Cities and Towns in Jim Wells County, Texas

Founded in 1911, Jim Wells County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Jim Wells County was formed from Nueces County. The city of Alice is the county seat. With FIPS code of 249, Jim Wells County has a population of 38,847 and area of 865 square miles (2,240 km²).

List of all cities in Jim Wells County, TX alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Alfred, TX	78332	361
Alice, TX	78332	361
	78333	361
	78342	361
Ben Bolt, TX	78342	361
Guajillo, TX	78332	361
Orange Grove, TX	78372	361
Palito Blanco, TX	78332	361
Pernitas Point, TX	78383	361
Premont, TX	78375	361
San Jose, TX	78332	361
Sandia, TX	78383	361

Major Cities and Towns in Jim Wells County, Texas

Alice, Texas

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 7.6 square miles
• Population: 19,000+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 78332
• Latitude: 27.7504° N
• Longitude: 98.0735° W

City Location and History

Alice is the county seat of Jim Wells County, located in South Texas, approximately 40 miles west of Corpus Christi. The city was founded in 1888 and named after Alice Gertrudis King, the daughter of a prominent landowner. Initially, the area was primarily agricultural, with ranching and farming being central to its economy. The arrival of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway in 1881 spurred growth, as Alice became an important shipping point for cattle, cotton, and other goods. The town’s economy diversified further with the discovery of oil in the early 20th century, making it an important center for the oil industry in South Texas. Over the decades, Alice has grown into a regional hub for commerce, education, and services. Its strategic location along major highways and proximity to both the U.S.-Mexico border and Corpus Christi has made it a gateway for trade and cultural exchange. Today, Alice is known for its rural charm, its blend of Hispanic and Anglo cultures, and its role as an agricultural and industrial center in the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Alice is served by the Alice Independent School District, which includes Alice High School, Alice Middle School, and several elementary schools. The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley has a branch campus in Alice, offering higher education opportunities for local students. The Alice Public Library provides educational resources to the community, while the Jim Wells County Historical Museum showcases the history of the town and surrounding area, including exhibits on its oil industry and early settlers. One of the city’s most prominent landmarks is the Alice Municipal Airport, which facilitates air travel to the region. The Tejano Monument, located in nearby Tejano Trail Park, commemorates the contributions of Mexican Americans to the state’s history. Lake Alice, a local recreational spot, provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and outdoor activities. The city also hosts the annual Jalisco Day Festival, which celebrates Alice’s Mexican heritage through music, food, and cultural events. Alice maintains its rural character while continuing to grow as a cultural and economic center in South Texas.

Orange Grove, Texas

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 1.4 square miles
• Population: 1,300+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 78372
• Latitude: 27.9425° N
• Longitude: 98.0164° W

City Location and History

Orange Grove is located in the northern part of Jim Wells County, about 20 miles northeast of Alice. The city was established in the early 1900s and named after the numerous orange groves that once flourished in the area. Initially, Orange Grove was a small agricultural community, with the citrus industry being its primary economic driver. However, over time, the decline of citrus farming due to changes in climate and agricultural practices led to a diversification of the town’s economy. Today, the area is primarily centered around ranching, farming, and oil production, much like the rest of Jim Wells County. The town’s rural location gives it a distinct small-town charm, with residents enjoying the slower pace of life typical of South Texas communities. Over the years, Orange Grove has developed into a close-knit community, with a focus on local schools and family-oriented events. Its central location in the county makes it a key point for travel and commerce, with convenient access to other cities in Jim Wells County, such as Alice and Benavides.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Orange Grove is served by the Orange Grove Independent School District, which includes Orange Grove High School, Orange Grove Middle School, and Orange Grove Elementary School. The city offers a small-town atmosphere with a focus on education and community. One of the city’s major landmarks is the Orange Grove City Park, which features recreational amenities such as sports fields, picnic areas, and a playground. The Orange Grove Community Center hosts local events, including dances, community gatherings, and public meetings. The town is also home to Lake Corpus Christi, a nearby reservoir that offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. Though small in size, Orange Grove’s friendly atmosphere and proximity to natural attractions make it a pleasant place to live and visit. Local businesses serve the surrounding rural areas, and the city’s location along U.S. Highway 281 provides easy access to regional hubs such as Corpus Christi and San Antonio. The Orange Grove Annual Rodeo is a significant event that attracts visitors from across the region, celebrating the area’s ranching heritage with rodeo events, music, and food.

Premont, Texas

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 1.7 square miles
• Population: 2,400+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 78375
• Latitude: 27.3613° N
• Longitude: 98.2606° W

City Location and History

Premont is located in the southeastern part of Jim Wells County, about 30 miles southwest of Alice. Founded in 1911, the town was originally developed as a railway stop along the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway, which helped the town grow as a hub for transportation and commerce. The town was named after a prominent local ranching family, the Premont family, whose descendants played an important role in the development of the area. Initially, Premont’s economy was based on agriculture, including cotton farming, and later expanded into oil production as oil reserves were discovered in the surrounding area. Over the decades, Premont’s population has remained relatively small, but it has retained its rural character, with a close-knit community focused on family and local traditions. Although it was once a major shipping point for the region, its role in trade has diminished with the advent of modern transportation methods. Still, Premont remains a vital part of Jim Wells County, serving as a center for local business, agriculture, and education.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Premont is served by the Premont Independent School District, which includes Premont High School, Premont Middle School, and Premont Elementary School. The district is committed to providing a quality education, with a focus on community involvement and academic achievement. Major landmarks in Premont include the Premont City Park, which features picnic areas, sports fields, and a playground, making it a central location for community gatherings. Lake Corpus Christi is also nearby, offering recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. Another important site is the Premont Community Center, which hosts a variety of local events, from cultural festivals to public meetings. Premont is also known for its rural landscapes, with vast ranching areas and open fields that provide a glimpse into the town’s agricultural heritage. The Premont Annual Rodeo is a highly anticipated event, celebrating local traditions through rodeo competitions and live entertainment. Despite its small size, Premont’s strong sense of community, local schools, and recreational opportunities make it a cherished part of the Jim Wells County region.