Cities and Towns in Reagan County, Texas
Founded in 1903, Reagan County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Reagan County was formed from Tom Green County. The city of Big Lake is the county seat. With FIPS code of 383, Reagan County has a population of 3,253 and area of 1,175 square miles (3,043 km²).
List of all cities in Reagan County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Best, TX | 76932 | 325 |
| Big Lake, TX | 76932 | 325 |
| Texon, TX | 76932 | 325 |
Major Cities and Towns in Reagan County, Texas
Big Lake
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.1 square miles
- Population: 3,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 76932
- Latitude: 31.1390° N
- Longitude: 101.4910° W
Location and History
Big Lake is the county seat of Reagan County, Texas, located in the western part of the state, roughly 100 miles southeast of Midland. The town is situated near the headwaters of the Llano River, which has historically been an important resource for settlers and farmers. Big Lake’s history dates back to the early 20th century, when it was established as a small farming and ranching community. The town’s name is derived from the nearby Big Lake, a large water body created by the Llano River. In the 1920s, the discovery of oil in the region transformed Big Lake, bringing prosperity and rapid growth to the area. Oil drilling became the primary economic driver of the community, with many oil workers and their families settling in the area. Today, Big Lake is known for its mix of oil industry activity and rural charm, offering a small-town atmosphere with modern amenities. While the town’s population has remained stable over the years, its oil and natural gas industry continues to be vital to the local economy, providing jobs and maintaining its relevance within the Permian Basin.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Big Lake is served by the Reagan County Independent School District, which includes Reagan County High School, where students have access to a variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. The school system is central to the community, providing a supportive environment for local youth. In addition to its schools, Big Lake is known for several landmarks, including the Reagan County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the center of local government. The courthouse is a well-preserved example of early 20th-century architecture and is an important part of the town’s civic life. The nearby Big Lake, which offers recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing, is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The town is also close to the Reagan County Museum, which showcases the area’s history, from Native American settlements to the oil boom era. Annual events such as the Big Lake Christmas Parade help maintain a close-knit community atmosphere. With a combination of historical landmarks and natural beauty, Big Lake provides a peaceful rural setting with a rich local heritage.
Stiles
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: 50 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 76945
- Latitude: 31.2089° N
- Longitude: 101.4651° W
Location and History
Stiles is a small, rural unincorporated community located in central Reagan County, Texas. Situated approximately 10 miles east of Big Lake, Stiles was established as a railroad stop in the early 20th century, largely due to the expansion of the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Initially, it was a cattle and farming town that served as a shipping point for local agricultural products. In the 1920s, Stiles became a major center for oil exploration following the discovery of oil in the region. The town’s population grew rapidly during the oil boom but declined after the initial rush of industry slowed. Today, Stiles remains a very small community, with a sparse population and little commercial development. It serves as a reminder of the Texas oil boom and the impact that the oil industry has had on the region. While the town is small, Stiles still maintains its rural atmosphere, with ranching and agriculture as the primary sources of income for the few residents who remain.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Because Stiles is so small and unincorporated, it does not have its own school district or public school facilities. Residents typically attend school in nearby Big Lake or other larger towns in the region. There are few landmarks in Stiles due to its size, but the town’s location within the oil-rich Permian Basin gives it a unique historical significance. One of the town’s key historical landmarks is the Stiles Cemetery, which contains graves dating back to the early days of settlement and offers a glimpse into the community’s past. The surrounding ranchland and oil fields are another significant feature of Stiles, as they reflect the long-standing agricultural and energy industries that have shaped the area’s economy. The region is known for its picturesque landscapes, with wide open spaces, rolling hills, and a quiet, rural charm that draws visitors seeking a retreat from urban life. Though small in size, Stiles’ connection to the oil industry and its rural character make it an important part of Reagan County’s heritage.
Artesia Wells
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: 100 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 76933
- Latitude: 31.0724° N
- Longitude: 101.7590° W
Location and History
Artesia Wells is an unincorporated community located in the southern part of Reagan County, Texas. Originally founded in the late 1800s as a water stop for travelers and livestock along the San Antonio-to-El Paso trail, the town grew slowly with settlers and ranchers using the artesian wells in the area as a reliable source of fresh water. The name “Artesia Wells” comes from the artesian wells that were drilled to access the area’s underground water sources. The town was never large, but it saw some growth in the early 20th century as nearby ranches flourished and oil was discovered in the Permian Basin. The rise of the oil industry brought some prosperity to the area, but much like many small Texas towns, Artesia Wells saw its population dwindle as people moved to larger cities for work opportunities. Today, the town remains a small, rural community, largely focused on agriculture and the oil industry. Though it’s not as well-known as other towns in the region, Artesia Wells is a quiet reminder of the area’s early settlement history and the important role that water sources and oil development played in shaping the region’s economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Artesia Wells lacks its own school system, and students typically attend schools in larger nearby towns such as Big Lake or San Angelo. The community is also served by the Reagan County Independent School District, with children commuting to Big Lake for education. While Artesia Wells does not have significant landmarks, the Artesian Wells themselves are historically important, as they were crucial to the establishment of the town and the settlement of the surrounding area. The landscape around Artesia Wells is dominated by ranchland, which remains a significant part of the community’s livelihood. The region’s oil wells and fields are also integral to the town’s history and economy. The quiet, wide-open spaces surrounding Artesia Wells are home to cattle ranching, which has long been a staple of the local economy. Though it is a small, sparsely populated town, Artesia Wells offers a tranquil, rural lifestyle amidst the beauty of west Texas, with the rugged land and oil infrastructure providing a sense of both history and modernity to the area.