Heath, Texas

History

Heath, Texas is a city in southwestern Rockwall County, Texas, located along Farm Road 740, approximately seven miles south of Rockwall. The community was named after John O. Heath, one of the area’s earliest settlers in 1846. Originally known as Black Hill due to its dark soil, the settlement established the first post office in what is now Rockwall County in 1849. After the post office moved to Rockwall in 1854, the community was renamed Willow Springs until 1886, when it became Heath and briefly regained a post office, which operated until 1906.

Heath developed slowly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, supported by agriculture and small local businesses. By 1904 the population had reached approximately 225, and the Heath Independent School District had been established. A fire in 1916 destroyed several buildings and contributed to a prolonged decline, which was exacerbated by the Great Depression. By 1950 the population had fallen to about 50, and the local school closed after merging with the Rockwall school district.

Growth resumed after mid-century due to suburban expansion from nearby Rockwall and the Dallas area, as well as the development of Lake Ray Hubbard in 1969–1970. Heath was incorporated in 1959, and its population increased steadily—from 175 in 1960 to over 4,100 by 2000. While some agricultural activity persisted into the late 20th century, Heath increasingly evolved into a residential community with a growing business and professional presence.

A proposition was placed on the November 4, 2008, ballot that, if passed, would have changed the name from "City of Heath" to "Village of Heath". Of the 3,511 votes cast, 2,069 (58.9%) voted against the measure while 1,442 (41.1%) voted in favor.

Geography

Heath is located in southwestern Rockwall County. A small portion of the city—0.79 sqkm—extends south into Kaufman County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 27.7 km2, of which 27.36 km2 are land and 0.35 km2, or 1.27%, are water.

Heath is bordered to the north by the city of Rockwall, to the south by the city of Forney and to the west by Lake Ray Hubbard, part of the city of Dallas. By road it is 25 mi east of downtown Dallas.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 9,769 people, 3,109 households, and 2,736 families residing in the city.

Education

Heath is a part of the Rockwall Independent School District. The city is served by Dorothy Smith Pullen Elementary School, Amy Parks-Heath Elementary School, Linda Lyon Elementary School, Maurine Cain Middle School, and Rockwall Heath High School.

Notes

References

References

1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau.
2. "U.S. Census website". [[United States Census Bureau]].
3. {{GNIS. 2410729
4. "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Heath city, Texas".
5. Association, Texas State Historical. "History and Growth of Heath, Texas".
6. [http://www.quickdfw.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/091408dnmetheathvillage.1061ece.html North Texas city of Heath looks to label itself a village] – QuickDFW.com. Retrieved November 8, 2008.
7. link. (December 10, 2008 – Rockwall County Official Website. Retrieved November 8, 2008.)
8. [http://www.rockwallheraldbanner.com/local/local_story_313023851.html Heath 'citizens' remain so; allow mayor to vote and add council seat] {{Webarchive. link. (2012-09-07 – Rockwall Herald-Banner. Retrieved November 8, 2008.)
9. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001), Heath city (part), Kaufman County, Texas". U.S. Census Bureau.
10. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov.
11. "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2023". United States Census Bureau.
12. "Explore Census Data".
13. https://www.census.gov/ {{nonspecific. (August 2022)
14. "About the Hispanic Population and its Origin".