Here are the essential facts about Gun Barrel City, Texas, at a glance. It is a small lake city — about 6,190 residents — in Henderson County, on the eastern shore of Cedar Creek Lake and roughly 55 miles southeast of Dallas.
| Population (2020 Census) | 6,190 (up from 5,672 in 2010) |
|---|---|
| Boating-season population | More than 10,000 (Memorial Day–Labor Day) |
| County | Henderson County, East Texas |
| Location | Eastern shore of Cedar Creek Lake |
| Incorporated | May 26, 1969 |
| Grew out of | The Old Bethel Community |
| Land area | About 6.63 square miles |
| Elevation | About 364 feet |
| Distance from Dallas | Roughly 55 miles southeast |
| Main corridors | State Highway 198 ("Gun Barrel Lane") and State Highway 334 |
| Median age | About 43.8 |
| Age under 18 | About 21.8% |
| Age 65 and over | About 21.2% |
| City property tax | None |
| Certified Retirement Community | Designated in 2008 (Texas) |
| School district | Mabank Independent School District |
| Slogan | "We Shoot Straight With You" |
Population and people
Gun Barrel City recorded 6,190 residents in the 2020 U.S. Census, up from 5,672 in 2010 — steady growth for a small lake town. The community skews older, with a median age of about 43.8; roughly 21.8% of residents are under 18 and about 21.2% are 65 or over. That older profile reflects the city's status as a Texas Certified Retirement Community, designated in 2008. During boating season, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the population more than doubles to over 10,000 as visitors and second-home owners fill the lake.
Geography
The city covers about 6.63 square miles at an elevation of roughly 364 feet, in Henderson County on the eastern shore of Cedar Creek Lake. It sits about 55 miles southeast of Dallas. Two state highways define it: SH 198 (the original "Gun Barrel Lane") and SH 334, the main retail and commercial strip. The Henderson County seat of Athens is about 15 miles away.
Government and economy
Gun Barrel City charges no city property tax — a notable draw for retirees and homeowners. Its Economic Development Corporation (EDC), funded by a quarter-cent (0.25%) sales tax, targets manufacturing, medical services, hospitality, and distribution. The city serves as the retail and commercial hub for the entire Cedar Creek Lake area. For official services and current officials, residents are directed to the municipal site, gunbarrelcity.gov.
Note on figures
Population and demographic figures are from the 2020 U.S. Census. Seasonal population is an estimate. For current, official data, consult the U.S. Census Bureau and gunbarrelcity.gov.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gun Barrel City's population?
Gun Barrel City had 6,190 residents as of the 2020 U.S. Census, up from 5,672 in 2010. During boating season, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the population swells to more than 10,000.
What county is Gun Barrel City in?
Gun Barrel City is in Henderson County, in East Texas, on the eastern shore of Cedar Creek Lake. The county seat, Athens, is about 15 miles away.
When was Gun Barrel City founded?
Gun Barrel City was incorporated on May 26, 1969, growing out of the earlier Old Bethel Community. A commonly cited reason for incorporation was the ability to legally sell beer and wine.
Want the story behind the numbers? Read the full History of Gun Barrel City, learn why it's called Gun Barrel City, or see it on the map.
See it on the map
Find Gun Barrel City on Cedar Creek Lake's eastern shore, with driving distances from Dallas and nearby towns.
Maps & Location Living Here