What is Ector County, Texas, and where is it located?

Ector County is a county situated in the U.S. state of Texas. It is part of the larger region known as West Texas.

What was the population of Ector County, Texas, as recorded in the 2020 census?

According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of Ector County, Texas, was 165,171.

What is the county seat of Ector County, Texas?

The county seat of Ector County, Texas, is the city of Odessa.

When was Ector County established and organized?

Ector County was founded in 1887 and officially organized in 1891.

Who is Ector County named after, and what was their significance?

Ector County is named after Matthew Ector, who was a Confederate general during the American Civil War.

What metropolitan and combined statistical areas does Ector County belong to?

Ector County is part of the Odessa, Texas, metropolitan statistical area, and it is also included within the Midland–Odessa combined statistical area.

What is the total geographical area of Ector County, Texas?

The total area of Ector County is 902 square miles (2,340 square kilometers). Of this, 898 square miles (2,330 square kilometers) are land, and 4.1 square miles (11 square kilometers) are covered by water, making up about 0.5% of the total area.

Describe the climate and general terrain of Ector County, Texas.

Ector County experiences a warm, sunny, semiarid climate with an average annual rainfall of approximately 14 inches. The terrain is predominantly flat, with some areas exhibiting slight rolling features, and the landscape is often described as stark.

What types of trees are naturally found in Ector County, Texas?

The naturally occurring trees in Ector County are primarily mesquite trees, which tend to resemble large bushes rather than tall trees.

List the major highways that pass through or serve Ector County, Texas.

Ector County is served by several major highways, including Interstate 20 (I-20), Interstate 20 Business Loop (I-20 BL), U.S. Route 385 (US 385), State Highway 158 (SH 158), State Highway 181 (SH 181), State Highway 191 (SH 191), State Highway 302 (SH 302), State Highway Spur 450 (Spur 450), State Highway Spur 588 (Spur 588), State Highway Loop 338 (Loop 338), and various Farm to Market roads such as FM 554, FM 1053, FM 1601, FM 1787, FM 1788, FM 1882, FM 1936, FM 2019, FM 2020, FM 3472, and FM 3503.

Which counties are adjacent to Ector County, Texas?

Ector County is bordered by Andrews County to the north, Midland County to the east, Upton County to the southeast, Crane County to the south, Ward County to the southwest, and Winkler County to the west.

What was the population trend in Ector County, Texas, from 1890 to 1940?

From 1890 to 1940, Ector County's population grew significantly, albeit with some fluctuations. It started at 224 in 1890, rose to 381 by 1900, surged to 1,178 by 1910, then decreased to 760 in 1920, before experiencing rapid growth to 3,958 in 1930 and 15,051 in 1940.

How did the population of Ector County change between 1950 and 2000?

The population of Ector County saw substantial growth from 1950 to 2000. It increased from 42,102 in 1950 to 90,995 in 1960, then saw slower growth to 91,805 in 1970, followed by increases to 115,374 in 1980, 118,934 in 1990, and 121,123 in 2000.

What was the population growth rate of Ector County between 2010 and 2020?

Ector County experienced a population growth of 20.4% between the 2010 census (137,130 people) and the 2020 census (165,171 people).

What was the racial makeup of Ector County, Texas, according to the 2000 census?

In the year 2000, the racial composition of Ector County was predominantly White at 73.69%. African Americans constituted 4.61%, Native Americans 0.83%, Asians 0.64%, and Pacific Islanders 0.04%. Those identifying with other races made up 17.38%, and 2.81% identified with two or more races. Additionally, 42.36% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race.

How did the Hispanic or Latino population percentage change in Ector County between 2000 and 2020?

The percentage of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino (of any race) in Ector County increased significantly from 42.36% in 2000 to 52.75% in 2010, and further to 60.57% in 2020.

Describe the household composition in Ector County based on the 2000 census data.

In 2000, Ector County had 43,846 households. Of these, 38.90% included children under 18. Married couples comprised 54.10% of households, while 13.70% were headed by a female with no husband present. Non-family households accounted for 27.70%, and 24.00% of all households consisted of individuals, with 8.90% of those individuals being 65 years or older living alone. The average household size was 2.72 people, and the average family size was 3.25 people.

What was the median age and sex distribution in Ector County in 2000?

In 2000, the median age in Ector County was 32 years. The population distribution showed 30.40% under 18, 10.50% between 18 and 24, 27.90% from 25 to 44, 20.20% from 45 to 64, and 10.90% aged 65 and over. For every 100 females, there were 94.70 males, and for every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 90.90 males.

What were the median household and per capita incomes in Ector County in 2000?

In the year 2000, the median income for a household in Ector County was $31,152, and for a family, it was $36,369. The per capita income for the county was $15,031.

What percentage of families and the population in Ector County were below the poverty line in 2000?

