Cities and Towns in Nolan County, Texas

Founded in 1876, Nolan County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Nolan County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Sweetwater is the county seat. With FIPS code of 353, Nolan County has a population of 14,597 and area of 912 square miles (2,362 km²).

List of all cities in Nolan County, TX alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Blackwell, TX 79506 325
Claytonville, TX 79556 325
Inadale, TX 79545 325
Maryneal, TX 79535 325
Nolan, TX 79537 325
Palava, TX 79556 325
Pyron, TX 79545 325
Roscoe, TX 79545 325
Sweetwater, TX 79556 325
Wastella, TX 79545 325

Major Cities and Towns in Nolan County, Texas

Sweetwater

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 10.1 square miles
  • Population: 10,000 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 79556
  • Latitude: 32.4674° N
  • Longitude: 100.4003° W

Location and History

Sweetwater is the county seat of Nolan County and is located in West Texas, approximately 45 miles southeast of Lubbock. Founded in 1879, Sweetwater was initially a railroad town, established as a key stop along the Texas and Pacific Railway. The city’s name likely comes from the Sweetwater Creek, which runs through the area. During its early years, Sweetwater was a cattle ranching and farming community, but it grew significantly with the arrival of the railroad. The city gained importance in the early 20th century due to its strategic location for trade and agriculture. By the 1920s, Sweetwater became known as the “Wool Capital of the World” due to its thriving wool industry, which contributed significantly to the local economy. The town continued to prosper through the mid-20th century, with the discovery of oil further boosting its growth. Today, Sweetwater is a small yet vibrant town known for its historical heritage and its role in the region’s agricultural and industrial development.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sweetwater is served by the Sweetwater Independent School District, which includes Sweetwater High School as the central high school. Other educational institutions in the area include multiple elementary and middle schools that contribute to a well-rounded education system. Sweetwater is home to several landmarks, such as the Nolan County Courthouse, a striking example of early 20th-century architecture. The Pioneer City Museum offers a detailed look at the city’s history, showcasing items related to its founding, railroad heritage, and agricultural development. One of the most famous landmarks is the Sweetwater Rock, located just outside the city, which is a popular stop for tourists. The city is also home to the annual Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup, a unique event celebrating the area’s local wildlife and culture. The downtown district features a number of historic buildings, and the nearby Lake Sweetwater provides opportunities for fishing and recreational activities. Sweetwater’s mix of history, culture, and outdoor recreation makes it an attractive destination in West Texas.

Blackwell

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 1.0 square mile
  • Population: 450 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 79506
  • Latitude: 32.4517° N
  • Longitude: 100.3634° W

Location and History

Blackwell is a small town located in the southeastern part of Nolan County, roughly 40 miles southwest of Sweetwater. The town was established in the late 19th century, originally as a farming and ranching community. Blackwell was named after the Blackwell family, who were early settlers in the area. In the early 1900s, the town saw moderate growth, primarily due to the fertile agricultural lands and the surrounding oil industry. The discovery of oil in nearby areas during the 1930s helped drive economic growth in Blackwell, though the town never reached the size of nearby Sweetwater. Blackwell remains a quiet, rural community, with its economy still largely centered around agriculture and oil production. Despite its small size, Blackwell plays an important role in the county’s rural economy and continues to attract people who appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and agricultural lifestyle.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Blackwell is served by the Blackwell Independent School District, which operates a small, but dedicated school system. The district includes Blackwell High School as the town’s secondary educational institution. The community is close-knit, with many residents involved in local school activities and events. Notable landmarks in Blackwell include the Blackwell Cemetery, where many of the town’s early settlers are buried, and the historic downtown area, which reflects the town’s rural charm. The surrounding landscapes, filled with open fields and farmland, are a key feature of Blackwell’s peaceful atmosphere. Agriculture plays a significant role in daily life, with local farmers often hosting events and gatherings to promote the area’s products. While the town is small, its residents are dedicated to maintaining a strong sense of community and preserving its local history.

Roscoe

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 1.5 square miles
  • Population: 1,300 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 79545
  • Latitude: 32.4810° N
  • Longitude: 100.5061° W

Location and History

Roscoe is a small town located in the western part of Nolan County, approximately 30 miles west of Sweetwater. The town was founded in 1890 when the Texas and Pacific Railway established a depot in the area. Originally, Roscoe was a stopover for cattle ranchers, farmers, and travelers moving through West Texas. The town’s economy initially centered around agriculture, with cotton farming being a primary industry. As oil was discovered in the region, Roscoe’s economy grew in the early 20th century, although it has remained a relatively small and quiet community. Roscoe is located near the famous Permian Basin, which is one of the largest oil-producing regions in the United States. Over the years, the town has experienced periods of growth and decline, often influenced by the boom-and-bust cycles of the oil industry. Despite its small size, Roscoe retains a significant agricultural presence, and it has continued to maintain a tight-knit community over the decades.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Roscoe is served by the Roscoe Independent School District, which includes Roscoe High School, a central institution for the town’s education system. The district provides both primary and secondary educational opportunities, and local events, such as sports games, serve as important community gatherings. Roscoe’s landmarks include the Roscoe Depot, which reflects the town’s early history as a railroad hub, and the nearby cemetery, which is home to many of the town’s founding families. Roscoe also boasts a historic downtown area with several buildings dating back to the early 20th century. The nearby agricultural landscape and wide-open spaces are key features of Roscoe’s rural atmosphere, and the town’s proximity to oil fields has made it an important location for local industry. Roscoe celebrates its history and agricultural roots through local festivals and events, including the annual Roscoe Fair.

Blackwell

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 1.0 square mile
  • Population: 450 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 79506
  • Latitude: 32.4517° N
  • Longitude: 100.3634° W

Location and History

Blackwell is a small town located in the southeastern part of Nolan County, roughly 40 miles southwest of Sweetwater. The town was established in the late 19th century, originally as a farming and ranching community. Blackwell was named after the Blackwell family, who were early settlers in the area. In the early 1900s, the town saw moderate growth, primarily due to the fertile agricultural lands and the surrounding oil industry. The discovery of oil in nearby areas during the 1930s helped drive economic growth in Blackwell, though the town never reached the size of nearby Sweetwater. Blackwell remains a quiet, rural community, with its economy still largely centered around agriculture and oil production. Despite its small size, Blackwell plays an important role in the county’s rural economy and continues to attract people who appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and agricultural lifestyle.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Blackwell is served by the Blackwell Independent School District, which operates a small, but dedicated school system. The district includes Blackwell High School as the town’s secondary educational institution. The community is close-knit, with many residents involved in local school activities and events. Notable landmarks in Blackwell include the Blackwell Cemetery, where many of the town’s early settlers are buried, and the historic downtown area, which reflects the town’s rural charm. The surrounding landscapes, filled with open fields and farmland, are a key feature of Blackwell’s peaceful atmosphere. Agriculture plays a significant role in daily life, with local farmers often hosting events and gatherings to promote the area’s products. While the town is small, its residents are dedicated to maintaining a strong sense of community and preserving its local history.