Cities and Towns in Wilbarger County, Texas
Founded in 1858, Wilbarger County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Wilbarger County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Vernon is the county seat. With FIPS code of 487, Wilbarger County has a population of 12,731 and area of 971 square miles (2,515 km²).
List of all cities in Wilbarger County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Chillicothe, TX | 79247 | 940 |
| Harrold, TX | 76364 | 940 |
| Odell, TX | 79247 | 940 |
| Oklaunion, TX | 76373 | 940 |
| Vernon, TX | 76384 | 940 |
| 76385 | 940 |
Major Cities and Towns in Wilbarger County, Texas
1. Vernon
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 7.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 11,000
- Zip Codes: 76384
- Latitude: 34.1500° N
- Longitude: 99.2900° W
Location and History:
Vernon, the county seat of Wilbarger County, is located in the northwestern part of Texas, near the Oklahoma border. The city was founded in the late 19th century and was named after Vernon McDaniel, a prominent early settler and landowner in the region. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s played a significant role in the city’s growth, as it facilitated the transportation of cattle, cotton, and other agricultural products. Vernon became an important hub for the local farming economy, and its location along the Red River also made it a key trading post. The city has historically been known for its agricultural activities, including cotton farming, and remains a center for ranching and farming today. Vernon is home to several historical buildings and landmarks, including the Wilbarger County Courthouse, a distinctive structure that reflects the city’s historical significance. Despite economic shifts, Vernon has maintained a strong connection to its agricultural roots and continues to serve as a regional center for commerce, education, and government in Wilbarger County.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Vernon is served by the Vernon Independent School District, which includes Vernon High School, Vernon Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its commitment to academic excellence and offers a variety of extracurricular programs, including athletics, music, and academic competitions. In addition to the schools, Vernon is home to several notable landmarks. The Wilbarger County Historical Museum showcases the rich history of the area, with exhibits focusing on the local agricultural industry, Native American heritage, and the city’s role in the development of the region. The city’s historic downtown area features several preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into its past. Vernon’s well-known landmarks also include the Red River Valley Museum, which highlights the history of the Red River region, and the Vernon City Park, which is a popular spot for recreation and community events. The nearby Lake Vernon provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities, attracting both locals and visitors. These landmarks and institutions contribute to the city’s vibrant culture and strong sense of community.
2. North Vernon
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 1.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,500
- Zip Codes: 76384
- Latitude: 34.1500° N
- Longitude: 99.2800° W
Location and History:
North Vernon is a small community located just north of Vernon in Wilbarger County. Though not incorporated as a city, North Vernon is an important unincorporated area and serves as part of the larger Vernon metropolitan region. The settlement of North Vernon grew around the same time as Vernon, with its development closely tied to agriculture and the expansion of railroads in the late 1800s. Early settlers were attracted to the fertile land, which was ideal for farming and livestock grazing. As with many small communities in Texas, North Vernon’s economy was heavily reliant on the ranching and agricultural industries, and it remains a primarily rural area. Over time, the community grew modestly but never developed into a large urban center. Instead, it maintained its rural character, with many residents commuting to Vernon for work, services, and schools. Today, North Vernon remains a quiet, rural area, with a small population that enjoys a close-knit community atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
North Vernon is served by the Vernon Independent School District, which provides educational services to both Vernon and surrounding areas, including North Vernon. Students attend schools in Vernon proper, including Vernon High School and Vernon Middle School. While the community itself doesn’t have specific landmarks or large institutions, its proximity to Vernon means that it shares in the city’s cultural and historical assets. North Vernon is primarily residential, with a few small businesses and agricultural properties in the area. Its close proximity to Vernon allows residents to take advantage of the amenities in the larger city, including the Wilbarger County Historical Museum and the Red River Valley Museum. The town’s rural atmosphere, combined with its location in close proximity to Vernon, makes it a peaceful and attractive place for those seeking a quiet, country lifestyle while still being close to urban conveniences. North Vernon’s residents are part of the larger community of Vernon and contribute to its overall culture and economy, particularly in terms of agricultural work.
3. Oklaunion
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200
- Zip Codes: 76373
- Latitude: 33.9500° N
- Longitude: 99.0500° W
Location and History:
Oklaunion is a small rural community located in the southwestern part of Wilbarger County, Texas. The town’s name is a combination of “Oklahoma” and “Union,” referencing its location near the Oklahoma border. The town was founded in the late 19th century as a railroad stop and grew around the surrounding agricultural and ranching economy. Although Oklaunion never developed into a large urban center, it has maintained its rural identity and served as a peaceful, tight-knit community for local families. The town has had a long history centered around farming, livestock, and small businesses. While it is sparsely populated, the presence of a strong agricultural industry in the area helped sustain the community. As the years passed, the town’s importance shifted toward being a residential and farming area for surrounding communities, particularly Vernon, where many residents worked. Oklaunion’s small population and close proximity to the border of Oklahoma give it a unique blend of Texan and Southwestern culture.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Oklaunion falls under the jurisdiction of the Vernon Independent School District, with students typically attending schools in Vernon, including Vernon High School and Vernon Middle School. The small size of Oklaunion means that it lacks many of the larger landmarks or institutions found in bigger towns. However, residents benefit from nearby attractions in Vernon, such as the Wilbarger County Historical Museum and the Red River Valley Museum, which showcase the area’s history. The landscape surrounding Oklaunion is mainly used for agriculture, with many nearby farms producing crops such as cotton and wheat. The Oklaunion community is also close to the Lake Vernon area, providing outdoor recreation and leisure opportunities for residents. While Oklaunion itself has few landmarks, its rural setting provides access to some of the region’s natural beauty, with opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities in the surrounding area. The town’s residents continue to maintain strong ties to the agricultural traditions that have shaped the community for generations.
