Katy, Texas

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City of Katy
City
Location in the state of Texas and Harris County
Location in the state of Texas and Harris County
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountiesHarris, Fort Bend, Waller
Incorporated1945
Government
 • MayorFabol Hughes
Area
 • Total10.7 sq mi (27.6 km2)
 • Land10.7 sq mi (27.6 km2)
 • Water0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation
141 ft (43 m)
Population
 (2010)[1][2]
 • Total14,102
 • Density1,317.9/sq mi (510.9/km2)
 • Demonym
Katyite
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
77400-77499
Area code281
FIPS code48-38476[3]
GNIS feature ID1338960[4]
Websitehttp://cityofkaty.com/

Katy is a city in the U.S. state of Texas, within Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area. The city is located in Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller counties. The population was 14,102 at the 2010 census. City-Data estimates the population in 2012 at 14,661.[5]

History

Dr. James M. and Dove Stewart House, on the National Register of Historic Places

In the mid-1800s Katy was known as Cane Island. Named for the creek that still runs through the area (now a branch of Buffalo Bayou).The creek was filled with cane presumed to have been planted for fur trapping by earlier residents. In the middle of the flat coastal prairie – this ‘island’ of cane was surrounded by an ocean of tall grass; thus the area became known as Cane Island. The trail from Harrisburg to San Antonio, known as the San Felipe Road, ran right through it.

In 1845 James J. Crawford received a land grant that included this area. Hot summers, cold winters, thick mud and voracious mosquitoes made the area quite difficult to settle. Thirty years later Crawford, John Sills and freed slaves Thomas and Mary Robinson were the only recorded residents of Cane Island. In 1893 the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad (now a part of Union Pacific) started laying rails through Cane Island. The railroad began operation in 1895. That same year James Oliver Thomas laid out a town and in January 1896 the town of Katy was named through Thomas’s post office application. The name was based on appreciation for the MKT Railroad (which was called ‘the Katy’ by railroad officials) and the expected prosperity its arrival would bring to the new town. Today, the original train stop and railroad tracks are still very much a part of the town. By the early 1900s many families had come by train and wagon to establish Katy. Several hotels, stores, livery and saloons were prospering and farms and ranches were replacing the wild prairie. Cotton and peanuts were the first successful crops but rice soon became the favorite. Katy later became known for rice farming, the first concrete rice driers in the state of Texas were built here in 1944 and still stand as landmarks.

In 1945 the City of Katy was incorporated as a municipality. Boundaries were determined by finding the area that contained the most residents and was reasonably sized so that it could be managed by city services. The City of Katy is now the anchor for the greater Katy area, defined by the boundaries of 181 sq mi (470 km2). Katy Independent School District.

The opening of IH-10 in 1966 allowed for rapid development of the area as Houston expanded westward. The city has grown to a population of approximately 15,000 residents who enjoy state of the art support and services. Almost 270,000 people live in the Katy area, which has won national accolades for growth and sustainability.[6]

In 2009 the Gadberry Group named Katy as one of nine "9 from 2009" most notable high growth areas in the United States.[7]

Economy

Katy Mills

Several corporations are headquartered in areas surrounding Katy.

Igloo Corporation is headquartered west of Katy in unincorporated Waller County.[8] Academy Sports and Outdoors has its corporate offices and product distribution center in unincorporated western Harris County.[9]

BP America is headquartered in the Energy Corridor and is the Corridor's largest employer with 5,500 employees on its Westlake campus as of 2009. BP's Katy operations include engineering and business support for much of BP's onshore operations in the Contiguous United States as well as its operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

In 2008 KBR announced that a new office facility would appear at the intersection of the Grand Parkway and Interstate 10 in unincorporated western Harris County, Texas, between Houston and Katy.[10] The new complex would have been be in close proximity to the Energy Corridor area of Houston.[11] KBR planned to continue to have a corporate presence in Downtown.[12] In December KBR said that it would not continue with the plans due to a weakened economy.[13]

Retail centers are springing up all throughout Katy to accommodate the rapid residential growth. The major retail growth is now being focused on the Katy Fort Bend Road near the east entrance to the Katy Mills shopping mall.[citation needed]

In August of 2010, H-E-B Food & Drug opened a new UP format store at I-10 and Pin Oak, bringing many new grocery innovations and services not yet available to the City of Katy proper.

In July 2013, Costco announced that it will open a store at the South-West corner of Grand Parkway and I-10 in 2014. Construction began in August 2013. The new store will be built by early spring 2014 and will be Costco's fourth Houston-area location.[14][15]

Geography

Map of Katy

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.7 square miles (27.6 km²). Katy does not have any bodies of water.

Katy is often further defined as either "old Katy" or "the Katy area". Old Katy is the actual City of Katy which was incorporated in 1945 and is located near the western edge of the greater Katy area. Before the City was incorporated and boundary lines were drawn, the entire area was known as Katy because Katy's MKT Railroad Depot was the hub of all business in this vicinity. Today the Katy area includes the City of Katy but also the large sections of unincorporated Harris, Fort Bend and Waller counties and defined by the boundaries of the 181 sq mi (470 km2) Katy Independent School District. Most residents of the area have a Katy postal address causing some confusion. The All Aboard Katy! public art project and the Katy Area Economic Development Council's "Energy Grows Here" branding initiative are large scale projects that have been launched to help promote,identify and unite the Katy area.

