Comal County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 United States Census, the county had a population of 161,501. The county seat and largest city is New Braunfels. Comal County is part of the San Antonio–New Braunfels, TX metropolitan statistical area.
History
Comal County was organized on March 15, 1846, from portions of Bexar County. The county was named for the Comal River, a tributary of the Guadalupe River; “comal” is a Spanish word meaning “griddle,” a reference to the flat rock formations along the river that were historically used for cooking. Early European settlement in the area began with German immigrants, notably the establishment of New Braunfels in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Comal County has a total area of approximately 602 square miles (1,560 km²), of which 598 square miles (1,550 km²) are land and 4.0 square miles (10 km²) (0.7%) are water. The county lies in the Texas Hill Country and features a mixture of rolling hills, river valleys, and limestone escarpments. Major waterways include the Comal River, the Guadalupe River, and the Little Guadalupe River.
Adjacent counties
- Hays County (north)
- Guadalupe County (east)
- Bexar County (south)
- Kendall County (west)
Demographics
The 2020 census reported 161,501 residents. The racial and ethnic composition was approximately:
- White (non‑Hispanic): 73%
- Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 22%
- Black or African American (non‑Hispanic): 2%
- Asian (non‑Hispanic): 1%
- Other races and multiracial: 2%
The median household income (American Community Survey 2021 5‑year estimates) was $80,456, and the per‑capita income was $38,217. Approximately 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line.
Economy
Comal County’s economy is diversified, with key sectors including tourism, manufacturing, retail trade, and professional services. The county’s natural attractions—such as the Comal River (renowned for tubing and recreational fishing) and historic downtown New Braunfels—draw significant numbers of visitors. Manufacturing facilities are concentrated in the industrial parks near New Braunfels and in the northern part of the county.
Transportation
- Highways: Interstate 35 (I‑35) runs north–south through the county, providing a major corridor between Austin and San Antonio. U.S. Highway 90 and State Highway 46 also serve the region.
- Rail: Freight rail service is provided by Union Pacific Railroad lines passing through New Braunfels.
- Air: The nearest commercial airport is San Antonio International Airport, approximately 40 miles south.
Education
- Primary and secondary: The county is served primarily by the New Braunfels Independent School District (NBISD) and the Comal Independent School District (CISD). Both districts operate multiple elementary, middle, and high schools.
- Higher education: While there are no four‑year universities within the county, Texas State University–San Marcos and the University of Texas at San Antonio have satellite campuses and extension programs serving Comal County residents.
Communities
- New Braunfels (county seat) – principal city and primary economic hub.
- Garden Ridge – incorporated city located in the northern part of the county.
- Spring Branch – unincorporated community known for its historic district.
Government
Comal County is administered by a Commissioners Court consisting of a county judge and four commissioners, each elected from single‑member districts. The county provides typical services, including law enforcement (Comal County Sheriff’s Office), road maintenance, public health, and judicial administration.
Politics
In recent presidential elections, Comal County has voted predominantly for the Republican Party candidate. Voter registration and election results reflect a consistent conservative leaning over the past several decades.
Points of interest
- Comal River – a spring‑fed river noted for its clear water and popularity for tubing and recreation.
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark – a major water amusement park located in New Braunfels.
- Historic downtown New Braunfels – includes preserved 19th‑century architecture and cultural attractions.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Census of Population and Housing.
- Texas State Historical Association, Handbook of Texas Online entries for “Comal County” and “New Braunfels.”
- Comal County Official Website, Government and Services sections.
All information presented is based on publicly available, verifiable sources up to 2024.