Fisher County

Fisher County Offices

Fisher County Town List

Fisher County, Texas, is located on U.S. Highway 180 west of Abilene, the county seat and largest city. Fisher County comprises a portion of the Wichita Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area.  

The county got its name after John W. Fisher, who was the Republic of Texas secretary of the navy. Adjacent counties are Kent and Stonewall. 

Fisher county is famous for many things, including recreation centers and thriving cities that help grow the economy.   

History of Fisher County Texas 

The first settlers arrived around 1875 when the railroad came through. In 1890 there were only two businesses: A general store owned by Mr R.C. Smith and a blacksmith shop run by Mr E.J. Hensley.  

By 1900 the population had mushroomed to over 300 people with several stores including a grocery, hardware, feed mill, schoolhouse, and three churches. There were also four saloons, one hotel, and five doctors. 

In 1910 the population grew to 1,000 residents. That same year the Fisher Independent School District opened. They taught grades K-12 until they closed down in 1954.  

Today the community has an elementary school that serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It then goes on to high school, where it graduates approximately 100 seniors every year. 

Geography and Demographics 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 898.94 square miles. All the land is under the state except for 0.1 acres which belong to the United States government. The county had 3830 people as of the 2019 census. Of those, 3,829 lived in the incorporated cities of Abilene and San Angelo. The rest live outside these areas but within the county boundaries.   

As of the 2019 Census, the median age is 46 years old. At least 25% were above 65 years. The average household size was 2.4 persons per household. The men to women ratio is 50:50%. 

As more people move to the county in search of jobs, the population continues to grow. 

The Economy of Fisher County 

Most of the economy revolves around oil production. Oil companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron Texaco, Shell, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, ConocoPhillips, and B.P. operate many wells throughout the county.  

These companies employ thousands of workers. Many of them are seasonal employees who come out during peak times, such as the Christmas season. 

Other than oil fields, agriculture plays a big role in the local economy. Farmers raise cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, ducks, geese, guinea fowls, bees, honeybees, and even peacocks.  

Some farmers sell products directly to consumers, while others sell their goods wholesale. Others still use farming as a side business. 

Tourism is another major industry in the county. Visitors travel here to enjoy the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, swimming, boating, golfing, horseback riding, and sightseeing are just a few things visitors can experience.  

Other attractions include museums, zoos, amusement parks, historical sites, botanical gardens, art galleries, and nature centers. 

Education in Fisher County 

Education is another area that contributes greatly to the economic growth of the county. There are two public schools located in the city limits of Abilene and one private school.  

Public Schools serve all ages ranging from pre-schoolers to adults. In addition, there are several colleges and universities in the county, including West Texas A&M University, Central Nazarene College, Tarleton State University, Panhandle Christian College, and South Plains College. 

The colleges produce graduates with different degrees. Students may choose between Bachelor’s degree programs, Master’s degree programs, or Doctorate Degree Programs.  

Some students opt to attend online courses instead of attending classes physically. Online education has become very popular among college graduates due to its convenience and flexibility.  

It allows students to study anywhere they want without worrying about transportation costs, parking fees, or traffic jams. 

The average annual tuition rate for undergraduates ranges from $3,000-$5,500 per year. Tuition rates for graduate students range from $2,000 -$4,000 per year. 

County Offices and Roles 

If you are looking for any service in the county, chances are it’s available at your nearest courthouse. Most counties offer services such as 

The County Judge’s Office is under Ken Holt, ensuring justice is served by overseeing court cases, handling civil matters, and providing legal advice. Contact them at 325-776-2151.  

County Clerk’s Office. Provides records management, filing, indexing, scanning, copying, mailing, etc. You can reach them at 325-776-2401. 

County Attorney. Prosecutes crimes within the jurisdiction of the court. It is under Michael Hall. You can reach the office at 325-776-3251.  

The County Treasurer’s Office is under Jeanna Parks, who handles tax payments, property appraisals, and other financial transactions. She can be reached at 325-776-3257.  

The Sheriff’s Office enforces laws and provides security for courthouses, jails, and prisons. They also investigate criminal activity. Randy Ford heads the office. Call the office at 325-776-2273. 

Tax Assessor/Collector. Assesses property taxes and collects delinquent tax payments. You can reach the office at 325-776-2181.