Ben Wheeler, Texas
Ben Wheeler is an unincorporated community in Van Zandt County, Texas, in East Texas, about 24 miles west of Tyler as the crow flies, with a population of about 456.
Median home $268,400 Cost of living →
Updated October 2026 · Population: 2020 U.S. Census (Census-designated place). Land area (3.0 sq mi) and coordinates: U.S. Census Bureau. · Ben Wheeler on Wikipedia
Coming up near Ben Wheeler
All events →- Oct29First Monday Trade Days
Canton · ~12 mi · Oct 29 – Nov 1
- Dec3First Monday Trade Days
Canton · ~12 mi · Dec 3 – Dec 6
- Dec5Christmas on the Square
Kaufman · ~37 mi · Sat, Dec 5
Dates confirmed on each organizer's site. Check the link before you drive.
Ben Wheeler from our research
What we've verified about Ben Wheeler, one line per topic. Each links to the full page and its sources.
- History
- Named for a 19th-century mail carrier, faded through the late 20th century, then famously revitalized into an arts-and-music village and 'Wild Hog Capital.' Details →
- Dining
- 6 verified places to eat and drink; 1 has a full bar. Details → Source: Texas Comptroller sales-tax permit records, checked place by place
- Schools
- 13 public schools within 12 miles, across 5 districts and charters, mainly Van ISD, Brownsboro ISD and Martins Mill ISD. Details → Source: Texas Education Agency AskTED directory — open campuses, enrollment as of Oct 2025
- Utilities
- A deregulated electricity market on the Oncor grid, Ben Wheeler WSC water, propane-heavy gas options, and internet in Van Zandt County. Details →
- Outdoors
- Nearest state parks: Purtis Creek (18 mi), Tyler (25 mi), Lake Tawakoni (32 mi). Nearest lakes: Lake Athens (16 mi), Lake Holbrook (20 mi). Details → Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department — park locations
- Contractors
- 2 licensed plumbers, 1 licensed HVAC contractor and 6 licensed electricians serve Ben Wheeler. Details → Source: TSBPE and TDLR license records, checked business by business
Ben Wheeler Census Boundary
Ben Wheeler is unincorporated, so it has no city limits. This is the U.S. Census Bureau's boundary for the community, with the major highways through it.
Major roads: State Hwy 64
Boundary & roads: U.S. Census Bureau (TIGER/Line).
FAQ: Ben Wheeler, Texas
Van Zandt County. The U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 place-by-county list places all of Ben Wheeler in Van Zandt County.
East Texas guides
Region-wide guides that put Ben Wheeler in context — where to go, what things cost, and how people actually live here.
Moving to East Texas: What You Need to Know
Thinking about moving to East Texas? A fact-checked guide to healthcare, schools, getting around, weather, and daily life in Tyler, Jacksonville, and the towns around them.
Read Guide →Things to Do in East Texas
What to do in East Texas, checked against official sources: Tyler's Rose Garden and Caldwell Zoo, Canton's First Monday Trade Days, the Texas State Railroad, state parks, museums and festivals.
Read Guide →Cost of Living in East Texas
What it costs to live in East Texas, using Census figures: home values and rents in Tyler, Jacksonville and Athens compared with Texas and the big metros, plus taxes, utilities, healthcare and driving.
Read Guide →Retiring in East Texas: Why Retirees Love It Here
Retiring in East Texas: Tyler's trauma-designated hospitals, Texas 65+ school-tax exemptions, lake towns like Gun Barrel City and Hideaway, and sourced drive times and weather.
Read Guide →Business Owner?
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