Cities and Towns in Crane County, Texas
Founded in 1887, Crane County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Crane County was formed from Tom Green County. The city of Crane is the county seat. With FIPS code of 103, Crane County has a population of 4,680 and area of 786 square miles (2,036 km²).
List of all cities in Crane County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Crane, TX | 79731 | 432 |
Major Cities and Towns in Crane County, Texas
Crane County is located in West Texas, known for its oil and agricultural industries. Established in 1887, Crane County was named after William Carey Crane, a Baptist minister and philanthropist. The county’s economy has been historically tied to oil production, ranching, and agriculture, with cattle ranching and farming being a central part of the region’s heritage. Despite its small population, the county plays a vital role in Texas’s oil-rich Permian Basin, contributing to the state’s energy sector. Crane, the county seat, serves as the heart of the county, offering services to residents and travelers alike. While Crane County’s economy continues to be shaped by energy production, its small towns and wide-open spaces provide a peaceful rural lifestyle that contrasts with the bustling cities in Texas’s major metropolitan areas.
Crane
General Information
- Area: 1.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,300 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 79731
- Latitude/Longitude: 31.4033° N / 102.3494° W
City Location and History
Crane, the county seat of Crane County, is located in the western part of Texas, approximately 70 miles southeast of Odessa and 30 miles northwest of Big Spring. Founded in 1907, Crane grew rapidly due to its proximity to the oil fields in the Permian Basin. The discovery of oil in the region in the 1920s helped to establish Crane as an important hub for the energy industry. In its early years, Crane was primarily a railroad town, providing services for the growing agricultural and oil industries. Over time, Crane has maintained its reputation as a small, oil-dependent town while evolving into a service center for the surrounding ranching and farming communities. The town was officially incorporated in 1912 and has remained a small but vibrant community. Crane’s economy has always been closely tied to the oil boom and the Permian Basin’s energy resources, and despite fluctuations in the oil market, it continues to be a vital part of the region’s economic landscape.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Crane is served by the Crane Independent School District, which includes Crane High School, Crane Junior High School, and Crane Elementary School. These schools provide a well-rounded education and offer various extracurricular activities, including sports, fine arts, and academic clubs. Crane High School’s Crane Golden Cranes sports teams are an important part of the town’s identity, with football and basketball being particularly popular. The town’s major landmark is the Crane County Courthouse, an iconic structure that symbolizes the town’s role as the center of government and administration for the county. Another significant landmark is the Crane County Museum, which showcases the town’s history, from its early days as a railroad town to its role in the oil industry. Crane Park, located in the center of town, offers picnic areas, sports fields, and a community pool, providing recreational opportunities for families and visitors. Additionally, the town’s proximity to the Permian Basin offers opportunities for oil-related tours and industry events, making Crane a destination for those interested in Texas’s energy sector.
McCamey
General Information
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,400 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 79752
- Latitude/Longitude: 31.1650° N / 102.0296° W
City Location and History
McCamey is located in the northern part of Crane County, approximately 40 miles south of Odessa and 50 miles north of Big Lake. Established in 1927, McCamey was initially a small railroad stop. However, its growth was accelerated by the discovery of oil in the nearby fields of the Permian Basin during the early 1930s. The town was named after John McCamey, a local rancher and oilman, whose influence helped shape the development of the area. McCamey became a key center for the oil industry, with many families relocating to the area to work in the booming energy sector. The town has experienced significant changes over the years, including periods of rapid growth followed by declines, mirroring the boom-and-bust nature of the oil industry itself. Despite its small size, McCamey remains an important hub for the surrounding ranching communities and oil fields, with its history deeply intertwined with the development of the Permian Basin.
Major Schools and Landmarks
McCamey is served by the McCamey Independent School District, which includes McCamey High School and McCamey Middle School. The district provides education from kindergarten through high school, with a strong emphasis on sports, particularly football and basketball, which are key aspects of the town’s culture. McCamey High School’s sports teams, the Badgers, are a source of community pride. Major landmarks in McCamey include the McCamey Museum, which documents the town’s oil heritage, and the McCamey Water Tower, a unique structure that stands as a symbol of the town’s enduring connection to the oil industry. The Uptown Park in McCamey offers a gathering place for residents, featuring picnic tables, a walking track, and sports facilities. Additionally, McCamey is close to the Texas Oil and Gas Museum in nearby cities, where visitors can learn more about the history of the Permian Basin’s energy industry, an essential part of McCamey’s identity.
General County Landmarks
In addition to the towns of Crane and McCamey, the natural and industrial landscape of Crane County offers various landmarks of interest. The Permian Basin region is one of the largest oil-producing areas in the world, and the county plays a significant role in the energy sector. Oilfield tours and historical museums like the Crane County Museum and the McCamey Museum are key attractions for those wanting to explore the county’s rich history in the oil industry. For nature lovers, the Red Hills to the west of Crane County offer a rugged and picturesque backdrop for hiking and wildlife viewing. The county is also home to some ranching operations, and visitors may get a glimpse of traditional West Texas ranch life at local farms and ranches.
