Corsicana anchors Navarro with oil roots, murals, and highway access

Navarro County is home to approximately 53,657 residents across nineteen cities and towns, anchored by Corsicana, the county seat and birthplace of the Texas petroleum industry. Median home values hover around $163,050, with the most affordable properties in towns like Streetman and Frost and higher prices in Corsicana's newer subdivisions. The county's economy is driven by manufacturing, which employs more than 3,100 workers at an average annual pay of nearly $63,000, followed by retail trade and construction. Homeownership stands at 69 percent, and the median household income of $76,262 reflects a mix of local employment and commuters to the Dallas metro area.

Cities Compared

Corsicana commands the highest home values, driven by its status as the county seat and largest city, while smaller towns like Streetman, Frost, and Rice offer significantly lower prices and larger lots. The eastern half of the county, closer to Interstate 45, sees more development and higher values than the rural western and northern towns.

Demographics

The county's median age is 39.3, with a population that is 50.1 percent White, 32.4 percent Hispanic, and 9.2 percent Black. Just over twenty percent of residents hold bachelor's degrees, and the homeownership rate of 69 percent reflects a market accessible to middle-income families.

Economy

Manufacturing dominates Navarro County's employment landscape, with fifty-six establishments employing over 3,100 workers at competitive wages. Retail trade, construction, and transportation and warehousing sectors also provide significant employment, supported by the county's position along Interstate 45.

Schools

School data was not provided for Navarro County, but the county's educational infrastructure includes schools in Corsicana and smaller districts serving rural communities. Navarro College, a two-year institution, provides higher education options locally.

Cost of Living

Navarro County offers affordability well below state averages, with a median home value of $163,050 and median rent of $1,137 per month. Texas has no state income tax, and while specific property tax data was not provided, the county's overall cost of living remains attractive to buyers seeking space and value.

About Navarro County

Navarro County sits in the geographic heart of Texas, roughly equidistant from Dallas to the north and Houston to the southeast. This positioning has shaped its character for more than a century and a half, first as agricultural land along the Richland and Trinity creek bottoms, then as the birthplace of the state's petroleum industry, and now as a constellation of small towns that offer affordability and breathing room within reach of two major metro areas. The county was carved from Robertson County in 1846 and named for Jose Antonio Navarro, the patriot and statesman who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Within months of its creation, Corsicana was established as the county seat, and it remains the gravitational center today.

Corsicana anchors the county with a population that accounts for roughly half of Navarro County's residents. The city earned its place in history when a water well drilled in 1894 by H. G. Johnston, E. H. Akin, and Charles Rittersbacher struck oil instead, marking the first commercially viable petroleum discovery west of the Mississippi River. That accident launched an industry and shaped the city's economy for generations. Today Corsicana retains a historic downtown core with a public library that dates to 1901, founded by local women's clubs and later supported by a Carnegie grant. The architecture and street grid reflect a city that grew during the oil boom and the railroad era, with wide avenues and brick commercial buildings that still house local businesses.

The eastern half of the county, where Corsicana sits, is more developed and connected. Interstate 45 slices north-south through this section, linking the county to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in under an hour and to Houston in about two and a half. This corridor has drawn commuters and light industry, particularly manufacturing operations that employ more than three thousand workers across fifty-six establishments. The towns along or near this corridor—Richland to the north, Angus and Barry to the east—function as residential satellites to Corsicana, offering smaller populations and lower-density living while remaining within easy reach of the county seat's services and employment.

West of Corsicana, the landscape shifts. The towns of Dawson, Blooming Grove, Frost, and Kerens occupy rolling prairie that still carries the imprint of its agricultural past. These communities were shaped by cotton farming and cattle ranching, and while those industries have contracted, the open land and slower pace remain. Dawson sits along State Highway 31, a major east-west route that connects the county to Waco and Tyler, and it serves as a service hub for the western portion of the county. Blooming Grove and Frost are smaller still, with populations measured in hundreds rather than thousands, and they appeal to buyers seeking acreage and distance from urban pressures. Kerens, farther north along Highway 31, has a similar character but benefits from proximity to Navarro College's main campus in Corsicana and the employment options that come with it.

The northern tier of the county—towns like Rice, Streetman, and Goodlow—sits closer to the Henderson and Freestone county lines and feels more remote. These communities are agricultural in character, with wide spacing between homesteads and limited commercial infrastructure. Rice was organized around the railroad in the 1870s, and the First Baptist Church there traces its roots to 1875, when services were held in the community schoolhouse. The town has never grown large, but it has remained stable, serving ranchers and farmers who work the surrounding land. Streetman, to the east, has seen some recent residential development, with five registered homeowners associations reflecting modest subdivision activity, likely driven by buyers seeking affordable land within commuting distance of Corsicana or even the southeastern edge of the Dallas metro.