In 2000, approximately 16.10% of families and 18.70% of the total population in Ector County lived below the poverty line. This included 23.90% of those under 18 and 14.30% of those aged 65 and over.

What are the incorporated cities within Ector County, Texas?

The incorporated cities within Ector County, Texas, are Goldsmith and Odessa. Odessa also serves as the county seat.

What census-designated places (CDPs) are located in Ector County, Texas?

The census-designated places located in Ector County, Texas, are Gardendale and West Odessa.

Which unincorporated communities are found in Ector County, Texas?

Unincorporated communities in Ector County, Texas, include Notrees, Penwell, and Pleasant Farms.

What is listed as a ghost town within Ector County, Texas?

Arcade is listed as a ghost town in Ector County, Texas.

How has Ector County, Texas, voted in presidential elections historically?

Ector County is predominantly Republican in its voting patterns. It has consistently voted Republican since 1952, with the last time Democrats carrying the county being in 1948. Notably, it voted against Lyndon B. Johnson, a native Texan, in the 1964 presidential election.

When did Ector County, Texas, first vote Republican in a presidential election according to the provided data, and what was the outcome in 1964?

Ector County first voted Republican in a presidential election in 1928, with the Republican candidate securing 52.66% of the vote. In 1964, despite being a landslide year nationally for Lyndon B. Johnson, Ector County voted Republican with 51.36% of the vote.

What was the trend in Ector County's presidential election results between 1980 and 2000?

Between 1980 and 2000, Ector County consistently showed strong Republican support in presidential elections. Republican candidates won with percentages ranging from 50.35% in 1992 (a year with a significant third-party candidate) up to 77.41% in 1984, generally maintaining a majority of the vote.

What was the result of the 2024 United States Senate election in Ector County, Texas?

In the 2024 United States Senate election, the Republican candidate received 72.70% of the vote in Ector County, Texas, while the Democratic candidate garnered 25.13%.

What notable institutions or landmarks are listed in the 'See also' section for Ector County?

The 'See also' section lists several points of interest related to Ector County, including the Odessa Meteor Crater, the Presidential Museum and Leadership Library, Odessa College, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, and resources like the National Register of Historic Places listings and Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks within the county.

What is the official website for Ector County, Texas?

The official website for Ector County, Texas, is www.co.ector.tx.us.

What is the coordinate location of Ector County, Texas?

Ector County, Texas, is located at coordinates 31°52′N 102°32′W / 31.87°N 102.54°W.

What time zone does Ector County, Texas observe?

Ector County, Texas, observes the Central Time Zone, which is UTC-6. During daylight saving time, it observes Central Daylight Time, which is UTC-5.

Which U.S. Congressional district includes Ector County, Texas?

Ector County, Texas, is part of the 11th Congressional District.

What does the image of the Ector County Courthouse depict?

The image shows the Ector County Courthouse located in Odessa, Texas. It is a significant building within the county.

What does the map of Texas highlighting Ector County illustrate?

The map of Texas highlighting Ector County visually indicates the geographical location of Ector County within the state of Texas.

What does the map of the United States highlighting Texas illustrate?

The map of the United States highlighting Texas shows the location of the state of Texas within the broader context of the U.S.

What is the significance of the Ector County Coliseum mentioned in the text?

The Ector County Coliseum is mentioned as a facility within the county, suggesting it is a notable venue or landmark.

What does the image of the Ector County Courthouse Administration building show?

The image displays the administration annex building of the Ector County Courthouse, providing a visual reference to the county's governmental infrastructure.

What is the approximate population density of Ector County, Texas, based on the 2020 census?

Based on the 2020 census data, Ector County has a population density of approximately 184 people per square mile (71.0 people per square kilometer).

What is the historical context provided for Matthew Ector, after whom the county is named?

Matthew Ector, the namesake of Ector County, was a Confederate general who served during the American Civil War.

How has the percentage of non-Hispanic White residents changed in Ector County from 2000 to 2020?

The percentage of non-Hispanic White residents in Ector County has decreased significantly from 51.33% in 2000 to 41.06% in 2010, and further to 30.89% in 2020.

What is the trend for the Black or African American population (non-Hispanic) in Ector County from 2000 to 2020?

The non-Hispanic Black or African American population in Ector County has remained relatively stable, increasing slightly from 4.43% in 2000 to 4.50% in 2020, with a slight dip to 4.08% in 2010.

What is the role of the Ector County government website?

The Ector County government website, found at www.co.ector.tx.us, serves as an official online resource for information and services related to the county's administration.

What historical election data is presented for Ector County, Texas, regarding presidential elections?

The provided data shows Ector County's presidential election results from 1912 to 2024. It highlights a strong Democratic majority in the early to mid-20th century, with a shift towards consistent Republican dominance starting around 1952. The data includes vote counts and percentages for Republican, Democratic, and third parties in each election year.

