Henderson, Texas
Henderson is the seat of Rusk County in the East Texas Piney Woods, about 24 miles south of Longview and 33 miles southeast of Tyler. The surrounding country is rolling and heavily wooded, and the area sits within the East Texas oil field, whose discovery in the early 1930s reshaped the region's economy. The town retains a courthouse square and older commercial district reflecting that oil-era growth.
Property here runs through the Rusk 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 Rusk County notes below cover the practical details, with the official county directory for the appraisal district and tax office.
Rusk County notes
What to know around Henderson
Property Tax Basics
One Office Values Your Property. Another Collects the Tax.
The Rusk County Appraisal District sets your property value; separate taxing units like school districts and cities bill and collect the tax.
Homestead Exemption
Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Property Tax Bill
If your home is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value used by school districts.
Ag & Wildlife Valuation
Farmland and Timberland May Qualify for a Lower Tax Value
Rusk County farm, ranch, timber, and wildlife land may qualify for special appraisal based on productivity value.
Groundwater & Wells
A Local District Oversees Your Water Well
The Rusk County Groundwater Conservation District regulates all private water wells in the county and requires registration of any new well.
State Park
Martin Creek Lake State Park Is the County's Main Outdoor Destination
Martin Creek Lake State Park near Tatum offers year-round fishing, camping, and trails on a warm-water lake in East Texas Piney Woods.
Hunting Regulations
Deer, Dove, and Duck Hunting Follow Specific Rusk County Rules
Rusk County falls in the North Zone for deer and Central Zone for dove, which sets the season dates and bag limits that apply here.
Nearby
Places near Henderson
Nearby counties
Local notes for nearby counties
Gregg County
23 local notes · East Texas / Piney Woods
Panola County
7 local notes · East Texas / Piney Woods
Cherokee County
12 local notes · East Texas / Piney Woods
Smith County
36 local notes · East Texas / Piney Woods
Harrison County
24 local notes · East Texas / Piney Woods
Nacogdoches County
18 local notes · East Texas / Piney Woods
Next steps for Henderson
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Model school and local rates, the homestead exemption, and the appraisal cap.
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