Greater Katy includes new upscale developments and master planned communities such as Cinco Ranch, Green Trails, Pin Oak Village, Grayson Lakes, Seven Meadows, new and growing Pine Mill Ranch, Silver Ranch, Firethorne and Grand Lakes, while also encompassing developments from the 1970s and 1980s such as Memorial Parkway, Kelliwood and Nottingham Country.

The city of Houston's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) stretches well west of the City of Katy which means most of the Katy area may be annexed by the City of Houston at some time in the future. The City of Katy is an incorporated municipality that may never be annexed into Houston. The City of Katy's ETJ is limited to parcels of land west and north of the city itself.[6]

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Katy has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[16]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1950849—
19601,56984.8%
19702,92386.3%
19805,66093.6%
19908,00541.4%
200011,77547.1%
201014,10219.8%
2014 (est.)15,591[17]10.6%
U.S. Decennial Census

As of the census of 2000, there were 11,775 people in "Old Katy", 3,888 households, and 3,083 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,103.7 people per square mile (426.1/km²). There were 4,072 housing units at an average density of 381.7 per square mile (147.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 83.98% White, 4.24% African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 8.65% from other races, and 2.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 23.75% of the population.

There were 3,888 households out of which 45.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.9% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.7% were non-families. 17.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.00 and the average family size was 3.37.

In the city the population was spread out with 31.5% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $51,111, and the median income for a family was $57,741. Males had a median income of $38,412 versus $33,004 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,192. 8.4% of the population and 7.0% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 9.1% were under the age of 18 and 6.5% were 65 or older.

Government and infrastructure

The City of Katy is a home-rule city, chartered in 1945. Residents within the city limits are governed by a City Council made up of five City Council members and the Mayor. The city is split into two wards, two Council members are elected from each ward, one Council member and the Mayor are elected at-large. Residents within the city limits pay city taxes and receive municipal police, fire, ems and public works service. The city itself is located in three counties which have their own representative governments. The counties have a greater impact on areas outside the incorporated city limits. The Katy area lies in three counties. Residents in unincorporated Harris, Fort Bend and Waller Counties are governed by those counties and represented by a County Commissioner who represents them on the County Court, presided over by the County Judge.

Harris County Precinct Three, headed by Steve Radack as of 2008, serves the Harris County portion of Katy.[18]

Education

Primary and secondary schools

People who live in Katy are zoned to schools in Katy Independent School District. The elementary schools in the city of Katy are listed here:[19]

The following middle schools serve City of Katy residents:

  • Katy Junior High School[23]
  • Woodcreek Junior High School [24]

The following high schools serve City of Katy residents:

  • Katy High School, the oldest high school, is located nearest to the center city. Katy High School was established in 1898, and relocated to its present location in 1947. Katy ISD's three alternative education schools (Martha Raines High School, Miller Career and Technology Center, and the Opportunity Awareness Center) are all located within the city.

Aristoi Classical Academy is a charter school in Katy.

Colleges and universities

Katy is served by the Houston Community College System. HCC Northwest College operates the Katy Campus in an unincorporated section of Harris County.[25]

University of Houston System at Cinco Ranch, located in an unincorporated section of Fort Bend County, offers bachelor's or master's degrees in a variety of areas including history, English, or various fields of science or business.

The Bible Seminar, offers non-denominational college-level Bible study and ministry training, including a graduate-level Master of Divinity degree, as well as a Bible Certificate program for local church members and leaders.

Public libraries

Katy is served by the Katy Branch of Harris County Public Library (HCPL) at 5414 Franz Road. The branch is a partnership between HCPL and the City of Katy. The city joined the county library system in 1921. The Katy Garden Club started the first library, which was housed in several private houses. At a later point it shared space with the Katy Fire Department. The first Katy branch opened in 1940. The Friends of the Katy Library began in 1972. The construction of the current 15,000-square-foot (1,400 m2) branch began in 2002. The current branch building opened for regular business in Monday April 28, 2003, with its grand opening ceremony on the previous day.[26]

The Fort Bend County Libraries Cinco Ranch Branch Library is in Cinco Ranch, in unincorporated Fort Bend County, south of Katy.[27] The HCPL Maud Smith Marks Branch Library is in unincorporated Harris County, west of Katy.[28]

Parks and recreation

  • Harris County operates the Mary Jo Peckham Community Center at 5597 Gardenia Lane, Katy, Texas 77493.[29]
  • The City of Katy Dog Park is located at 5414 Franz Road.[30]
  • The annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival is two days of continuous live entertainment, craft and food booths, carnival and more.

Transportation

Mass transit

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) operates the Kingsland Park and Ride (Route 221) east of Katy at 21669 Kingsland Boulevard. In February 2008 METRO opened a new park and ride location at the Cinemark parking lots near the intersection of Grand Parkway and I-10. The new Route is #222. Currently, only these express routes operate to and from downtown Houston during morning and evening commute hours; METRO does not serve Katy with local routes, as most westbound bus lines in Houston terminate at or near Highway 6, a couple of miles before the Katy city limits.

Intercity buses

Greyhound Bus Lines operates the Katy Station at Millers Exxon.[31] Megabus.com stops at Katy Mills en route between Austin, San Antonio and Houston. This serves as a park-and-ride location for riders from the Katy and Greater Houston area.

Airports

Privately owned airports for fixed-wing aircraft for public use located near Katy include:

Privately owned airports for private use include:

Area airports with commercial airline service include George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport, both of which are in Houston.

List of mayors

  • Calvin Baird (1946–1947)
  • A.O. Miller (1947–1963)
  • J.E. Hudgens (1963–1967)
  • C.E. Freeman (1967–1969)
  • M.E. Watts (1969–1971)
  • Dan Cox (1971–1979)
  • John G. Morrison (1979–1983)
  • Johnny Nelson (1983–1987)
  • Ward A. Stanberry (1988–1991)
  • J.W. "Skip" Conner (1991–1995)
  • M.H. "Hank" Schmidt (1995–2001)
  • Doyle G. Callender (2001–2007)
  • Don Elder Jr. (2007–2013)
  • Fabol Hughes (2013–present)

Notable people

See also

References

  1. ^ "Katy (city) QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau". quickfacts.census.gov. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
  2. ^ "The Big Apple: Katyite (inhabitant of Katy)". http://www.barrypopik.com. Retrieved January 6, 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  3. ^ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  5. ^ http://www.city-data.com/city/Katy-Texas.html
  6. ^ a b Adams, Carol "Historic Katy",(1st edition, 2012), HPN, ISBN 978-1935377924.
  7. ^ Morrow, Stacy. "Katy, Atascocita named among nation’s highest growth areas." KHOU-TV. January 5, 2010. Retrieved January 8, 2010.
  8. ^ "Igloo Worldwide Headquarters." Igloo Corporation. Accessed September 5, 2008.
  9. ^ "Contact Academy Sports & Outdoors." Academy Sports and Outdoors. Accessed September 5, 2008.
  10. ^ Dawson, Jennifer. "KBR plans HQ campus." Houston Business Journal. Friday April 4, 2008. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  11. ^ Sarnoff, Nancy. "KBR says it's moving to Energy Corridor / Getting close to customers among reasons to leave downtown." Houston Chronicle. Saturday May 3, 2008. Business 1. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  12. ^ "KBR Announces Plan for West Houston Campus Location." KBR. May 2, 2008. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  13. ^ Sarnoff, Nancy. "Economic crunch undercuts real estate projects." Houston Chronicle. January 3, 2009. Retrieved January 21, 2009.
  14. ^ "Costco to open store at Grand Parkway and I-10 in Katy." Community Impact Newspaper. July 10, 2013. Retrieved September 3, 2013.
  15. ^ "Costco plans spring opening in Katy area. Houston Chronicle. August 14, 2013. Retrieved September 3, 2013.
  16. ^ Climate Summary for Katy, Texas
  17. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014". Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  18. ^ "Precinct Maps : Precinct 3." Harris County. Accessed October 13, 2008.
  19. ^ visit www.katyisd.org, full list
  20. ^ "Hutsell Elementary School Attendance Zone." Katy Independent School District. Accessed September 5, 2008.
  21. ^ "Katy Elementary School Attendance Zone." Katy Independent School District. Accessed September 5, 2008.
  22. ^ "Wood Creek Elementary School Attendance Zone." Katy Independent School District. Accessed September 5, 2008.
  23. ^ "Katy Junior High School Attendance Zone." Katy Independent School District. Accessed September 5, 2008.
  24. ^ "WoodCreek Junior High School Attendance Zone." Katy Independent School District. Accessed September 5, 2008.
  25. ^ "Northwest College." Houston Community College District. Accessed September 5, 2008.
  26. ^ "Katy Branch Library." Harris County Public Library. Retrieved November 29, 2008.
  27. ^ "Cinco Ranch Branch Library Katy, Texas." Fort Bend County Libraries. Retrieved November 6, 2010. "2620 Commercial Center Blvd. Katy, Texas 77494-6407"
  28. ^ "Maud Smith Marks Branch Library." Harris County Public Library. Retrieved November 6, 2010.
  29. ^ "Community Centers : Mary Jo Peckham." Harris County. Accessed April 11, 2016.
  30. ^ "http://cityofkaty.com/departments/parks/parks-and-facilities-2/ City of Katy Parks and Recreation" Accessed April 11, 2016.
  31. ^ "Katy, Texas", Greyhound Lines
  32. ^ "Bill Callegari's Biography". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  33. ^ I Would Only Rob Banks for My Family; article; Skip Hollandsworth; June 2014 issue; Texas Monthly; accessed May 2014

External links

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