Cities and Towns in Ward County, Texas
Founded in 1887, Ward County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Ward County was formed from Tom Green County. The city of Monahans is the county seat. With FIPS code of 475, Ward County has a population of 11,194 and area of 836 square miles (2,165 km²).
List of all cities in Ward County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Barstow, TX | 79719 | 432 |
| Grandfalls, TX | 79742 | 432 |
| Monahans, TX | 79756 | 432 |
| Pyote, TX | 79777 | 432 |
| Royalty, TX | 79742 | 432 |
| Wickett, TX | 79788 | 432 |
Major Cities and Towns in Ward County, Texas
1. Monahans
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 2.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,600
- Zip Codes: 79756
- Latitude: 31.5913° N
- Longitude: 102.8989° W
Location and History:
Monahans is the largest city and the county seat of Ward County, Texas, located in the western part of the state, roughly halfway between Odessa and Fort Stockton. The town was established in 1881 as a railway stop for the Texas and Pacific Railway. Named after the Monahans family, the city’s early economy was heavily based on ranching and oil production. Monahans’ history is deeply tied to the oil boom that swept through the region in the early 20th century. As oil exploration grew, the town expanded rapidly, becoming a significant hub for the oil industry. Over the years, it has maintained a balance between its oil-centered economy and agricultural roots. The area surrounding Monahans is part of the vast West Texas desert landscape, and the town’s development was spurred by the discovery of natural resources, especially oil and gas. Today, Monahans is a thriving small city that serves as an important center for trade and commerce in the region, with a population that continues to grow as oil and energy industries remain strong in the area.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Monahans is served by the Monahans-Wickett-Pyote Independent School District, which includes Monahans High School, Monahans Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district offers a wide range of academic programs, sports, and extracurricular activities for students of all ages. In terms of landmarks, Monahans is known for the Monahans Sandhills State Park, a unique and beautiful natural area located just outside the city. This park features massive sand dunes, ideal for sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a stark contrast to the typical West Texas landscape. The Ward County Courthouse, built in 1910, is another notable historic site and stands as a reminder of the city’s past. The town is also home to the Ward County Museum, which preserves the history of the area, showcasing its oil heritage, the history of the railroad, and exhibits on local wildlife. Monahans is a blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty, making it a charming place to visit and live.
2. Pyote
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100
- Zip Codes: 79777
- Latitude: 31.4986° N
- Longitude: 102.4886° W
Location and History:
Pyote is a small, rural town located to the northeast of Monahans in Ward County, Texas. Established in the early 1900s, Pyote began as a railway stop on the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Originally a stopover for trains and cattle drives, the town quickly became a crucial location for local commerce. At one point, Pyote was a thriving hub due to the oil boom and its proximity to larger cities like Odessa and Midland. The name “Pyote” comes from the peyote cactus, a plant native to the region, which had spiritual significance to Native American tribes in the area. However, after the peak of the oil boom, the town’s population began to decline as the industry waned, and much of the town’s infrastructure was left behind. Today, Pyote remains a quiet community, with a modest population and a primarily agricultural-based economy. Its rural character is a stark contrast to the bustling cities to the east, and it offers a peaceful atmosphere to its few residents. Despite its small size, Pyote is part of the fabric of Ward County, with a history rooted in Texas’ oil and railroad industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
While Pyote has a very small population and no major schools of its own, students attend schools in nearby Monahans through the Monahans-Wickett-Pyote Independent School District. Despite its small size, the town’s history is well documented, and it serves as a reminder of the early days of settlement and development in the area. One of the most well-known landmarks near Pyote is the Pyote Army Airfield, a former World War II training base. The airfield, now largely abandoned, played a significant role in training pilots during the war. The town is also surrounded by wide-open spaces and is located near several ranches that have long been part of the area’s agricultural industry. The West Texas landscape, characterized by its rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, defines the area around Pyote, providing a unique, albeit quiet, backdrop for the town. Although small, Pyote’s history remains intertwined with the growth and transformation of West Texas, and the town continues to maintain a modest, rural charm.
