Cities and Towns in Stephens County, Texas

Founded in 1858, Stephens County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Stephens County was formed from Bosque County. Named Buchanan County until 1861. The city of Breckenridge is the county seat. With FIPS code of 429, Stephens County has a population of 9,173 and area of 895 square miles (2,318 km²).

List of all cities in Stephens County, TX alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Breckenridge, TX 76424 254
Caddo, TX 76429 254

Major Cities and Towns in Stephens County, Texas

1. Breckenridge

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 6.5 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 5,700
  • Zip Codes: 76424
  • Latitude: 32.0804° N
  • Longitude: 98.9141° W

Location and History:

Breckenridge is the county seat of Stephens County, Texas, and is located in the central part of the state. The town was founded in 1857, and it was named after John C. Breckenridge, the 14th Vice President of the United States, who was also a Confederate general during the Civil War. The city’s development accelerated with the discovery of oil in the region in the early 20th century, sparking a boom that transformed the small town into a bustling community. Breckenridge is situated near the Brazos River, which provided an important waterway for early settlers and commerce. The city’s growth was further spurred by the expansion of the railroad system, allowing easier transportation of goods and people. Today, Breckenridge remains a vital agricultural and oil hub, with industries such as farming, ranching, and energy extraction shaping the local economy. Despite the boom-and-bust cycles common in oil towns, Breckenridge has maintained a stable population and serves as a regional center for trade, services, and education.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Breckenridge is served by the Breckenridge Independent School District (ISD), which includes Breckenridge High School, Breckenridge Junior High, and Breckenridge Elementary School. The school district has earned a reputation for strong academic programs and athletic success, particularly in football. The Breckenridge High School Bulldogs are known for their competitive sports teams, and the school is a major part of the community. Key landmarks in Breckenridge include the Stephens County Courthouse, an imposing structure built in 1914 that serves as a focal point of the town’s history. The Breckenridge City Park is another popular landmark, providing outdoor space for recreation, picnics, and community events. The Pioneer Park features a historic depot and offers exhibits on the town’s early years. Breckenridge is also home to the Texas Oil & Gas Museum, which educates visitors about the region’s history with the oil industry. The town’s historic Main Street district features charming brick storefronts, offering a look at the community’s early 20th-century architecture. Annual events like the Texas Cowboy Reunion celebrate the town’s ranching heritage and draw visitors from all over the state.

2. Caddo

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 0.5 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 100
  • Zip Codes: 76429
  • Latitude: 32.8592° N
  • Longitude: 99.0142° W

Location and History:

Caddo is a small unincorporated community located in Stephens County, Texas. It lies to the west of Breckenridge, roughly 10 miles from the county seat. The area was originally settled in the 1870s, and the community was named after the Caddo Native American tribe, who once inhabited the region. The town grew slowly during its early years, primarily as a stopover point for ranchers and farmers traveling between larger settlements. While Caddo never experienced the rapid growth that nearby towns like Breckenridge did during the oil boom, it has remained a quiet rural community with a strong agricultural base. The town is surrounded by fertile land that has been used for ranching and farming for generations. Caddo’s economy has always been tied to its natural resources, including livestock and crops. The town’s small population has remained relatively stable, and it continues to be a peaceful rural destination for those seeking a quiet lifestyle away from the larger cities.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Caddo is part of the Breckenridge Independent School District, so local students attend the same schools as those in the nearby town of Breckenridge. While Caddo itself does not have its own school, students benefit from the educational facilities in the larger district, which is known for strong community involvement. The Caddo Cemetery, located near the town, serves as a local landmark, providing a historical insight into the area’s early settlers and families. Caddo Lake, while not a large lake, offers some recreational opportunities for the small community, including fishing and boating. The area also hosts small-scale community events throughout the year, including local holiday celebrations. The proximity of Caddo to Breckenridge allows residents easy access to the larger town’s amenities, including shops, services, and cultural attractions. However, Caddo’s charm remains in its peaceful rural setting and its connection to the rich history of Texas’ agricultural and ranching heritage.

3. Lake Daniels

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 0.7 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 80
  • Zip Codes: 76424
  • Latitude: 32.1140° N
  • Longitude: 98.9281° W

Location and History:

Lake Daniels is another small unincorporated community in Stephens County, Texas, located just north of Breckenridge. The town developed around Lake Daniels, a reservoir created in the early 20th century for agricultural and recreational purposes. Lake Daniels was originally built as part of a water management project to support local farming operations, providing much-needed irrigation for crops in the area. Over time, the lake became a small recreational area for local residents, offering fishing and boating opportunities. The community itself has always been quite small, with most of its residents working in agriculture, ranching, or in Breckenridge. It remains an unincorporated settlement, meaning it has no formal governing structure but is still recognized as part of Stephens County. The town has a laid-back, rural atmosphere, and its residents enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding areas. Lake Daniels is an example of the quiet, country communities that dot Stephens County, offering a peaceful alternative to the larger towns and cities.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Lake Daniels is part of the Breckenridge Independent School District, so children attend school in Breckenridge. Local students benefit from the district’s strong academic and extracurricular programs, including sports and arts. While Lake Daniels itself does not feature many traditional landmarks, its main attraction is Lake Daniels itself, which provides a peaceful setting for residents and visitors alike. The lake is popular for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and picnicking, especially in the warmer months. The Breckenridge City Park and Lake Park, located a few miles away, offer additional recreational space for the community. The surrounding area is rich in ranching history, and residents of Lake Daniels often participate in community events and fairs held in Breckenridge, like the Texas Cowboy Reunion and the Breckenridge Fall Festival. The quiet, rural nature of Lake Daniels appeals to those seeking a serene lifestyle amidst the natural beauty of Stephens County.