Center, Texas
Center is a city in Shelby County, Texas, in East Texas, about 31 miles northeast of Nacogdoches as the crow flies, with a population of about 5,231.
Shelby
County
5,231
Population
East Texas
Region
8.0 sq mi
Land Area
31 mi
straight line to Nacogdoches
Updated October 2026 · Population: U.S. Census Bureau estimate for July 1, 2024. Land area and coordinates: U.S. Census Bureau. · Center on Wikipedia
Center City Limits
The official city boundary and the major highways through Center.
Major roads: Loop 500 · State Hwy 7 · State Hwy 87 · State Loop 500 · US Hwy 96
Boundary & roads: U.S. Census Bureau (TIGER/Line).
Center from our research
What we've verified about Center, one line per topic. Each links to the full page and its sources.
- History
- Seat of original Shelby County, home to an 1885 courthouse modeled on an Irish castle, and a center of East Texas poultry processing. Details →
- Dining
- 34 verified places to eat and drink; most common: Mexican & Tex-Mex · Burgers & American · Coffee, Sweets & Bakery; 4 have a full bar. Details → Source: Texas Comptroller sales-tax permit records, checked place by place
- Schools
- 8 public schools within 12 miles, across 4 districts and charters, mainly Center ISD, Excelsior ISD and Shelbyville ISD. Details → Source: Texas Education Agency AskTED directory — open campuses, enrollment as of Oct 2025
- Utilities
- SWEPCO electricity (regulated, no plan shopping), CenterPoint gas, City of Center water and trash, and internet options in Shelby County. Details →
- Outdoors
- Nearest state parks: Martin Creek Lake (40 mi), Caddo Lake (61 mi), Mission Tejas (64 mi). Nearest lakes: Pinkston Reservoir (12 mi), Lake Murvaul (24 mi). Details → Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department — park locations
- Contractors
- 1 licensed plumber, 3 licensed HVAC contractors and 6 licensed electricians serve Center. Details → Source: TSBPE and TDLR license records, checked business by business
FAQ: Center, Texas
Shelby County. The U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 place-by-county list places all of Center in Shelby County.
East Texas guides
Region-wide guides that put Center 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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