What does the 'Authority control' section indicate about Ector County?

The 'Authority control' section lists identifiers from various databases (like ISNI, VIAF, WorldCat, Library of Congress, Israel National Library, and Yale LUX) that uniquely identify Ector County, Texas, in cataloging and information systems, facilitating cross-referencing and data consistency.

Ector County Texas Wiki: Ector County Unveiled: A West Texas Profile

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Introduction

Location and Foundation

Ector County is a county situated in the western region of the U.S. state of Texas. Established in 1887 and formally organized in 1891, it was named in honor of Matthew Ector, a Confederate general who served during the American Civil War.^{^}^{^} The county seat and largest municipality is Odessa.^{^} Ector County forms the core of the Odessa, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also recognized as part of the broader Midland–Odessa combined statistical area.

Geographic Coordinates

The geographical center of Ector County is located at approximately 31°52′ North latitude and 102°32′ West longitude.^{^} This positioning places it within the Permian Basin region, an area renowned for its significant oil and gas reserves.

Geography

Area and Dimensions

Ector County encompasses a total area of 902 square miles (2,340 km²). Of this total, 898 square miles (2,330 km²) consist of land, while approximately 4.1 square miles (11 km²), or 0.5%, is covered by water.^{^}

Climate and Landscape

The county experiences a warm, sunny, semiarid climate, with an average annual rainfall of about 14 inches. The terrain is predominantly flat, interspersed with areas of gentle rolling hills. The landscape is characterized by its stark, arid beauty, with the native flora primarily consisting of mesquite trees that often resemble large shrubs.

Transportation Networks

Ector County is strategically served by a robust network of major highways, facilitating regional connectivity and commerce. Key routes include:

Interstate 20 (I-20)
Interstate 20 Business (I-20 BL)
U.S. Route 385 (US 385)
State Highway 158 (SH 158)
State Highway 181 (SH 181)
State Highway 191 (SH 191)
State Highway 302 (SH 302)
State Highway Spur 450 (Spur 450)
State Highway Spur 588 (Spur 588)
State Highway Loop 338 (Loop 338)
Farm to Market Roads (FM 554, FM 1053, FM 1601, FM 1787, FM 1788, FM 1882, FM 1936, FM 2019, FM 2020, FM 3472, FM 3503)

Adjacent Counties

Ector County shares borders with several neighboring counties:

North: Andrews County
East: Midland County
Southeast: Upton County
South: Crane County
Southwest: Ward County
West: Winkler County

Demographics

Population Trends

As of the 2020 United States Census, Ector County recorded a population of 165,171 residents, reflecting a 20.4% increase from the 2010 census figure of 137,130.^{^} The population density stands at approximately 184 people per square mile (71.0/km²).^{^}

The table below details the historical population counts:

Historical Population of Ector County, Texas
Census Year	Population	% Change
1890	224	—
1900	381	70.1%
1910	1,178	209.2%
1920	760	−35.5%
1930	3,958	420.8%
1940	15,051	280.3%
1950	42,102	179.7%
1960	90,995	116.1%
1970	91,805	0.9%
1980	115,374	25.7%
1990	118,934	3.1%
2000	121,123	1.8%
2010	137,130	13.2%
2020	165,171	20.4%
2024 (est.)	170,022	2.9%

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The demographic makeup of Ector County, as per the 2020 census, indicates a diverse population. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the racial and ethnic composition:

Ector County, Texas – Racial and Ethnic Composition
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)	2000	2010	2020	% 2000	% 2010	% 2020
White alone (NH)	61,168	56,306	51,023	51.33%	41.06%	30.89%
Black or African American alone (NH)	5,370	5,596	7,430	4.43%	4.08%	4.50%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)	526	623	568	0.43%	0.45%	0.34%
Asian alone (NH)	744	1,004	2,257	0.61%	0.73%	1.37%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)	31	106	327	0.03%	0.08%	0.20%
Other race alone (NH)	29	68	492	0.02%	0.05%	0.30%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)	949	1,096	3,023	0.78%	0.80%	1.83%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	51,306	72,331	100,051	42.36%	52.75%	60.57%
Total	121,123	137,130	165,171	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

In 2000, the county's households averaged 2.72 individuals, with families averaging 3.25 members. The population distribution showed 30.40% under 18, 10.50% aged 18-24, 27.90% aged 25-44, 20.20% aged 45-64, and 10.90% aged 65 and over, with a median age of 32 years.^{^}

The median household income in the county was $31,152, and for families, it was $36,369. Males reported a median income of $30,632, compared to $21,317 for females. The per capita income was $15,031. Approximately 16.10% of families and 18.70% of the population lived below the poverty line.^{^}

Communities

Cities

Ector County is home to two incorporated cities:

Goldsmith
Odessa (County Seat)

Census-Designated Places (CDPs)

Additionally, two Census-Designated Places are located within the county:

Gardendale
West Odessa

Other Settlements

The county also includes several unincorporated communities and a former ghost town:

Unincorporated Communities: Notrees, Penwell, Pleasant Farms
Ghost Town: Arcade

Political Landscape

Voting Trends

Ector County exhibits a strong Republican voting pattern, having consistently favored Republican presidential candidates since 1948. This trend underscores the county's conservative political orientation.

