Cities and Towns in Ellis County, Texas
Founded in 1849, Ellis County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Ellis County was formed from Navarro County. The city of Waxahachie is the county seat. With FIPS code of 139, Ellis County has a population of 202,678 and area of 940 square miles (2,435 km²).
List of all cities in Ellis County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Avalon, TX | 76623 | 214/469/972 |
| Bardwell, TX | 75101 | 214/469/972 |
| Ennis, TX | 75119 | 214/469/972 |
| 75120 | 214/469/972 | |
| Ferris, TX | 75125 | 214/469/972 |
| Forreston, TX | 76041 | 214/469/972 |
| Glenn Heights, TX | 75154 | 214/469/972 |
| Italy, TX | 76651 | 214/469/972 |
| Iverson, TX | 76670 | 214/469/972 |
| Maypearl, TX | 76064 | 214/469/972 |
| Midlothian, TX | 76065 | 214/469/972 |
| Milford, TX | 76670 | 214/469/972 |
| Oak Leaf, TX | 75154 | 214/469/972 |
| Ovilla, TX | 75154 | 214/469/972 |
| Palmer, TX | 75152 | 214/469/972 |
| Red Oak, TX | 75154 | 214/469/972 |
| Waxahachie, TX | 75165 | 214/469/972 |
| 75167 | 214/469/972 | |
| 75168 | 214/469/972 |
Major Cities and Towns in Ellis County, Texas
Ellis County is located in North Central Texas, south of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The county was established in 1849 and is named after Richard Ellis, a former president of the Texas Convention and a key figure in Texas’ early independence movement. Ellis County has seen significant growth in recent decades, thanks to its proximity to Dallas and its strong ties to both agriculture and industry. Below are the major cities and towns in Ellis County, Texas.
Waxahachie
General Information
- Area: 35.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 40,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 75165, 75167, 75168
- Latitude/Longitude: 32.3926° N / 96.8486° W
City Location and History
Waxahachie, the county seat of Ellis County, is located about 30 miles south of Dallas, making it part of the expanding Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The city’s name, believed to be of Native American origin, may mean “buffalo creek” or “rich in water.” Waxahachie was founded in the mid-1800s and became a significant center for agriculture, particularly cotton production. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s further solidified the city’s position as a major trading post. Waxahachie’s rich history is visible in its many well-preserved 19th-century buildings, and the city is known for its vibrant downtown district, which has earned recognition on the National Register of Historic Places. Waxahachie is also known for its involvement in Texas’ early history, with many of its buildings showcasing Victorian, Gothic Revival, and Italianate architectural styles. In the 20th century, the city saw substantial growth with the development of residential communities and local industry, and today it is a blend of historic charm and modern convenience.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Waxahachie is served by the Waxahachie Independent School District, which includes several schools, such as Waxahachie High School, Waxahachie Global High School, and Finley Junior High School. The district offers a strong academic program as well as extracurricular activities, with particular emphasis on sports and arts programs. One of the key landmarks in the city is the Ellis County Courthouse, a stunning example of Renaissance Revival architecture and a focal point in the downtown area. Waxahachie is also famous for the Waxahachie Historic District, which includes several homes, churches, and public buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Scarborough Renaissance Festival, held annually, is another major attraction that draws visitors from across Texas to celebrate the city’s medieval and Renaissance heritage. The Baker Hotel, though no longer operational, is another historical building of significance. Additionally, Getzendaner Memorial Park and Lake Waxahachie offer outdoor recreation opportunities, making the city a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
Ennis
General Information
- Area: 19.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 20,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 75119
- Latitude/Longitude: 32.3220° N / 96.6478° W
City Location and History
Ennis is located about 25 miles south of Dallas, making it another city benefiting from proximity to the larger metropolitan area. Founded in the late 1800s, Ennis originally grew as a railroad town and quickly became a center for agriculture, especially known for its cotton production. In the early 20th century, Ennis was known as the “Bluebonnet City” because of the abundance of bluebonnets that grew in the area. Ennis was also a major stop for travelers on the Texas & Pacific Railway. Today, the city is famous for its Bluebonnet Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors every spring to see the vibrant flowers. Ennis has preserved much of its small-town charm while benefiting from the rapid growth in the region. As it has expanded, the city has seen the development of residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and a growing arts and culture scene.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ennis is served by the Ennis Independent School District, which includes Ennis High School, Ennis Junior High School, and Carroll Elementary School. The district is well-regarded for its educational standards, and the city also has a growing number of private schools. One of the city’s most famous landmarks is The Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum, which showcases the city’s railroad history, along with artifacts and displays about the local heritage. Ennis is also known for its Bluebonnet Trails, which include a series of scenic routes throughout the city where visitors can view fields of wildflowers in bloom. The Ennis Bluebonnet Festival, held each spring, celebrates the bluebonnet and includes arts, crafts, and live entertainment. Lake Bardwell, located just outside of town, provides outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The Ennis Veterans Memorial Park is another important site in the city, commemorating the sacrifices of local veterans.
Midlothian
General Information
- Area: 20.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 40,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 76065
- Latitude/Longitude: 32.4811° N / 96.9908° W
City Location and History
Midlothian is located in the northeastern part of Ellis County, approximately 25 miles south of downtown Dallas. The city was originally established in the 1850s and was named after Midlothian, Scotland, because of the area’s settlers’ Scottish origins. Like many small towns in Texas, Midlothian initially grew around agriculture, with cotton, corn, and livestock being the primary industries. The city’s population began to grow in the 20th century as Dallas expanded and suburban development spread southward. In recent years, Midlothian has become known for its rapid residential growth, particularly with families seeking to live near Dallas while still enjoying the charm of a small town. The city also has a strong industrial presence, with several major cement and concrete companies having operations in the area. Midlothian’s development is a blend of residential, commercial, and industrial growth, making it one of the county’s most dynamic communities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Midlothian is served by the Midlothian Independent School District, which includes Midlothian High School, Midlothian Heritage High School, and a variety of middle and elementary schools. The district is known for its strong academic programs and a wide array of extracurricular activities, especially in athletics. Midlothian is also home to The Midlothian Public Library, which provides educational programs and community resources. Major landmarks in the city include the Historic District of Midlothian, which features several buildings from the city’s early history, and Midlothian Community Park, which offers recreational facilities like walking trails, a swimming pool, and sports fields. The city also hosts the Midlothian Western Days Festival, a popular annual event that celebrates the city’s history with parades, live entertainment, and a rodeo. The Midlothian Sports Complex offers additional outdoor recreational opportunities, including soccer fields, a football field, and a track. Additionally, Lake Waxahachie is just a short drive away, providing boating, fishing, and camping options for residents.
Red Oak
General Information
- Area: 10.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 15,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 75154
- Latitude/Longitude: 32.5360° N / 96.8225° W
City Location and History
Red Oak is located in the northeastern part of Ellis County, approximately 20 miles south of Dallas. It was founded in the late 19th century, with its name derived from a prominent red oak tree that once stood in the area. Like many other small Texas towns, Red Oak’s economy was historically based on agriculture, with cotton and livestock being key industries. The arrival of the Dallas, Cedar Hill, and Midlothian Railroad in the early 1900s brought increased commerce and population growth to Red Oak. The town remained small for much of the 20th century, but as the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex expanded, Red Oak began to see significant residential development. Today, Red Oak has become a bedroom community for people working in Dallas, offering more affordable housing options while still maintaining its small-town atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Red Oak is served by the Red Oak Independent School District, which includes Red Oak High School, Red Oak Middle School, and Eastridge Elementary School. The district is known for its commitment to academic excellence and a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities. Major landmarks in the city include The Red Oak Heritage Museum, which highlights the history of the town and its surrounding areas, and Red Oak City Park, which features sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas for families. Lake Waxahachie, just a short drive away, provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. Red Oak’s Historical District is home to several early 20th-century buildings, and the Red Oak Cemetery serves as a reminder of the city’s long history and the early settlers who helped shape the community.
