Cities and Towns in Gaines County, Texas
Founded in 1876, Gaines County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Gaines County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Seminole is the county seat. With FIPS code of 165, Gaines County has a population of 21,895 and area of 1,502 square miles (3,890 km²).
List of all cities in Gaines County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Loop, TX | 79342 | 806 |
| Seagraves, TX | 79359 | 806 |
| Seminole, TX | 79360 | 432 |
Major Cities and Towns in Gaines County, Texas
1. Seminole, Texas
Location and History
Seminole, located in the western part of Gaines County, serves as the county seat and is the largest city in the area. The city was founded in 1906, named after the Seminole Indians, and originally grew as an agricultural and railroad hub. The arrival of the Texas and New Mexico Railway helped the settlement to prosper, and it quickly became the center of trade for the surrounding farming communities. The discovery of oil in the region in the 1920s further fueled the town’s growth, leading to economic booms. Over time, the population of Seminole has fluctuated with the ebb and flow of the oil industry, but today it remains a central part of the region’s economy, with agriculture, energy, and education forming key sectors.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Seminole is home to Seminole Independent School District, which includes a high school, middle school, and several elementary schools. The city also hosts the Seminole Public Library, which offers educational resources to the community. A major landmark is the Gaines County Museum, which showcases local history, from the region’s Native American roots to its agricultural and oil heritage. Seminole is also known for its beautiful parks, including the Gaines County Park, where residents and visitors enjoy sports facilities, playgrounds, and open spaces.
City Details:
- Area: 2.75 square miles
- Population: 7,000+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79360
- Latitude and Longitude: 32.7161° N, 102.6404° W
2. Loop, Texas
Location and History
Loop, a small town located in the eastern part of Gaines County, was established in the early 1900s as a railroad stop for the Texas and Pacific Railway. It was named after a nearby loop in the railway line, which became a critical junction for trade and transport. While Loop never grew to the size of Seminole, its agricultural roots have remained the core of the local economy. Cotton, peanuts, and cattle were traditionally the mainstays of farming in the area, and even today, Loop maintains a strong connection to its agricultural past. The community has remained tight-knit and serves as a center for rural residents in Gaines County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Loop Independent School District is the primary educational provider in the town, with Loop High School being the focal point for secondary education. The town also has a small community center that hosts local events and functions. One of the landmarks in Loop is the Loop Community Center, which serves as a gathering point for residents. The town is surrounded by vast fields, and while it lacks the urban landmarks of larger cities, it offers scenic views of West Texas’ flat plains, with beautiful sunsets over the open landscape.
City Details:
- Area: 0.48 square miles
- Population: 100–150 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79342
- Latitude and Longitude: 32.7474° N, 102.1221° W
3. Welch, Texas
Location and History
Welch is a small community located in the northern part of Gaines County. It was founded in the early 1900s and was originally a farming and railroad town. Like much of the surrounding area, Welch’s economy was historically driven by cotton farming, and the town was once home to several businesses that supported the local agricultural economy. However, as the railroad industry declined and farming practices evolved, the town’s population shrank, and many businesses closed. Despite this, Welch remains an important rural community with a focus on agriculture and oil production.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The town is served by the Seminole Independent School District, with students in Welch attending schools in nearby Seminole. The town is primarily residential and does not have a large number of public amenities, but the surrounding farming community is a defining feature of life here. The major landmark in Welch is the nearby Gritty Creek, which offers natural scenery and a glimpse into the rural landscape that surrounds the town. Though Welch lacks large commercial or cultural landmarks, its role as part of the greater Gaines County community remains significant.
City Details:
- Area: Less than 1 square mile
- Population: Fewer than 100
- Zip Codes: 79377
- Latitude and Longitude: 32.9623° N, 102.6361° W
4. Irving, Texas (Note: Often confused with other towns of similar name)
Location and History
Located in the central part of Gaines County, Irving was a smaller settlement during the early 20th century. Its growth was slow but steady, owing to its central location within the county, making it a natural gathering point for local commerce. Today, Irving remains a mostly agricultural community, with residents working primarily in farming or in the nearby oil fields. Irving’s historical significance lies in its role as one of the county’s early agricultural centers, with cotton farming serving as the backbone of its economy until oil drilling became prominent in the 1920s.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Irving is part of the Seminole ISD, so children in the area typically attend schools in Seminole, though the town itself has a strong community spirit, with local social gatherings held at its small community center. A notable landmark in the area is the nearby Lone Tree Hill, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains and has historical significance for local ranchers and farmers. Though Irving does not have the infrastructure of a larger town, its quiet, rural atmosphere appeals to those seeking a simpler lifestyle amidst the vast West Texas landscape.
City Details:
- Area: 0.30 square miles
- Population: Under 50
- Zip Codes: 79360 (shared with Seminole)
- Latitude and Longitude: 32.7349° N, 102.6767° W
5. Denver City, Texas
Location and History
Denver City is located in the southeastern corner of Gaines County, Texas. Founded in the early 1920s, it owes much of its establishment to the discovery of oil in the area, which prompted rapid growth. Initially, it was a small oil field town but has since evolved into a rural community with agriculture, particularly cotton and peanuts, playing a significant role in the local economy. Denver City was named after Denver, Colorado, in hopes of attracting settlers, but it has remained a small, close-knit town with a strong agricultural and energy industry foundation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The Denver City Independent School District serves the educational needs of the area, with Denver City High School being the central institution for secondary education. The town also boasts the Denver City Community Center, which hosts local events, and the Gaines County Golf Course, a popular recreation spot for residents. Major landmarks include the old oil derricks that once dotted the area and the nearby Lamar Oilfield, which continues to be a part of the region’s energy landscape. The city offers easy access to nearby parks and is a popular stop for those traveling through the region.
City Details:
- Area: 1.58 square miles
- Population: 4,200+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79323
- Latitude and Longitude: 32.9707° N, 102.3907° W