South of Corsicana, the towns of Mildred, Mustang, Retreat, and Oak Valley are small and largely residential. Oak Valley's school was one of thirty districts created in 1867 by County Judge John L. Miller, a reminder of how densely settled this area once was relative to the rest of rural Texas. Today these communities are quiet, with limited commercial activity and populations that skew older. The median age across Navarro County is just over thirty-nine, but in these smaller towns the figure climbs higher, reflecting a mix of retirees and long-established families.

The county's economy has diversified since the oil boom, but manufacturing remains the largest employment sector, with average annual pay near sixty-three thousand dollars. Retail trade and accommodation and food services follow, reflecting Corsicana's role as a regional shopping and dining destination for surrounding rural areas. Construction employment is robust, with ninety-six establishments and average pay above sixty-four thousand dollars, signaling ongoing residential and commercial development. The presence of wholesale trade and transportation and warehousing sectors, both with strong average wages, points to Navarro County's position along Interstate 45 as a logistics advantage.

What draws people to Navarro County today is a combination of affordability, space, and proximity. The median home value of just over one hundred sixty-three thousand dollars is well below state averages, and the homeownership rate of sixty-nine percent reflects a market where buying is accessible. The median household income of seventy-six thousand dollars suggests that many residents commute to higher-paying jobs in Dallas or its southern suburbs, then return to homes on larger lots in quieter settings. The trade-off is a lower concentration of amenities and a smaller share of the population holding bachelor's degrees, at just over twenty percent. This is a county that appeals to people who prioritize land and cost over walkability and cultural density.

Navarro County is not experiencing explosive growth, but it is not stagnant either. The infrastructure is in place—highways, schools, water and sewer systems in the larger towns—and the cost of entry remains low enough to attract first-time buyers, retirees, and families looking to stretch their budgets. The historical markers scattered across the county, from the Battle Creek Burial Ground to the Roger Q. Mills home, tell the story of a place shaped by conflict, politics, religion, and industry. Today's Navarro County is quieter, but it carries that history forward in its town squares, its churches, and its residents who value continuity and independence.

Cities and Towns Across Navarro County

Corsicana is the undisputed center of Navarro County, with a population that dwarfs every other municipality in the area. As the county seat, it houses the courthouse, the main campus of Navarro College, and the bulk of the county's commercial activity. The city's downtown retains its historic character, with buildings from the oil boom era and a public library that dates to the turn of the twentieth century. Housing in Corsicana ranges from older bungalows near the center to newer subdivisions on the outskirts, with prices that remain accessible for buyers across income levels. The city's schools serve the majority of the county's students, and while performance varies, the district offers the most comprehensive programming in the area. Corsicana appeals to buyers who want the services and amenities of a small city—grocery stores, restaurants, medical facilities—without the traffic and cost of a metro area. The presence of twelve registered homeowners associations indicates a mix of traditional neighborhoods and newer planned developments.

Richland sits directly north of Corsicana along Interstate 45, functioning as a bedroom community for both Corsicana and the southern reaches of the Dallas metro. The town is small, with a population measured in the hundreds, but its location makes it attractive to commuters who want highway access and lower housing costs. Richland-area properties tend to offer more land than comparable homes in Corsicana, and the town's schools fall under nearby districts that serve rural populations. The character here is quieter and more spread out, with fewer commercial services and a reliance on Corsicana or points north for shopping and dining.

Angus and Barry are even smaller, occupying the eastern portion of the county near the Trinity River bottomlands. These communities are rural in character, with widely spaced homes and minimal commercial infrastructure. Angus has a handful of long-established families and properties that often include acreage, appealing to buyers who want space for livestock or simply distance from neighbors. Barry is similar, with a population that barely registers in census counts but a landscape that reflects the county's agricultural heritage. Neither town offers much in the way of services, but both provide affordability and privacy.

Blooming Grove sits west of Corsicana along State Highway 22, serving as a transition point between the county's more developed eastern half and its rural western reaches. The town has a small commercial district and a population that supports a school and a few churches, but it remains primarily residential. Housing here is affordable, with older homes on larger lots and occasional new construction on the outskirts. Blooming Grove appeals to buyers who want a small-town atmosphere with reasonable access to Corsicana's services, and it draws some retirees seeking a slower pace.

