Bailey County, Texas
Bailey County is located in the far western Texas Panhandle, where the landscape is remarkably flat and the horizon seems to stretch endlessly. Muleshoe is the county’s main community, with its name tracing back to an old ranch brand.
One of the area’s highlights is the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge, a seasonal haven for sandhill cranes and other wildlife. Agriculture plays a major role in the local economy, with farmers producing crops such as cotton and sorghum.
Life in Bailey County reflects the resilience of the land and its people. Farming and ranching communities are hardworking and close-knit, and it’s not unusual to see farm equipment sharing the road with everyday traffic. With wide-open skies and unobstructed views, residents can often spot approaching weather long before it arrives.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Bailey County |
| County Seat | Muleshoe |
| Population | Approximately 7,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Muleshoe, Maple, Circle Back |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 84, State Highway 214 |
| FIPS Code | 48-017 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 827 square miles (827 sq mi land, <1 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Parmer County (North), Lamb County (East), Hockley County (Southeast), Cochran County (South), Roosevelt County, New Mexico (West), Curry County, New Mexico (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 34°04’N, 102°50’W |
| Etymology | Named after Peter James Bailey, a defender who died at the Alamo |
| Major Landmarks | Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge, Heritage Center, Old Muleshoe National Bank |
