Orange County vs. Kimble County
Coastal Resilience & Hill Country Rivers
Orange County and Kimble County highlight two landscapes shaped by water: one along the Gulf Coast and one fed by spring-fed Hill Country rivers. Orange County, part of the Beaumont-Port Arthur region, is defined by shipyards, petrochemical centers, marshland ecosystems, and resilient communities accustomed to weathering hurricanes. Kimble County, anchored by Junction, is where the North and South Llano Rivers meet, drawing families, kayakers, and nature lovers to its clear waters and limestone bluffs. Together, these counties show the diversity of Texas geography and the shared desire for community stability and a future built on fairness.
Orange County (Population approx. 85,000)
Orange County is a vital part of the Golden Triangle’s industrial engine, supporting petrochemical plants, shipbuilding, and cross-border commerce. The Sabine River and Gulf Coast wetlands shape the local environment, and communities like Orange, Bridge City, and Vidor take pride in their resilience following storms such as Hurricanes Rita, Ike, and Harvey. Ongoing challenges include flood mitigation, economic diversification, and the need for infrastructure that can keep up with rebuilding and growth.
Kimble County (Population approx. 4,400)
Kimble County is known for its rivers, ranchlands, deer hunting, and the welcoming charm of its seat, Junction. Tourism, ranching, and small businesses sustain the local economy. Residents take pride in their natural surroundings, especially the North and South Llano Rivers, which offer some of the clearest water in Texas. Like many rural counties, Kimble faces challenges around healthcare access, school funding, and maintaining roads and water resources. But the county’s natural beauty and strong sense of community remain defining strengths.
Why It Matters
Orange and Kimble counties highlight the importance of responsive local leadership: whether preparing for coastal storms or protecting spring-fed rivers. Texans everywhere want systems that support practical problem-solving rather than partisan division.
Why Forward
Forward believes that electoral systems should elevate leaders who understand the real needs of their communities, especially in counties shaped by environmental and economic pressures.
In Orange County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting would help elect leaders focused on flood control, refinery resilience, environmental safety, and rebuilding infrastructure — issues that require consensus, not polarization. RCV supports candidates who listen to both workers in the industrial sector and families concerned about environmental health.
In Kimble County, Forward reforms ensure rural communities can elect leaders with broad support, even when elections are sparse or turnout is lower. RCV strengthens the voice of ranchers, small business owners, and conservation-minded residents who depend on the rivers and land. Open primaries guarantee that all residents, not just partisan loyalists, shape local leadership.
Together, these counties show why trust, transparency, teamwork is essential for building a Texas where every voice matters.
Did You Know…
Orange County’s Lutcher Theater is the largest performing arts venue in Southeast Texas.
Kimble County is home to the South Llano River State Park, a major birding and kayaking destination.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Orange County residents love the strength of their communities, the comfort of familiar neighborhoods, and the pride that comes from rebuilding together after storms. Families value the industrial job opportunities, the fishing culture, and the deep sense of resilience that defines the region.
In Kimble County, Texans love the rivers, the starry skies, the peaceful ranchland mornings, and the feeling that nature is never far away. Residents appreciate the quiet, the traditions, and the strong relationships that come from living in a rural Hill Country county. Both communities share a love of place, heritage, and the belief that their home is worth protecting.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Orange County River Festival (Orange County) – Celebrates local music, food, and the Sabine River waterfront.
South Llano River Birding Festival (Kimble County) – A nature-focused community event in one of Texas’ most scenic river parks.
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:
