Ector County, Texas

Ector County: County in Texas, United States

About

Ector County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2010 census, the population was 137,130 and a population density of 59 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 167,701 inhabitants. Its county seat is Odessa. The county was created 133 years ago in 1890.

Ector County is located in western Texas within the Permian Basin oil fields. The county was created in 1891 out of land belonging to Tom Green County. It was named after Mathew Ector, a Confederate general during the Civil War.

The city of Odessa became the county seat in 1891 as well. Odessa began as a water stop and cattle shipping point on the Texas and Pacific Railway.

Key Facts About Ector County Today

Population: As of 2021, around 168,000 people live in Ector County. The population is concentrated in Odessa, which has over 120,000 residents.

Major Industries: Oil and gas production is the pillar of Ector County's economy. Other major industries include transportation, education, healthcare, and retail.

Attractions: The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Odessa offers exhibits on the region's oil heritage. Sports fans enjoy the Odessa Jackalopes ice hockey team and the UTPB Falcons basketball team.

Things to See and Do in Ector County

Some top attractions and activities in Ector County include:

  • Odessa Meteor Crater - See this huge crater created by a meteorite strike thousands of years ago.
  • Ellen Noël Art Museum - Browse rotating exhibits from around the world at this Odessa art museum.
  • Ector Theatre - Catch a show or concert at this historic renovated theater in downtown Odessa.
  • Odessa Chuckwagon Gang - Experience a taste of the Old West with chuckwagon cooking and Western music.
  • Drive-in movie theaters - Watch classic movies at Odessa's last remaining drive-in theaters under the starry skies.

With its oil industry roots and many unique attractions, Ector County offers an authentic west Texas experience.

Ector County locator map
Location of Ector County on Texas map.

Quick Facts about Ector County

Population : 167,701 (2020)
Country : United States of America
State : Texas (United States)
Different from : Ector
Area : 2335 km2
Water as percent of area : 0.5%
Land as percent of area : 99.5%
Named for : Mathew Ector
Altitude : 3,031 feet / 924 meters
Capital : Odessa
Establishment : January 01, 1891
Time Zone : Central Time Zone
Local time : 18:38:57 (9th November 2024)
Density : 72 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth : 18.23% (2010-2020)
Ector County  TX  Courthouse '2014' DSCN1270 image
Ector County TX Courthouse '2014' DSCN1270
Ector County  TX  Courthouse '2014' DSCN1270 image

Geography

Ector County is located at 31°52'9"N 102°32'34"W (31.8691600, -102.5427600). It has 5 neighbors: Andrews County, Crane County, Upton County, Ward County and Winkler County.

Ector County map

The largest city of Ector County is Odessa with a population of 125,413. Other cities include and Goldsmith population 277. See all Ector County cities & populated places.

Ector County Populated Places

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Ector County.

City Name Population Title
Odessa 125,413 The second most populous city in Ector County, Texas.
West Odessa 22,707 Census designated place
Goldsmith 277 City in Ector County, Texas, United States

Ector County has 5 neighbours.

  • Odessa

Demographics

The population of Ector County increased by 18.23% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 137,130 - census
2011 139,642 1.8% estimation process
2012 144,495 3.36% estimation process
2013 149,656 3.45% estimation process
2014 154,588 3.19% estimation process
2015 159,903 3.32% estimation process
2016 157,858 -1.3% estimation process
2017 156,951 -0.58% estimation process
2018 161,960 3.09% estimation process
2019 166,223 2.56% estimation process
2020 167,701 0.88% estimation process

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