, located in downtown Silsbee, is a historic building that serves as the center of local government. Additionally, the nearby Big Thicket National Preserve is a popular site for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a mix of forests, swamps, and wildlife habitats.
City Details:
- Area: 5.8 square miles
- Population: 6,500+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77656
- Latitude and Longitude: 30.2610° N, 94.1700° W
2. Kountze, Texas
Location and History
Kountze is a small town located in the central part of Hardin County, about 15 miles west of Silsbee and 25 miles north of Beaumont. It was established in the 1880s and is named after the Kountze family, who were influential landowners in the area. Kountze’s economy was historically based on agriculture, with the cultivation of crops such as cotton, rice, and corn being central to the local economy. In the early 20th century, the arrival of the railroad contributed to the town’s growth, as it allowed for better transportation of goods. In the 1930s and 1940s, the discovery of oil and natural gas in the region brought additional economic development to Kountze. While the town never grew to the size of larger nearby cities, it has remained a key rural hub in Hardin County. Today, Kountze maintains its agricultural roots while also being a small community that serves as the administrative center for the county’s northern region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kountze is served by the Kountze Independent School District, which includes Kountze High School, known for its academic and athletic programs. Kountze has several notable landmarks, including the historic Kountze Depot, which was built in the early 1900s and is a reminder of the town’s early history as a railroad hub. The Hardin County Historical Museum, located nearby, provides a deeper look into the region’s agricultural and oil heritage. The nearby Big Thicket National Preserve offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, attracting nature enthusiasts from around the region. Kountze also has several local parks, including a community center and sports facilities, which help bring together the town’s residents for various events and gatherings.
City Details:
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: 2,300+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77625
- Latitude and Longitude: 30.4721° N, 94.4681° W
3. Lumberton, Texas
Location and History
Lumberton is located in the southeastern part of Hardin County, approximately 10 miles northwest of Beaumont. The town was founded in the late 19th century and, like Silsbee, grew rapidly due to the booming timber industry. It was named after the abundance of lumber resources in the area, which attracted timber merchants and settlers. The railroad, which arrived in the early 1900s, played a significant role in Lumberton’s growth by enabling easy transport of lumber and other goods. As the timber industry began to decline in the mid-20th century, Lumberton’s economy diversified, with retail, manufacturing, and service industries emerging as important contributors. The town has seen significant residential growth in recent decades, particularly as it is located near the growing city of Beaumont. Today, Lumberton is known for its small-town charm, good schools, and proximity to larger urban centers like Beaumont.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lumberton is served by the Lumberton Independent School District, which includes Lumberton High School, a school with a reputation for strong academic achievement and competitive athletics. The town also has a number of local landmarks, including the Lumberton Heritage Park, which offers a beautiful green space for residents and visitors. Lumberton is located near the scenic Village Creek State Park, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The town also boasts several local businesses, restaurants, and retail outlets, making it a regional commercial center. Lumberton’s proximity to Beaumont means that residents have easy access to additional landmarks and amenities, including the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum and the Beaumont Botanical Gardens.
City Details:
- Area: 7.2 square miles
- Population: 15,000+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77657
- Latitude and Longitude: 30.2817° N, 94.1901° W
4. Saratoga, Texas
Location and History
Saratoga is a small town located in the southwestern part of Hardin County, approximately 35 miles southwest of Beaumont and about 25 miles east of Silsbee. It was founded in the early 20th century and grew as an agricultural center, with the surrounding region being known for its fertile soil. Saratoga was historically a hub for rice farming, and while it remains a small town, the agricultural heritage is still an important part of the community. The town has also gained some regional recognition for its annual Rice Festival, which celebrates the town’s history and agricultural roots. Saratoga has remained a quiet rural community but continues to serve as a local center for farming and small businesses.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Saratoga is served by the Kountze Independent School District, with students attending the Kountze schools for their education. The town has a few local landmarks, including the Saratoga Public Library, which provides educational resources for residents, and the historic rice mills that once played an important role in the town’s agricultural industry. The Rice Festival is the town’s major annual event, bringing together visitors and residents for a celebration of local culture, food, and traditions. Saratoga also has several small local businesses that contribute to its rural charm and economy. The nearby Big Thicket National Preserve offers recreational opportunities for nature lovers, with opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
City Details:
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: 400+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77585
- Latitude and Longitude: 30.1372° N, 94.2393° W
5. Vidor, Texas
Location and History
Vidor is located in the southern part of Hardin County, approximately 10 miles east of Beaumont. It was originally founded in the early 20th century as a small settlement in the lumber industry. In the 1920s and 1930s, Vidor became known for its sawmills and timber operations, which were central to the local economy. During the post-World War II era, the town saw significant population growth as it became a residential community for workers in the oil and gas industries. While Vidor’s economy remains diverse, it has become more oriented toward manufacturing, retail, and service industries in recent decades. The town has grown into a suburban community, with many residents commuting to nearby Beaumont for work.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Vidor is served by the Vidor Independent School District, which includes Vidor High School, a school known for its athletics and academic programs. The town is home to several local landmarks, such as the Vidor Historical Museum, which showcases the town’s history in timber and oil production. The nearby Village Creek State Park is another significant landmark, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing, and fishing. Vidor is also home to the Vidor Public Library, which serves as an educational and cultural hub for the community. The town hosts various local events, including festivals and concerts, that bring the community together. Vidor’s location near Beaumont also provides residents with access to regional cultural and recreational landmarks, including museums, parks, and shopping centers.
City Details:
- Area: 3.7 square miles
- Population: 11,000+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77662
- Latitude and Longitude: 30.1207° N, 94.0042° W