El Paso

El Paso County

Updated on: November 16, 2021
Coordinates
31° 46' 12" N, 106° 14' 24" W (31.77, -106.24)
State
Texas
Region
West
County Seat:
El Paso
Year Organized:
1850
Total Square Miles:
1014.96
Population:
840410 (2017)
Persons/Square Mile:
828
El Paso County Website
http://www.epcounty.com/

Contiguous Counties

Doña Ana County, New Mexico (NW)
Otero County, New Mexico (NE)
Hudspeth (E)
Guadalupe, Chihuahua, Mexico (S)
Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico (SW)
Práxedis G. Guerrero, Chihuahua, Mexico (SE)

El Paso County Offices

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
840410
25 to 64 Years of Age:
49.39%
65 Years of Age and Older:
12.26%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$29.0 B
Labor Force:
359,136
Unemployment Rate:
4.20%

County Contact

500 E San Antonio Ave
County Courthouse
El Paso, TX, 79901-2419

http://www.epcounty.com/

El Paso County, Texas, was founded in 1848. The county seat was established at El Paso, and it is named after that city. There are two incorporated cities within its boundaries: El Paso and Socorro. 

The county is located in the southwestern part of the state, bordering New Mexico to the west, Chihuahua State to the north, Juarez Municipality to the east, and Webb County to the south. It is among the largest counties by land size.  

How EI Paso County Came in Place 

Historically, EI Paso County has been a center for trade between the United States and Mexico. In fact, the first Anglo-American settlers arrived here from San Antonio de Bexar in 1754. 

They were led by Don Juan De Ugartechea, who settled on the Rio Grande River near present-day Ciudad Juárez. He built his home along what would become known as “The Alameda” or “Alameda Street,” which runs through downtown El Paso today.  

This street became an important commercial thoroughfare during this time. By the mid-1800s, several large trading posts were set up along the river, including one owned by John Hays. 

Furthermore, the area around El Paso was also settled by people from other parts of the country such as Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico, and even Canada.  

These early pioneers brought their customs and traditions into the new community. For example, they spoke English instead of Spanish, wore western clothing, rode horses rather than mules, and ate beef rather than pork.  

Many of these immigrants worked hard building homes and businesses, while others opened saloons where alcohol could be sold legally. As more Americans moved to the region, they joined together to form political parties like the Whigs and Democrats.  

However, most residents remained loyal to the Democratic Party because it supported slavery. 

The Economy of El Paso County 

The economy of El Paso depends on various factors. For example, agriculture plays a major role in the local economy. Most farmers grow corn, wheat, beans, cotton, sorghum, alfalfa, oats, barley, hay, and soybeans. 

Additionally, the county has industries like manufacturing, retailing, construction, transportation, tourism, banking, insurance, and real estate development. All these employ thousands of workers each year.  

Furthermore, the county government provides education, health care, law enforcement, public work, social welfare, and emergency management. Finally, the county generates revenue through taxes and fees. 

The taxes and fees are used to pay for schools, roads, police protection, firefighting, sanitation, parks, libraries, cultural centers, and courts. 

Geography and Population 

EI Paso County covers much of the southern portion of the Trans Pecos region. Its terrain consists mostly of rolling hills covered with grassland interspersed with scattered patches of trees and shrubs.  

According to the US census department, the total land area is 1,012.69 square miles. The county’s average elevation above sea level is 2,942 feet, making it slightly higher than its neighboring counties.  

It borders the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Coahuila. To the north lies Maverick County; to the east is Hudspeth County; to the south is Culberson County; to the west is Presidio County. 

As of 2019, the estimated population of the county is 839,238. Out of that number, approximately 50% live within city limits. The rest reside outside the cities but still consider themselves part of the urban core. 

Towns and Cities in EI Paso County 

EI Paso is the county seat of EI Paso County. Other towns include Colorado Springs, Fountain, Calhan, Peyton, and Black forest. There are no incorporated villages or unincorporated communities in the county. 

Most of the towns and cities are business centers. Therefore, they have commercial buildings, banks, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, medical facilities, churches, schools, and recreational areas.   

They provide jobs to hundreds of employees who work at stores, factories, offices, hospitals, and educational institutions. In addition, some of the towns offer entertainment venues, including movie theaters, bowling alleys, golf courses, museums, concert halls, and sports stadiums. 

Security in these towns is provided by municipal police departments, which patrol streets and enforce laws. Additionally, there are sheriff’s deputies who protect citizens against crime. Firefighters respond to emergencies when needed. 

County Offices in El Paso County 

In order to deliver services throughout the county, the following governmental agencies operate here: 

County governments led by Mayor Oscar Leeser coordinates all the county activities. He oversees a staff of more than 200 people.  

His office also manages the budget, contracts, grants, planning, zoning, building codes, elections, and other functions. Reach out to the office at 915-212-0021. 

Tommy Gonzalez is the city manager of EI Paso. His office administers the day-to-day operations of the city. He supervises an administrative team consisting of about 100 employees.  

This group includes finance officers, human resource managers, engineers, information technology specialists, attorneys, accountants, etc. Contact the office at (915) 212-0000 or 3-1-1.  

Municipalities are governed by their own elected officials. Each town has a mayor and council members. These individuals oversee local affairs such as public safety, parks & recreation, economic development, education, health care, transportation, sanitation, water supply, etc.  

You can contact the municipalities through (915) 212-0000 or 3-1-1. 

EI Paso Economy 

Being the 6th largest city in Texas, EI Paso provides many services to residents and businesses. Its proximity to Mexico makes it attractive to international companies looking for low-cost labor.  

As a result, thousands of foreign workers come into the country each year seeking employment opportunities. Many of them settle down permanently in this area. 

The city offers excellent infrastructure with modern roads, bridges, sewers, utilities, airports, railroads, bus lines, highways, and mass transit systems. It has major universities that attract students from around the world. 

The city attracts tourists because of its beautiful scenery, cultural attractions, historical sites, outdoor events, festivals, and family-friendly atmosphere.  

There are numerous places to enjoy nature, like hiking trails, lakes, rivers, mountains, national forests, wildlife preserves, state parks, and seashores. 

Conclusion 

In summary, EI Paso county is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas. The population continues to grow because of immigration from abroad. However, most new arrivals live in the suburbs outside the central part of the city.