West, Texas
About 18 miles north of Waco in McLennan County, the small city of West sits amid the blackland farm country of Central Texas along the Interstate 35 corridor. It is widely known for its Czech heritage, with bakeries along the highway that draw travelers stopping for kolaches, a filled pastry tied to the town's Central European roots. The community retains a strong Czech cultural identity reflected in its churches, halls, and annual observances.
Property here runs through the McLennan 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 McLennan County notes below cover the practical details, with the official county directory for the appraisal district and tax office.
McLennan County notes
What to know around West
Vehicle Registration
No Annual Safety Inspection Required to Register Your Car
As of January 1, 2025, McLennan County drivers no longer need a safety inspection to renew vehicle registration, but a small replacement fee applies.
Flood Zones
Brazos River Flooding Is a Real Risk Here
The Brazos River and Bosque River tributaries cross McLennan County, putting many properties in or near FEMA flood zones.
Groundwater
Groundwater Comes From the Trinity Aquifer — With Limits
The Trinity Aquifer underlies McLennan County, but heavy pumping has caused significant water level declines along the I-35 corridor.
Fishing
Lake Waco Offers Year-Round Fishing Access
Lake Waco is an 8,465-acre reservoir with multiple public boat ramps managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Paddling
Two Paddling Trails Run Through Downtown Waco
The Bosque Bluffs and Brazos Bridges paddling trails offer beginner-friendly canoe and kayak routes through the heart of Waco.
Hunting
White-Tailed Deer and Turkey Hunting in McLennan County
McLennan County falls in TPWD's North Zone for deer and has both fall and spring turkey seasons, with antler restrictions in place.
Nearby
Places near West
Nearby counties
Local notes for nearby counties
Hill County
12 local notes · DFW / North Texas
Bosque County
8 local notes · Austin / Central Texas / Hill Country
Limestone County
7 local notes · Austin / Central Texas / Hill Country
Falls County
6 local notes · Austin / Central Texas / Hill Country
Navarro County
24 local notes · DFW / North Texas
Ellis County
27 local notes · DFW / North Texas
Next steps for West
Estimate property tax
Model school and local rates, the homestead exemption, and the appraisal cap.
Open estimator ->McLennan County notes
Property tax, land, outdoors, vehicles, rules, and history for the county.
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