Cities and Towns in Live Oak County, Texas

Founded in 1856, Live Oak County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Live Oak County was formed from Nueces County and San Patricio County. The city of George West is the county seat. With FIPS code of 297, Live Oak County has a population of 11,377 and area of 1,036 square miles (2,683 km²).

List of all cities in Live Oak County, TX alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Dinero, TX 78350 361
George West, TX 78022 361
Mount Lucas, TX 78350 361
Oakville, TX 78060 361
Three Rivers, TX 78060 361
78071 361
Whitsett, TX 78075 830

Major Cities and Towns in Live Oak County, Texas

Live Oak County, located in South Texas, is known for its rich history, agriculture, and close-knit communities. The county features a variety of rural landscapes, and the small cities and towns in the area provide a glimpse into the heart of Texas’ rural culture. Below are the major cities and towns in Live Oak County, Texas.

George West

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 2.0 square miles
  • Population: 2,500 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Code: 78022
  • Latitude: 28.3514° N
  • Longitude: 98.1320° W

City Location and History

George West is the county seat of Live Oak County and is situated near the intersection of U.S. Route 281 and Texas State Highway 59, in the southeastern part of the county. The town was founded in 1880 by George W. West, a prominent businessman and landowner. It quickly grew as a center for agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and farming, due to its location near the Nueces River and its fertile land.

Over time, George West became a vital transportation hub as railroads passed through the town, making it a key site for shipping cattle and goods to larger cities. The town’s economy continued to rely on agriculture until the discovery of oil in the region during the 1920s. Although the town’s economy diversified, George West remained a small but vibrant community, often referred to as the “Cattle Capital of South Texas.” Today, the town continues to serve as the center of commerce, education, and government in Live Oak County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

George West is served by the George West Independent School District, which includes George West High School, George West Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its strong community involvement and extracurricular programs, particularly in athletics and FFA (Future Farmers of America).

Landmarks in George West include the George West City Park, which features picnic areas, playgrounds, and a walking trail, offering residents and visitors a space for outdoor recreation. The town also celebrates the annual George West Storyfest, a festival celebrating storytelling and Texas culture. Another notable site is the George West Historic District, which includes preserved buildings from the town’s early days, reflecting its heritage as a cattle town. The Nueces River also provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation, making it a focal point for outdoor activities.

Three Rivers

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 2.5 square miles
  • Population: 1,900 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Code: 78071
  • Latitude: 28.4002° N
  • Longitude: 98.1605° W

City Location and History

Three Rivers is located at the intersection of U.S. Route 281 and Texas State Highway 72, about 50 miles south of San Antonio in the heart of Live Oak County. The town was established in the late 19th century as a small agricultural community. The name “Three Rivers” comes from the town’s location at the confluence of the Frio, Nueces, and Atascosa Rivers, which were central to the area’s early settlement and agricultural development.

The town grew slowly in its early years, primarily as a stopover for cattle drivers moving through the region. However, with the advent of the railroad and the expansion of ranching in South Texas, Three Rivers became a more prominent community in the early 20th century. The town’s economy remains centered on ranching, farming, and oil production, though tourism, particularly related to hunting and fishing, has also contributed to its growth.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Three Rivers is served by the Three Rivers Independent School District, which includes Three Rivers High School, Three Rivers Junior High School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its small but strong academic programs, and its athletics, particularly in football, are a point of pride for the community.

The town’s landmarks include the Three Rivers Museum, which offers insight into the region’s history, particularly its agricultural roots and role in the cattle industry. The nearby Choke Canyon Reservoir, located just to the east of town, is a major destination for fishing, boating, and camping, making it a key recreational area for locals and visitors alike. Three Rivers also celebrates its heritage with events such as the Three Rivers Community Festival, which showcases local culture, arts, and music.

Oakville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 0.3 square miles
  • Population: 100 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Code: 78060
  • Latitude: 28.4541° N
  • Longitude: 98.3753° W

City Location and History

Oakville is one of the smallest communities in Live Oak County, located about 10 miles southeast of George West. The town’s history dates back to the late 1800s when it was initially a small settlement along a local stagecoach route. Oakville was named for the abundance of oak trees in the area, which were central to the town’s early settlement. The town’s economy was originally based on agriculture, particularly cotton and livestock, and it has remained largely rural throughout its history.

Though Oakville is small, it played an important role as a supply stop for travelers moving through South Texas in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The town has always had a tight-knit community, and today, it is largely residential, with many of its residents working in nearby larger towns or in agriculture. Oakville has retained much of its old-fashioned charm and remains a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Oakville is part of the George West Independent School District, so students from Oakville typically attend schools in George West. The area does not have its own school, but the district provides transportation and educational services for the community.

One of the town’s key landmarks is the Oakville Baptist Church, a historic church that has been a gathering place for the community since its early days. While Oakville does not have many large-scale attractions, the surrounding rural landscape offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching. Oakville’s proximity to the Nueces River also makes it an ideal spot for enjoying South Texas’ natural beauty.

Sandia

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 0.5 square miles
  • Population: 150 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Code: 78383
  • Latitude: 27.9608° N
  • Longitude: 98.2733° W

City Location and History

Sandia is located about 20 miles northeast of George West, in the northern part of Live Oak County. This small town was founded in the late 1800s and was originally a farming and ranching community. The name “Sandia” is derived from the Spanish word for “watermelon,” reflecting the abundance of watermelon crops in the area at the time of the town’s founding. Agriculture, particularly the farming of fruits and vegetables, has always been a key part of the town’s identity.

Over the years, Sandia has remained a small, rural town with few commercial businesses but a strong sense of community. The local economy remains centered around agriculture, including cattle ranching and farming. Like many small Texas towns, Sandia’s population has fluctuated, but it remains an essential part of Live Oak County’s rural character.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sandia is part of the George West Independent School District, so local students attend the district’s schools in George West. The town has a small, close-knit community with a focus on family and local events.

Key landmarks in Sandia include the Sandia Cemetery, a historic burial site that reflects the town’s deep roots. The nearby Rio Grande National Forest offers opportunities for outdoor activities, such as bird watching, hiking, and wildlife observation. Sandia’s peaceful, rural setting makes it a quiet and scenic spot in Live Oak County, where nature and agriculture remain central to the town’s character.