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 134 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.
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 : | 21:40:04 (29th April 2025) |
| Density : | 72 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth : | 18.23% (2010-2020) |
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
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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 |
- Official Website
Official website of Ector County
Ector County has 5 neighbours.
- Andrews County county in Texas, United States
- Crane County county in Texas, United States
- Upton County county in Texas, United States
- Ward County county in Texas, United States
- Winkler County county in Texas, United States
- 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 |
Texas Other Counties (more counties)
| County Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Harris County | 4,738,253 | County in Texas, United States |
| Dallas County | 2,635,888 | County in Texas, United States |
| Houston | 2,316,120 | The fourth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Houston metropolitan area. |
| Tarrant County | 2,123,347 | County in Texas, United States |
| Bexar County | 2,026,823 | County in Texas, United States |
| San Antonio | 1,567,118 | The seventh most populous city in the United States and the center of the San Antonio metropolitan area. |
| Dallas | 1,343,266 | The ninth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. |
| Travis County | 1,300,503 | County in Texas, United States |
| Collin County | 1,072,069 | County in Texas, United States |
| Austin | 995,484 | The eleventh most populous city in the United States and the center of the Austin metropolitan area. |
| Fort Worth | 927,720 | The twelfth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. |
| Denton County | 919,324 | County in Texas, United States |
| Montopolis | 912,791 | A neighborhood located in Austin, Texas. |
| Hidalgo County | 875,200 | County in New Mexico, United States |
| El Paso County | 841,286 | County in Texas, United States |
| Fort Bend County | 839,706 | County in Texas, United States |