Dawson is the largest town in the western half of the county, positioned along State Highway 31 where it intersects with Farm to Market roads that connect to surrounding agricultural areas. The town has a modest commercial district with a grocery store, a few restaurants, and service businesses that cater to ranchers and farmers. Housing in Dawson is among the most affordable in the county, with older homes that often need updating but come with significant land. The town's schools serve a small student population, and the community has a quiet, stable character that appeals to long-term residents and newcomers seeking rural living.

Frost and Kerens occupy the northern tier of the county's western half, both positioned along Highway 31 but separated by several miles of open land. Frost is tiny, with a population in the low hundreds, and it functions primarily as a residential cluster for people working land in the surrounding area. Kerens is slightly larger and benefits from its proximity to Navarro College's main campus in Corsicana, which draws some students and staff to the area. Kerens has nine registered homeowners associations, a surprising number for a town of its size and an indication of recent subdivision activity. Housing here is affordable and often includes acreage, appealing to buyers who want space and are willing to drive for services.

Rice sits in the northeastern corner of the county, closer to Henderson County than to Corsicana. The town was established in the 1870s around the railroad, and its First Baptist Church traces its roots to that era. Rice remains small and agricultural, with a population that has stayed relatively stable for decades. Housing is sparse and affordable, with older homes and occasional new builds on large lots. The town appeals to buyers seeking maximum distance from urban areas and a lifestyle centered on land use and self-sufficiency.

Streetman occupies the eastern edge of the county near the Freestone County line. Despite its small population, the town has five registered homeowners associations, reflecting recent residential development likely driven by buyers seeking affordable land within commuting distance of Corsicana or even the southeastern edge of the Dallas metro. Housing in Streetman is among the least expensive in the county, and properties often include significant acreage. The town has minimal services, and residents rely on Corsicana or points east for shopping and amenities.

The remaining towns—Emhouse, Eureka, Goodlow, Mildred, Mustang, Navarro, Oak Valley, Powell, and Retreat—are small residential clusters with populations that rarely exceed a few hundred. These communities are scattered across the county, often along Farm to Market roads that connect to larger towns. They lack commercial infrastructure and rely entirely on Corsicana or nearby county seats for services. Housing in these areas is characterized by older homes on large lots, mobile homes, and occasional new construction on acreage. These towns appeal to buyers seeking maximum affordability, privacy, and a rural lifestyle, and they represent the quietest and most traditional parts of Navarro County.

Identifiers

GEOID

48349

State FIPS

48

County FIPS

349

Statistics

Neighborhoods

0

Population

34,786

Geography

Type

polygon

Area

2,813 km²

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Navarro County

What is Navarro known for?

Navarro County is known as the birthplace of the Texas petroleum industry, where a water well drilled in Corsicana in 1894 struck oil instead and became the first commercially viable discovery west of the Mississippi River. That accident launched the state's oil boom and shaped Corsicana's economy for generations. Today the county is recognized for its affordability, its position along Interstate 45 between Dallas and Houston, and its mix of small-town character and rural landscapes. Corsicana, the county seat, retains a historic downtown with architecture from the oil boom era and a public library founded by local women's clubs in 1901. The county is also home to Navarro College, a two-year institution that serves the region. Historical markers across the county tell the stories of pioneer churches, political figures like Roger Q. Mills and George Washington Hill, and events like the 1838 Battle Creek conflict between surveyors and Kickapoo Indians. The county's agricultural heritage remains visible in the western towns, where ranching and farming still shape the landscape.

What cities are in Navarro County?

Navarro County includes nineteen cities and towns, with Corsicana as the largest and most developed, serving as the county seat and home to roughly half the county's population. Richland sits north of Corsicana along Interstate 45, functioning as a small bedroom community. Angus and Barry occupy the eastern portion of the county near the Trinity River bottomlands, both rural and sparsely populated. Blooming Grove lies west of Corsicana along State Highway 22, offering small-town living with access to the county seat. Dawson is the largest town in the western half, positioned along State Highway 31 and serving as a hub for surrounding agricultural areas. Frost and Kerens sit farther north along Highway 31, with Kerens showing recent subdivision activity. Rice occupies the northeastern corner, established in the 1870s around the railroad. Streetman sits near the Freestone County line with recent residential development. The remaining towns—Emhouse, Eureka, Goodlow, Mildred, Mustang, Navarro, Oak Valley, Powell, and Retreat—are small residential clusters scattered across the county, each with populations in the hundreds or fewer.

Is Navarro County growing?