The table below illustrates the historical presidential election results for Ector County:

United States Presidential Election Results for Ector County, Texas
Year	Republican		Democratic		Third Party(ies)
Year	Votes	%	Votes	%	Votes	%
1912	3	3.13%	89	92.71%	4	4.17%
1916	2	1.64%	120	98.36%	0	0.00%
1920	23	18.40%	100	80.00%	2	1.60%
1924	12	7.74%	138	89.03%	5	3.23%
1928	168	52.66%	151	47.34%	0	0.00%
1932	37	6.22%	530	89.08%	28	4.71%
1936	81	8.92%	816	89.87%	11	1.21%
1940	451	13.92%	2,783	85.92%	5	0.15%
1944	432	13.98%	2,265	73.28%	394	12.75%
1948	1,145	20.11%	4,305	75.61%	244	4.29%
1952	8,259	61.01%	5,270	38.93%	8	0.06%
1956	8,805	62.41%	5,109	36.21%	194	1.38%
1960	11,145	53.91%	8,996	43.52%	531	2.57%
1964	11,497	51.36%	10,826	48.36%	63	0.28%
1968	10,557	43.02%	5,312	21.65%	8,671	35.33%
1972	21,386	79.32%	5,449	20.21%	125	0.46%
1976	18,973	62.56%	10,802	35.62%	553	1.82%
1980	26,188	72.38%	9,069	25.07%	922	2.55%
1984	31,228	77.41%	8,913	22.09%	201	0.50%
1988	23,155	67.80%	10,825	31.70%	172	0.50%
1992	18,161	50.35%	11,130	30.85%	6,782	18.80%
1996	17,746	54.29%	12,017	36.76%	2,923	8.94%
2000	22,893	69.58%	9,425	28.65%	583	1.77%
2004	27,502	75.74%	8,579	23.63%	229	0.63%
2008	26,199	73.49%	9,123	25.59%	329	0.92%
2012	24,010	73.85%	8,118	24.97%	385	1.18%
2016	25,020	68.49%	10,249	28.06%	1,261	3.45%
2020	32,697	73.33%	11,367	25.49%	527	1.18%
2024	32,429	75.96%	9,881	23.15%	380	0.89%

Similarly, recent U.S. Senate election results indicate a consistent Republican majority in Ector County.

United States Senate Election Results for Ector County, Texas
Year	Republican		Democratic		Third Party(ies)
Votes	%	Votes	%	Votes	%
2024	30,729	72.70%	10,620	25.13%	919	2.17%

Historical Context

Establishment and Naming

Ector County was officially established in 1887 and subsequently organized in 1891. Its designation honors Matthew Ector, a prominent figure who served as a Confederate general during the American Civil War.^{^}^{^}

References

Source Citations

The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources:

^ "Ector County, Texas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
^ "Texas: Individual County Chronologies". Texas Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2008. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 114.
^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
^ "QuickFacts: Ector County, Texas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
^ "Decennial Census by Decade". US Census Bureau.
^ "Texas Almanac: Population History of Counties from 1850–2010" (PDF). Texas Almanac. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Ector County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Ector County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Ector County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
^ "2024 Senate Election (Official Returns)". Commonwealth of Texas by county. November 5, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Ector County, Texas Wikipedia page

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Ector County Unveiled

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Introduction ℹ️

📍 Location and Foundation

🗺️ Geographic Coordinates

Geography 🗺️

📏 Area and Dimensions

☀️ Climate and Landscape

🛣️ Transportation Networks

↔️ Adjacent Counties

Demographics 👥

📈 Population Trends

📊 Racial and Ethnic Composition

Communities 🏘️

🏙️ Cities

📍 Census-Designated Places (CDPs)

🏚️ Other Settlements

Political Landscape 🏛️

🗳️ Voting Trends

Historical Context 📜

⏳ Establishment and Naming

References 📚

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

Location and Foundation

Geographic Coordinates

Geography

Area and Dimensions

Climate and Landscape

Transportation Networks

Adjacent Counties

Demographics

Population Trends

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Communities

Cities

Census-Designated Places (CDPs)

Other Settlements

Political Landscape

Voting Trends

Historical Context

Establishment and Naming

References

Source Citations

Teacher's Corner

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References

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