Willis

Willis, Texas, is a city in Montgomery County, located eight miles north of Conroe. Established in 1870 with the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad, Willis has historically thrived on lumber, agriculture, and related manufacturing. The city's economy once heavily relied on tobacco production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but competition from Cuba led to its decline. The population in 2020 was 6,431, with an estimated 6,964 residents in 2023. Key industries in Willis include lumber, agriculture, healthcare, and retail. The city benefits from its proximity to Lake Conroe and the Sam Houston National Forest, offering recreational opportunities and contributing to its appeal as a residential and commercial hub. Willis operates under a City Council/City Manager form of government, ensuring efficient and responsive municipal services. Willis distinguishes itself through its historical roots in the timber and tobacco industries, as well as its location within the Piney Woods region. The city's past includes a period as a leading tobacco-growing area in Texas, marked by the presence of several cigar factories. Today, Willis balances its historical charm with modern growth, offering a blend of small-town values and access to larger urban amenities.