Cities and Towns in Loving County, Texas
Founded in 1887, Loving County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Loving County was formed from Tom Green County (1891) and Reeves County (1931). The city of Mentone is the county seat. With FIPS code of 301, Loving County has a population of 57 and area of 673 square miles (1,743 km²).
List of all cities in Loving County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Mentone, TX | 79754 | 432 |
Major Cities and Towns in Loving County, Texas
Loving County, located in the western part of Texas, is the second least populated county in the United States. Despite its small size and population, the county has a unique history and some key points of interest. The county is predominantly rural and is known for its role in the oil industry, as well as its sparse, open landscapes. Below are the major cities and towns in Loving County, Texas.
Mentone
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 19 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 79754
- Latitude: 31.8464° N
- Longitude: 103.4928° W
City Location and History
Mentone is the county seat of Loving County, although it is one of the smallest and least populated county seats in the United States. Located in the far western part of the county, Mentone sits approximately 30 miles northeast of the Texas-New Mexico border. The town was founded in 1890 during the height of the cattle ranching era and was originally established as a trading post.
The town’s name is said to be derived from Mentone, France, as the founder was reportedly inspired by the French Riviera. Despite its once-promising start, the town has remained a small, quiet place due to the sparse population and the difficulties associated with farming in the arid climate. The presence of oil in the area in the 1920s brought some temporary prosperity to the town, but the lack of significant infrastructure and services has limited its growth. Today, Mentone is a ghost town in many ways, with only a few buildings remaining and a handful of residents, yet it remains the administrative center for the county.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mentone is served by the Loving Independent School District, although the town’s small population means the school district is also extremely small. The district primarily serves Mentone and the surrounding rural areas of Loving County. The town’s school, which serves all grade levels, is a vital institution for the small community, offering a rare focal point for the area’s youth.
Mentone, due to its small size and sparse population, does not have many traditional landmarks. However, it is home to the Loving County Courthouse, a notable building that serves as the center of county government. The courthouse, although small, symbolizes the town’s continued role in the administrative structure of the county. Mentone is surrounded by the rugged landscapes of West Texas, which include the desert-like terrain of the Trans-Pecos region. This area is often noted for its natural beauty, with wide open spaces and minimal development, making it a unique destination for those interested in experiencing a different side of Texas.
Other Communities in Loving County
Loving County is primarily composed of unincorporated land, with Mentone being the only formal city in the county. Other small settlements in the area, such as the occasional ranching communities or oil field worker camps, do not have official designations as towns or cities and are generally sparsely populated. These communities serve as support hubs for the surrounding oil and gas industries, which are the primary economic drivers of the region today. However, the majority of the county’s land is devoted to ranching, agriculture, and energy extraction.
Because of its low population and minimal infrastructure, Loving County is often considered a quiet, remote part of Texas, where most of the land is used for ranching and oil exploration. The lack of urban development and the wide, open spaces make it an intriguing area for those seeking solitude, but it also means that Loving County is primarily a place for industry, ranching, and transient workforces, rather than a destination for tourism or historical landmarks.
