Ector

Ector County

Updated on: November 16, 2021
Coordinates
31 52' 12" N, 102 32' 24" W (31.87, -102.54)
State
Texas
Region
West
County Seat:
Odessa
Year Organized:
1887
Total Square Miles:
901.779
898 square miles (2,330 km2) land
4.1 square miles (11 km2) water
Population:
157087 (2017)
Population: 157,087 est. (2017) 137,130 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
174
Ector County Website
http://www.co.ector.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Andrews (N)
Midland (E)
Upton (SE)
Crane (S)
Ward (SW)
Winkler (W)

Ector County Town List

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
157087
25 to 64 Years of Age:
50.04%
65 Years of Age and Older:
9.72%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$12.8 B
Labor Force:
85,132
Unemployment Rate:
2.70%

County Contact

1010 E 8Th St
County Courthouse
Odessa, TX, 79761-4634

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

Eastland County, Texas, got its name because it was initially part of Eastland Parish. The first settlers were French and Spanish, but they moved on to other places after a few years. The county seat is Eastland City which has most of the county offices. 

 The parish got its name after William Mosby Eastland, who served as a fighter in the Texas Revolution. He died because of the black bean excursions. 

What Is Eastland County Known For? 

The county is famous for the legend of “Old Rip ” who lived there during the 1800s. His house still stands today. It’s called the Old Rip House Museum. There are also many old buildings leftovers from when the area used to be an oil town. 

The county has a good climate all year round, with mild winters and hot summers. Summers can get very humid, though, so make sure you have some water handy if you’re going out hiking or camping. 

There are several lakes around the county, including Lake Eastland State Park, where people go fishing and boating. You’ll find plenty of wildlife, too, like deer, turkey, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, snakes, and turtles. 

The transport network in the county is excellent, with roads being paved throughout most areas. There are no major highways running through the county; however, Interstate 20 runs close by. 

You will need your own transportation to travel around the county. However, public buses run between cities within the county. 

The Best Attractions in Eastland County 

Eastland county is home to beautiful scenery and historic sites. Here are just a few: 

Old Rip House – This museum houses artifacts and information about the history of the county. 

Fort Parker State Historic Site – It is located near the city of Eastland; this site tells the story of how the United States won its independence from Mexico. 

Eastland Oil Field – A large field that once produced over 100 million barrels of crude oil per day. Nowadays, only small amounts remain. 

Eastland Wildlife Management Area – Home to thousands of acres of land set aside for hunting and trapping. 

Lake Leon – One of the largest artificial reservoirs in North America. 

Ringling Lake Park is an amusement park built in the 1930s that features roller coasters, bumper cars, Ferris wheels, carousels, kiddie rides, miniature golf courses, restaurants, shops, hotels, and even a zoo! 

Eastland County Museum- Opened in 2008, this museum contains exhibits telling the stories of the county’s early pioneers. 

Is Eastland a Good Place to Live 

Many people are moving to Eastland County because of the low cost of living here compared to larger metropolitan areas. People enjoy the slower pace of life and the friendly atmosphere.  

Many businesses offer health insurance plans at affordable prices, making healthcare much cheaper than in bigger towns. 

There are opportunities for employment in the county, but it takes hard work to succeed. The economy depends on agriculture, which means farming jobs are plentiful. 

If you love adventure, many places offer scenic views and activities. If you want to see more of what the country offers, head into nearby Dallas/Fort Worth. 

If you’d rather stay closer to home, Eastland offers elite schools and many recreational facilities. Some schools include Eastland High School, Eastland Junior College, Eastland Community College, and Eastland Christian Academy. 

Security is under the sheriff’s department, so crime rates are lower than in other counties.  

Overall, if you’re looking for an inexpensive area to settle down in, Eastland has everything you could ask for. 

The economy of Eastland County 

The economy of Eastland is vibrant and growing. Agriculture remains one of the major industries in the region. There are also several manufacturing companies, including food processing plants, chemical manufacturers, and plastics producers.  

In addition, numerous service providers offer medical care, banking services, legal advice, real estate agents, etc. 

 Most people are in employment, but wages are relatively low. This makes it difficult for families to save money and build wealth. Most residents rely heavily on government help programs to make ends meet. 

In recent years, however, things seem to improve. More business owners are opening up shop and hiring new employees. As long as they continue to do their part by investing in equipment and training workers, we can expect growth to remain strong. 

Additionally, the government supports businesses through tax breaks and subsidies. These incentives help small firms grow and create local jobs. They also encourage entrepreneurs who would otherwise struggle to start their own company. 

As far as education goes, most students attend public school systems. Private institutions provide additional educational options for those interested in higher learning. After college, most students work in the county where they grew up. 

What Kind of Culture Is Present in Eastland? 

People from all walks of life live in Eastland. You’ll find a wide range of ethnicities represented among its population. Residents come from different backgrounds and speak various languages.  

Many immigrants settled here during the early 1900s. Today, about half of the city’s residents were born outside of Texas. 

Culture plays a significant role in shaping how people interact with each other. People often get along well because they share similar values and beliefs. But sometimes, cultural differences lead to conflict. 

Despite these tensions, Eastlanders enjoy living together. 

Eastland County Offices 

The County Judge’s Office is under Judge Fields. He presides over court cases and handles administrative matters. Reach him via phone at (254) 629-1263 or 6076. 

The sheriff’s Office is under Sheriff Jason Weger. His telephone number is (254) 629-1774. You can call if you have security concerns. 

The Clerk’s Office is under Cathy Jentho. Reach the Office at (254) 629-1583. 

The Tax Assessor-Collector office is supervised by Andrea May. Table your questions at (254) 629-1564 or (254) 629-2211. 

The County Treasurer’s Office is under Christina Dodrill, serving since 2007. You can reach the Office at (254) 629-2672. 

 Finally, the County Auditor office is under Auditor Loretta. Phone the Office at (254) 629-1082. 

Conclusion 

In summary, Eastland County has been growing steadily throughout history. The economy remains stable despite the recession. However, there are still challenges facing this community.  

One major problem is unemployment which affects everyone regardless of race, gender, age, and religion.