Hockley County
countyHockley County is located in northwestern Texas, south of the Panhandle, on the Llano Estacado. The county had a population of 21,537 in the 2020 Census. Levelland is the county seat and largest city. The area is characterized by generally flat land with elevations ranging from 3,300 to 3,650 feet above sea level. The economy of Hockley County is driven by agriculture, with cotton, sorghums, wheat, soybeans, corn, hay, and sunflowers as major crops. Cattle, hogs, and sheep also contribute to the agricultural income. Oil production has historically been a significant part of the economy. Major employment sectors in 2023 include educational services, health care and social assistance, and retail trade. Hockley County offers a blend of its historical roots and modern development. The county's history is closely tied to the Yellow House Canyon, and it is named after George Washington Hockley, a figure in the Republic of Texas. The Mallet Event Center & Arena provides a venue for events and exhibits.
Hockley County, Texas
- Classification
- County
- Country
- United States
- County
- Hockley County
- Region
- Llano Estacado
- Elevation
- 3,475 ft
- Total Area
- 909 sq mi
- Land Area
- 908 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.2 sq mi
- Latitude
- 33.61
- Longitude
- -102.34
- Climate
- Annual rainfall averages 16.6 inches. Temperatures range from an average minimum of 24° F in January to an average maximum of 93° F in July. The growing season lasts 196 days.
- Notable Features
- Yellow House Canyon · Llano Estacado · Yellow House River · Yellow House Lake
- Neighboring Areas
- Lamb County · Lubbock County · Terry County · Cochran County · Yoakum County · Bailey County · Hale County · Lynn County
- Population (2020)
- 21,537
- Est. Population (2024)
- 21,505
- Median Age
- 35.8
- Median Income
- $54,810
- Poverty Rate
- 12.6%
- Owner-Occupied
- 72.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- In 2023, the racial makeup of the county was 44.9% White (Non-Hispanic), 22.4% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), 18.3% White (Hispanic), 7.31% Other (Hispanic), and 2.85% Black or African American.
- Government Type
- County government
- Governing Body
- Commissioners Court
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.5%
- Employment Sectors
- Educational Services · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
- Schools
- 13
- Students
- 4,561
- School Districts
- Anton Independent School District · Levelland Independent School District · Ropes Independent School District · Smyer Independent School District · Sundown Independent School District · Whitharral Independent School District
- Colleges & Universities
- South Plains College
- Transportation
- U.S. Highway 62 · U.S. Highway 82 · U.S. Highway 84 · U.S. Highway 385 · State Highway 114
- Utilities
- Electric · Water · Wastewater · High-speed internet
- Major Facilities
- Hockley County Courthouse
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Mallet Event Center & Arena · City Parks · Oxy Sports Complex
- Founded
- 1876
- Incorporated
- 1921
- Named After
- George Washington Hockley, Secretary of War of the Republic of Texas
- Historical Significance
- Hockley County's history is tied to the settlement of the South Plains, the development of agriculture, and the oil boom in the 20th century.
- Key Events
- County formed from Bexar and Young Counties in 1876 · County organized in 1921 · Oil discovered in 1937