Mitchell County, Texas
Mitchell County sits in West Texas, stretching across the South Plains and Edwards Plateau. Colorado City serves as the county seat, despite having “Colorado” in its name. The town anchors this rural corner of Texas and reflects the area’s strong connection to its Western roots.
Oil is a major part of the local economy, but agriculture remains important too. The Colorado River runs through the county, bringing patches of unexpected greenery to the otherwise dry landscape. Summers are typically hot and dry, but locals and visitors can cool off at Lake Champion, a popular spot for outdoor recreation.
There’s plenty of local character here. Mitchell County Airport hosts an annual fly-in that draws plenty of attention, while traces of the Old West can still be seen in the area’s buildings and independent spirit. Ruddick Park offers a pleasant place for baseball games, picnics, and relaxing outdoors.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Mitchell County |
| County Seat | Colorado City |
| Population | Approximately 9,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Colorado City, Loraine, Westbrook |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 84, U.S. Highway 83, State Highway 204 |
| FIPS Code | 48-335 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 915 square miles (909 sq mi land, 6 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Scurry County (North), Fisher County (Northeast), Nolan County (East), Coke County (Southeast), Sterling County (South), Howard County (West), Borden County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 32°22’N, 100°52’W |
| Etymology | Named after Asa and Eli Mitchell, two early settlers and soldiers in the Texas Revolution |
| Major Landmarks | Mitchell County Historical Museum, Lake Colorado City, local ranches |
