Van Alstyne is a city in Grayson and Collin Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 3,046 at the 2010 census, up from 2,502 at the 2000 census. The Grayson County portion of Van Alstyne is part of the Sherman–Denison Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Van Alstyne was built in 1873, for settlers to be near the railroad stop of the Houston and Texas Central Railway. The town was named for Marie Van Alstyne, a shareholder in the railroad company. The town was incorporated September 11, 1883. In May 2022, the citizens overwhelmingly passed a resolution approving 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 freeway runs through the western side of the city, with access from Exits 50 and 51. US 75 leads north 27 mi to Denison and south 50 mi 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 10.5 sqkm, all land.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,369 people, 1,307 households, and 1,108 families residing in the city.

Education

Public schools

Students are served by the Van Alstyne Independent School District. Schools in the district include Partin Elementary School (formerly Van Alstyne Elementary School), Sanford Elementary School, Van Alstyne Middle School and Van Alstyne High School.

Colleges

Grayson County College operates a branch campus in Van Alstyne.