Jefferson, Texas
Jefferson is a small town in Marion County, Texas, in East Texas, about 29 miles northeast of Longview as the crow flies, with a population of about 1,996.
Marion
County
1,996
Population
East Texas
Region
4.4 sq mi
Land Area
29 mi
straight line to Longview
Updated October 2026 · Population: U.S. Census Bureau estimate for July 1, 2024. Land area and coordinates: U.S. Census Bureau. · Jefferson on Wikipedia
Jefferson City Limits
The official city boundary and the major highways through Jefferson.
Major roads: State Hwy 49 · US Hwy 59
Boundary & roads: U.S. Census Bureau (TIGER/Line).
Jefferson from our research
What we've verified about Jefferson, one line per topic. Each links to the full page and its sources.
- History
- Founded in the 1840s on Big Cypress Bayou, it became the state's great riverport, then declined after the Red River raft was cleared and the railroads bypassed it. Details →
- Dining
- 19 verified places to eat and drink; most common: Burgers & American · Coffee, Sweets & Bakery · Sandwiches & Delis; 5 have a full bar. Details → Source: Texas Comptroller sales-tax permit records, checked place by place
- Schools
- 4 public schools within 12 miles, in Jefferson ISD and Karnack 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 Jefferson water and trash, and internet in Marion County. Details →
- Outdoors
- Nearest state parks: Caddo Lake (12 mi), Daingerfield (26 mi), Atlanta (33 mi). Nearest lakes: Lake o' the Pines (16 mi), Caddo Lake (20 mi). Details → Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department — park locations
- Contractors
- 5 licensed plumbers, 2 licensed HVAC contractors and 3 licensed electricians serve Jefferson. Details → Source: TSBPE and TDLR license records, checked business by business
FAQ: Jefferson, Texas
Marion County. The U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 place-by-county list places all of Jefferson in Marion County.
East Texas guides
Region-wide guides that put Jefferson 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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