Cities and Towns in Hale County, Texas
Founded in 1876, Hale County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Hale County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Plainview is the county seat. With FIPS code of 189, Hale County has a population of 32,220 and area of 1,005 square miles (2,603 km²).
List of all cities in Hale County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Abernathy, TX | 79311 | 806 |
| Cotton Center, TX | 79021 | 806 |
| Edmonson, TX | 79032 | 806 |
| Hale Center, TX | 79041 | 806 |
| Petersburg, TX | 79250 | 806 |
| Plainview, TX | 79072 | 806 |
| 79073 | 806 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hale County, Texas
1. Plainview, Texas
Location and History
Plainview is the largest city and county seat of Hale County, located in the northwestern part of Texas, about 40 miles south of Lubbock. The city was founded in 1887 and named for the “plain views” surrounding the area. Its growth was fueled by the arrival of the railroad and the development of agriculture, especially cotton farming, which dominated the local economy. The region, once part of the Wild West frontier, attracted settlers after the expansion of the Texas & Pacific Railroad, and Plainview quickly became an important trade center. In the early 20th century, the discovery of irrigation and the establishment of farming co-ops further bolstered the city’s agricultural significance. During the Great Depression, Plainview was a hub of relief efforts, and the city’s economy began diversifying with the introduction of oil production in the 1940s. Today, Plainview remains an agricultural center, but it also has a growing industrial base and provides services to the surrounding rural areas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Plainview is served by the Plainview Independent School District, which includes Plainview High School and several middle and elementary schools. The town also hosts Wayland Baptist University, a private Christian liberal arts institution, offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Major landmarks include the Hale County Courthouse, a historic building in the downtown area, and the Texas Agricultural and Industrial Museum, which showcases the area’s agricultural heritage. The Plainview City Park, with walking trails, a fishing pond, and picnic areas, provides recreational space for residents. The city also hosts events like the West Texas Walk of Fame, celebrating the achievements of individuals from the region, and the annual Plainview Harvest Festival, which honors the city’s agricultural roots.
City Details:
- Area: 17.5 square miles
- Population: 22,000+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79072
- Latitude and Longitude: 34.1841° N, 101.7050° W
2. Abernathy, Texas
Location and History
Abernathy is a small city located in the northeastern part of Hale County, about 15 miles south of Lubbock. It was founded in the early 1900s and was initially a stop along the railroad. Abernathy’s early settlers were primarily engaged in farming and ranching, and the town was named after John Abernathy, a local businessman. In the 1920s, the city became a significant hub for cotton production, and agriculture remained the dominant economic driver for many years. While much smaller than Plainview, Abernathy has a rich community spirit and continues to have a strong agricultural base. The city saw growth throughout the mid-20th century but has maintained a quiet, rural atmosphere. Today, Abernathy is a peaceful town with a close-knit community that values its historical roots and agricultural traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Abernathy is served by the Abernathy Independent School District, which includes Abernathy High School, a school known for its academic and athletic programs. The town has several parks and community centers that serve as gathering spaces for local events. One key landmark in Abernathy is the Abernathy Heritage Park, which features a historical marker recognizing the city’s founding and early growth. Another key site is the Abernathy City Park, which provides space for local sports and outdoor activities. The town is also home to the Abernathy Public Library, which hosts educational programs and community events throughout the year. Local events like the annual Homecoming Parade foster a sense of community and highlight the town’s close ties to its agricultural past.
City Details:
- Area: 1.5 square miles
- Population: 3,000+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79311
- Latitude and Longitude: 33.6580° N, 101.7923° W
3. Kress, Texas
Location and History
Kress is a small town located in the southeastern part of Hale County, approximately 20 miles east of Plainview. Kress was founded in 1907 and named after the Kress family, who were prominent early settlers and entrepreneurs in the area. The town’s early economy was centered around agriculture, with cotton and grain farming as the primary industries. Kress grew quickly due to the development of the railroad, which made it a key stop for transporting agricultural products. Throughout the 20th century, Kress remained a small, rural community, but it has faced challenges with population decline as farming became more mechanized and fewer people worked in agriculture. Despite these challenges, Kress maintains a strong sense of community and is known for its historic downtown area and family-oriented atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kress is served by the Kress Independent School District, which includes Kress High School, a small school known for its close-knit academic environment and sports programs. The town is home to several historic landmarks, including the Kress City Park, which features picnic areas, sports fields, and playgrounds. Another key landmark is the Kress Public Library, which serves as a hub for educational and cultural programs for residents of all ages. Kress also celebrates its agricultural heritage through annual events such as the Kress Community Picnic, which brings together families and visitors for a day of food, music, and entertainment. The town’s rural location provides opportunities for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking in the nearby countryside.
City Details:
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: 1,700+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79052
- Latitude and Longitude: 34.3155° N, 101.6780° W
4. Olton, Texas
Location and History
Olton is located in the eastern part of Hale County, about 25 miles southeast of Plainview. It was founded in the early 1900s and named after a railroad executive, John Olton, who was involved in bringing the railroad to the area. The town grew rapidly in its early years due to the railroad’s influence, which connected Olton to other cities and facilitated trade. The economy of Olton, like many small towns in West Texas, has been centered around agriculture, primarily cotton and grain farming. In the mid-20th century, the population of Olton remained relatively stable, but the town began to face challenges from the declining cotton industry. Despite this, Olton has maintained its small-town charm and continues to support a strong agricultural base, with farming still being the primary source of income for many residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Olton is served by the Olton Independent School District, which includes Olton High School, known for its academic excellence and strong athletic programs. Key landmarks in Olton include the Olton City Park, a community gathering space that features sports fields, walking trails, and a playground. Another important site is the Olton Heritage Museum, which showcases the town’s history, including its agricultural roots and railroad heritage. The town also hosts various annual events, including the Olton Cotton Festival, celebrating the city’s agricultural legacy. While Olton is small, it is well-known for its friendly community, excellent schools, and rich history.
City Details:
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: 2,100+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79064
- Latitude and Longitude: 34.2070° N, 101.4250° W
5. Ropesville, Texas
Location and History
Ropesville is a small town located in the southern part of Hale County, approximately 25 miles southwest of Plainview. The town was founded in 1926 and named after the Ropes family, who were early settlers and contributors to the area’s development. Ropesville began as a farming community, with cotton farming as the main economic activity. Over time, the town grew, primarily due to the expansion of irrigation systems and the mechanization of agriculture, which made farming more productive. Despite its small size, Ropesville has maintained a close-knit community atmosphere, with a focus on agriculture and rural traditions. While its population has remained small, the town continues to be an important agricultural center for the surrounding region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ropesville is served by the Ropes Independent School District, which includes Ropes High School, a school known for its strong academic and athletic programs. The town has several landmarks, including the Ropesville Community Park, where residents gather for outdoor activities and local events. The town also hosts the Ropesville Rodeo, an annual event that celebrates the area’s agricultural and ranching heritage. Ropesville’s rural location offers opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hunting and fishing, and its small-town charm continues to attract those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being part of the larger Hale County community.
City Details:
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: 600+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79358
- Latitude and Longitude: 33.6794° N, 101.4344° W