Upton County
- Coordinates
- 31 21' 36" N, 102 2' 24" W (31.36, -102.04)
- State
- Texas
- Region
- West
- County Seat:
- Rankin
- Year Organized:
- 1887
- Total Square Miles:
-
1241.503
1,241 square miles (3,210 km2) land
0.2 square miles (0.52 km2) water - Population:
-
3663 (2017)
Population: 3,673 Est. (2016) 3,355 (2010) - Persons/Square Mile:
- 3
- Upton County Website
- http://www.co.upton.tx.us/
Contiguous Counties
Midland (N)Reagan (E)
Crockett (S)
Crane (W)
Ector (NW)
Upton County Offices
County structure
- Government Type:
- County
- Authority:
- Dillon's Rule
- Legislative Body:
- Commisioners Court
- Size of Legislative Body:
- 5
Demographics
- 2018 Population:
- 3663
- 25 to 64 Years of Age:
- 49.22%
- 65 Years of Age and Older:
- 14.06%
Economy, 2018
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
- $7.4 B
- Labor Force:
- 1,580
- Unemployment Rate:
- 3.40%
Upton county is one of the most beautiful counties in Texas, with about 3,000 people. The county was named after John C. Upton and William F. Upton, generals during the Civil War.
The town of Rankin is the county seat of Upton County. It is iconic for its historic courthouse that dates back to 1885. Most of the county offices are in this town as well. There are several parks in the area, so you can enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, or camping.
History of Upton County
Upton county dates back to 1887, when it was created out of Bexar County. Early settlers were the Upton family from England. They came to the area because they wanted to be closer to their children in San Antonio. In 1888, Upton County became a home for cattle ranchers and farmers.
Most farmers produced cotton, but some also grew corn and wheat. In 1911, the railroad arrived in Upton County. This helped the economy tremendously because there was now more commerce.
During World War II, the military used Upton County as an airfield. After the war ended, the airport closed down, and many buildings were torn down. Nowadays, there is only one building left from the period. It is the old Rankin jail.
During the 1960s, Upton County had a booming oil industry. Many wells were drilled all over the county.
The county has been growing steadily since then. Today, there are still oil rigs in Upton County. However, most of the jobs come from agriculture.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has 1,241.32 miles. This is a massive area that houses towns and cities. The county’s terrain is mostly flat.
Because of the terrain, you can enjoy activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking. You will find plenty of wildlife in the area, including deer, turkey, quail, and rabbits.
There are several rivers and creeks in Upton County. Some include the Guadalupe River, the Rio Grande River, the Nueces River, and the Balcones Creek. These waterways provide excellent recreation opportunities.
Upton County Climate
Upton County has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and wet. Average temperatures range from 64°F in January to 94°F in July. This climate is ideal if you want to go outdoors and enjoy nature. However, it can get quite cold at night. This means that you’ll need extra layers of clothing.
Framers also take advantage of the weather to grow crops. During the summer months, there are festivals and events held throughout the county. For example, the Pampa Arts Festival takes place every year in August.
Things to do in Upton County, Texas
The most popular activity in Upton County is fishing. There are many lakes and ponds where you can fish. If you prefer to stay on land, you can hike through the woods and see wild animals.
If you have a boat, you can go boating. The county has two marinas where you can rent boats. One of these is called the Rio Grande Marina. Another one is called the Upton County Boat Ramp. Both of these offer different services.
You should check out the Upton County Fair, which happens every fall if you love music. This event includes live entertainment and food vendors. You can also visit the Upton County Museum located near the courthouse square. It features exhibits about Upton County’s history and culture.
If you are looking for something to do during the winter months, attend a rodeo. They happen at the Rodeo Arena. Each year, they feature local cowboys competing against each other. However, if you would rather spend your free time indoors, you can watch movies at the theater. The Upton County Theater hosts various films and plays throughout the year.
Besides watching movies, you can also listen to live bands. Some of the best places to hear live music are the Bluebird Cafe, the Oasis Bar & Grill, and the El Patio Restaurant.
County Offices
Upton county offices ensure citizens get services and assistance when needed. The county maintains roads, bridges, schools, parks, and more. The following are some of the offices in Upton County:
Judges office- The office handles all legal matters. Dusty W. Kilgore heads it. Call the office at 432-693-2321 for assistance.
The County Attorney’s Office is under Paige Skehan. The office handles civil litigation, criminal cases, and appeals. Call this number for help: (432)-693-2222.
The Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement services. Sheriff William Mitch Upchurch leads it. His phone number is 432-693-2861.
The clerk’s office manages the court system. Clerk LaWanda McMurray leads it. Her phone number is 432-693-2861.
Tax Collector Office collects property taxes and distributes them to counties and cities. Tax collector Monica Zarate leads it. You can call them at 432-693-2572.
County Treasurer / Human Resource Coordinator office is under Vivian Venegas. You can call her at 432-693-2401.
Is Upton Count safe?
In general, Upton County is considered safe. However, like any other area, there are always risks involved. Keep an eye out for suspicious people and vehicles. Don’t let yourself be distracted while driving. Also, if you’re going somewhere new, research the area online before visiting. This will give you an idea of what to expect.
The Sheriff’s office is always alert for criminals. They patrol the streets 24/7. If you see anything suspicious, report it right away. You can call 911 for emergencies. Also, check with the police department if you need information on recent crimes.
Verdict
When moving into Upton county, you’ll want to know how well the community is doing. Luckily, the homes are affordable. The schools are good. There are plenty of jobs available. Crime rates are low, and the economy is growing. Overall, Upton County is a great place to live.