About the 5th District

District Map

Essence of the Fifth District of Texas

The Fifth District of Texas is one of the most unique congressional districts in the United States. It comprises the perfect combination of urban, suburban, and rural communities that are home to some of the friendliest people in Texas.

The Fifth District takes in Dallas neighborhoods such as Lake Highlands, Lakewood, and White Rock Lake. Many cities in eastern Dallas country, such as Mesquite, Seagoville, and Sunnyvale are located within the Fifth District, as well as a significant portion of Garland and Rowlett. East Dallas is nationally recognized for the Mesquite Championship Rodeo and the Lake Highlands High School Wranglers, an award-winning coed dance team that has performed at several Presidential Inaugurations and at the Texas State Society’s Black Tie & Boots ball.

White Rock Lake, one of the most visited and scenic natural resources in East Dallas, provides facilities for walking, running, biking, sailing, canoeing, bird watching, and even fishing. With its high elevation, you can’t beat the beautiful view as the sun sets on downtown Dallas.

The rural portion of the Fifth District includes Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson, Kaufman, Van Zandt, and Wood Counties. The rural areas and small towns are home to events like Canton First Monday Trade Days, hundreds of cow-calf operations, numerous nurseries, thousands of small businesses and some of the richest history that Texas has to offer.

Visiting the Fifth District’s Rural Counties

Anderson County attracts numerous visitors to the beautiful Dogwood Trails Festivals in the spring, Fall Fest/Oktoberfest, the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility, Engeling Wildlife Management Area, and the Texas State Railroad, which takes travelers back in time to an age when the steam engine was the king of transportation. The single, largest employer is the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, which employs more than 3,900. In addition, two Wal-Mart distribution centers provide another 1,600 jobs. Other significant employers include a thriving medical and healthcare sector that tends to the large population of retirees.

Cherokee County covers over 286,306 acres full of farms and ranches. The county has a diversified agricultural economy with 43% of their income coming from nursery crops, 21% from timber, 14% from beef, and 7% from broilers, 5% from hay, and 4% from dairy. In addition, there are eight manufacturing firms that produce plastics, coils, and timber products.

Henderson County’s rolling hills and numerous lakes provide outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and boating. Henderson County fairgrounds offer exciting rodeo events nearly every week.

Kaufman County was historically known for its largest town, Terrell, which began as a “depot town” along the Texas and Pacific Railroad Company’s new transcontinental line from East Texas to California. Today, the county has a diverse economy ranging from industrial manufacturing, retail, ranching, and agriculture. Kaufman County is also home to a 300 foot replica of the Vietnam Wall Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Van Zandt County, which contains parts of the Neches River and Sabine River, the Trinity River watershed, and The Purtis Creek State Park, provides numerous opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The county is known state-wide for “First Monday Trade Days.” Started in the 1900’s, trade days began as a place for farmers and merchants to trade with each other. Today, it takes place over 100 acres and accommodates 3,000 dealers. Like many of the Fifth District’s counties, agriculture is the number one industry.

Wood County contains some of the finest lakes in the nation. Lake Fork, the county’s largest lake is one of the top trophy largemouth bass lakes in the nation. Excellent accommodations, professional fishing guides, excellent shopping, and restaurants make Lake Fork a great place to visit. Lake Quitman, Lake Hawkins, and Lake Holbrook also offer extensive outdoor entertainment.

Ozarka Spring Water has been in production for five years in Wood County. They have over 265 employees and generate over $8 million dollars in payroll.

Population by County