Childress

Childress County

Updated on: November 16, 2021
Coordinates
34° 32' 24" N, 100° 12' 0" W (34.54, -100.2)
State
Texas
Region
Panhandle
County Seat:
Childress
Year Organized:
1887
Total Square Miles:
713.716
696 square miles (1,800 km2) land
17 square miles (44 km2) (2.4%) water
Population:
7067 (2017)
Population: 7,306 est. (2019) 7,041 (2010) 7,688 (2000)
Persons/Square Mile:
10
Childress County Website
http://www.childresscountytexas.us/County_Officials/Officials.htm

Contiguous Counties

Collingsworth (N)
Harmon County, Oklahoma (NE)
Hardeman (E)
Cottle (S)
Hall (W)

Childress County Town List

County structure

Government Type:
County
Authority:
Dillon's Rule
Legislative Body:
Commisioners Court
Size of Legislative Body:
5

Demographics

2018 Population:
7067
25 to 64 Years of Age:
51.91%
65 Years of Age and Older:
15.40%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$207.6 M
Labor Force:
2,950
Unemployment Rate:
2.50%

County Contact

PO BOX 1
County Courthouse
Childress, TX, 79201-0001

Childress County, Texas, was named after George Campbell Childress, a member of the Confederate States Congress from 1859 to 1861.  

He served as Speaker of the House and later became Secretary of State under President Jefferson Davis. He was also an author of the Texas Declaration of Independence. 

The county seat is Childress which has most of the county offices. 

A Brief History of the County 

The first settlers arrived in this area around 1840. They were mainly German immigrants who came by wagon train through the Santa Fe Trail. 

In 1850 there were only about 50 people living here. By 1860 it had grown into a thriving community with over 500 residents.  

The town was incorporated on March 1st, 1870. It was named after George C. Childress, a representative in Congress during the Civil War. 

After the war, he went home to Virginia, where he died at age 39. His wife moved to Childress and lived until she died in 1911.  

Other settlers followed them, and soon the population increased. Currently, the county is multi-race, with whites making up around half of the total population. 

Many small towns are spread throughout the county where you can shop or visit great attractions. 

The Economy of Childress County 

The economy depends on oil production, farming, ranching, and tourism. Oil production accounts for over 70% of all jobs in the county. Agriculture makes up another 20%. Tourism brings in some money but not enough to make up for the other two industries. 

Several large companies have operations in the county, such as ExxonMobil, Chevron Texaco Corporation, ConocoPhillips Company, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Shell Oil Company, Phillips 66, Valero Energy Corporation, and others. These companies employ thousands of workers.  

Some crops grown on the farms include cotton, wheat, corn, sorghum, alfalfa hay, soybeans, peanuts, oats, barley, rye, milo, sunflowers, and rice.  

Livestock raised includes cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits, guinea fowls, peacocks, emus, llamas, donkeys, mules, camels, bison, deer, elk, antelope, and buffalo. 

Attractions in the Childress County 

There are many things to do in Childress county. Some of these activities include fishing, hunting, camping, boating, golfing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching.  

Besides, you enjoy sightseeing, shopping, museums, historical sites, festivals, concerts, plays, movies, and more! 

There are three major attractions in the county. One is the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. This district contains buildings built between 1880 and 1930.   

Many of the original structures still stand today. Another attraction is the Big Spring Park Zoo which has animals from all over the world. 

Another thing you can enjoy while visiting Childress county is its beautiful scenery. You will find rolling hills covered with grasslands dotted with trees and shrubs.   

There are also lakes, rivers, creeks, springs, ponds, and streams. All of these provide excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation.  

Fair Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Childress county. Fair Park has an amusement park called Six Flags Over Texas.  

Other rides include roller coasters, bumper cars, Ferris wheels, carousels, kiddie rides, miniature golf courses, go-karts, batting cages, mini-bowling lanes, and even a zoo. 

Is Childress an Excellent County to Live In? 

If you are thinking of moving to Childress county, it would be best to know what kind of environment you want before settling down there. If you like big cities or bustling metropolises, then this may not be your ideal place to live.  

However, if you prefer living in smaller communities where people get along well together, then this might be just right for you.  

The county has towns and cities, including Carey, Childress County seat. Kirkland ghost town, Loco ghost town, Lonnie ghost town, and Tell. All these cities offer different services and amenities. 

For example, Carey offers schools, churches, parks, libraries, hospitals, grocery stores, gas stations. Besides, the towns have banks, post offices, convenience stores, auto repair centres, hardware stores, clothing boutiques, bookstores, nightclubs, fast-food chains, and so forth. 

The same goes for the rest of the towns and cities in the county. So, whether you are looking for small-town charm or urban sophistication, Childress county should have something that suits your needs. 

Population in Childress County  

According to the US Census Bureau, Childress county has a population of 7,306 people. The most common language spoken there is English. 

There are many housing units, including single-family homes, apartments, mobile homes, duplexes, and triplexes. Most residents work for the government or own their businesses. 

Because of good mining zones, weather, and fertile soil, the economy of Childress County is steady. As such, population growth is expected to continue growing. Of course, some areas within the county might see higher rates of growth than others. 

County Offices and Roles 

County offices play a significant role in ensuring that everything runs smoothly in the county. They help maintain roads, bridges, water systems, sewers, drainage ditches, and other infrastructure needed by residents. 

In addition, they ensure that laws and regulations are correctly enforced. Furthermore, they make sure that public health issues are addressed. 

Finally, they work closely with local governments to develop plans for future development projects. Some offices include; 

The County Judge’s office is under Honorable Jay Mayden. His role is to oversee all aspects of government operations in the county. You can reach the office at 940-937-2221. 

The Commissioners Court comprises four members who serve four-year terms. Their prime responsibility is to set policy for the county. The member comprises Precinct 1, Precinct 2, Precinct 3, and Precinct 4. 

The district and county clerk’s office is under Barbara Spitzer. You can contact the office at 940-937-6143. 

Kathy Dobbs supervises the Tax Assessor-Collector office. You can contact them at 940-937-2232. 

Another key office is the Sheriff’s office. It ensures security and order in the county. The office is under Sheriff Michael (Mike) Pigg. You can reach him at [email protected] or call (940) 937-2535. 

Conclusion 

In summary, Childress county is an excellent place to live if you are looking for a stable economy and proximity to schools and hospitals. Additionally, you can move to the county if you are looking for employment opportunities.