Cities and Towns in Kent County, Texas

Founded in 1876, Kent County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Kent County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Jayton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 263, Kent County has a population of 749 and area of 902 square miles (2,336 km²).

List of all cities in Kent County, TX alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Girard, TX	79518	806
Jayton, TX	79528	806

Major Cities and Towns in Kent County, Texas

1. Jayton

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 0.8 square miles
• Population: Approximately 400
• Zip Codes: 79528
• Latitude: 33.1347° N
• Longitude: 100.3463° W

Location and History:

Jayton is the county seat of Kent County, Texas, located in the northern part of the state. Situated along U.S. Highway 380, approximately 50 miles east of Snyder and 100 miles west of Abilene, Jayton lies in the heart of West Texas, an area traditionally known for its ranching and agricultural activities. The town was established in the early 1900s, originally as a service center for local farmers and ranchers. It was named after J. C. “Jay” Jordan, a local landowner and businessman. The development of the railroad in the area played a significant role in Jayton’s growth, facilitating the transportation of goods and cattle. Like many small West Texas towns, Jayton’s economy was heavily influenced by the oil industry in the mid-20th century, which brought a brief period of prosperity. However, as oil production declined, Jayton’s population also dwindled, though it remains the main community hub for Kent County. The town’s history is deeply tied to agriculture, and its small population reflects its rural, agricultural roots. Jayton continues to serve as a peaceful, rural center for the surrounding ranching community.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Jayton is served by the Jayton-Girard Independent School District, which provides education for students in the area from elementary through high school. The town has Jayton High School, which is the primary school for the area’s older students, and offers a range of extracurricular activities including sports, music, and academic clubs. Jayton’s landmarks include the historic Kent County Courthouse, which serves as the central civic building for the county. The courthouse, built in the early 20th century, remains a point of pride for the town and is a focal point for local government. The surrounding area is mostly agricultural, with wide-open spaces ideal for ranching and farming, which continue to dominate the local economy. The area around Jayton offers scenic views of the West Texas plains, and outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing are popular pastimes. The town’s rustic, rural atmosphere is a major draw for those who enjoy the solitude of small-town life in the vast Texas countryside. Jayton also hosts local community events, which bring together residents and visitors alike to celebrate the town’s agricultural heritage.

2. Sands (Unincorporated)

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 1.0 square mile (unincorporated community)
• Population: Approximately 50
• Zip Codes: 79528
• Latitude: 33.1970° N
• Longitude: 100.4111° W

Location and History:

Sands is a small, unincorporated community located about 10 miles northeast of Jayton, in the northeastern portion of Kent County, Texas. The town was established in the early 1900s as a small settlement that provided services to surrounding ranchers and farmers. Sands grew around the development of agriculture and the establishment of a post office, though it never became a major commercial center. The community is located in the heart of the West Texas plains, a region known for its harsh weather, particularly the intense heat and droughts of summer. Sands’ early economy was based on farming and ranching, with cotton being one of the main crops in the area, although livestock was also raised. Over time, however, Sands remained a small rural community with few amenities. The decline of cotton farming and changes in local industries have contributed to its stagnation in terms of population and development. Despite this, Sands retains its historic charm and serves as a reminder of the small agricultural settlements that once thrived in the Texas countryside. Today, it remains a quiet community surrounded by farmland and open prairie, offering a glimpse of rural life in West Texas.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

As an unincorporated community, Sands does not have its own school, but students in the area attend schools in the nearby Jayton-Girard Independent School District, which serves the greater Kent County region. The district is small but well-regarded for its dedication to providing quality education in a rural setting. Sands lacks any major commercial or civic landmarks but remains part of the agricultural landscape of Kent County. The surrounding area is home to expansive ranches, with much of the land used for cattle grazing. Hunting and fishing are popular activities in the region, and the nearby countryside provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. The most prominent feature near Sands is the vast, open plains that characterize the area, offering breathtaking views of the West Texas landscape. While Sands may not have many specific landmarks, the region’s natural beauty and connection to ranching and farming traditions make it an important part of Kent County’s rural heritage. The town hosts occasional community gatherings, though these are typically informal and centered around agricultural activities.