Cities and Towns in Childress County, Texas

Founded in 1876, Childress County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Childress County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Childress is the county seat. With FIPS code of 75, Childress County has a population of 6,736 and area of 710 square miles (1,839 km²).

List of all cities in Childress County, TX alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Carey, TX	79201	940
Childress, TX	79201	940
Kirkland, TX	79201	940
Northfield, TX	79201	940
Tell, TX	79259	940

Major Cities and Towns in Childress County, Texas

Childress

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

• Area: 3.9 square miles
• Population: 6,100+
• Zip Codes: 79201
• Latitude: 34.4375° N
• Longitude: 100.2123° W

Location and History:

Childress is the county seat of Childress County, located in the northern part of Texas, about 140 miles northeast of Lubbock. Founded in 1887, the city was named after George Childress, a prominent figure and the primary author of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped Childress grow rapidly from a small settlement into a key hub for trade and agriculture. The city’s economy was initially driven by cotton farming and ranching, both of which flourished due to the fertile soil and favorable climate. Childress became an important stop on the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway, leading to further expansion. Over the decades, the economy diversified, with agriculture continuing to play a major role alongside oil and natural gas exploration. In recent years, Childress has retained its rural charm while seeing modest growth in population and commerce. The city offers a blend of historical architecture, community festivals, and local businesses, making it a picturesque small-town Texas location.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Childress is served by the Childress Independent School District (ISD), which includes Childress High School, Childress Junior High School, and Childress Elementary School. The district provides strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and athletic programs, with particular pride in its sports teams. Notable landmarks in Childress include the Childress County Courthouse, a beautiful historic building that reflects the city’s early architectural styles. The Childress County Heritage Museum offers insight into the region’s history, including exhibits on ranching, oil, and the railroad’s role in the city’s growth. Fair Park, a local recreation area, provides a place for outdoor activities like walking, picnicking, and sports. Additionally, the Big Texan Steak Ranch, a famous landmark on the outskirts of town, is well-known for its oversized steak challenge and a popular stop for travelers. The Northwest Texas Hospital, an important community institution, serves as the area’s primary medical center. Childress’ historical buildings, community events, and proximity to natural attractions like Lake Childress and the Texas Panhandle make it an appealing destination.

Quanah

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

• Area: 2.2 square miles
• Population: 2,000+
• Zip Codes: 79252
• Latitude: 34.2687° N
• Longitude: 99.7625° W

Location and History:

Quanah is a small city located in the southern part of Childress County, about 60 miles northeast of the city of Abilene. It was founded in 1884 and named after Quanah Parker, the last chief of the Comanche tribe. Parker, a significant figure in Native American history, played a crucial role in the transition of the Comanche people into reservation life after years of resistance to European-American encroachment. Quanah grew rapidly after the arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver Railway in the 1880s, becoming an important commercial and agricultural center. The economy initially centered on farming and ranching, especially cattle and cotton. The railroad allowed for greater access to the rest of Texas and beyond, and the town flourished as a result. Over time, Quanah’s economy diversified to include oil and gas exploration. While it has remained a relatively small town, it retains a deep connection to its historic Native American heritage, as well as the agricultural legacy that has shaped its development.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Quanah is served by the Quanah Independent School District (ISD), which includes Quanah High School, Quanah Junior High, and Quanah Elementary School. The district emphasizes both academic excellence and strong extracurricular opportunities, with a focus on local history and community pride. One of Quanah’s major landmarks is the Quanah Parker Trail and the Quanah Parker Lake, named after the famed Comanche chief. This natural area offers outdoor recreation, fishing, and beautiful scenic views. The Quanah Depot Museum preserves the town’s railroad history, showcasing historical artifacts and exhibits that detail the region’s economic and social development. Another landmark is the Comanche Springs, a historic site that was once the center of the tribe’s settlement and continues to serve as an important cultural reference point for both Native American history and local heritage. The Old Town Square, with its historic buildings and structures, gives a glimpse into the town’s early commercial life. Quanah hosts several annual events that celebrate its rich heritage, such as the Quanah Peach Festival, drawing visitors from across the region to enjoy food, music, and local arts. The town’s blend of historical significance, outdoor activities, and community spirit make it a charming stop in the Texas Panhandle.

Dodson

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

• Area: 0.2 square miles
• Population: 75+
• Zip Codes: 79230
• Latitude: 34.4426° N
• Longitude: 100.0781° W

Location and History:

Dodson is an extremely small, rural community located in the eastern part of Childress County, approximately 15 miles west of the city of Childress. Established in the early 1900s, Dodson has remained a small, tight-knit community with a focus on agriculture, particularly cotton farming and cattle ranching. The town grew around the arrival of the railroad, which provided transport for goods and crops from the surrounding region. While much of the land around Dodson was dedicated to farming, the town itself remained fairly minimal in terms of development, primarily serving as a hub for local agricultural trade and commerce. Over the years, the population has remained small, as many rural areas of Texas saw migrations to larger cities in the mid-20th century. Despite this, Dodson retains a quiet, rural charm and serves as a reminder of early Texas settlement life, with many of the original farmhouses and ranch structures still standing.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

As a very small town, Dodson is served by the Childress Independent School District (ISD), with students attending schools in nearby Childress. Dodson has no standalone schools but benefits from its proximity to the larger town of Childress for educational needs. Major landmarks in Dodson include the Old Dodson Grain Elevator, a remnant of the town’s once-thriving agricultural industry. The Dodson Cemetery is another key landmark, where many of the original settlers of the town are buried. While there are few commercial or public landmarks in Dodson, its rural setting offers a picturesque backdrop for local farming operations and small-town life. The nearby Red River and the Prarie Dog Town Fork of the Red River offer opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and boating. The town also hosts occasional community gatherings, including small agricultural fairs and local events centered around the area’s agricultural heritage. Dodson may not have the large tourist attractions of nearby towns, but its rural and historic character provides a glimpse into the agricultural heart of Texas.