Cities and Towns in Karnes County, Texas
Founded in 1854, Karnes County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Karnes County was formed from Bexar County, DeWitt County, Goliad County, Gonzales County and San Patricio County. The city of Karnes City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 255, Karnes County has a population of 14,754 and area of 750 square miles (1,942 km²).
List of all cities in Karnes County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Cestohowa, TX | 78113 | 830 |
| Coy City, TX | 78118 | 830 |
| Ecleto, TX | 78111 | 830 |
| Falls City, TX | 78113 | 830 |
| Gillett, TX | 78111 | 830 |
| Gillett, TX | 78116 | 830 |
| Hobson, TX | 78117 | 830 |
| Karnes City, TX | 78118 | 830 |
| Kenedy, TX | 78119 | 830 |
| McCoy, TX | 78113 | 830 |
| Panna Maria, TX | 78144 | 830 |
| Pawelekville, TX | 78113 | 830 |
| Runge, TX | 78151 | 830 |
Major Cities and Towns in Karnes County, Texas
1. Karnes City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 2.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,200
- Zip Codes: 78118
- Latitude: 28.8914° N
- Longitude: 97.9652° W
Location and History:
Karnes City is the county seat of Karnes County, located in south-central Texas, about 50 miles southeast of San Antonio. The city was established in 1854 and named after Henry Karnes, a hero of the Texas Revolution. Originally founded as a trading post along the San Antonio to Corpus Christi trail, it quickly became a hub for agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and farming. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped the town grow, bringing in more settlers and fostering commerce. In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil in the surrounding region boosted the local economy and further spurred development. While the oil boom has subsided, Karnes City remains a key agricultural and oil center in the area. The city maintains its small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community. Today, it serves as the commercial and governmental hub of Karnes County, offering essential services and retail to the surrounding rural communities.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Karnes City is served by the Karnes City Independent School District, which includes Karnes City High School, Karnes City Junior High, and several elementary schools. The district offers strong academic programs and extracurricular opportunities in sports, arts, and leadership development. Major landmarks in Karnes City include the Karnes County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the heart of the county government. The Karnes City Cemetery, dating back to the mid-1800s, offers a glimpse into the early history of the region. The city’s oil heritage is commemorated at the Karnes County Oil Museum, which educates visitors about the local oil industry’s impact on the area. For those interested in outdoor recreation, the city’s parks and sports facilities, including the Karnes City Park and football stadium, provide a variety of leisure activities. Karnes City’s central location within Karnes County also makes it a convenient stop for travelers heading to nearby natural attractions, such as the Guadalupe River.
2. Kenedy
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 4.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,400
- Zip Codes: 78119
- Latitude: 28.4300° N
- Longitude: 97.8595° W
Location and History:
Kenedy is located in the southern part of Karnes County, roughly 45 miles southeast of San Antonio. The city was established in 1894 and named after Mifflin Kenedy, a wealthy rancher and businessman who was instrumental in the development of the area. Kenedy’s early economy was based on cattle ranching, and the town was a center for shipping cattle to market via the San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railway. In the early 20th century, Kenedy began to grow as the region’s oil industry took off, particularly after the discovery of oil in nearby fields. Kenedy’s economy has since diversified, with oil and gas still being significant contributors. The city also benefits from its location along major highways, making it a strategic stop for travelers and businesses. Despite its historical ties to the oil industry, Kenedy is primarily a service-oriented community with a rural character, offering a mix of small businesses and agriculture.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Kenedy is served by the Kenedy Independent School District, which includes Kenedy High School, Kenedy Junior High, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its strong community involvement and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Major landmarks in Kenedy include the historic Kenedy Depot, which was once a key stop on the San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railway, and the Mifflin Kenedy House, which honors the town’s namesake. The city’s proximity to ranchland is reflected in its local parks, including the Kenedy City Park, which offers green spaces, walking trails, and sports facilities. Another notable feature of Kenedy is the Kenedy Golf Course, which provides recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The city also has a rich connection to the local oil industry, with several sites in the area commemorating its boom years, such as the Kenedy Oil Museum. Kenedy’s small-town charm, combined with its role in both agriculture and the energy sector, make it a unique and attractive place to live.
3. Pandale
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 15
- Zip Codes: 78119
- Latitude: 28.4363° N
- Longitude: 97.6171° W
Location and History:
Pandale is an extremely small and remote community located in the southwestern corner of Karnes County, near the Frio River. The town, which is unincorporated, was historically a small ranching community, and it is primarily known for its isolation and rural lifestyle. Pandale was settled in the late 19th century, and over the years, it has remained a quiet, sparsely populated area. It was named after a nearby bend in the Frio River, known as “Pandale” (a combination of the words “Pan” and “dale”). The town never experienced significant growth due to its remote location, though it is part of the larger ranching and agricultural tradition of Karnes County. Pandale serves as a quiet retreat for those seeking solitude in the Texas Hill Country. Though it does not have much in the way of industry or commerce, it remains a part of the area’s agricultural history, with ranching and farming still being the primary occupations for the few families that live there.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
As a tiny community, Pandale does not have its own schools. Students in the area typically attend schools in nearby towns, such as Kenedy or Karnes City, which are part of the larger school districts in Karnes County. The area is mostly rural, and there are few established landmarks in Pandale itself. However, its location near the Frio River offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking in the surrounding landscape. The natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country is one of Pandale’s defining features, with vast stretches of open land, oak trees, and creek beds. The Frio River itself is a significant geographical feature, providing a natural setting for locals and visitors to enjoy the outdoors. Although Pandale is not known for any large-scale events or commercial activities, its proximity to larger towns like Kenedy makes it a peaceful area to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Its location along rural roads adds to the quiet, tranquil atmosphere that defines this small community.
4. Runge
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,400
- Zip Codes: 78151
- Latitude: 28.4234° N
- Longitude: 97.6509° W
Location and History:
Runge is a small town located in the eastern part of Karnes County, approximately 18 miles southwest of Kenedy. The town was established in the late 19th century and was named after a German settler, August Runge, who played a key role in the town’s development. Runge initially served as an agricultural center for the surrounding area, with crops such as cotton, corn, and livestock being vital to its economy. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s further facilitated trade and commerce, helping Runge grow in size and importance. The town’s economy has always been centered around farming and ranching, though it also experienced a brief oil boom in the mid-20th century. Today, Runge is a quiet rural community with a close-knit population, focused primarily on agriculture, livestock, and oil-related industries. While it may not be as well-known as larger neighboring cities, Runge is an integral part of Karnes County’s agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Runge is served by the Runge Independent School District, which includes Runge High School, Runge Middle School, and several elementary schools. The school district is known for its dedication to both academics and extracurricular activities, with a strong emphasis on local community involvement. Major landmarks in Runge include the historic Runge Depot, which once served as a key stop for the railroad and now serves as a reminder of the town’s agricultural and transportation history. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Runge Annual Carnival, which celebrates the community’s heritage and provides entertainment for residents and visitors. The town’s agricultural roots are evident in the surrounding farmland and ranches, with many properties continuing to cultivate crops and raise livestock. The Runge area is also known for its scenic countryside, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking and hunting. Despite its small size, Runge is an important part of the agricultural fabric of Karnes County, providing a peaceful and scenic location for families and individuals who appreciate a slower pace of life.
