Cities and Towns in Irion County, Texas
Founded in 1889, Irion County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Irion County was formed from Tom Green County. The city of Mertzon is the county seat. With FIPS code of 235, Irion County has a population of 1,552 and area of 1,052 square miles (2,725 km²).
List of all cities in Irion County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Barnhart, TX | 76930 | 325 |
| Mertzon, TX | 76941 | 325 |
| Sherwood, TX | 76941 | 325 |
Major Cities and Towns in Irion County, Texas
Mertzon, Texas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.6 square miles
- Population: 1,700+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 76941
- Latitude: 31.2390° N
- Longitude: 100.7833° W
City Location and History
Mertzon is the county seat of Irion County, located in central-western Texas, approximately 20 miles south of San Angelo. Founded in 1883, the town was named after a local landowner, Merrett Irion, who played a significant role in the area’s development. Initially, Mertzon was established as a small farming and ranching community, capitalizing on the fertile lands and access to water sources from nearby springs and rivers. Over the years, the town became a key center for the surrounding ranching community. Despite its small size, Mertzon is known for its rich Western heritage and continued reliance on agriculture. The town’s economy remains primarily driven by ranching and farming, with livestock and crops such as cotton being prominent in the area. Mertzon was officially incorporated in 1911 and has since maintained its status as a rural hub, providing vital services to surrounding communities. Today, Mertzon still embodies the essence of small-town life in the Texas Hill Country, with its peaceful atmosphere, historical charm, and tight-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mertzon is served by the Irion County Independent School District, which includes Irion County High School, Irion County Middle School, and Mertzon Elementary School. As a small rural community, Mertzon’s landmarks highlight its agricultural roots and local history. The Irion County Courthouse, located in the center of town, serves as a symbol of Mertzon’s historical significance as the county seat. Another notable landmark is the Mertzon Cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for many of the town’s early settlers and offers a glimpse into the area’s past. The Mertzon Public Library provides educational resources to the community, hosting events and offering books and programs to local residents. The town is also home to Mertzon Park, a space that hosts community gatherings, picnics, and local events. While Mertzon may not have large commercial attractions, its historical landmarks, rural charm, and connection to the ranching community make it an important part of Irion County.
Carlsbad, Texas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: 300+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 76934
- Latitude: 31.4550° N
- Longitude: 100.6983° W
City Location and History
Carlsbad is a small community located in the southeastern part of Irion County, approximately 30 miles south of San Angelo. The town was founded in the late 1800s and is named after Carlsbad, New Mexico, due to the similarities in the natural springs found in both areas. Early settlers were attracted to the area for its natural springs, which were believed to have healing properties. These springs became an important part of the town’s economy in the early 20th century. Like many rural communities in West Texas, Carlsbad’s economy relied heavily on agriculture and ranching, with cattle and sheep farming being the primary industries. Over time, the town saw slow but steady growth, though it has always remained small and close-knit. While Carlsbad’s growth has been limited by its rural setting, the town continues to serve as a quiet, agricultural center in Irion County. Its historical connection to the region’s early settlers and the springs that once fueled its economy remain important aspects of Carlsbad’s identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Carlsbad is served by the Carlsbad Independent School District, which includes Carlsbad High School and Carlsbad Elementary School. While the town is small, it does have some notable landmarks that reflect its history and rural character. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Carlsbad Springs, which played an important role in the settlement of the town, attracting people to the area with its believed healing properties. The Carlsbad Cemetery holds the graves of many of the early settlers and offers a historical view of the town’s development. The Carlsbad Community Center serves as a gathering place for local events, including town meetings, celebrations, and social activities. While Carlsbad doesn’t boast large-scale commercial attractions, its rural charm, agricultural heritage, and close-knit community make it an important part of Irion County’s history.
Sherwood, Texas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: 200+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 76956
- Latitude: 31.3347° N
- Longitude: 100.7858° W
City Location and History
Sherwood is an even smaller town located in the southwestern part of Irion County, approximately 25 miles southeast of Mertzon. The town was founded in the early 1900s and has remained a small, rural community throughout its history. Sherwood’s economy has always been centered around agriculture, with ranching and farming being the primary industries. In particular, the town is known for its cattle ranching, and the surrounding land is used for grazing and growing crops like cotton. Despite its small size, Sherwood was once a bustling place in the early 20th century, as people settled in the area to farm the fertile soil and raise livestock. However, as the years passed, the population gradually declined, and the town became more of a residential community with a few businesses serving the surrounding ranching areas. Sherwood has retained its rustic charm and agricultural heritage, serving as a quiet retreat for those who enjoy rural life in West Texas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sherwood is part of the Irion County Independent School District, with students typically attending school in Mertzon, as there are no schools directly in Sherwood. The town is home to a few local landmarks, including The Sherwood Cemetery, which serves as the burial site for many of the town’s early settlers. Sherwood Park offers a small recreational space for residents, featuring picnic tables and open areas for family gatherings. The town is also home to several ranches and farms, which contribute to its quiet rural atmosphere. Although Sherwood lacks larger commercial or tourism attractions, its scenic views of the Texas countryside and close proximity to San Angelo make it an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle in Irion County. Sherwood remains an important part of the county’s history, reflecting the agricultural heritage that has shaped the region for generations.
