With 268 counties, Texas has more counties than any other U.S. state. Studying the Texas county map provides insight into the Lone Star State's diverse geography and settlement patterns.
Major Cities
Texas' largest metropolitan areas include:
- Houston - Located in Harris County along the Gulf coast.
- Dallas - Northern city located within Dallas County.
- San Antonio - Bexar County city with a strong Spanish heritage.
- Austin - State capital situated in Travis County.
Regions
Texas can be divided into several distinct regions:
- East Texas - Piney Woods area with a wet climate. Small counties.
- Gulf Coast - Coastline region fronting the Gulf of Mexico.
- Hill Country - Rugged, elevated central region west of Austin.
- West Texas - Arid, flat terrain that gradually rises to mountains near New Mexico. Large, rural counties.
- Panhandle - Northern region that extends into the Great Plains. Highly agricultural.
In summary, Texas' expansive county map reflects the diversity of geography, resources, and settlement patterns across the vast Lone Star State. Studying the regions and counties provides localized insight.