Waller County vs. Martin County
Suburban Boom & Permian Power
This match-up contrasts the rapid expansion of the Houston metro area with the industrial heart of the Permian Basin. Waller County, home to Prairie View A&M University, is transforming from farmland to suburban powerhouse. Martin County, north of Midland, is a stronghold of oil and cotton, where the economy pulses with the energy sector. One is managing commuter growth; the other is fueling the nation.
Waller County (Population Approx. 60,000)
Waller County is in transition. Historically agricultural and famous for its watermelons, it is now on the leading edge of Houston's westward expansion. Hempstead and Prairie View anchor the county, which hosts a major HBCU (PVAMU). The vibe is a mix of long-time rural families and new commuters. Challenges include managing rapid development, ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth, and preserving the county's agricultural heritage.
Martin County (Population Approx. 5,700)
Martin County sits in the sweet spot of the Permian Basin. Stanton, the county seat, is a hub for oilfield services and cotton farming. The community is resilient, accustomed to the boom-and-bust cycles of the energy industry. Residents value hard work, faith, and local control. The primary challenge is maintaining county roads under heavy industrial traffic and retaining teachers and workers in a competitive market.
Why It Matters
Waller County is facing the identity crisis of urbanization. Martin County is the engine room of the Texas economy. Both counties need infrastructure investment—Waller for commuters and new subdivisions, Martin for oilfield traffic and agricultural transport.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the student in Prairie View and the roughneck in Stanton deserve a government that plans for the future.
In Waller County, the growing and diverse population needs responsive leadership. Open Primaries would ensure that the voices of students, new suburbanites, and rural residents are all heard. Ranked Choice Voting would encourage candidates to find balanced solutions for growth management.
In Martin County, self-reliance is key, but state support is still needed. Ranked Choice Voting ensures that rural energy-producing counties can elect leaders who will fight for their fair share of state road funding. It empowers the community to protect its economic engines without being ignored by the urban majority.
Did You Know…
Prairie View A&M University in Waller County is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in Texas and an HBCU.
Stanton (Martin) was originally settled by German Catholic immigrants and features the historic Carmelite Monastery.
Hempstead (Waller) is famously known as "Watermelon Town, USA."
Martin County is a top producer of both oil and cotton, showcasing a dual-threat economy.
The Liendo Plantation in Waller County is a historic landmark and former home of sculptor Elisabet Ney.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Waller residents love the access to Houston jobs combined with the space of country living. Martin locals love the safety of their small towns, the economic opportunity of the oil patch, and the strong German heritage that still influences the community.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Hempstead Watermelon Festival (Waller): A summer tradition with parades, seed-spitting contests, and music.
Old Sorehead Trade Days (Stanton/Martin): A massive craft and trade show that brings thousands of visitors to downtown Stanton.
Prairie View A&M Homecoming: A massive event that brings alumni and the community together.
Martin County Stock Show: Celebrating the agricultural roots of the next generation.
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:
