City Government
Terrell was incorporated in 1873 and now operates under a home rule charter with a city manager form of government. The present city government complex was constructed in 1978 and contains most city departments including the fire department. The city has a Planning and Zoning Board, Parks and Downtown Improvement Corporation (PADIC) and a Comprehensive Urban Development Plan that provides growth direction.
Taxation
Property Taxes
2022 Tax Rate per $100:
| Taxing Unit | Assessed Value |
| City | 0.764200 |
| County Road and Bridge |
0.439122 0.097990 |
| School | 1.498050 |
| Trinity Valley Community College | 0.138540 |
| Total Effective Rate per $100 | 2.937902 |
Sales Tax
| Taxing Unit | Assessed Value |
| Municipal | 2.00% |
| State | 6.25% |
| Economic Development | 0.5% |
| Other | 0.5% |
| Total | 8.25% |
Population
Terrell is the largest city in Kaufman County and Kaufman County is the third fastest growing county by percentage in the U.S. among counties of 20,000 people or more.*
The population growth of the area is as follows:
|
2000
|
2010 | 2019 |
|
13,606
|
15,816 | 17,842 |
- Median age: 36.3 years
- Population within 20 mile radius: 86,969
- More data for Terrell and Kaufman County
*U.S. Census Bureau, April 2019
Local Economy
The City of Terrell has a diversified economic base.
- General commerce
- Industrial manufacturing
- Retail and wholesale trade activity
- Distribution
- Commuters
- Services
- Federal, state, and local governments
- Mental health services
- Ranching & agriculture
Climate
The Terrell climate is considered moderate.
- Coldest Month: January (33 degrees F average)
- Hottest Month: July (96 degrees F average)
- Annual Average: 64.5 degrees F
- Wettest Month: May (4.47 inches rainfall)
- Driest Month: January (1.80 inches rainfall)
- Annual Average: 40.8 inches rainfall
- Average Number of days between killing frosts: 249
Communication
Newspaper
Terrell Tribune
972-563-6476
Radio
KPYK 1570 AM
972-524-5795
Transportation
Public Transportation
STAR Transit is is a public bus transportation service, offering bus transportation in Kaufman County, Rockwall County, Mesquite, Balch Springs, Seagoville, Hutchins and DeSoto. Anyone residing in their Service Area may ride STAR Transit. Destinations could include job locations, educational facilities, non-emergency medical appointments, senior centers, and career-training facilities. They can take you to run errands and to visit friends as well.
Highway
Terrell is located on U.S. 80 and I-20. Both highways provide four-lane interstate access to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, as well as points east. State Highway 34 runs north and south from the city, as does SH205/FM-148. Numerous farm-to-market roads connect Terrell to I-30 to the north and U.S. 175 to the south.
Terrell's excellent transportation system allows easy access to the Metroplex, affording our citizens the amenities of Dallas while enjoying the small town atmosphere in which to live and raise a family.
Rail
The Union-Pacific Railroad provides freight service six times per week to terminal points of Dallas and Mineola and all points in Texas and the U.S.
Air
Terrell Municipal Airport offers the following facilities for private aircraft: 5,500 feet hard-surfaced, lighted runway, hangar space, radio facilities, pilot lounge, major repairs, and 100LL and Jet A fuel. In 2014 it was named the General Aviation Airport of the year by TxDOT. View the Terrell Airport brochure.
DFW Airport, the third largest and busiest international airport in the U.S., is just a short 55-minute drive via major interstates.
Dallas Love Field, the main hub for Southwest Airlines (the world's largest low-cost carrier), is located only 45 minutes from Terrell and offers daily flights for passengers, as well as freight delivery.
Motor Freight
Terrell has excellent motor freight services provided by Central Freight Lines, Tex Pack Parcel, United Parcel Service, Continental Trailways, FedEx and Mistletoe Express.
Building Permits
Visit the City of Terrell website for information on Building Permits.