Jim Wells County, Texas
Jim Wells County sits between the South Texas brush country and the coastal plains. Alice, the county seat, proudly calls itself the “Hub City” of South Texas. Oil and gas play an important role in keeping the local economy moving.
Agriculture remains just as important, with fields of cotton and grain sorghum stretching across the flat landscape. The county also has a strong Hispanic heritage, reflected in its food, music, and local traditions.
Premont is well known for its watermelons, which are a favorite around the region. Although the terrain is mostly flat, the wide-open spaces have their own unique beauty. Hunting is popular throughout the county, while high school football brings communities together on Friday nights, when the whole area seems to come alive.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Jim Wells County |
| County Seat | Alice |
| Population | Approximately 41,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Alice, Orange Grove, Premont, San Diego |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 281, State Highway 44, State Highway 359 |
| FIPS Code | 48-249 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 868 square miles (865 sq mi land, 3 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Live Oak County (North), San Patricio County (Northeast), Nueces County (East), Kleberg County (East), Brooks County (South), Duval County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 27°44’N, 98°5’W |
| Etymology | Named after James B. Wells, Jr., a political boss and judge in South Texas |
| Major Landmarks | South Texas Museum, Lake Corpus Christi State Park, Jim Wells County Fair |
