Hockley

Hockley County

Updated on: November 18, 2021
Coordinates
33° 36' 36" N, 102° 20' 24" W (33.61, -102.34)
State
Texas
Region
Northwest
County Seat:
Levelland
Year Organized:
1921
Total Square Miles:
908.564
Population:
23088 (2017)
Persons/Square Mile:
25
Hockley County Website
http://www.co.hockley.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Lamb (N)
Lubbock (E)
Terry (S)
Cochran (W)
Yoakum (SW)
Bailey (NW)
Hale (NE)
Lynn (SE)

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
23088
25 to 64 Years of Age:
48.12%
65 Years of Age and Older:
14.67%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$2.3 B
Labor Force:
11,562
Unemployment Rate:
3.10%

County Contact

802 Houston St Ste 101
County Courthouse
Levelland, TX, 79336-3706

http://www.co.hockley.tx.us

Hockley County, Texas, was created in 1876 and later organized in 1921. It is named after George Washington Hockley, who served as the secretary of war of the Republic of Texas from 1861 to 1865.  

The first seat of government for Hockley County was at a place called “Cedar Springs,” which later became known as Cedar Park, TX. In 1926 only about 200 people lived in this small town, so they decided to call their area “the Town.” 

There are two cities within the boundaries of Hockley County: Cedar Park, TX, and Levelland, TX. Levelland is the current county seat, but Cedar Park has been the official county town since its creation. There are three townships within the bounds of the county: Comanche Township, San Saba Township, and Stonewall Township. They offer business services such as banking, medical care, and other essential needs. 

Geography and Population 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 908 square miles. It is one of four counties in the state with an area larger than 100 square miles. Most of the terrain consists of rolling hills covered by grassland or scattered trees.  

Some areas have limestone outcroppings along streams. The county’s highest point is Mount Scott, near the center of the county. Its lowest points lie on either side of the Red River.  

The climate in the region varies according to elevation. At higher elevations, temperatures drop below freezing during the winter months. This occurs because cold air rises into the atmosphere, where it meets warmer air coming down from Canada.  

As a result, snowfall can occur even though summertime highs exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Conversely, lower-lying locations experience milder winters due to less exposure to windy conditions. Average annual precipitation ranges between 10 inches in the northern part of the county to 20 inches in the southern portion. 

The population estimate for the 2019 census is 23,021 people. 50.1% are females while 49.9 are male Median age is 35 years old. Whites make up 76.6 percent of the population. Hispanic or Latino of any race accounts for 13.4 percent of the residents. Black or African Americans represent 4.5 percent of the population.   

People residing in the county speak English as their primary language. Other languages spoken include Spanish, French, Creole, and Vietnamese. 

Economy 

Agriculture plays a large role in the economy of Hockley county. Many farms produce corn, cotton, sorghum, wheat, soybeans, hay, cattle, and sheep. Livestock production remains strong despite drought problems.   

Dairy farming is another important industry. Major crops grown in the county include sweet potatoes and peanuts. Crops like these provide income for farmers and help feed families throughout the country. 

The county has other industries that employ many workers. These businesses supply goods and services to local communities. Additionally, some companies operate manufacturing plants that create products used all over the world. As such, the county gets revenue from exports.  

Manufacturing jobs remain stable despite competition from foreign countries. However, there is concern about how automation will affect employment in this sector. 

The economy also relies on self-employed individuals who work at home creating crafts and selling them online. Self-employed persons do not pay Social Security tax nor Medicare contributions. They may deduct business expenses against personal income taxes.  

Attractions in Hockley County 

Mount Scott State Park – Located just outside the town limits of Collinsville, this park features hiking trails and camping facilities. There are also picnic tables and grills available. The park covers 1,064 acres with scenic views of the surrounding area. It was established in 1972. 

Zube Park – Zube Park is named after Charles “Chet” Zube. He served as an officer in World War II. After his service, he returned to Collinsville and started a baseball field known as Zube Park. The park includes two softball fields, three soccer/football fields, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, playgrounds, restrooms, and concession stands. 

Lone Star Pinball Museum – Lone Star Pinatubo Museum opened its doors in June 2013. It houses over 100 pinballs from the 1950s through today. Each one tells a story about the history of pinball games.  

Hockley Park – Hockley County Park offers visitors scenic fishing ponds, walking paths, pavilions, and barbecue areas. A museum showcases historical artifacts found during archaeological digs. 

Tornado Alley National Wildlife Refuge – This refuge protects wetlands along the Red River. More than 200 species of birds can be seen here. Some of the most common wildlife spotted here include ducks, geese, swans, turtles, snakes, rabbits, and deer. 

Government Offices 

County government offices play a big role in providing public services. Their prime responsibility is law enforcement. Other duties include maintaining roads, bridges, schools, and courthouses.  

Officials elect or appoint commissioners who oversee departments within their jurisdiction. Commissioners hire department heads who manage programs and staff. Here are a few county offices. 

The County Judge Office is under Judge Sharla Baldridge. He handles civil cases and family matters. His office is located inside the courthouse. Call the office at 806-894-6856. 

Jennifer Nicole Palermo supervises the Clerk’s Office. She handles all legal documents such as deeds, mortgages, contracts, leases, and other real estate transactions. She works out of the courthouse. Her phone number is 806-894-3185 or 806-894-4404. 

The County Attorney is Anna Ford. The office of the Attorney handles criminal prosecutions. Contact them at 806-894-5455. 

The County Treasurer’s office is under Denise Bohannon. The office handles collections and disbursements made by the county. Phone number is 806-894-3718. 

The County Tax Assessor-Collector Office is under Debra C. Bramlett. Her role is collecting property taxes for the county. If you have any questions regarding tax bills, call 806-894-4938. 

Finally, there is the County Sheriff’s office. Sheriff Ray Scifres supervises it. He ensures laws are enforced throughout the county. For more information, contact him at 806-894-3126.