Cities and Towns in Carson County, Texas

Founded in 1876, Carson County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Carson County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Panhandle is the county seat. With FIPS code of 65, Carson County has a population of 5,746 and area of 923 square miles (2,391 km²).

List of all cities in Carson County, TX alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Groom, TX	79039	806
Panhandle, TX	79068	806
Skellytown, TX	79080	806
White Deer, TX	79097	806

Major Cities and Towns in Carson County, Texas

Panhandle

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

• Area: 1.4 square miles
• Population: 2,500+
• Zip Codes: 79068
• Latitude: 35.2315° N
• Longitude: 101.3521° W

Location and History:

Panhandle is the county seat of Carson County, located in the Texas Panhandle region. The town was founded in 1887 as a railroad town when the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway reached the area. It quickly became an important shipping and trading post for cattle and agricultural products, which were key to the local economy. The name “Panhandle” was chosen to reflect its location within the Texas Panhandle, a region that historically relied heavily on ranching and farming. Panhandle grew steadily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the agricultural industry flourished and the town’s economy expanded. Though much of the area around the town remains rural and agricultural, Panhandle today serves as a small community with a population of around 2,500 residents. The town retains much of its historic charm while offering modern amenities and services. It remains a center for ranching and farming in Carson County, with many residents still working in these industries.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Panhandle is served by the Panhandle Independent School District (ISD), which includes Panhandle High School, Panhandle Junior High, and Panhandle Elementary School. The district is known for its strong academic performance, extracurricular programs, and athletics. The Carson County Courthouse, located in downtown Panhandle, is a key historic landmark, serving as the center of local government and community activities. Another notable site is the Carson County Square House Museum, which showcases the history of the region, including exhibits on the early railroad days and local pioneer life. The Panhandle City Park is a community gathering place, offering a playground, sports facilities, and picnic areas for residents and visitors. The Panhandle Rodeo is a popular annual event that celebrates the area’s cowboy heritage, attracting crowds from across the region for bull riding, barrel racing, and more. With its rich history, local attractions, and small-town atmosphere, Panhandle offers a blend of historical significance and modern-day community spirit.

White Deer

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

• Area: 2.1 square miles
• Population: 1,000+
• Zip Codes: 79097
• Latitude: 35.2964° N
• Longitude: 101.3340° W

Location and History:

White Deer is a small town located in the northeastern part of Carson County, near the border with Gray County. The town was established in the late 19th century, with its name originating from the area’s large population of white-tailed deer. White Deer was settled around the same time as many other towns in the Texas Panhandle, during the era of westward expansion and the development of the railroad. The town’s economy was initially based on agriculture, especially cattle ranching, which remained the cornerstone of its economy for many years. The Panhandle and Santa Fe Railway helped solidify White Deer as a transportation hub for both local farmers and the surrounding ranching community. The town flourished during the early 1900s as its population grew and new businesses and services were established. Today, White Deer has a population of just over 1,000 residents and retains a rural charm while also benefiting from its proximity to larger towns like Pampa and Amarillo. The community continues to celebrate its history and heritage through various local events.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

White Deer is served by the White Deer Independent School District (ISD), which includes White Deer High School and White Deer Elementary School. The district is known for its emphasis on academic excellence and a strong sense of community, with extracurricular programs in athletics, music, and more. The White Deer Cemetery is one of the town’s historic landmarks, providing a glimpse into the region’s early settler days. Another landmark is the White Deer Community Center, which hosts local events, gatherings, and meetings for residents. For outdoor recreation, White Deer Lake offers fishing and picnic areas, while the surrounding area is popular for hiking and exploring the rugged Texas Panhandle landscape. The White Deer Cowboy Museum, though smaller than other museums in the region, highlights the cowboy culture and ranching history that shaped the town. The White Deer Rodeo is another tradition in the community, bringing locals and visitors together for a weekend of bull riding and rodeo events. With a deep connection to ranching, history, and outdoor life, White Deer offers a charming slice of rural Texas with easy access to nearby urban centers.

Skellytown

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

• Area: 0.9 square miles
• Population: 400+
• Zip Codes: 79080
• Latitude: 35.2620° N
• Longitude: 101.5075° W

Location and History:

Skellytown is a small community located in the southern part of Carson County, situated about 20 miles south of Pampa and 30 miles north of Amarillo. The town was founded in the early 1920s, named after the Skelly Oil Company, which was an influential oil company in the region during the early 20th century. Skellytown was established as a company town, where many of the local residents worked in the oil fields and for the company’s operations. The area quickly grew as oil was discovered in the Texas Panhandle, and the town became a hub for oil production, attracting workers from across the state. By the 1930s, Skellytown had become a thriving community with schools, stores, and services for its residents. However, as oil production in the area declined over the years, so did the town’s population, and Skellytown now has just over 400 residents. Today, the town remains largely a rural and residential community with a history tied to the Texas oil boom.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Skellytown is served by the Skellytown Independent School District (ISD), which operates Skellytown School that provides education for students from elementary through high school. The district is known for its commitment to small class sizes and a personalized approach to education. One of the key landmarks in Skellytown is the Skellytown Community Center, which serves as a gathering place for local events and meetings. The Skellytown Cemetery is another notable landmark, reflecting the town’s long history of oil industry settlers and their families. While the town lacks many large-scale attractions, its historical ties to the Texas oil boom are remembered, and its residents continue to preserve their heritage through local events. For those interested in the history of the oil industry in the region, a visit to nearby Pampa offers additional insights into the economic impact of oil in the Texas Panhandle. The Skellytown Rodeo is a popular event that showcases local cowboy culture and brings together residents and visitors to celebrate the area’s ranching heritage. Despite its small size, Skellytown remains an important piece of Carson County’s oil and ranching history.