Cities and Towns in Howard County, Texas
Founded in 1876, Howard County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Howard County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Big Spring is the county seat. With FIPS code of 227, Howard County has a population of 34,128 and area of 903 square miles (2,339 km²).
List of all cities in Howard County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Big Spring, TX | 79720 | 432 |
| 79721 | 432 | |
| Coahoma, TX | 79511 | 432 |
| Forsan, TX | 79733 | 432 |
| Knott, TX | 79748 | 432 |
| Vealmoor, TX | 79720 | 432 |
Major Cities and Towns in Howard County, Texas
Big Spring, Texas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 17.3 square miles
- Population: 28,000+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 79720, 79721, 79722
- Latitude: 32.2467° N
- Longitude: 101.4780° W
City Location and History
Big Spring is the county seat of Howard County and is located in the western part of Texas, approximately 40 miles east of Midland and Odessa. The city was established in the early 1900s and was named for the large natural spring that once flowed near the center of the town, which was a key water source for Native American tribes in the area. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s helped accelerate the town’s growth, turning it into an important stop on the Texas and Pacific Railway. Big Spring’s economy has historically been centered around agriculture, including cotton farming, as well as oil and gas production, which boomed in the early 20th century. The city’s proximity to oil fields played a major role in its economic development, and the discovery of oil in the area helped establish Big Spring as a vital part of the Texas oil industry. Over the years, Big Spring has diversified its economy, but oil remains a key industry. Today, the city offers a blend of modern amenities, historic charm, and a strong community spirit.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Big Spring is served by the Big Spring Independent School District, which includes Big Spring High School, Big Spring Junior High School, and Big Spring Middle School. The city is also home to Howard College, which offers higher education opportunities to local students. Key landmarks in Big Spring include the Spring Park, which features the historic Big Spring itself, and The Heritage Museum of Big Spring, which offers exhibits on the town’s history, especially its connection to the oil industry. Comanche Trail Park is another popular destination for residents, with walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views. The Big Spring State Park provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking and birdwatching, and is a favorite spot for camping. The Big Spring Country Club is a key social hub for the community, offering golf and other recreational activities. Additionally, the Scurry County Museum highlights the area’s agricultural and industrial past, showcasing everything from farming equipment to oil-related artifacts. The Big Spring Amtrak Station serves as a reminder of the city’s historical importance as a transportation hub.
Stanton, Texas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.1 square miles
- Population: 2,700+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 79782
- Latitude: 32.1044° N
- Longitude: 101.9749° W
City Location and History
Stanton is a small town located in the southeastern part of Howard County, approximately 20 miles southeast of Big Spring. The town was founded in the late 19th century and was named after Edwin M. Stanton, the U.S. Secretary of War under President Abraham Lincoln. Stanton was initially established as a trading post and agricultural center, with early settlers drawn to the fertile soil and favorable climate for farming. Cotton farming became a major industry in the area, and Stanton grew slowly but steadily. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s helped improve transportation, allowing Stanton to further develop as a regional trading center. The discovery of oil in the region in the 1920s contributed to the town’s economic growth. Although the town’s population has remained modest over the years, Stanton retains its small-town charm and agricultural roots, serving as a quiet residential community with easy access to nearby larger cities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Stanton is served by the Stanton Independent School District, which includes Stanton High School, Stanton Junior High School, and Stanton Elementary School. While Stanton is a small town, it offers a few key landmarks, including the Stanton Depot Museum, which highlights the town’s historical connection to the railroad and its role in local commerce. The Stanton City Park is a central gathering place for residents, with picnic areas, sports fields, and a community swimming pool. The Stanton Community Center is another important location in town, hosting a variety of events including social gatherings, town meetings, and celebrations. The Stanton Cemetery serves as a testament to the town’s long history, with many early settlers buried there. Additionally, the town’s agricultural past is reflected in the nearby fields of cotton and other crops, which remain a central part of the local economy. Though Stanton lacks large-scale tourist attractions, it is a town deeply rooted in its agricultural and oil history, offering a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Forsan, Texas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: 350 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 79733
- Latitude: 32.2783° N
- Longitude: 101.9957° W
City Location and History
Forsan is a tiny, rural community located in the northern part of Howard County, about 15 miles northeast of Big Spring. The town was originally settled in the early 1900s and was primarily an agricultural community, with cotton farming as the major industry. Forsan grew around a post office and a few local businesses, but it remained a small, closely-knit community. The name “Forsan” is believed to be a combination of the names of two local families, “Forrest” and “Sanford,” who were early pioneers in the area. The town never experienced significant growth but remains an important part of Howard County’s rural landscape. Forsan’s economy continues to be based primarily on agriculture, with local farms growing crops like cotton, corn, and wheat. While the population remains small, Forsan retains its rural charm and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and tight-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Forsan is served by the Forsan Independent School District, which includes Forsan High School, Forsan Junior High School, and Forsan Elementary School. Although Forsan is a small town, it has a few notable landmarks, such as the Forsan Community Center, which hosts events like town meetings, celebrations, and social gatherings. The Forsan Cemetery is another historical landmark, where many of the town’s early settlers are buried. The Forsan Baptist Church serves as the main religious institution in town and is central to the community’s spiritual life. The surrounding countryside, with its expansive farmlands, is also a defining feature of Forsan. Though the town lacks larger tourist attractions, its strong sense of community, agricultural roots, and peaceful environment make it an ideal place for those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle. Forsan’s history is closely tied to the agricultural development of the region and remains a testament to the area’s rural heritage.
Coahoma, Texas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: 1,000+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 79511
- Latitude: 32.0513° N
- Longitude: 101.8594° W
City Location and History
Coahoma is a small town located in the eastern part of Howard County, approximately 10 miles west of Big Spring. The town was founded in the early 1900s as a center for agriculture, particularly cotton farming. It is said to have been named after Coahuila, a region in northern Mexico, reflecting the area’s early settlers’ ties to Mexican heritage. Coahoma was initially a farming community but saw growth with the arrival of the railroad, which helped the town become an important point for shipping cotton and other local products. Over time, Coahoma’s population remained modest, and the town maintained a rural character. The discovery of oil in the surrounding areas also contributed to the town’s economy. Despite being a small town, Coahoma remains an important part of Howard County, offering a slower pace of life with a focus on agriculture and community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Coahoma is served by the Coahoma Independent School District, which includes Coahoma High School, Coahoma Junior High School, and Coahoma Elementary School. While Coahoma is a relatively small town, it has several key landmarks, including the Coahoma Community Center, which hosts local events such as town meetings and social gatherings. The Coahoma Cemetery is an important historical site, with many of the town’s early settlers laid to rest there. The Coahoma Baptist Church is a significant religious institution in the town, providing a place for worship and community events. The surrounding agricultural land, which includes cotton farms and ranches, is another defining feature of Coahoma. Although the town is small, it continues to maintain its rural charm and agricultural roots, offering a peaceful and close-knit community for its residents.
