Brenham, Texas
Brenham is set in the gently rolling countryside of Washington County, about 33 miles south of College Station in the broad region between Houston and Austin. It is best known as the home of Blue Bell Creameries, whose ice cream is made in the town, and it sits near Washington-on-the-Brazos, the site associated with the founding of the Republic of Texas. The surrounding hills are known for their spring bluebonnet displays, which draw wildflower visitors each year.
Place essentials
Official Census snapshot- Census place type
- City
- July 2025 population
- 19,957
- Change from 2020 base
- +15%
- Land area
- 13.1 sq. mi.
- County footprint
- Washington County
Place type, county footprint, and land area use the Census Bureau's January 1, 2025 geography. Population uses Vintage 2025 estimates through July 1, 2025; change compares that estimate with the April 1, 2020 estimates base. Geography file | Population file
Property here runs through the appraisal district and tax office for Washington County. The homestead exemption, appraisal cap, protests, and any MUD, PID, or special districts all sit at the parcel level.
Official routes
Use the office for the parcel address; a mailing city is not always the governing city.
County context
What to know around Brenham
County lines carry much of the property, land, water, and outdoors context around Brenham.
Local Heritage
German Immigrants Shaped Brenham's Culture and Festivals
German immigration to Brenham peaked in the early 1880s. Settlers left a lasting mark on the town's churches, schools, and festivals.
Property Tax Basics
Two Different Offices Handle Your Property Tax
Washington County has two separate offices for property taxes, and knowing which one does what saves you a wasted trip.
County Origins
Washington County Was One of the First Counties in Texas
Washington County was established by the Republic of Texas in 1836, the same year Texas declared independence.
Nearby
Places near Brenham
Nearby counties
Local notes for nearby counties
Next steps for Brenham
Compare nearby places
Put Census population, land area, county footprints, and official office routes side by side.
Open comparison ->Estimate property tax
Model school and local rates, the homestead exemption, and the appraisal cap.
Open estimator ->Look up another place
Every Texas town and all 254 counties.
Find a place ->