Cities and Towns in Glasscock County, Texas
Founded in 1887, Glasscock County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Glasscock County was formed from Tom Green County. The city of Garden City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 173, Glasscock County has a population of 1,149 and area of 901 square miles (2,334 km²).
List of all cities in Glasscock County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Garden City, TX | 79739 | 432 |
Major Cities and Towns in Glasscock County, Texas
1. Garden City, Texas
Location and History
Garden City is the county seat of Glasscock County and is located in the central part of the county, approximately 30 miles southwest of Midland. Founded in 1907, the town was established as part of the larger development of West Texas following the expansion of railroads and the discovery of oil in the region. Garden City, like many small towns in Texas, began as an agricultural hub, particularly for cotton and cattle ranching, but the discovery of oil in the early 20th century significantly boosted its economy. Despite the economic booms and busts typical of oil towns, Garden City has remained a small but stable community, with agriculture and oil production continuing to play a key role in the local economy. Over the years, the town’s population has remained relatively small, and it has retained its rural charm while serving as the center of governance for Glasscock County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Garden City is served by the Garden City Independent School District (ISD), which includes Garden City High School and Garden City Junior High. The school district is known for its strong community involvement and support for extracurricular activities. Major landmarks in Garden City include the Glasscock County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the focal point of local governance. The town also celebrates its agricultural roots, and the annual Garden City Rodeo is a well-loved event that showcases the area’s ranching and farming culture. The surrounding West Texas landscape provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing, while the nearby oil fields and historical ranches remind visitors of the town’s deep ties to the energy and agricultural industries.
City Details:
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 300+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79739
- Latitude and Longitude: 31.8303° N, 101.4481° W
2. Midkiff, Texas
Location and History
Midkiff is an unincorporated community located in the southern part of Glasscock County, roughly 20 miles southeast of Garden City. The area was originally settled in the late 19th century by farmers and ranchers who were drawn to the fertile land and the opportunities created by the expansion of the railroad network in West Texas. In the early 1900s, Midkiff became a significant oil-producing region after the discovery of oil in nearby fields. This transformed the local economy, leading to the construction of infrastructure, including railroads, roads, and public services, which contributed to the town’s growth. However, as oil production began to decline and agricultural practices took over again, Midkiff’s population and economic activity slowed. Today, the town is a small, quiet community with a history rooted in both agriculture and the oil industry.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Midkiff does not have its own school system, but students attend the Garden City Independent School District (ISD), with the nearest school located in Garden City. The community itself is mostly residential, with little commercial development. The closest landmarks include the Midkiff Cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for some of the area’s earliest settlers. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the nearby West Texas landscape, which is characterized by wide open spaces, mesquite trees, and desert flora. Though it is a small community, Midkiff’s proximity to larger towns like Garden City and Midland makes it an ideal location for those seeking a rural lifestyle while still being connected to regional amenities and services.
City Details:
- Area: Less than 1 square mile
- Population: Fewer than 100
- Zip Codes: 79755
- Latitude and Longitude: 31.6742° N, 101.5986° W
3. Sands, Texas
Location and History
Sands is a small, unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Glasscock County, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 87 and Farm-to-Market Road 2130. The area was originally settled in the early 1900s and was part of the broader settlement pattern in West Texas, where agriculture, primarily cotton farming, and cattle ranching played vital roles. Sands is a community that arose as a collection of homesteads and farms in the region, but like many small towns in Texas, its population grew and waned with the cyclical nature of agricultural and oil economies. In the 1920s, the discovery of oil in the region further bolstered the economy, leading to temporary booms in the area. Today, Sands remains a quiet rural community that continues to be largely dependent on agriculture, especially livestock and some crop farming, as well as oil production.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sands is part of the Garden City Independent School District, so students typically attend Garden City High School. The community itself lacks significant commercial or educational infrastructure, though it is surrounded by vast ranching lands that provide both economic and recreational opportunities. Major landmarks in Sands include the Sands Cemetery, which serves as the town’s main historical site, as it holds many graves from the town’s earliest settlers. The surrounding land is mostly used for farming and ranching, and residents and visitors enjoy the open spaces, especially for activities like hunting and outdoor sports. Sands’ rural charm continues to make it a peaceful retreat for those who want to live in a quieter, slower-paced environment.
City Details:
- Area: Less than 1 square mile
- Population: Fewer than 100
- Zip Codes: 79755 (shared with Midkiff)
- Latitude and Longitude: 31.7771° N, 101.4045° W
4. McKinney, Texas (Note: Often confused with the larger McKinney city in Collin County)
Location and History
McKinney is a small, rural community located in the northern part of Glasscock County, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 87. Founded in the late 1800s, McKinney was one of the early agricultural settlements in the region. Like many towns in West Texas, McKinney was built around farming and ranching, with cotton, livestock, and oil as the primary industries. Over the years, McKinney grew modestly, with many of its residents working in agriculture and oil. The town has always been small and remains an unincorporated area today, with much of its population spread across ranches and farmlands. The discovery of oil in nearby fields brought a brief economic boom, but McKinney has continued as a quiet, rural community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
McKinney does not have its own school system, but students in the area are served by the Garden City Independent School District, which provides education through its nearby schools. McKinney is primarily residential and agricultural, with few commercial businesses or public facilities. Its main landmark is the McKinney Cemetery, which serves as a historical marker for the town’s past residents. The surrounding area is known for its peaceful, open landscapes, and McKinney’s rural location makes it an ideal place for those seeking a quiet lifestyle away from larger cities. The town is also close to various outdoor recreation areas, including hunting grounds and private ranches.
City Details:
- Area: Less than 1 square mile
- Population: Fewer than 50
- Zip Codes: 79739 (shared with Garden City)
- Latitude and Longitude: 31.8749° N, 101.4376° W
