Willis, Texas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Willis, Texas
City
City Hall of Willis, Texas
Location within Montgomery county
Country	United States
State	Texas
County	Montgomery
Incorporated	1937 (Home Rule: 2008)
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
Area
• Total	4.73 sq mi (12.26 km2)
• Land	4.73 sq mi (12.26 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2)
Elevation	381 ft (116 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	6,431
• Density	1,484.89/sq mi (573.38/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes	77318, 77378
Area code(s)	936
FIPS code	48-79408
GNIS feature ID	1371602

Willis is a city in Montgomery County, Texas, United States. It is about eight miles north of Conroe. The city started growing in 1870. This happened after the Union Pacific Railroad built train tracks through the area.

Willis is part of the Piney Woods region. For a long time, its economy depended on lumber and farming. People also made tools for these industries. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Willis grew a lot of tobacco. But later, tobacco from other places like Cuba became more popular. This made tobacco less important to Willis's economy.

In 2020, about 6,431 people lived in Willis. In 2008, when the population passed 5,000, Willis became a "home rule" city. This means it can make more of its own local laws.

Willis City Geography

Willis is located at 30°25′22″N 95°28′44″W / 30.42278°N 95.47889°W / 30.42278; -95.47889. This is its exact spot on a map.

The United States Census Bureau says the city covers about 3.3 square miles (8.5 square kilometers). All of this area is land.

Willis City History

Willis became a community in 1870. This happened because the International–Great Northern Railroad decided to build a train track from Houston to Chicago. The Willis brothers gave their land to the railroad for this project.

The town grew quickly after trains started coming through. In the 1870s and 1880s, Willis had hotels, stores, and many other successful businesses. The tobacco industry was very important to Willis's early growth. Other important crops included cotton, watermelons, and tomatoes. The timber industry, which uses wood from trees, has been the most steady part of Willis's economy for over 100 years. It is still important today.

Since the 1980s, Willis's economy has changed. It now focuses more on services, stores, and making things. It is also known as the entrance to Lake Conroe. Interstate 45 cuts through the middle of the community. This highway connects Willis to Houston in the south and Dallas in the north.

Other important roads include U.S. Highway 75, which runs next to Interstate 45. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport is about 35 miles south of Willis. The Montgomery County Airport is 10 miles east.

Willis Population Facts

In 2020, Willis had 6,431 people living there. There were 2,183 households and 1,688 families.

Back in 2010, there were 5,662 people. About 56.7% were White, 18.2% were African American, and 38.0% were Hispanic or Latino.

Many households had children under 18 (42.5%). The average household had about 3.10 people. The average family had about 3.55 people.

The population was quite young. About 33.3% of people were under 18. The average age was 29.1 years old.

Transportation in Willis

In the 1960s, Interstate 45 was built. It runs through the western part of Willis. This highway connects Willis to Houston in the south and Dallas in the north. The older road, U.S. Route 75, now runs next to Interstate 45 through downtown Willis. It is now called Texas State Highway 75.

Farm to Market Road 1097 connects Willis to Lake Conroe and Montgomery to the west.

The Union Pacific railroad also runs north and south through Willis.

Parks and Fun Places

The main part of Lake Conroe is just a few miles west of Willis. It's a great spot for water activities.

The Sam Houston National Forest is also close by. It's located west, north, and east of Willis. This forest offers many outdoor adventures.

Education in Willis

Willis High School

Public Schools in Willis

Public schools in Willis are managed by the Willis Independent School District and Responsive Education Solutions.

There are several elementary schools for students from Pre-K to 5th grade:

• Edward B. Cannan Elementary School
• C. C. Hardy Elementary School
• Mel Parmley Elementary School
• A.R. Turner Elementary School
• William Lloyd Meador Elementary School
• Lagway Elementary School
• Vista Academy of Willis (also serves K-8)

Two middle schools serve students in grades 6-8:

• Robert P. Brabham Middle School (located in Montgomery County, outside city limits)
• Lynn Lucas Middle School (located in Willis)
• Vista Academy of Willis (also serves K-8)

All students in Willis attend Willis High School for their high school years. This school is located just outside the city in Montgomery County.

Private Schools in Willis

• Covenant Christian School

Colleges and Universities

Lone Star College serves the community of Willis. The closest campus is Lone Star College-Montgomery. It has a center in Conroe.

Public Libraries

The Montgomery County Memorial Library System has a branch in Willis. It's called the R. F. Meador Branch and is located at 709 West Montgomery Street.

Famous People from Willis

• Michael Bishop – a former professional football player.
• Tina Chandler – a professional bodybuilder.
• Jessie Hollins – a professional baseball pitcher (1970–2009).
• Marcus Luttrell – a Navy SEAL.
• D.D. Terry – a professional football player.
• Cliff Young – a professional baseball pitcher (1964–1993).

See also

In Spanish: Willis (Texas) para niños