Cities and Towns in Mitchell County, Texas
Founded in 1876, Mitchell County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Mitchell County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Colorado City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 335, Mitchell County has a population of 9,070 and area of 910 square miles (2,357 km²).
List of all cities in Mitchell County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Buford, TX | 79512 | 325 |
| Colorado City, TX | 79512 | 325 |
| Cuthbert, TX | 79512 | 325 |
| Iatan, TX | 79565 | 325 |
| Loraine, TX | 79532 | 325 |
| Westbrook, TX | 79565 | 325 |
Major Cities and Towns in Mitchell County, Texas
Mitchell County, located in West Central Texas, is a historically rich region known for its rural charm and ties to the oil and agricultural industries. The county features several small towns that have shaped its identity, from the early days of settlement through its modern role in agriculture and industry. Below are the major cities and towns in Mitchell County.
Colorado City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 5.4 square miles
- Population: 4,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 79512
- Latitude: 32.5014° N
- Longitude: 100.8910° W
City Location and History
Colorado City is the county seat of Mitchell County and is located in the southwestern part of the county, approximately 60 miles east of Midland. It was founded in the late 19th century and named after the Colorado River, which flows nearby. Initially, the town was established as a rail stop along the Texas and Pacific Railway, making it an important trading post for cattle ranchers and farmers in the region. During the late 1800s, Colorado City grew rapidly, becoming a hub for cattle ranching, agriculture, and commerce.
In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil in the region significantly boosted the local economy, and the town became an important center for oil exploration and drilling. Over the years, the economy diversified, with agriculture (especially cotton) and oil remaining vital to the region. Though the town has seen periods of economic challenges, Colorado City has retained its small-town charm and has seen a modest resurgence due to its location along major transportation routes and its proximity to larger urban areas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Colorado City is served by the Colorado Independent School District (ISD), which includes Colorado City High School, Colorado City Junior High, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its strong community involvement and its focus on both academics and extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and clubs.
Key landmarks in Colorado City include the Mitchell County Historical Museum, which showcases the region’s history, including its early settlement and the impact of the oil boom. The Colorado City City Park, with its sports facilities and walking trails, is a popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Another landmark is the old Colorado City Railroad Depot, which has been preserved as part of the town’s history and serves as a reminder of its early days as a railroad stop. Additionally, the nearby Lake Colorado City State Park offers fishing, boating, and camping, drawing tourists and residents alike to the area’s natural beauty.
Loraine
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: 1,200 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 79532
- Latitude: 32.6434° N
- Longitude: 100.9030° W
City Location and History
Loraine is located in the northwestern part of Mitchell County, approximately 20 miles north of Colorado City. It was founded in the late 19th century and incorporated in 1909. Loraine initially served as a farming community, with cotton, grain, and livestock serving as the foundation of its economy. Like many other towns in West Texas, Loraine’s growth was linked to the development of railroads, which allowed the town to ship agricultural products to larger markets.
In the 1920s, oil was discovered near Loraine, bringing a wave of prosperity to the region. The town flourished for a time as an oil boomtown, with oil rigs dotting the landscape and bringing new jobs and businesses to the area. Although the oil industry eventually declined, Loraine remained a vibrant small town and is still a center of agricultural activity in the region, with cotton and livestock continuing to play an important role in the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Loraine is served by the Loraine Independent School District, which includes Loraine High School, Loraine Junior High, and Loraine Elementary. The district offers strong educational programs with a focus on both academic achievement and extracurricular activities, including sports, band, and arts programs.
Landmarks in Loraine include the historic Loraine Depot, a remnant from the town’s early railroad days, which has been preserved as part of the town’s history. Another important site is the Loraine City Park, which features playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields, providing a recreational space for residents. The town also hosts the annual Loraine Rodeo, which draws crowds from the surrounding region and celebrates the area’s ranching heritage. Additionally, Loraine’s proximity to local farming areas means that visitors often experience the sights and sounds of West Texas agriculture, with expansive cotton fields and cattle ranches defining the landscape.
Stapleton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 50 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 79553
- Latitude: 32.7392° N
- Longitude: 100.9519° W
City Location and History
Stapleton is one of the smallest communities in Mitchell County, located approximately 10 miles southwest of Colorado City. The town was established in the early 20th century, primarily as a farming and ranching settlement. Stapleton owes much of its development to its location along major transportation routes, which allowed local farmers and ranchers to ship goods to larger markets.
Although Stapleton has remained a small, rural community throughout its history, it played a role in the early agricultural development of Mitchell County. The town did not experience the same oil boom as some of its neighbors, but it has always maintained a close-knit, rural character, with a strong focus on community values and agricultural traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Stapleton is not served by its own independent school district; instead, students typically attend schools in nearby Colorado City. The area’s rural nature means that there are limited educational facilities directly in Stapleton, but children often benefit from the larger educational opportunities available in Colorado City.
Landmarks in Stapleton include the Stapleton Cemetery, which serves as the resting place for many of the town’s early settlers. The nearby surrounding farmland offers a picturesque view of the agricultural heritage of Mitchell County, with wide-open spaces and cattle ranches defining the area. Stapleton’s proximity to larger towns such as Colorado City allows its residents easy access to additional services, while the town itself remains a quiet, rural retreat.
Ackerly
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: 200 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 79504
- Latitude: 32.7108° N
- Longitude: 100.8940° W
City Location and History
Ackerly is a small town located in the southeastern part of Mitchell County, about 25 miles east of Colorado City. The town was established in the early 1900s, primarily as an agricultural settlement. Its location along the rail lines contributed to its growth, as farmers in the region could easily transport crops and livestock to larger markets. Ackerly’s economy has always been heavily tied to agriculture, with cotton and grain being the primary crops grown in the surrounding area.
While Ackerly has always been a small community, it has played an important role in the region’s agricultural development. The town saw modest growth in the mid-20th century but remained relatively unaffected by the oil industry, which shaped much of the economy in other parts of Mitchell County. Today, Ackerly continues to maintain its rural identity and is home to a small, tight-knit community of residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ackerly is served by the Sands Consolidated Independent School District, which includes Sands High School and Sands Elementary School. The district offers a range of educational opportunities, with a focus on community involvement and academic achievement. Despite its small size, the school district offers extracurricular programs, including sports, music, and agriculture programs, which are vital to the community.
Landmarks in Ackerly include the town’s historic grain silos, which stand as symbols of the agricultural history that has defined the area. Ackerly also boasts a small city park with picnic areas and sports facilities, providing a recreational space for local residents. The surrounding fields and farms offer scenic views of the West Texas landscape, and the community celebrates its agricultural heritage through local events such as farm tours and harvest festivals.
