Rockwall County vs. Hemphill County
Growth on the Lake & Quiet on the Plains
Rockwall County and Hemphill County reflect two very different Texas tempos — one experiencing booming suburban growth on the eastern edge of Dallas–Fort Worth, the other defined by quiet ranchlands and close-knit prairie communities in the northeast Panhandle. Rockwall County, the smallest county by land area, is rapidly expanding with new neighborhoods, schools, and commerce centered around Lake Ray Hubbard. Hemphill County, anchored by the town of Canadian, moves at a calmer pace shaped by agriculture, scenic mesas, and a strong sense of local heritage. Together, these counties remind us that Texas thrives when both thriving suburbs and rural anchor towns have systems that listen to their needs.
Rockwall County (Population Approx. 130,000)
Rockwall is one of Texas’ fastest-growing counties, known for its strong schools, lake access, and family-centered developments. The county benefits from its proximity to Dallas while maintaining a strong local identity through historic downtowns, waterfront recreation, and expanding commercial corridors. Challenges include rapid population growth, traffic capacity, stormwater management, and balancing development with green space.
Hemphill County (Population Approx. 3,500)
Hemphill County is centered on Canadian, a town known for cultural institutions like The Citadelle Art Museum, rolling mesas, sprawling ranchland, and a resilient rural economy shaped by cattle, agriculture, and small-town commerce. Residents value the peace, safety, and heritage of an area where neighbors look after one another. Challenges include rural healthcare access, economic diversification, and sustaining population levels.
Why It Matters
Both counties want what every Texan wants: safe communities, meaningful representation, strong schools, and local decision-making that reflects their unique pressures; whether that’s managing growth at a rapid pace or safeguarding essential services in smaller towns.
Why Forward
Forward believes Texas succeeds when both fast-growing suburban hubs and quiet ranching counties have fair, functional electoral systems.
In Rockwall County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting would help elect consensus-focused leaders who can address transportation planning, infrastructure, public safety, and long-term school capacity without partisan gridlock.
In Hemphill County, those same reforms strengthen rural voices — ensuring ranchers, teachers, and small-business owners have real influence rather than being overshadowed by metro populations. Ranked Choice Voting protects representation in elections with low turnout or small margins.
Forward’s mission — building trust, transparency, and teamwork — supports both counties. Whether along Lake Ray Hubbard or the mesas above the Canadian River, Texans deserve leaders who prioritize real solutions over political noise
Did You Know…
Rockwall County is the smallest county by land area in Texas.
Canadian, TX hosts one of the state’s most vibrant rural arts communities.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Rockwall residents love lake life, great schools, and the balance of suburban convenience with small-town charm. Hemphill residents love the peace, scenery, and deep community ties that define ranchland living.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Rockwall Founders Day Festival — Music, vendors, family activities celebrating community heritage.
Canadian Fall Foliage Festival (Hemphill County) — Celebrating the region’s unique fall colors and community spirit.
Canadian HS Wildcat Football - Nothing like a sea of black and gold crowding together on the bleachers and cheering on another state contender.
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:
