Grayson County vs. Reagan County
Lake Texoma & High Plains Highways
Grayson County and Reagan County reflect two very different but equally Texan ways of life. Grayson, along the Oklahoma border, is growing quickly thanks to Lake Texoma, manufacturing, and suburban expansion spilling north from DFW. Reagan County: anchored by Big Lake, is a quieter stretch of West Texas, where ranching and oilfields define the local rhythm. One county is planning for rapid growth and new opportunity; the other is holding fast to heritage and resilience in a changing economy. Both counties show the common Texas belief that community matters more than political division.
Grayson County (Population Approx. 150,000)
Denison, Sherman, and Van Alstyne anchor a county balancing lakeside recreation, industrial development, and new neighborhoods fueled by DFW growth. Grayson is home to Austin College, a strong healthcare sector, and a historic downtown culture along Texoma. Challenges include managing growth, protecting water resources, and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace.
Reagan County (Population Approx. 3,500)
Big Lake is the heart of Reagan County, a place shaped by ranching, oil work, and a tight-knit community. Life is built around local schools, Friday night lights, and small businesses. Housing and healthcare pressures are real, but residents rely on strong neighborly ties and a deep sense of pride in their contribution to Texas’ energy and agricultural resilience.
Why It Matters
Grayson and Reagan highlight Texas’ need to support both fast-growing suburban corridors and the rural communities that keep the state’s land, energy, and heritage alive.
Why Forward
Forward believes Texas thrives when every county, large or small, has a real voice.
In Grayson County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting would help elect leaders focused on infrastructure, water protection, school planning, and economic balance instead of partisan posturing.
In Reagan County, those same reforms protect rural representation, ensuring that ranchers, oilfield crews, and small businesses have influence in state decisions.
Forward’s commitment to trust, transparency, and teamwork ties both counties together. From Texoma’s shoreline to the ranchlands outside Big Lake, Texans deserve systems that elevate practical problem-solvers.
Did You Know…
Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site is located in Denison.
Reagan County produced some of the earliest major oil discoveries in West Texas.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Grayson residents love lake life, strong schools, and easy access to both Dallas and Oklahoma. Reagan County residents love quiet roads, hardworking neighbors, and the authenticity of rural West Texas.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Lake Texoma Fireworks & Summer Events (Grayson County) — Annual lakeside celebrations.
Big Lake Wild Hog Festival (Reagan County) — A unique local gathering celebrating small-town culture.
People & Tech Created This
The profiles and shared challenges were gathered from Texas Forward Party supporters and written using ChatGPT and Gemini models to combine verified public data, official county/state sources, and general knowledge from Texas historical and government records:
