Brazoria County, Texas

About

Brazoria County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2010 census, the population was 313,166 and a population density of 76 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 380,518 inhabitants. Its county seat is Angleton. The county was created 188 years ago in 1835.

Brazoria County sits along the Gulf Coast south of Houston. It was established in 1836 as one of the original counties in the Republic of Texas. The county was named for the Brazos River which runs through it.

Anglo-American settlers first arrived in the 1820s, establishing communities along the Brazos and San Bernard rivers. Planters grew cotton, corn, and sugarcane using slave labor. The economy relied on river and ocean trade.

Stephen F. Austin built a plantation estate in Brazoria County in the 1830s, establishing it as a center of political influence. His office building still stands today in Brazoria.

Major Cities and Attractions

The county seat is Angleton, with around 20,000 residents. Other cities include:

• Lake Jackson - Home to Dow Chemical and site of the company's founding
• Pearland - A fast-growing Houston suburb
• Alvin - Known as the "Brick Capital of the South" for its brick-making industry

Popular attractions include the Stephen F. Austin Birthplace historic site, Varner-Hogg Plantation, and the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching and hiking.

Key Industries

The petrochemical industry and shipping drive much of the economy. Oil refineries like Phillips 66 line the county's shoreline. The Port Freeport moves trillions in international trade.

Agriculture also remains important, with rice, cattle, corn and cotton as top products.

In summary, Brazoria County has been shaped by the petrochemical, shipping and agribusiness industries, with deep roots as one of Texas' first Anglo settlements. Historic sites tell the story of its founders like Stephen F. Austin.

Quick Facts about Brazoria County

Angleton TX Brazoria county courthouse DSC 6280 ad image

Geography

Brazoria County is located at 29°10'4"N 95°26'3"W (29.1678300, -95.4342600). It has 5 neighbors: Fort Bend County, Galveston County, Harris County, Matagorda County and Wharton County.

Brazoria County map

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The largest city of Brazoria County is Pearland with a population of 123,562. Other cities include, Alvin population 27,140, Lake Jackson population 27,063, Angleton population 19,521 and Manvel population 13,867. See all Brazoria County cities & populated places.

Brazoria County Populated Places (more)

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Brazoria County.

People born in Brazoria County, including United States federal judge Andrew Phelps McCormick, football player James Patton, Music teacher, pianist and composer Cora Behrends, .

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