Where is Center, Texas

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Center is a city in East Texas and the county seat of Shelby County. It is about 35 miles east of Nacogdoches and 50 miles southwest of Shreveport, Louisiana. The city is known for its historic downtown, East Texas timberlands, and location near Toledo Bend Reservoir and the Sabine River.

Location Map of Center, Shelby County, Texas

Where is Center Located in Shelby County, Texas

About Map: The map shows the location of Center in Shelby County, in the U.S. state of Texas.

Center Map, Texas

About Center Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Center in Shelby County, Texas. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Center Located?

Center is a city located in Shelby County, Texas, the United States. It is about 35 miles east of Nacogdoches and 50 miles southwest of Shreveport, Louisiana. Center is located at approximately 31.7954° North latitude and 94.1791° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 5,238 residents, and the city covers about 10.15 square miles (26.29 sq km). The Sabine National Forest and Toledo Bend Reservoir are major natural features in the surrounding area. Center was founded in 1866 and incorporated in 1909. The city serves as a regional center for agriculture, forestry, retail, government, and services in the Piney Woods of East Texas.

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Center City Facts

FactDetails
CityCenter
StateTexas
CountyShelby County
CountryUnited States
RegionEast Texas / Piney Woods
Incorporated1909
Founded1866
Total Area10.15 sq mi (26.29 sq km)
Land Area10.07 sq mi (26.08 sq km)
Water Area0.08 sq mi (0.21 sq km)
ElevationAbout 320 ft (98 m)
Population (2023 estimate)5,300
Population (2020 Census)5,238
Population Density520 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Standard Time (CST); Central Daylight Time (CDT)
ZIP Codes75935
Area Code936
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 96, U.S. Route 84, Texas State Highway 7
Public TransitDeep East Texas Council of Governments regional transportation services
Major AttractionsHistoric Shelby County Courthouse, Shelby County Courthouse Square, Sabine National Forest, Toledo Bend Reservoir
Official Websitehttps://www.centertexas.org/

Distance from Center, TX to Nearby Cities

  • San Augustine, TX – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Nacogdoches, TX – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Joaquin, TX – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Timpson, TX – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Tenaha, TX – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Hemphill, TX – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Lufkin, TX – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Marshall, TX – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Longview, TX – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Carthage, TX – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Jasper, TX – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Henderson, TX – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Shreveport, LA – 50 miles (80 km)
  • Texarkana, TX – 105 miles (169 km)
  • Tyler, TX – 100 miles (161 km)
  • Beaumont, TX – 120 miles (193 km)

Top Attractions in Center

  • Shelby County Courthouse – Historic courthouse and prominent landmark located in downtown Center.
  • Shelby County Courthouse Square – Downtown district surrounding the courthouse with local businesses and historic buildings.
  • Sabine National Forest – Large forest area offering hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
  • Toledo Bend Reservoir – Major lake on the Texas-Louisiana border known for fishing, boating, camping, and water recreation.
  • Sam Rayburn Reservoir – Large East Texas lake popular for bass fishing, boating, camping, and outdoor activities.
  • Texas Country Music Hall of Fame – Regional attraction in nearby Carthage celebrating Texas country music history.
  • Mission Dolores State Historic Site – Nearby historic site preserving the remains of an early Spanish mission in East Texas.
  • Patroon Creek Wildlife Management Area – Regional natural area offering wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Airports Near Center

  • Center Municipal Airport (F17) – 5 miles
  • Nacogdoches A.L. Mangham Jr. Regional Airport (OCH) – 40 miles
  • Angelina County Airport (LFK) – 60 miles
  • Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) – 60 miles
  • East Texas Regional Airport (GGG) – 90 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Center website and local government records.

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