Navarro County is not experiencing rapid growth, but it maintains a stable population with pockets of residential development in towns like Kerens and Streetman, where new subdivisions have appeared in recent years. The county's position along Interstate 45 provides access to the Dallas metro area, which has drawn some commuters seeking affordable housing and larger lots. Corsicana remains the center of activity, with ongoing construction employment suggesting steady development. The western and northern towns have seen less growth, with populations that have remained relatively stable for decades. The county's affordability and available land make it attractive to first-time buyers and retirees, but it lacks the explosive expansion seen in counties closer to major metro areas. Manufacturing employment has remained strong, indicating a stable economic base that supports the existing population without driving significant in-migration.

What is the cost of living in Navarro?

Navarro County offers a cost of living well below Texas averages, with a median home value of $163,050 and median rent of $1,137 per month. Specific property tax data was not provided, but Texas has no state income tax, which reduces the overall tax burden for residents. Housing costs vary by location, with Corsicana commanding the highest prices due to its status as the county seat and largest city, while smaller towns like Streetman, Frost, and Rice offer significantly lower prices and larger lots. The median household income of $76,262 suggests that many residents can afford homeownership, and the county's homeownership rate of 69 percent reflects an accessible market. Utility costs, groceries, and other expenses are generally lower than in urban areas, making Navarro County attractive to buyers seeking to stretch their budgets and gain space.

How are the schools in Navarro?

School data was not provided for Navarro County, but the county's educational infrastructure includes schools in Corsicana, which serve the majority of the county's students, and smaller districts that serve rural communities in towns like Dawson, Blooming Grove, Frost, and Kerens. Navarro College, a two-year institution with its main campus in Corsicana, provides higher education options locally, offering associate degrees and workforce training programs. The county's rural character means that some students face longer bus rides to reach their schools, and the smaller districts typically offer fewer extracurricular programs than larger urban systems. Families considering Navarro County should research the specific district serving their desired area, as performance and resources vary across the county.

What is the job market like in Navarro?

Navarro County's job market is anchored by manufacturing, which employs more than 3,100 workers across fifty-six establishments at an average annual pay of nearly $63,000. Retail trade is the second-largest sector, employing over 2,000 workers, followed by accommodation and food services, construction, and wholesale trade. The county's position along Interstate 45 supports transportation and warehousing employment, with average pay near $59,000. Construction employment is robust, with ninety-six establishments and average pay above $64,000, reflecting ongoing residential and commercial development. Navarro College is a significant employer in the education sector. While the county offers solid employment in manufacturing and construction, many residents commute to the Dallas metro area for higher-paying jobs, using Navarro County as an affordable base. The job market is stable but not rapidly expanding, appealing to workers seeking steady employment in a lower-cost environment.

Is Navarro good for families?

Navarro County can be a good fit for families seeking affordability, space, and a slower pace, particularly those willing to trade urban amenities for larger lots and lower housing costs. The county's homeownership rate of 69 percent and median home value of $163,050 make buying accessible for middle-income families. Schools are available in Corsicana and smaller towns, though performance and resources vary, and families should research the specific district serving their desired area. The county's rural character means fewer organized activities and amenities than in urban areas, but it offers outdoor space, lower crime rates in most areas, and a community-oriented atmosphere. Families with one or both parents commuting to the Dallas metro area can find value in Navarro County's housing market while maintaining access to higher-paying jobs. The county's historical markers, parks, and small-town events provide educational and recreational opportunities, though families seeking extensive extracurriculars and cultural programming may find options limited.

How does Navarro compare to nearby areas?

Navarro County is more affordable and less developed than neighboring Ellis County to the north, which has seen significant suburban growth driven by the Dallas metro area. Ellis County's median home values and cost of living are higher, but it offers more extensive commercial infrastructure and higher-rated school districts. To the west, Hill County is similarly rural and affordable, with a comparable agricultural heritage and smaller population. Limestone County to the south is also rural and affordable, with a character much like Navarro County's western towns. Freestone County to the east shares Navarro County's agricultural roots and small-town character, with similar affordability and limited growth. Henderson County to the northeast has a larger population and more development, particularly around Athens, and offers more commercial amenities while remaining more affordable than the Dallas metro. Navarro County distinguishes itself with its central location along Interstate 45, which provides easier access to both Dallas and Houston than most of its neighbors, and its historical significance as the birthplace of the Texas petroleum industry.

Find Your Place in Navarro County

Whether you're drawn to Corsicana's historic downtown or the wide-open spaces of Dawson and Kerens, Navarro County offers affordability and breathing room within reach of Dallas and Houston. Connect with a Texas Ally advisor who knows the county's towns, school districts, and property options to find the home that fits your budget and lifestyle.