Cities and Towns in Moore County, Texas
Founded in 1876, Moore County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Moore County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Dumas is the county seat. With FIPS code of 341, Moore County has a population of 21,118 and area of 900 square miles (2,331 km²).
List of all cities in Moore County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Cactus, TX | 79013 | 806 |
| Channing, TX | 79058 | 806 |
| Dumas, TX | 79029 | 806 |
| Masterson, TX | 79058 | 806 |
| Sunray, TX | 79086 | 806 |
Major Cities and Towns in Moore County, Texas
Moore County is located in the Texas Panhandle, an area known for its vast plains, rich agricultural history, and role in the oil and gas industry. The county’s communities are small but vital to the local economy, with many rooted in ranching and farming traditions. Below are the details of the major towns and cities in Moore County.
Dumas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 4.5 square miles
- Population: 15,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 79029
- Latitude: 35.8766° N
- Longitude: 101.9735° W
City Location and History
Dumas, the county seat of Moore County, is located in the northeastern part of the county along U.S. Highway 287. The town was established in the early 1900s, primarily as a stopover for travelers along the railroad. The land around Dumas was originally settled by ranchers, and the town grew rapidly with the construction of the railroad in 1901. The railroad made Dumas a hub for transporting cattle, which was crucial to the area’s agricultural economy.
Over the years, Dumas became known for its connection to the beef industry and agriculture. The town expanded during the 1920s when oil was discovered nearby, bringing economic growth to the area. In the latter half of the 20th century, Dumas diversified its economy, becoming a center for education, retail, and industry. Today, Dumas remains a key agricultural center, particularly for cattle farming and production.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dumas is served by the Dumas Independent School District, which includes Dumas High School, Dumas Junior High, and several elementary schools. The district is highly regarded for its academic programs and extracurricular activities, including sports and fine arts.
Landmarks in Dumas include the Moore County Historical Museum, which preserves the town’s history and showcases artifacts from its agricultural and oil heritage. The town is also home to the Dumas City Park, which features walking trails, sports courts, and picnic areas, offering a place for recreation. Additionally, the Texas Panhandle War Memorial stands as a tribute to veterans from the region, and local events such as the Dumas Rodeo celebrate the area’s deep ties to ranching and agriculture.
Cactus
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: 600 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 79013
- Latitude: 35.6821° N
- Longitude: 101.9703° W
City Location and History
Cactus is a small town located about 10 miles northeast of Dumas, situated along U.S. Highway 287. It was established in the 1920s when settlers arrived in the area for its fertile land, ideal for farming and ranching. The town was initially a farming community, with cotton and grain being the primary crops. The name “Cactus” is believed to be inspired by the region’s prevalence of cacti, which thrive in the area’s semi-arid climate.
Over the years, Cactus has remained a small, close-knit community with a focus on agriculture, particularly cotton farming. While the town has experienced periods of economic struggle due to droughts and fluctuating crop prices, it has maintained a stable population and has seen modest growth in recent decades. The proximity to Dumas has allowed Cactus to benefit from the larger city’s economy, while still preserving its rural identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cactus is served by the Dumas Independent School District, with students attending schools in nearby Dumas. The town does not have its own dedicated schools but benefits from the larger educational facilities available in the county seat.
One of the key landmarks in Cactus is the Cactus Water Tower, which symbolizes the town’s agricultural roots. The surrounding landscape is also known for its vast open spaces and scenic views, popular for outdoor activities such as hunting and birdwatching. Additionally, Cactus hosts a small but lively community center that serves as a gathering point for local events, including annual festivals and holiday celebrations.
Sunray
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: 1,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 79086
- Latitude: 35.5900° N
- Longitude: 101.7469° W
City Location and History
Sunray is located approximately 15 miles south of Dumas, situated along U.S. Highway 287. The town was established in the early 1920s, shortly after the discovery of oil in the area. The oil boom brought an influx of people to the region, leading to the founding of Sunray as a town to service the needs of local oil workers and their families. In its early years, Sunray grew rapidly due to the oil industry, with new businesses, homes, and schools being established to accommodate the population.
As the oil industry stabilized and shifted in the mid-20th century, Sunray transitioned to a more agriculturally-focused economy. The town remains a vital center for farming, especially for crops like cotton, wheat, and grain sorghum, which are grown in the region’s fertile soil. Over the decades, Sunray has continued to thrive with a stable population and a strong sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sunray is served by the Sunray Independent School District, which includes Sunray High School and Sunray Elementary School. The school district is central to the town’s community life, providing educational opportunities and extracurricular activities that strengthen ties among residents.
Sunray’s landmarks include the historic Sunray Post Office and the Sunray Memorial Park, which features a veterans’ memorial and serves as a gathering place for local events. The town is also known for its proximity to the Sunray Oil Fields, which helped shape its early history. Local events such as the Sunray Homecoming and community festivals bring together residents and visitors, celebrating the town’s rich history and close-knit atmosphere. The area around Sunray is also popular for agricultural tourism, where visitors can experience the farming life firsthand.
Other Notable Communities
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Varies
- Population: Varies (smaller towns)
- Zip Code: Varies
- Latitude: Varies
- Longitude: Varies
City Location and History
In addition to Dumas, Cactus, and Sunray, Moore County is home to a number of smaller unincorporated communities, including Channing and several ranching settlements. These rural areas have deep roots in the history of the county, many originally established as farming and ranching centers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Each of these smaller communities has contributed to the overall identity of Moore County, often centered around agriculture, oil, and the region’s vast open landscapes. Though small in population, these areas hold a special place in the county’s cultural and historical fabric.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The smaller communities of Moore County rely on the larger school districts for educational services, such as the Dumas ISD and Sunray ISD. These towns and settlements are known for their agricultural landmarks, such as historical farms, ranches, and oil fields. Local landmarks are often tied to the history of the county’s settlement and development, such as old homesteads and sites related to early oil drilling activities.
Additionally, some of the smaller communities celebrate local agricultural fairs and festivals, helping preserve the history and traditions that have shaped Moore County over the years. The nearby natural landscapes are also a draw for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly for hunting and exploring the vast open lands of the Texas Panhandle.
