Cities and Towns in Brown County, Texas

Founded in 1856, Brown County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Brown County was formed from Comanche County and Travis County. The city of Brownwood is the county seat. With FIPS code of 49, Brown County has a population of 38,192 and area of 944 square miles (2,445 km²).

List of all cities in Brown County, TX alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Bangs, TX	76823	325
Blanket, TX	76432	325
Brookesmith, TX	76827	325
Brownwood, TX	76801	325
	76802	325
	76803	325
	76804	325
Early, TX	76802	325
Grosvenor, TX	76801	325
Indian Creek, TX	76801	325
Lake Brownwood, TX	76801	325
Lake Shore, TX	76801	325
May, TX	76857	254
Shamrock Shores, TX	76801	325
Thrifty, TX	76801	325
Zephyr, TX	76890	325

Major Cities and Towns in Brown County, Texas

Brownwood

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 45.4 square miles
• Population: 19,000+
• Zip Codes: 76801, 76802
• Latitude: 31.6874° N
• Longitude: 98.9793° W

Location and History:

Brownwood is the county seat and largest city in Brown County, Texas. Located about 150 miles southwest of Dallas and 50 miles east of Abilene, it serves as the regional hub for commerce, education, and government. Brownwood’s history dates back to the early 1850s when it was founded as a military outpost called Camp Browne during the Indian Wars. In 1856, the area was officially settled, and the town was named after Henry Stevenson Brown, an officer in the U.S. Army. In the years that followed, the town developed into a vital agricultural center, with cotton, cattle, and farming playing a crucial role in its economy. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s further boosted the city’s growth and solidified its place as a regional trade and transportation center. Today, Brownwood maintains its small-town feel but has grown into a regional center with industries in healthcare, education, and retail. Its proximity to nearby lakes and scenic Hill Country makes it an attractive place to live and visit.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Brownwood is home to Howard Payne University, a private Christian institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Brownwood Independent School District serves the local community, with Brownwood High School as its centerpiece. The district has a strong academic reputation and a notable extracurricular program. Brownwood also boasts several key landmarks, such as the Brown County Courthouse, a beautiful historic building located in the town’s center. The Lehnis Railroad Museum offers a glimpse into the region’s railroad history, while Lake Brownwood State Park provides opportunities for outdoor activities like boating, hiking, and camping. The Brownwood Coliseum hosts events ranging from concerts to rodeos, making it a local landmark for entertainment. With its strong educational institutions, historic sites, and recreational opportunities, Brownwood is a lively community with deep roots in Texas history.

Early

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 0.4 square miles
• Population: 1,000+
• Zip Codes: 76802
• Latitude: 31.7405° N
• Longitude: 98.9803° W

Location and History:

Early is a small city located just a few miles south of Brownwood, Texas, along the Pecan Bayou. Originally founded in the 1870s as a settlement for families looking to establish farms, Early grew steadily as settlers sought fertile land for agricultural pursuits. It was named for Early Ferguson, a local landowner and one of the town’s first settlers. The town played a part in the early development of Brown County, serving as a base for ranchers and farmers. The establishment of the railroad in the late 19th century further connected Early to the broader economy of Texas, but it remained a relatively small agricultural community until the late 20th century. The town’s close proximity to Brownwood has made it a desirable residential area, and it has gradually become more residential while maintaining its rural roots. Today, Early is known for its small-town atmosphere, with a friendly community and a reputation for being family-oriented.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Early is served by the Early Independent School District, which includes Early High School and Early Middle School. The district is well-regarded for its strong academic programs and extracurricular opportunities, including sports and arts. Major landmarks in Early include the Pecan Bayou, which provides a scenic environment for fishing, kayaking, and outdoor recreation. The Early City Park is another popular site, with walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, offering a place for family gatherings and community events. The town also has a growing number of antique shops and local businesses that reflect its heritage and the rural charm that defines Early. The area surrounding Early is rich with natural beauty, and residents enjoy easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching in the nearby Davis Mountains. While Early remains small in size, it offers a peaceful and scenic setting, perfect for those looking to experience the best of Texas Hill Country living.

Bangs

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 1.0 square miles
• Population: 1,600+
• Zip Codes: 76823
• Latitude: 31.7770° N
• Longitude: 98.2901° W

Location and History:

Bangs is a small town located about 10 miles east of Brownwood in central Texas. Established in the 1880s, Bangs grew as a railroad town due to its strategic location along the Texas Central Railway. Initially, Bangs was a center for agriculture and trade, with cotton farming and livestock ranching forming the backbone of its economy. It was named after John Bangs, a local landowner who helped establish the town. In the early 20th century, the town became an important trade hub for surrounding rural communities. However, with the decline of the railroad and changes in the agricultural sector, Bangs’ growth slowed, and the town’s population remained small. Despite its size, Bangs has retained much of its historical charm, with many of its buildings dating back to the early 20th century. Today, it continues to serve as a peaceful rural town that is primarily residential but benefits from its proximity to Brownwood and other regional centers.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Bangs is served by the Bangs Independent School District, which includes Bangs High School and Bangs Middle School. The district offers a well-rounded education with strong support for athletics, arts, and academics. Bangs has several key landmarks that attract both locals and visitors. The Bangs Community Park is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including baseball, picnicking, and family events. The Bangs Historical Museum showcases the town’s heritage and features exhibits on local history, early settlements, and the railroad. Lake Brownwood, located a short distance from Bangs, is a well-known spot for boating, fishing, and hiking. The town also celebrates its agricultural roots with events such as the annual Bangs Rodeo, drawing crowds to witness local livestock and rodeo competitions. Despite being small, Bangs offers a unique blend of Texas history, rural beauty, and outdoor recreation, making it a great place for visitors and residents alike.

Blanket

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 1.0 square miles
• Population: 500+
• Zip Codes: 76432
• Latitude: 31.8536° N
• Longitude: 98.5762° W

Location and History:

Blanket is a small town located in the southwestern part of Brown County, about 15 miles south of Brownwood. The town’s name was derived from the Blanket Creek, which runs nearby, and early settlers likely gave the town the name as a reference to the region’s natural landscape. Founded in the late 19th century, Blanket developed as a farming and ranching community. Cotton farming and livestock production were the primary economic drivers, and the town played a small but vital role in the region’s agricultural activities. Blanket grew modestly throughout the 20th century, though its population remained small compared to neighboring towns like Brownwood and Early. The town’s rural charm, agricultural traditions, and scenic location along the Pecan Bayou make it a quiet and peaceful place to live. Today, Blanket continues to attract those looking for a rural lifestyle with close ties to farming and ranching.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Blanket is part of the Blanket Independent School District, which includes Blanket High School and Blanket Elementary School. The school district is known for its close-knit environment and strong community support. The town’s small size means that it lacks major commercial landmarks, but it is surrounded by scenic agricultural land and natural beauty. Pecan Bayou is a notable geographical feature in the area, providing opportunities for recreational activities like fishing and birdwatching. Blanket Park offers a tranquil spot for picnics and outdoor gatherings, and the town’s historic churches and early homes reflect its longstanding traditions and close community ties. The Blanket Cemetery holds historical significance, with many of the town’s early settlers buried there. With its peaceful, rural setting and agricultural backdrop, Blanket remains a place where residents can enjoy a slower pace of life while staying connected to the land.