Home

signHardin County-Gateway to the Big Thicket
Hardin county, named in honor of the Hardin Family of Liberty was established in 1853 from sections of Liberty and Jefferson Counties. The logging town of Kountze has been the county seat since 1886. Land use in Hardin County is primarily timber. Other land uses include grazing, cattle, blueberries, and recreation. Hardin County is considered by many to be the biological crossroads of the United States. Inside the pine and hardwood forests are found Coastal prairie, rangeland Savannah, desert, wetlands, and marshy areas. These unique land features, combined with the mixture of unique plants and animals make up what is known as the Big Thicket of Southeast Texas. Recreation in Hardin county includes hiking through the Big thicket, fishing along Village Creek and touring historical treasures. There are ample opportunities for hunting and fishing. In addition to government on “industry employment”, it is not surprising that forestry, agriculture and tourism are major job sources. Also, retail trade makes a significant contribution to the Hardin County economy as does employment within the five school systems. The population of Hardin county continues to grow with the outward push of urban areas such as Beaumont into the county. In 1995 population was approximately 46,607 and by 2001 the estimated population has risen to approximately 50,000. This growth can be attributed to people moving from urban areas to a more rural lifestyle. With these growing areas and issues to address Extension has forged ahead to try to facilitate and address as well as educate the public and private sectors through various programming efforts such as the two step program for Fire ant management, the 4-H program for the youth of tomorrow, and the BLT program to assist those who need nutritional guidance in under served populations.