Wells, Texas
Wells is a small town in Cherokee County, Texas, in East Texas, about 17 miles northwest of Lufkin as the crow flies, with a population of about 903.
Updated October 2026 · Population: U.S. Census Bureau estimate for July 1, 2024. Land area (1.9 sq mi) and coordinates: U.S. Census Bureau. · Wells on Wikipedia
Coming up near Wells
All events →- Jun12Tomato Fest
Jacksonville · ~37 mi · Sat, Jun 12
- Sep16Texas State Forest Festival
Lufkin · ~17 mi · Sep 16 – Sep 19
Dates confirmed on each organizer's site. Check the link before you drive.
Wells from our research
What we've verified about Wells, one line per topic. Each links to the full page and its sources.
- History
- A Cherokee County railroad town founded in 1885, its early growth slowed by a state prison charcoal camp, then booming in the 1910s. Details →
- Dining
- 1 verified place to eat and drink. Details → Source: Texas Comptroller sales-tax permit records, checked place by place
- Schools
- 4 public schools within 12 miles, in Central ISD and Wells ISD. Details → Source: Texas Education Agency AskTED directory — open campuses, enrollment as of Oct 2025
- Utilities
- A deregulated electricity market on the Oncor grid, City of Wells water and Wednesday trash, propane-heavy gas options, and internet in Cherokee County. Details →
- Outdoors
- Nearest state parks: Mission Tejas (17 mi), Lake Livingston (58 mi), Martin Creek Lake (59 mi). Nearest lakes: Lake Nacogdoches (12 mi), Lake Naconiche (29 mi). Details → Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department — park locations
Wells City Limits
The official city boundary and the major highways through Wells.
Major roads: US Hwy 69
Boundary & roads: U.S. Census Bureau (TIGER/Line).
FAQ: Wells, Texas
Cherokee County. The U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 place-by-county list places all of Wells in Cherokee County.
East Texas guides
Region-wide guides that put Wells 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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