Resting on the Gulf of Mexico and acting as a portal into Houston, Galveston County’s economy depends on its ports and other industries related to the Gulf. Its population has grown steadily in recent years, currently around 338,000. The nominal city Galveston hosts multiple higher education facilities and is a center for tourism in the region. The Bolivar Peninsula has several communities largely dedicated to recreation. For a day away from the hustle and bustle, the sprawling and gorgeous Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is as little as 20 minutes away.