Cities and Towns in Upton County, Texas
Founded in 1887, Upton County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Upton County was formed from Tom Green County. The city of Rankin is the county seat. With FIPS code of 461, Upton County has a population of 3,265 and area of 1,242 square miles (3,217 km²).
List of all cities in Upton County, TX alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
McCamey, TX | 79752 | 432 |
Midkiff, TX | 79755 | 432 |
Rankin, TX | 79778 | 432 |
Major Cities and Towns in Upton County, Texas
1. McCamey
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 1.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500
- Zip Code: 79752
- Latitude: 30.5829° N
- Longitude: 102.1146° W
Location and History:
McCamey is a small town located in western Upton County, Texas, approximately 30 miles southeast of the city of Odessa. The town was originally established in 1911 when oil was discovered in the area, sparking a boom that brought workers and settlers to McCamey. The town’s name was derived from a combination of the McCamey family, early landowners in the area, and the word “oil” for its significance to the town’s economy. McCamey’s early economy was fueled by oil production, and for much of the 20th century, it was known as the “Oil Capital of the West.” Though the oil boom has subsided, McCamey continues to thrive on a mix of agriculture and oil industry services. The town’s history and contributions to Texas’ oil industry are significant, and McCamey maintains a proud, small-town charm, centered on the hard work and determination that built it.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
McCamey is served by the McCamey Independent School District, which includes McCamey High School, McCamey Junior High School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its commitment to student success and offers a variety of extracurricular activities. Notable landmarks in McCamey include the historic McCamey Oil Field and the McCamey Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the town’s oil history. The McCamey Water Park is another local attraction, providing recreational opportunities for families. The town is also known for its historic downtown area, which still contains buildings that date back to the oil boom era. The nearby desert landscape offers a peaceful environment for outdoor enthusiasts, and the town’s strong community spirit makes it an inviting place for visitors and residents alike.
2. Rankin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,400
- Zip Code: 79778
- Latitude: 31.1014° N
- Longitude: 101.9734° W
Location and History:
Rankin is located in the eastern part of Upton County, Texas, about 60 miles south of Midland and 50 miles north of Fort Stockton. It was established in the early 20th century, around the time when the railroad was extended through the region, and it was named after a prominent local landowner, Rankin Whitehead. Rankin was initially a railroad town and grew as an agricultural center, primarily focused on cotton farming. Like McCamey, Rankin also benefited from the West Texas oil boom in the 1920s, although its growth was not as pronounced as that of other nearby oil towns. Despite the ebb and flow of the oil industry, Rankin has remained a rural community with a stable population, serving as a quiet and picturesque hub for farming and ranching. Over the years, Rankin has maintained a tight-knit community with a strong local identity and a slower pace of life compared to its larger neighbors.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Rankin is served by the Rankin Independent School District, which includes Rankin High School and Rankin Elementary School. The school district is known for providing a solid education and promoting community involvement. The town’s major landmarks include the Rankin Depot, a historic train station that was once an important part of the town’s railroad-based economy. The Rankin City Park offers a recreational space for residents, featuring sports facilities and picnic areas. Another local attraction is the Rankin Community Center, which hosts a variety of community events throughout the year. The surrounding area is characterized by wide-open spaces, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and photography. Rankin’s peaceful, rural setting, combined with its historical significance and small-town charm, makes it a quiet gem in Upton County.