Cities and Towns in Taylor County, Texas
Founded in 1858, Taylor County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Taylor County was formed from Bexar County and Travis County. The city of Abilene is the county seat. With FIPS code of 441, Taylor County has a population of 143,326 and area of 916 square miles (2,372 km²).
List of all cities in Taylor County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Abilene, TX | 79601 | 325 |
| 79602 | 325 | |
| 79603 | 325 | |
| 79604 | 325 | |
| 79605 | 325 | |
| 79606 | 325 | |
| 79607 | 325 | |
| 79608 | 325 | |
| 79697 | 325 | |
| 79698 | 325 | |
| 79699 | 325 | |
| Abilene Christian University, TX | 79699 | 325 |
| Blair, TX | 79536 | 325 |
| Buffalo Gap, TX | 79508 | 325 |
| Dyess AFB, TX | 79607 | 325 |
| Hamby, TX | 79601 | 325 |
| Hardin Simmons University, TX | 79698 | 325 |
| Impact, TX | 79603 | 325 |
| Lawn, TX | 79530 | 325 |
| Mcmurry University, TX | 79697 | 325 |
| Merkel, TX | 79536 | 325 |
| Noodle, TX | 79536 | 325 |
| Ovalo, TX | 79541 | 325 |
| Potosi, TX | 79601 | 325 |
| Stith, TX | 79536 | 325 |
| Trent, TX | 79561 | 325 |
| Tuscola, TX | 79562 | 325 |
| Tye, TX | 79563 | 325 |
Major Cities and Towns in Taylor County, Texas
1. Abilene
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 113.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 125,000
- Zip Codes: 79601, 79602, 79603, 79606, 79608
- Latitude: 32.4487° N
- Longitude: 99.7331° W
Location and History:
Abilene, the county seat of Taylor County, is located in west-central Texas, approximately 150 miles west of Fort Worth. The city sits along the banks of the Clear Fork of the Brazos River. Abilene’s history dates back to the mid-1800s, when it was founded as a trading post and cattle ranching center. The city was named after Abilene, Kansas, and became a critical stop along the Texas and Pacific Railway in the late 19th century. Abilene’s strategic location made it an important shipping and cattle-raising center. During the early 20th century, the city became an industrial hub, with a growing economy driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and oil. By the mid-20th century, Abilene’s economy diversified, and the city became known for its educational and military institutions, including Dyess Air Force Base. The city continued to grow, becoming a regional center for commerce, healthcare, and culture. Abilene is now a thriving city with a rich history and a strong presence in the arts, education, and military.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Abilene is home to several higher education institutions, including Abilene Christian University, a prominent Christian university known for its academic excellence and religious focus. Other universities include Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University. The Abilene Independent School District (ISD) serves the city, offering a range of public schools from elementary to high school. Major landmarks in Abilene include the Abilene Zoo, the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, and the Frontier Texas! museum, which tells the history of the area. The Abilene Convention Center and the Taylor County Expo Center host various events, including concerts, trade shows, and agricultural expos. The downtown area features historic buildings and a thriving cultural scene, with art galleries, restaurants, and theaters. Abilene is also known for its military presence, with Dyess Air Force Base serving as a major employer and a key component of the local economy. The city’s proximity to outdoor attractions like Lake Abilene, the Abilene State Park, and the Big Country offers residents and visitors opportunities for recreation and exploration.
2. Impact
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 1.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250
- Zip Codes: 79602
- Latitude: 32.4507° N
- Longitude: 99.7175° W
Location and History:
Impact is a small, unincorporated community located just south of Abilene in Taylor County. Founded in the early 1900s, the town was originally a farming and ranching settlement that grew around a cotton gin and a general store. Although it never reached the size of neighboring Abilene, Impact became a focal point for local trade in the early 20th century. The community’s population remained small, and by the mid-20th century, many of its residents moved to nearby cities, primarily Abilene, for greater opportunities. Today, Impact remains a rural community with a handful of residents and a strong sense of history and tradition. Its location near Abilene allows residents to take advantage of the larger city’s amenities while still enjoying the peace and quiet of a small-town lifestyle. Although it is not a bustling center like some of its neighbors, Impact plays a part in the agricultural heritage of Taylor County.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Impact is part of the larger Abilene Independent School District (ISD), and most students from the area attend schools in Abilene. The small community is primarily residential, with few public buildings or major commercial establishments. However, the area’s agricultural roots are still evident, with local farms and ranches dotting the landscape. The major landmark in Impact is the historical cotton gin, which was once the centerpiece of the community’s economic activity. Though no longer operational, the cotton gin remains a reminder of the area’s agricultural heritage. As a rural community, Impact also benefits from its proximity to Abilene, offering access to the city’s cultural and recreational attractions, including the Abilene Zoo, the Paramount Theatre, and the historic downtown district. The quiet atmosphere and scenic countryside surrounding Impact make it a peaceful place for those seeking a slower pace of life while remaining close to the amenities of a larger city.
3. Merkel
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 1.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,500
- Zip Codes: 79536
- Latitude: 32.4243° N
- Longitude: 100.1523° W
Location and History:
Merkel is a small town located about 20 miles west of Abilene in Taylor County. Founded in 1909, Merkel grew as a result of the expansion of the railroad and the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway. The town was named after one of the first settlers, a man named A.M. Merkel. Like many small Texas towns, Merkel’s economy initially revolved around agriculture, with cotton farming and cattle ranching being primary sources of income. The town’s proximity to Abilene allowed it to benefit from the growth of the larger city while maintaining its rural charm. Over the years, Merkel has become known for its friendly, small-town atmosphere and its annual events, which attract visitors from the surrounding area. Despite its small size, Merkel has remained an important part of Taylor County’s history and continues to serve as a hub for local agriculture and community events.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Merkel is served by the Merkel Independent School District, which includes Merkel High School and Merkel Junior High. The school district is well-regarded in the region for providing a strong education in a close-knit community setting. One of the town’s most prominent landmarks is the Merkel Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits related to the history of the town and the surrounding area. The town’s historic downtown district features several old buildings, including the historic railroad depot, which reflects Merkel’s early development as a railroad town. Another key landmark is the town’s annual “Merkel Rodeo,” which draws crowds from across the region and showcases local cowboy culture. The surrounding rural landscape provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing, while Merkel’s location near Abilene allows residents to access additional cultural and recreational offerings. Despite its small size, Merkel offers a rich community experience for its residents and visitors alike.
