Cities and Towns in Waller County, Texas

Founded in 1873, Waller County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Waller County was formed from Austin County and Grimes County. The city of Hempstead is the county seat. With FIPS code of 473, Waller County has a population of 59,781 and area of 514 square miles (1,331 km²).

List of all cities in Waller County, TX alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Brookshire, TX 77423 713/281/832
Hempstead, TX 77445 979
Monaville, TX 77445 979
Pattison, TX 77423 713/281/832
77466 713/281/832
Prairie View, TX 77445 979
77446 979
Sunny Side, TX 77423 713/281/832

Major Cities and Towns in Waller County, Texas

1. Waller

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 1.9 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,100
  • Zip Codes: 77484
  • Latitude: 30.0579° N
  • Longitude: 95.9303° W

Location and History:

Waller is the county seat of Waller County, Texas, located approximately 50 miles northwest of Houston. The city is situated in the heart of the rich agricultural region known as the Texas Gulf Coast. Waller was established in 1873 when the Houston and Texas Central Railway extended its tracks to the area. It was named after Edwin Waller, the first mayor of Austin, and it soon became an important stop for cattle drives and agricultural trade. Historically, Waller has been a rural community, with a strong emphasis on farming, ranching, and later oil production. The town grew steadily through the 20th century, though it remained relatively small. However, the growth of Houston and its expanding suburbs have influenced Waller’s development in recent years, as more people move to the area seeking a quieter lifestyle while remaining close to the metropolitan amenities of Houston. Today, Waller remains a charming small town with a mixture of modern suburban development and rural traditions.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Waller is served by the Waller Independent School District, which includes Waller High School, Waller Junior High, and several elementary schools. The district provides a range of academic programs, as well as extracurricular activities like athletics and fine arts. Major landmarks in Waller include the Waller County Courthouse, a historic building that dates back to the early 1900s. Additionally, the city is known for its agricultural fairs and festivals, which celebrate the area’s rural heritage. One of the most notable events is the Waller County Fair, which showcases local agriculture, livestock, and entertainment. Another landmark is the Waller Heritage Museum, which preserves the town’s history through exhibits that highlight its development, the role of the railroad, and its agricultural and oil industries. Waller also serves as a gateway to the greater Houston area, offering residents access to both the rural charm of Waller County and the economic and cultural opportunities of nearby Houston.

2. Hempstead

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 2.9 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 7,000
  • Zip Codes: 77445
  • Latitude: 30.0886° N
  • Longitude: 96.0741° W

Location and History:

Hempstead is a city located in Waller County, Texas, about 50 miles northwest of Houston, and serves as one of the larger communities in the area. The city was founded in 1835 and named after the hemp industry that was once thriving in the region. Early settlers in Hempstead cultivated hemp, cotton, and other crops that were crucial to the local economy. The town’s location along the San Felipe de Austin Road and later the construction of the railroad in the 19th century helped it grow into a trading and shipping center for the region. Hempstead was incorporated in 1858, and over the years, it developed a reputation for being a central location for commerce and travel between Houston and Austin. The town’s economy expanded in the 20th century with the arrival of oil and gas industries. Despite facing challenges through the Great Depression and later economic shifts, Hempstead has remained an important hub in Waller County, blending its historic past with modern developments as it grows along with the expanding Houston metropolitan area.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Hempstead is served by the Hempstead Independent School District, which operates Hempstead High School, Hempstead Junior High, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its commitment to both academic excellence and extracurricular activities, including sports, music programs, and various student organizations. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Waller County Courthouse, which is a historic structure that stands as a symbol of the city’s past. Another significant landmark is the Hempstead Depot, a former railway station that has been preserved and serves as a reminder of the city’s history as a railroad town. Hempstead also hosts the annual “Hempstead Harvest Festival,” which celebrates the local agricultural heritage and features live music, food, and entertainment. Nearby, residents and visitors can explore the scenic countryside, with its wide-open spaces and agricultural land that define much of the landscape around Hempstead. The city’s proximity to Houston has also made it a desirable location for commuters, and it is considered an ideal blend of small-town living with easy access to urban amenities.

3. Prairie View

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 2.6 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 6,000
  • Zip Codes: 77446
  • Latitude: 30.0835° N
  • Longitude: 95.9706° W

Location and History:

Prairie View is a city located in Waller County, Texas, situated approximately 45 miles northwest of Houston. The city is most famous for being the home of Prairie View A&M University, one of the oldest historically black universities in the United States. The town has its origins in the 1870s when it was established as a rural settlement and grew significantly with the founding of the university in 1876. Prairie View A&M University played a central role in shaping the town’s identity, bringing educational and cultural influence to the area. The city’s development is closely tied to the university’s growth, with the population largely composed of students, faculty, and staff. Prairie View is also known for its proximity to the vast agricultural lands of Waller County, and the town’s economy has traditionally been centered around education, agriculture, and research. The university has expanded significantly over the decades, and Prairie View has seen residential and commercial development as a result of the increased presence of the university and the broader economic growth in the Houston area.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Prairie View is served by the Prairie View Independent School District, which includes Prairie View High School, along with a range of elementary and middle schools. The district is known for its focus on academic excellence, extracurricular programs, and sports activities. The most notable landmark in Prairie View is Prairie View A&M University itself, which serves as a cultural and educational cornerstone for the town. The university is home to several historic buildings, including the Samuel H. Houston Memorial Library and Museum, which celebrates the history and culture of African Americans in Texas. Other landmarks include the Prairie View A&M University Golf Course, a popular spot for both students and residents. Prairie View is also home to the Prairie View Rodeo, which attracts visitors from around the state. The university and its cultural events significantly contribute to the town’s vibrant community life. Prairie View combines its strong academic reputation with a rich cultural history and offers a unique blend of educational opportunity and small-town charm.