Center, Texas
Center is the seat of Shelby County in the East Texas Piney Woods, about 59 miles southeast of Longview and not far from the Sabine River near the state's eastern edge. It sits in heavily forested country long associated with the timber and poultry industries of the region. The county courthouse in Center is an unusual brick structure that stands out among Texas courthouses.
Property here runs through the Shelby Central Appraisal District and the county tax office — the homestead exemption, the appraisal cap, protests, and any MUD, PID, or special districts all sit at the parcel level. The Shelby County notes below cover the practical details, with the official county directory for the appraisal district and tax office.
Shelby County notes
What to know around Center
Property Tax
Who handles your property tax in Shelby County
Two separate offices handle property taxes in Shelby County. The appraisal district sets your value, and the tax assessor-collector sends your bill.
Tax Exemptions
Lower your tax bill: homestead and timberland exemptions
Texas law gives homeowners and working landowners ways to reduce their property tax bill, but you have to apply.
Lakes & Fishing
Fishing Toledo Bend Reservoir from Shelby County
Toledo Bend Reservoir sits on Shelby County's eastern edge and is one of the largest reservoirs in the South, known for bass, crappie, and catfish.
Wildlife Management Area
Hunting and camping at North Toledo Bend WMA
North Toledo Bend WMA is a 3,650-acre public hunting and camping area in Shelby County, managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
National Forest
Sabine National Forest: public land in Shelby County
Sabine National Forest covers parts of Shelby County and offers camping, fishing, and hiking on federal land along Toledo Bend Reservoir.
County History
How Center became the county seat of Shelby County
Shelby County was formed in 1836 and named for a Revolutionary War hero, and its county seat moved from Shelbyville to Center in 1866.
Nearby
Places near Center
Nearby counties
Local notes for nearby counties
Panola County
7 local notes · East Texas / Piney Woods
San Augustine County
7 local notes · East Texas / Piney Woods
Nacogdoches County
18 local notes · East Texas / Piney Woods
Sabine County
6 local notes · East Texas / Piney Woods
Rusk County
25 local notes · East Texas / Piney Woods
Angelina County
19 local notes · East Texas / Piney Woods
Next steps for Center
Estimate property tax
Model school and local rates, the homestead exemption, and the appraisal cap.
Open estimator ->Shelby County notes
Property tax, land, outdoors, vehicles, rules, and history for the county.
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