Generated by DeepSeek V3.2| Andrews County, Texas | |
|---|---|
| County | Andrews County |
| State | Texas |
| Founded | 1876 (organized 1910) |
| Seat | Andrews |
| Largest city | Andrews |
| Area total sq mi | 1501 |
| Area land sq mi | 1501 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.2 |
| Area percentage | 0.01% |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 18610 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Time zone | Central |
| Named for | Richard Andrews |
| District | 11th |
Andrews County, Texas. Located in the Permian Basin region of West Texas, Andrews County is a significant hub for petroleum production and natural gas extraction. The county, named for Alamo courier Richard Andrews, was created in 1876 and organized in 1910, with its seat at the city of Andrews. Its economy and identity are deeply intertwined with the energy industry, anchored by major operations from companies like Chevron and ConocoPhillips.
The area was originally inhabited by Comanche and Apache peoples before becoming part of the Bexar County district under the Republic of Texas. Following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, settlement increased, and the county was formally demarcated by the Texas Legislature in 1876. Organization was delayed until 1910, spurred by the arrival of the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway. The discovery of oil at the TXL Oil Field in 1929, following earlier strikes in neighboring Winkler County, transformed the region, attracting major firms like Gulf Oil and Shell. During World War II, the county supported the war effort through increased crude oil production. Key historical sites include the Andrews County Courthouse and the Museum of the Plains in Andrews.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,501 square miles, virtually all of which is land. It lies within the Llano Estacado and the Permian Basin, characterized by flat, arid terrain. The county borders Gaines County to the north, Martin County to the east, Ector County to the southeast, Winkler County to the south, and Loving County and Lea County, New Mexico to the west. There are no major rivers; the landscape is part of the Red River watershed. The climate is classified as semi-arid under the Köppen climate classification.
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 18,610. The racial makeup was predominantly White and Hispanic or Latino. The population center is the city of Andrews. Historical data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows significant growth during the mid-20th century oil booms, with a peak around 1980. The county is part of the Odessa Metropolitan Statistical Area. Key demographic institutions include the Andrews Independent School District and the Andrews County Public Library.
The economy is dominated by the energy industry, specifically petroleum and natural gas extraction. Major operators include Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Diamondback Energy. The county sits atop the prolific Permian Basin, home to fields like the Goldsmith Oil Field. Supporting industries include directional drilling, well servicing, and pipeline transport. Agriculture, primarily cattle ranching and cotton farming, remains a secondary economic activity. The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas monitors the region's economic health, which is closely tied to global crude oil prices.
Andrews County operates under a Commissioners' court system, led by a County Judge. The county is part of the 11th Congressional District, represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by August Pfluger. At the state level, it is within Texas Senate district 31 and Texas House of Representatives district 81. Law enforcement is provided by the Andrews County Sheriff's Office and the Andrews Police Department. The county is served by the 81st District Court and is part of the Andrews County Courthouse jurisdiction.
Public education is managed by the Andrews Independent School District, which operates Andrews High School, Andrews Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is accredited by the Texas Education Agency. For post-secondary education, the county is served by Odessa College in neighboring Ector County and Midland College in Midland County. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin in Odessa also serves the region. The Andrews County Public Library provides community educational resources.
Category:Andrews County, Texas Category:Texas counties Category:Permian Basin Category:1876 establishments in Texas