Not to be confused with the unincorporated township of Wylie, Texas just outside Abilene, Texas.
Wylie is a city in Collin, Dallas, and Rockwall Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 15,132, but recent rapid growth has 2004 estimates suggesting the population is already 25,850. Once solely located in Collin County, Wylie has extended into neighboring Dallas and Rockwall counties. Both Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard are within easy reach of the city. Since the 2000 census the population has grown 109.3%, making Wylie number 8 on the list of fastest growing cities in the nation[3]. Current population is now listed at 32,696.
History of Wylie
Wylie was organized in the early 1887 and originally called Nickelville, reportedly after the name of the first store.
In 1886 the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway laid tracks a half mile north of the original townsite. Within a year the businesses of Nickelville had moved to take advantage of the railroad and had named their new location Wylie, in honor of W. D. Wylie, a right-of-way agent for the railroad.
By 1890, Wylie had a population of 239. The first one-room school house was built in 1890. In the next ten years the population had tripled, and other elements came into the town.
That same year Wylie had given itself its name, had established a post office branch and incorporated, choosing an alderman form of government. Two years later the St. Louis Southwestern Railway reached the town. The two railroads and the rich agricultural region of the Blackland Prairies contributed to the town's growth. Wylie had a population of 400 in 1890 and 773 in 1900. Before 1920 the community had over thirty-five businesses, including two banks, a school, and a weekly newspaper.
Unlike many rural Texas communities, Wylie grew during the Great Depression years, reaching 914 residents by 1940. In part this was a result of increased dairy farming to meet the demands of nearby Dallas. Following World War II the population continued to increase.
The onion was a cash crop in the 30's and 40's for the town of Wylie. “Wide Awake Wylie” became the city’s nickname in the late 40’s and 50’s for the late night get-togethers of citizens. Businesses had stayed open until midnight on some nights.
The construction of Lake Lavon five miles north of town and the selection of Wylie to house the offices of the North Texas Municipal Water District, designed to provide water for towns in four counties, pushed the population to 1,804 in 1960.
In the 1990s Wylie had seen two disasters. On Mother's Day 1993 a tornado had hit downtown Wylie. And in December 1998, two fires destroyed and damaged several businesses. After this the citizens renovated downtown, while still keeping the almost 100 year buildings standing.
In the 21st century Wylie had become an extremely fast growing city, becoming 8th fastest growing city in the nation, as such many new business and subdivisions had moved into the area.[4]
Demographics
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 15,132 people, 5,085 households, and 4,108 families residing in the city. The population density was 781.2 people per square mile (301.6/km2). There were 5,326 housing units at an average density of 275.0/sq mi (106.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 90.45% White, 2.07% African American, 0.70% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 4.30% from other races, and 1.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.44% of the population.
There were 5,085 households out of which 50.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.9% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.2% were non-families. 15.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.96 and the average family size was 3.29.
In the city the population was spread out with 33.4% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 37.6% from 25 to 44, 15.9% from 45 to 64, and 5.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $58,393, and the median income for a family was $62,903. Males had a median income of $44,239 versus $31,084 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,987. About 2.4% of families and 3.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.
As of the 2006 census estimate, the North Texas Central Council of Governments has placed the city's population at 33,000. Most recent estimates show the population approaching 39,000.
Local government
Wylie has a council-manager form of government composed of a Mayor and seven council members (elected at large) along with an appointed City Manager. The city has operated under a city charter (home rule) since 1985 when voters approved the measure in a referendum. Wylie has received recognition for both its Police and Fire Departments in recent years.
Education
Most of the Collin County portion of Wylie is served by Wylie Independent School District. A minuscule portion in Collin County is served by Princeton Independent School District. The Dallas County portion is served by Garland Independent School District. The Rockwall County portion is served by Rockwall Independent School District.
Transportation
Wylie is served by the following highways that run through the city:
Kansas City Southern provides rail service and has yard facilities in the city.
Local Attractions
Wylie is located near both Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard. Well-known Southfork Ranch is located just northwest of Wylie in nearby Parker.
References
External links
