Terrell County, Texas
Terrell County sits deep in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, with the Rio Grande forming part of its southern border with Mexico. It’s a massive county, covering more than 2,300 square miles. Out here, the landscape feels almost endless, with wide-open desert stretching in every direction.
For all that space, very few people live here. Sanderson, the county seat, has fewer than 1,000 residents. It’s one of those truly remote places where rugged terrain is part of everyday life. Deep canyons, towering mesas, and stark desert scenery give Terrell County a beauty all its own.
Ranching remains an important part of the local economy, while hunting draws people into the wide-open country. The railroad also played a major role in the county’s history, bringing people and commerce to this isolated corner of Texas. If peace and solitude are what you’re after, Terrell County has plenty of both.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Terrell County |
| County Seat | Sanderson |
| Population | Approximately 1,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Sanderson, Dryden |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 90 |
| FIPS Code | 48-443 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 2,357 square miles (2,350 sq mi land, 7 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Pecos County (North), Crockett County (North), Val Verde County (East), Brewster County (Southwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 30°03’N, 102°15’W |
| Etymology | Named after Alexander Watkins Terrell, an attorney and judge |
| Major Landmarks | Big Bend National Park (partially), Terrell County Courthouse |
