Frequently Asked Questions
This page addresses common questions about the State of Texas, its government, economy, geography, and how to use the Texas State Authority reference site. The answers provided here are drawn from official state and federal sources and are intended to serve as a starting point for more detailed research through the linked pages and external references.
About Texas
How large is Texas, and how does it compare to other states?
Texas encompasses 268,596 square miles of total area, making it the second largest state in the United States after Alaska. To put this in perspective, Texas is larger than any country in Western Europe -- it exceeds the combined area of France and the United Kingdom. The state stretches approximately 800 miles from east to west and 801 miles from north to south. El Paso in far West Texas is geographically closer to the Pacific Ocean than it is to Houston on the Gulf Coast. For a detailed exploration of the state's geographic diversity, see Texas Regions Overview.
What is the population of Texas?
Texas has an estimated population exceeding 30.5 million residents, making it the second most populous state in the nation after California. The state has been growing rapidly, adding approximately 470,000 new residents per year in recent years through a combination of natural population increase and domestic and international migration. Approximately 75 percent of the state's population is concentrated in the four major metropolitan areas of Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin, which together form the "Texas Triangle" megaregion.
Why does Texas have 254 counties -- more than any other state?
Texas's 254 counties -- more than any other state -- reflect the state's vast geographic size, its historical pattern of settlement, and the 19th-century principle that a county seat should be no more than a day's horseback ride from any point in the county. As Texas was settled westward through the 19th century, new counties were continuously carved from larger existing ones to ensure that residents could access their county government within a reasonable distance. This resulted in a county system that ranges from the densely populated Harris County (4.7 million residents) to Loving County (fewer than 100 residents). For details on the county government structure, see Texas Government Structure.
What are the major cities in Texas?
The five largest cities in Texas by population within city limits are Houston (approximately 2.3 million), San Antonio (approximately 1.5 million), Dallas (approximately 1.3 million), Austin (approximately 1.0 million), and Fort Worth (approximately 950,000). However, city-limit populations can be misleading: the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area (8 million+) is substantially larger than the Houston metropolitan area (7 million+) because Houston has a much larger geographic footprint within its city limits while DFW's population is spread across many independent municipalities. For detailed profiles, see the regional pages: North Texas and DFW, Gulf Coast and Houston, South Texas, and Central Texas and Austin.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
No. Texas is one of seven states that do not levy a personal income tax on residents. The Texas Constitution prohibits a personal income tax unless approved by voters in a statewide referendum. The state instead relies on sales and use taxes, property taxes (administered at the local level), franchise taxes on business entities, motor vehicle taxes, and severance taxes on oil and gas production. This tax structure has been a significant factor in attracting corporate relocations and population growth from higher-tax states. For a comprehensive explanation, see Texas Government Structure.
What are the major industries in Texas?
Texas has a highly diversified economy with a gross domestic product exceeding $2.0 trillion. The major industries include energy (Texas produces more crude oil and natural gas than any other state), technology (centered in Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth), agriculture (Texas leads the nation in cattle, cotton, and total farm acreage), aerospace and defense (NASA Johnson Space Center, major military installations, and defense manufacturing), healthcare (the Texas Medical Center in Houston is the largest in the world), international trade (Texas is the nation's leading export state), and construction. For comprehensive economic analysis, see Texas Economy and Industries.
Why does the Texas Legislature only meet every two years?
The Texas Constitution of 1876 established a biennial legislative session -- the Legislature meets in regular session only in odd-numbered years, for a maximum of 140 days. This structure was deliberately designed by the post-Reconstruction framers to limit governmental power and create a "citizen legislature" in which members maintain private employment. The Governor may call special sessions of up to 30 days each when needed. This biennial structure is unusual among large states and has significant implications for how state policy is made and how the state budget is managed.
About This Site
What is the Texas State Authority?
The Texas State Authority is a comprehensive reference site providing factual, detailed information about the State of Texas -- its geography, regions, economy, government structure, and counties. The site is part of the Authority Network America (ANA), which maintains reference resources covering states, communities, and professional industries across the United States. The site is designed to serve as a reliable starting point for understanding Texas and its many subregions, with links to official government sources for verification and further research.
What is Authority Network America?
Authority Network America (ANA) is a network of reference sites covering states, metropolitan areas, counties, and professional industries across the United States. ANA sites provide comprehensive, factual reference information compiled under editorial oversight. The network includes state-level reference sites like this one, as well as specialized resources for professional industries including construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, roofing, legal services, and other fields. All ANA sites are accessible through the main portal at authoritynetworkamerica.com.
How can I find professional services in Texas?
The Authority Network America maintains specialized reference sites for various professional industries operating in Texas. These include resources for general contractors, HVAC professionals, plumbing contractors, electrical contractors, roofing specialists, pool contractors, restoration services, lawn care providers, legal professionals, and security consultants. Metro-specific resources are available for Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. For a complete listing, see the Get Help page.
Where does the information on this site come from?
The information on this site is compiled from official government sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, the Texas Legislature, and various state and federal agencies. Data points are drawn from the most recent available official sources at the time of publication. The site is produced by the ANA Reference Engine under editorial oversight to ensure accuracy and currency. Each page includes a references section listing the primary sources consulted.
How often is this site updated?
The Texas State Authority is reviewed and updated on a regular basis to ensure that information remains current. Population figures, economic data, and other statistics are updated as new official data becomes available from the Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas Comptroller, and other agencies. Each page displays a "last reviewed" date in its metadata. If you believe any information on the site is outdated or incorrect, please contact us through the Authority Network America.
Can I use this site for academic or professional research?
This site is designed to serve as a reliable reference starting point. While the information is compiled from official sources and reviewed for accuracy, we recommend that researchers verify specific data points through the original source documents linked in each page's references section. The site is intended to provide comprehensive context and orientation rather than to serve as a primary source itself. For legal, financial, or professional advice, always consult a qualified professional. For legal resources in Texas, see Texas Legal Authority and Texas Legal Services Authority.