Cities and Towns in Deaf Smith County, Texas
Founded in 1876, Deaf Smith County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Deaf Smith County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Hereford is the county seat. With FIPS code of 117, Deaf Smith County has a population of 18,329 and area of 1,497 square miles (3,877 km²).
List of all cities in Deaf Smith County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Dawn, TX | 79025 | 806 |
| Hereford, TX | 79045 | 806 |
Major Cities and Towns in Deaf Smith County, Texas
Deaf Smith County is located in the northeastern region of the Texas Panhandle, with its county seat in Hereford. The county is named after Erastus “Deaf” Smith, a hero of the Texas Revolution, who was known for his scouting and intelligence-gathering efforts. Established in 1876, Deaf Smith County has a history rooted in agriculture, particularly in cattle ranching and cotton farming. The county’s economy has remained largely agricultural, but it also benefits from oil and gas production. Deaf Smith County is home to a few small towns, with Hereford being the largest and most influential. Other communities include Farwell, Tascosa, and Masterson, each contributing to the county’s rural charm and agricultural focus. Over the years, Deaf Smith County has developed a reputation for its rich farming heritage, scenic views, and rural lifestyle, offering a quiet but significant role in Texas agriculture.
Hereford
General Information
- Area: 4.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 15,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 79045
- Latitude/Longitude: 34.8155° N / 102.3988° W
City Location and History
Hereford is the county seat of Deaf Smith County, located in the northeastern part of the Texas Panhandle, about 35 miles southwest of Amarillo. The town was established in 1876, following the opening of the railroad in the area, which spurred development and made Hereford a hub for agricultural trade. The town’s name honors Erastus “Deaf” Smith, a Texas Revolution hero known for his scouting and intelligence-gathering skills. Initially a cattle town, Hereford expanded its agricultural base to include cotton farming and later became known as the “Beef Capital of the World,” due to its significant role in the beef industry. The town’s location along the U.S. Highway 60 and its proximity to major transportation routes have contributed to its growth. Today, Hereford serves as a major center for the region’s agriculture, especially in the beef and dairy industries. The town has experienced steady population growth and is an important regional center for both business and culture.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hereford is served by the Hereford Independent School District, with several schools offering a range of academic programs, from primary to high school education. Notable schools include Hereford High School, which boasts a strong athletic program, and Juan Sequin Elementary School. The town is home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Deaf Smith County Historical Museum, which celebrates the county’s agricultural heritage and the role of Erastus “Deaf” Smith in Texas history. Another key landmark is the Hereford Heritage Hall, which hosts community events and cultural activities. The town is also famous for the Hereford Livestock Auction, one of the largest cattle auctions in the region, and its annual Hereford Chamber of Commerce Beef Celebration, a festival that highlights the local beef industry. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing, with the Palo Duro Canyon located nearby, providing scenic views and recreational activities.
Farwell
General Information
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 79325
- Latitude/Longitude: 34.3955° N / 103.0107° W
City Location and History
Farwell is a small town located in the northwestern corner of Deaf Smith County, close to the border with New Mexico. Established in the early 1900s, Farwell’s growth was spurred by the arrival of the railroad and its proximity to agricultural lands. The town’s economy has long been based on farming and ranching, with cotton and cattle as the primary industries. Farwell is named after George Farwell, a railroad official who helped establish the town. The town’s rural charm and quiet lifestyle have made it a popular place for families and individuals who work in agriculture and the nearby city of Hereford. Over the years, Farwell has remained a small, tight-knit community, with a population that values its agricultural roots and rural lifestyle. The town serves as a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of larger cities, with local farming continuing to play a central role in its identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Farwell is part of the Farwell Independent School District, which provides education for students from kindergarten through high school. The main educational institution is Farwell High School, which offers both academic and extracurricular programs for students. Though a small town, Farwell has a number of important landmarks that reflect its agricultural heritage. These include the Farwell Community Center, which hosts local events, festivals, and gatherings. The town is also near the Farwell Memorial Park, a peaceful space for outdoor activities such as picnics and family events. Nearby, Caprock Canyons State Park offers recreational activities, including hiking, camping, and birdwatching. Farwell’s proximity to the Texas-New Mexico border gives it a unique position for local trade and commerce, and its central location in the region has allowed the town to play an important role in the area’s farming and ranching economy.
Tascosa
General Information
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 79085
- Latitude/Longitude: 34.8554° N / 102.3105° W
City Location and History
Tascosa is a small, unincorporated town located in the southern part of Deaf Smith County, near the Palo Duro Canyon. Established in the late 1800s, Tascosa was once a thriving cattle town and a popular stop for cowboys and ranchers. The town’s growth was linked to its location along the XIT Ranch, which was one of the largest ranches in Texas at the time. Tascosa served as a key trading post and a center for cattle drives, with a population that swelled during the peak of cattle ranching. However, as the cattle industry declined and railroads bypassed Tascosa, the town began to fade. Today, Tascosa is a ghost town, with few remaining structures and a dwindling population. The town remains historically significant due to its role in Texas’ cattle-ranching history and its association with notable figures like Charles Goodnight, one of the state’s most famous ranchers. Despite its decline, Tascosa is remembered as an important part of Deaf Smith County’s rich heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Since Tascosa no longer has a functioning school system, students attend schools in nearby Hereford. The town’s most prominent landmarks include the Tascosa Cemetery, where many of the town’s early settlers are buried. The town’s historical significance is also marked by the Tascosa Ghost Town signs and remnants of old ranching structures. The nearby Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a major attraction, offering stunning views, hiking trails, and opportunities for camping and wildlife watching. The historical importance of Tascosa is evident in the few remaining buildings and the stories of early cattle ranchers that continue to shape the region’s identity. The town remains a point of interest for history buffs and visitors exploring the region’s pioneering past.
