Cities and Towns in Pecos County, Texas
Founded in 1871, Pecos County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Pecos County was formed from Presidio County. The city of Fort Stockton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 371, Pecos County has a population of 15,118 and area of 4,764 square miles (12,339 km²).
List of all cities in Pecos County, TX alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Coyanosa, TX | 79730 | 432 |
Fort Stockton, TX | 79735 | 432 |
Girvin, TX | 79740 | 432 |
Imperial, TX | 79743 | 432 |
Iraan, TX | 79744 | 432 |
Sheffield, TX | 79781 | 432 |
Major Cities and Towns in Pecos County, Texas
Fort Stockton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 5.6 square miles
- Population: 8,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 79735
- Latitude: 30.8943° N
- Longitude: 102.8782° W
Location and History
Fort Stockton is the county seat of Pecos County, located in West Texas along the Trans-Pecos region. The town was originally founded in 1859 as a military fort during the Indian Wars and was named after James Fort, a commander during the war with the Comanche and Apache tribes. The fort was established to protect travelers and settlers in the region and played a significant role in the expansion of the Texas frontier. After the military abandoned the fort in the late 1800s, the area became a bustling railroad town and a hub for cattle ranching. Fort Stockton grew rapidly in the early 20th century due to the discovery of oil in the region, which brought in workers and boosted the local economy. Today, Fort Stockton is a crossroads community that serves as a gateway to West Texas, offering a mix of historical charm and modern development. Despite its small size, it remains an important center for agriculture, oil, and transportation, and its proximity to Big Bend National Park and the Mexican border makes it a popular stop for travelers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fort Stockton is served by the Fort Stockton Independent School District, which includes Fort Stockton High School, offering strong academic programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The city is also home to the Western Texas College campus, providing a variety of higher education programs for local students. Among Fort Stockton’s historic landmarks is the Fort Stockton Historic Site, which preserves the remains of the original military post, including the old barracks, officers’ quarters, and a reconstructed guardhouse. The Annie Riggs Memorial Museum, housed in a historic adobe home, offers visitors a glimpse into the town’s early history and its role in the West Texas frontier. The city also boasts the distinctive “Roadrunner” statue, a local landmark symbolizing Fort Stockton’s identity and its location along U.S. Route 285. Fort Stockton has several public parks, such as James Rooney Memorial Park, which features recreational facilities, and offers visitors opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking. Fort Stockton’s downtown area features unique shops, restaurants, and galleries that celebrate its rich history while embracing modern development.
Iraan
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: 1,300 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 79744
- Latitude: 30.9042° N
- Longitude: 101.8919° W
Location and History
Iraan is a small town located in the southwestern part of Pecos County, Texas, on the banks of the Pecos River. The town was founded in 1926 during the Texas oil boom and is a combination of the names “I” from Ira and “an” from Anson, the names of two early ranchers who helped settle the area. Initially, the community grew rapidly due to the discovery of oil nearby, which brought in workers and industrial development. Iraan became a key oil-producing town in the 1920s and 1930s. Over time, however, the oil industry declined, and the economy shifted toward agriculture, especially cotton farming and cattle ranching. The town is situated in a sparsely populated region, but it continues to be an important part of Pecos County, serving as a rural community with strong ties to its agricultural and oil-based history. Iraan’s growth was also shaped by its location along the Trans-Pecos region, with settlers initially attracted by water sources like the Pecos River and the fertile surrounding land. Today, Iraan remains a small but essential part of the region, offering a peaceful lifestyle and a deep connection to its oil and agricultural past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Iraan is served by the Iraan-Sheffield Independent School District, which includes Iraan High School, known for its competitive sports teams, particularly in football and basketball, and a variety of academic programs. The district is central to the community, providing educational opportunities for local students. Among Iraan’s notable landmarks is the Pecos River Bridge, which is an important infrastructure feature of the region, facilitating access across the river and connecting Iraan to nearby areas. The town also has the Iraan City Park, which includes facilities for outdoor recreation, a swimming pool, and sports fields. Iraan’s relatively small population means that local businesses and community organizations are central to the town’s economy. Additionally, the surrounding desert landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the natural beauty of West Texas. While Iraan does not have many major tourist attractions, it celebrates its oil heritage through local museums and historical exhibits that reflect the history of the town and its role in the region’s development. Visitors can also enjoy the peaceful, small-town atmosphere and the scenic views of the Pecos River.
Imperial
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: 70 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 79743
- Latitude: 30.7554° N
- Longitude: 102.7547° W
Location and History
Imperial is a small unincorporated community located in the southern part of Pecos County, Texas, near the intersection of U.S. Route 385 and State Highway 18. The town was founded in the early 1900s and is one of the smallest communities in Pecos County, with a population that has remained relatively stable over the years. Imperial’s history is closely tied to the development of the region’s agricultural industry, especially cotton farming. In the early 20th century, the discovery of water in the area and the advent of irrigation allowed farmers to cultivate crops in what had previously been a dry, arid region. The town’s location along major highways made it a small but significant stop for travelers and ranchers. Over time, the population of Imperial grew slowly but never exceeded a few hundred residents, with most of the town’s residents employed in agriculture or local service industries. Today, Imperial retains its small-town, rural charm and continues to be primarily agricultural, with cotton farming and cattle ranching playing central roles in the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Imperial does not have its own school district, and most students attend schools in the nearby towns of Fort Stockton or Iraan. The town is located within the boundaries of the Fort Stockton Independent School District, where students are bused to schools in the larger city. Despite its small size, Imperial has a few community landmarks, including the Imperial Cemetery, which serves as a resting place for many of the town’s early settlers. The town is also home to several local businesses, including a small general store and ranching supply stores that cater to the agricultural community. As a quiet, rural town, Imperial does not have many tourist attractions, but its location in West Texas makes it a great base for exploring the surrounding desert landscape. Visitors to the area can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty, including vast open spaces, mountain ranges, and the wide, clear skies typical of the region. Though the town does not have many amenities, its residents take pride in their rural lifestyle, and its peaceful atmosphere is a draw for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Buena Vista
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: 160 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 79751
- Latitude: 30.6064° N
- Longitude: 102.9894° W
Location and History
Buena Vista is a small community located in the central part of Pecos County, Texas, not far from the banks of the Pecos River. The town was founded in the late 1800s and grew as a farming and ranching settlement, with settlers drawn to the fertile land along the river. The name “Buena Vista” is Spanish for “good view,” reflecting the town’s picturesque location in the West Texas desert, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Over time, the town developed as a quiet agricultural community, with a focus on cattle ranching, cotton farming, and crop production. Although it never grew to be a large town, Buena Vista played an important role in the agricultural economy of Pecos County. Today, it remains a small, rural settlement with a close-knit community that values its history and agricultural roots. The town’s proximity to the Pecos River and the Trans-Pecos region gives it a unique cultural identity, deeply tied to the region’s farming traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Buena Vista is part of the Fort Stockton Independent School District, so children from the town typically attend schools in Fort Stockton. The community has a few small businesses, mostly related to agriculture, and serves as a base for ranchers and farmers in the surrounding area. Among the landmarks in Buena Vista is the Pecos River, which has been central to the town’s history and development. The river provides irrigation for local agriculture and offers opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and birdwatching. The town itself is quiet, with few commercial establishments, but its proximity to Fort Stockton means that residents have access to services, schools, and other amenities. Buena Vista celebrates its agricultural heritage, and the surrounding desert landscape is a popular spot for hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the natural beauty of West Texas.