Van Alstyne, Texas
Van Alstyne is a small, affluent, and rapidly growing city in Grayson and Collin Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 3,046 at the 2010 [United States Census|2010 census], up from 2,502 at the 2000 census. As of the 2020 United States census, the population grew to 4,369 people. 2023 estimates place the resident count at 5,378. The Grayson County portion of Van Alstyne is part of the Sherman-Denison Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
Drawn by the economic promise of the Houston and [Texas Central Railway], Van Alstyne was founded in 1873 by settlers from the nearby community of Mantua. The community was named for Marie Van Alstyne, a Houston socialite and major shareholder in the railroad company.A post office was opened that same year, and by the time Van Alstyne officially incorporated in 1890, the town had grown to a population of 400, supported by a thriving rural economy, a local newspaper, and a college. By the turn of the century, the population had reached 1,940, and the town supported a range of businesses, including multiple banks, a grain elevator, a roller mill, and a chemical company.
Throughout the 20th century, Van Alstyne remained a vibrant rural hub for agriculture, trade, manufacturing, and banking. Its economy, along with strong community institutions, sustained the town through decades of slow, steady development and moderate population growth.
In May 2022, citizens passed a resolution establishing the first city charter, making Van Alstyne a Texas home rule city. Van Alstyne is a council/manager form of government with a mayor and 6 city council members each elected at large by place to three year terms.
Geography
Van Alstyne is located in southeastern Grayson County. The city limits extend south slightly into Collin County.The U.S. [Route 75 in Texas|U.S. Route 75] freeway runs through the western side of the city, with access from Exits 50 and 51. US 75 leads north to Denison and south to the center of Dallas. Van Alstyne's immediate neighbors are Anna to the south and Howe to the north.
According to the United States Census, Van Alstyne has a total area of, all land.
Demographics
| Race | Number | Percentage |
| White | 3,220 | 73.7% |
| Black or African American | 152 | 3.48% |
| Native American or Alaska Native | 41 | 0.94% |
| Asian | 37 | 0.85% |
| Some Other Race | 3 | 0.07% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial | 206 | 4.72% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 710 | 16.25% |
| Total | 4,369 |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,369 people, 1,307 households, and 1,108 families residing in the city.