Irion County, Texas
Irion County is a small, remote stretch of West Texas located not far from San Angelo. Mertzon serves as the county seat, and the population is quite small, with fewer than 2,000 residents calling the county home.
Ranching remains an important part of life here, along with oil production. The landscape is rugged, featuring mesquite, cactus, and rocky hills. Summers can be brutally hot, but the quiet surroundings and wide-open skies offer spectacular views of the stars.
The county was named after Robert Anderson Irion, who served as secretary of state for the Republic of Texas. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a horned toad. Life here is slow-paced and close-knit, with the kind of small-town atmosphere where everyone seems to know everyone.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Irion County |
| County Seat | Mertzon |
| Population | Approximately 1,700 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Mertzon, Barnhart |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 67, State Highway 163 |
| FIPS Code | 48-235 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,052 square miles (1,051 sq mi land, 1 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Tom Green County (Northeast), Schleicher County (Southeast), Crockett County (Southwest), Reagan County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 31°16’N, 100°50’W |
| Etymology | Named after Robert Anderson Irion, a physician and Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas |
| Major Landmarks | Spring Creek Park, Irion County Courthouse, historic ranches |
