Erath County, Texas
Erath County sits in north-central Texas, roughly 100 miles southwest of Dallas. The Bosque River winds through its rolling hills and countryside. Stephenville, the county seat, proudly carries the nickname “Cowboy Capital of the World,” and rodeo culture is a big part of local life.
Dairy farming is another major part of the county’s identity. Erath County is one of Texas’ leading milk-producing areas, with dairy farms scattered across the landscape. But there’s more to the county than cows and cowboys.
Proctor Lake, located along the county’s western edge, is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. Tarleton State University adds a strong educational presence to Stephenville, while the town of Dublin is known for its long association with a distinctive Dr Pepper recipe.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Erath County |
| County Seat | Stephenville |
| Population | Approximately 45,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Stephenville, Dublin, Bluff Dale, Morgan Mill |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 67, U.S. Highway 377, State Highway 108 |
| FIPS Code | 48-143 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,090 square miles (1,083 sq mi land, 7 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Palo Pinto County (North), Hood County (Northeast), Somervell County (East), Bosque County (Southeast), Hamilton County (South), Comanche County (Southwest), Eastland County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 32°14’N, 98°13’W |
| Etymology | Named after George Bernard Erath, an early surveyor and legislator in Texas |
| Major Landmarks | Tarleton State University, Dublin Bottling Works, Stephenville Historical House Museum |
