Wichita Falls, Texas
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| Wichita Falls, Texas | |
|---|---|
| Name | Wichita Falls, Texas |
| Settlement type | City |
| Pushpin label | Wichita Falls |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Texas |
| Subdivision type2 | Counties |
| Subdivision name2 | Wichita, Clay |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1876 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1889 |
| Government type | Council–Manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Tim Short |
| Leader title1 | City Manager |
| Leader name1 | Darron Leiker |
| Area total km2 | 187.27 |
| Area total sq mi | 72.31 |
| Area land km2 | 183.08 |
| Area land sq mi | 70.69 |
| Area water km2 | 4.19 |
| Area water sq mi | 1.62 |
| Elevation m | 289 |
| Elevation ft | 948 |
| Population total | 102316 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 76301-76311 |
| Area code | 940 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 48-79000 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1379201 |
| Website | https://www.wichitafallstx.gov/ |
Wichita Falls, Texas, is the county seat of Wichita County and a principal city of the Wichita Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. Situated in North Texas along the Wichita River, the city is a regional hub for commerce, healthcare, and military affairs, anchored by Sheppard Air Force Base. Known for its resilience following a devastating tornado in 1979 and innovative responses to drought, including a toilet-to-tap water recycling system, Wichita Falls blends a rich western heritage with modern industry.
History
The area's history is deeply tied to the Wichita people, for whom the river and subsequent settlement were named. Founded in 1876 as a trading post near a natural waterfall on the Wichita River, the community grew with the arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway in 1882. The city was officially incorporated in 1889, shortly after Wichita County was organized. Its development accelerated with the 1917 establishment of a pilot training camp that later evolved into Sheppard Air Force Base, a cornerstone of the local economy. The city endured significant hardship during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, and was nearly destroyed by the catastrophic 1979 Wichita Falls tornado, an F4 tornado that killed 42 people and caused over $400 million in damage, spurring a massive reconstruction effort.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 72.31 square miles, with Clay County claiming a small portion to the north. The terrain is characteristic of the Great Plains, with flat to gently rolling topography. The Wichita River flows through the city, feeding into the Red River of the South to the north. Major tributaries include Holliday Creek and Lucy Park, which is a central recreational area. The region's climate is classified as humid subtropical, featuring hot summers, mild winters, and is located within Tornado Alley, making it susceptible to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 102,316, making it the 38th-most populous city in Texas. The racial makeup was approximately 70.8% White, 11.2% Black or African American, 1.4% American Indian, 2.2% Asian, and 6.7% identifying as two or more races; 30.8% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race. The metropolitan statistical area, which includes Archer County and Clay County, had a population of over 151,000. The presence of Sheppard Air Force Base contributes a significant transient military population.
Economy
The economy is diversified across several sectors, with Sheppard Air Force Base serving as the largest employer and a major economic driver for technical training and aviation maintenance. Key industries include healthcare, led by the United Regional Health Care System; manufacturing, with companies like Parker Hannifin and ZF Friedrichshafen operating facilities; and oil and gas extraction, supported by the nearby Permian Basin. Midwestern State University contributes to the education and research sector, while retail and logistics are centered around major corridors like Lawrence Road and Kell Boulevard. The city also hosts the Wichita Falls Regional Airport for commercial and cargo transport.
Culture and recreation
The city's cultural scene is highlighted by the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University and the Kemp Center for the Arts, which hosts exhibitions and performances. Annual events include the Hotter'N Hell Hundred cycling event, one of the largest in the nation, and the Wichita Falls Ranch, Rodeo and Horse Show. Outdoor recreation is centered on Lucy Park, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge nearby, and the River Bend Nature Center. Sports are represented by the Wichita Falls Warriors hockey team and the historic Kay Yeager Coliseum. The city's musical heritage is celebrated at the Iron Horse Pub.
Government
Wichita Falls operates under a council–manager government system. The city council consists of a mayor and four council members elected from single-member districts. The council appoints a professional city manager to oversee daily municipal operations. The city is part of Texas's 13th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Ronny Jackson. It is also within the jurisdiction of the Wichita County Courthouse for county-level services and the 78th District Court for state judicial matters. Law enforcement is provided by the Wichita Falls Police Department and the Wichita County Sheriff's Office.
Category:Cities in Texas Category:County seats in Texas Wichita County, Texas|Wichita County, Texas Department of Wichita Falls, Texas|ichita Falls, Texas