Pecos County, Texas
Pecos County is massive, covering more than 4,700 square miles in West Texas. Fort Stockton serves as both the county seat and largest community. Even so, there’s plenty of room to spread out because this is truly wide-open country.
Mesas and rugged buttes shape the horizon, while oil production drives much of the modern economy. In some areas, pump jacks seem to outnumber the people. Before the oil boom, sheep and cattle ranching were the backbone of the county. Ranching and hunting remain important today.
The night skies here are something special. With so little light pollution, the stars of the Milky Way seem incredibly bright. Summers can be brutally hot, but locals know how to handle the West Texas heat.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Pecos County |
| County Seat | Fort Stockton |
| Population | Approximately 15,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Fort Stockton, Imperial, Pecos, Coyanosa |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 10, U.S. Highway 285, U.S. Highway 67 |
| FIPS Code | 48-371 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 4,763 square miles (4,761 sq mi land, 2 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Ward County (North), Crane County (North), Crockett County (East), Terrell County (South), Brewster County (South), Jeff Davis County (Southwest), Reeves County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 30°53’N, 102°54’W |
| Etymology | Named after the Pecos River, which flows through the county |
| Major Landmarks | Fort Stockton Historic Site, Pecos River Park |
