Celina is a municipality located within Collin and Denton counties in the state of Texas, United States. It is a constituent of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
The area now known as Celina was initially settled prior to its official establishment in 1876. In 1879, a group of pioneers established a community approximately one mile south of the town’s current location. The following year, a Methodist church was constructed, which also served as a makeshift school for a brief period.
Celina is situated in both Collin and Denton counties, with its central location along State Highway 289 and downtown area to the west of the highway. The Dallas North Tollway will be proximate to the city’s western boundary. According to the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau, Celina encompasses a total area of 42 square miles, comprising 41.72 square miles of land and 0.28 square miles of water. The city’s total boundary, including areas beyond its limits, spans 78 square miles.
The weather in this region is marked by sweltering summers and relatively mild winters. Celina’s climate can be classified as humid subtropical, or “Cfa,” using the Koppen Climate Classification System.
As of 2020, Celina’s population was comprised of 65.92% non-Hispanic whites, 7.34% Blacks or African Americans, 0.5% Native Americans, 3.41% Asians, 0.07% Pacific Islanders, 0.34% other races, 4.97% multiracial individuals, and 17.46% Hispanic or Latino Americans of any race. The increase in the non-white population is in line with the national trend of greater diversity.
The majority of the urban area falls within the boundaries of Celina Independent School District, with the southern parts being located within Prosper Independent School District.
Celina ISD oversees several schools, including Celina High School, Moore Middle School, Celina Primary School, Lykins Elementary School, and O’Dell Elementary School. Meanwhile, Prosper ISD manages Boyer Elementary School, Johnson Elementary School, and Light Farms Elementary School.
The Texas Legislature appointed Collin College as the primary community college for Collin County, including the Celina Independent School District, as well as certain areas of Denton County. However, the majority of Denton County, including the Prosper Independent School District portion of Celina, falls under the jurisdiction of North Central Texas College. The Collin College Celina Campus began operations in the fall of 2021.
In Celina, nearly half of the residents have completed a higher education program, such as a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or Post-Graduate Degree. Additionally, around a quarter have attended college without completing a degree, while oneifth have a high school diploma, and a small percentage have not attained any formal education beyond high school.
The residents of Celina elect a mayor and city council to govern the city as a home-rule municipality, giving them the autonomy to make decisions and govern themselves.
Celina is renowned for organizing community-oriented events that take place throughout the year. The charming Historic Downtown Square serves as the venue for the majority of these gatherings, with Celina hosting over 25 events annually. The city’s four flagship events include Cajun Fest in May, Splash & Blast in July, Beware! Of the Square in October, and Christmas on the Square in November. Additionally, the city hosts Friday Night Markets once a month from March to November, providing locals and visitors alike with a plethora of opportunities to come together and enjoy the community’s spirit.Well-known individuals:
Craig James, renowned NFL player, sportscaster, and U.S. Senate candidate in 2012
Ryan Merritt, accomplished Major League Baseball pitcher and former Celina Bobcat