Cities and Towns in Ector County, Texas
Founded in 1887, Ector County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Ector County was formed from Tom Green County. The city of Odessa is the county seat. With FIPS code of 135, Ector County has a population of 161,091 and area of 901 square miles (2,334 km²).
List of all cities in Ector County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Gardendale, TX | 79758 | 432 |
| Goldsmith, TX | 79741 | 432 |
| Notrees, TX | 79759 | 432 |
| Odessa, TX | 79760 | 432 |
| 79761 | 432 | |
| 79762 | 432 | |
| 79763 | 432 | |
| 79764 | 432 | |
| 79765 | 432 | |
| 79766 | 432 | |
| 79768 | 432 | |
| 79769 | 432 | |
| Penwell, TX | 79776 | 432 |
Major Cities and Towns in Ector County, Texas
Ector County is located in the western part of Texas and is home to the city of Odessa, which serves as the county seat and the largest city in the area. Named after Matthew Ector, a Confederate general, the county is part of the Permian Basin, one of the world’s most productive oil fields. Ector County has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly due to the oil and gas industry, and its economy is heavily influenced by energy production. Below are the major cities and towns in Ector County, Texas.
Odessa
General Information
- Area: 43.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 130,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79760, 79761, 79762, 79764, 79765, 79766
- Latitude/Longitude: 31.8457° N / 102.3676° W
City Location and History
Odessa is located in the western part of Texas, about 330 miles west of Dallas and 20 miles east of the New Mexico border. It was founded in 1881 as a railroad town, named after Odessa, Ukraine, due to its location on the Southern Pacific Railroad line. Initially, Odessa was a small farming and ranching community, but it transformed into a booming oil town after the discovery of oil in the area in the 1920s. The city became a hub for the oil industry, and the economic growth driven by oil production has continued to shape Odessa’s development. Over time, Odessa expanded into a larger urban center, with significant developments in education, healthcare, and the arts. While oil remains a critical part of the local economy, the city has diversified, attracting businesses and residents seeking both work and quality of life. Odessa is known for its tough, hardworking spirit, which is often reflected in its local culture, sports teams, and community pride.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Odessa is served by the Ector County Independent School District, which includes schools such as Odessa High School, Permian High School, and Odessa College. The school district is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly football, with Permian High School being made famous by the book and movie Friday Night Lights. Odessa is also home to The University of Texas Permian Basin, offering higher education opportunities in fields such as business, engineering, and nursing. Key landmarks in Odessa include The Ector Theatre, a historic venue offering plays and concerts, and the Presidential Archives and Leadership Library, which honors U.S. Presidents and provides educational exhibits. Odessa is also known for The Texas Odessa Meteor Crater, a unique geological site that attracts visitors interested in natural history. McKinney Park and The Odessa Parks System offer outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, swimming, and picnicking. The Odessa Arts District is also an important cultural hub, featuring art galleries, live performances, and local shops.
Gardendale
General Information
- Area: 3.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 79758
- Latitude/Longitude: 31.9533° N / 102.2494° W
City Location and History
Gardendale is a small community located about 10 miles northeast of Odessa in Ector County. Established in the 1930s, Gardendale developed as a residential area for oil industry workers during the early days of the Permian Basin oil boom. It remains primarily a residential community with a focus on small-town living, despite the oil industry continuing to have a significant influence on the surrounding region. The town has largely retained its rural charm, and its proximity to Odessa allows residents to enjoy a quieter lifestyle while still benefiting from the economic opportunities and amenities offered by the larger city. Gardendale has a small but tight-knit population, with a sense of community fostered by local events and gatherings.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gardendale is served by the Ector County Independent School District, with children typically attending schools in Odessa. Major landmarks in the area include Gardendale Park, which offers a small but peaceful space for residents to relax, and nearby McKinney Park in Odessa, which provides larger outdoor facilities. The town is also located near the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Odessa, where visitors can learn about the region’s oil history. While Gardendale is small, it benefits from its proximity to Odessa, which means that residents have easy access to the larger city’s cultural, educational, and recreational resources. The surrounding desert landscape also makes the area appealing to nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility away from the city’s bustle.
Goldsmith
General Information
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 79741
- Latitude/Longitude: 31.9983° N / 102.3042° W
City Location and History
Goldsmith is a small unincorporated community located about 15 miles south of Odessa in Ector County. It was established in the early 1900s during the oil boom, as a supply hub for workers involved in the growing oil industry. The name “Goldsmith” came from a prominent local family that settled in the area. Like many towns in the Permian Basin, Goldsmith grew quickly during the early days of oil exploration and drilling, but its population has remained relatively small compared to larger cities like Odessa. Goldsmith’s economy today is still closely tied to the oil industry, though many residents also commute to Odessa for work or recreational activities. The community is rural, with few services but a strong sense of local identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Goldsmith does not have its own independent school district; children attend schools in Ector County Independent School District, with Odessa being the closest educational center. Local landmarks are limited due to the community’s small size, but Goldsmith Cemetery serves as an important historical site, marking the early residents and settlers of the town. Nearby McKinney Park in Odessa provides a larger space for outdoor activities, and the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum offers insight into the oil industry that played such a pivotal role in the area’s development. The surrounding landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching, especially in areas with open desert and rugged terrain. Despite its size, Goldsmith maintains a quiet, rural charm, offering an escape from the busier areas of Odessa.
Notrees
General Information
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 150 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 79756
- Latitude/Longitude: 31.8052° N / 102.3819° W
City Location and History
Notrees is a small, unincorporated community located about 10 miles north of Odessa, near the New Mexico border. The community was established in the early 1900s as part of the region’s oil boom. It was named Notrees due to its sparse vegetation, with very few trees found in the area due to the arid climate of the Permian Basin. Historically, Notrees developed as a small oil town, supporting oil extraction and transportation workers. Over time, the community remained small, with the economy still centered around oil, ranching, and farming. Today, Notrees is a quiet, rural area with a limited population, and many residents commute to nearby cities for work.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Notrees is served by the Ector County Independent School District, and children typically attend schools in Odessa. The town does not have major landmarks due to its small size, but it is located near Lake Odessa and other outdoor areas, providing opportunities for local residents to enjoy recreational activities. The surrounding area is rich in oil history, and the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Odessa serves as a cultural touchstone for understanding the importance of the oil industry in Notrees’ development. Residents of Notrees enjoy the quiet, rural atmosphere, while being within reach of the larger amenities of Odessa.
