The townsite of Katy was laid out and platted by J. O. Thomas, L. C. Luckel, and R. M. Cash in 1895, supposedly named for the M-K-T Railroad that runs through it.

The City of Katy was formally incorporated in 1945. Katy has always been a traditional family style community; however, it also played a major role as a rail hub, a rice farming and agricultural center, and one of the largest gas fields in this part of Texas.

Living in the Katy area means an escape from the hustle and bustle of the Houston scene. Katy offers the charm of a small town, or the sophistication of suburbia.

Housing in Katy ranges from apartment and condominiums to large estate houses with acreage to enjoy and maintain horses-and others with championship golf courses as their backyard. Subdivisions abound with tennis courts, swimming pools, and endless amenities for their residents.

Apartments that cater to singles and families are plentiful, and the taste of everyone's life style can be met.

Fully planned communities which features areas of shopping centers, spacious plazas, and every convenience that enhances community living, leads the way to future growth in an exciting and efficient style.

With the various stages of housing available, no matter the size of the checkbook, one can find living in Katy easy and affordable.

But a residence in a community is only half of being a part of the life in that community. Katy has so much more to offer in many churches, clubs and organizations to fit one's preference for a complete life style.

Economy

Katy is historically an agricultural area with rice the major crop, with soybeans having been added as an alternate in recent years. The Katy area has been the site of one of the United States' largest gas fields since the early forties; this has added greatly to the economy of the area. Most recently the development of industrial sites, both East and West of the City, have added growth to the economy.

Recent statistics show that 34.2% of the employed persons 16 years and over to be managerial and professional specialty, while 38.5% are technical, sales and administrative support personnel.

Household distribution of income lists 10.2% over $50,000; 23.2 from $35,000 to $50,000; 34.6% from $25,000 to $35,000; and 13.6% from $20,000 to $25,000.

Population

The city of Katy has a population of approximately 11,775 residents according to the 2000 census. Area wide population is in excess of 100,000 while regional population is over 1 million.

Climate

Katy is known for its pleasant subtropical climate. Situated on the coastal plains of Texas, with relative proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, prevailing Gulf winds, moderate summer high and winter low temperature extremes, making our winters mild and our summers warm and humid. Average daily high temperature in the summer is in the mid 90's and daily high temperatures in the winter average 65 degrees. The summer of 2000 saw record temperatures in the Katy area with some area thermometers registering around 112 degrees in the shade. Rainfall averages between forty-five (45) and fifty (50) inches a year, and the growing season lasts approximately 296 days.