Hutchinson County
countyHutchinson County is located in the northern portion of the Texas Panhandle. As of 2024, the population was estimated to be around 19,721. The county seat is Stinnett, while Borger is the largest city. Hutchinson County's history is deeply rooted in ranching and oil production, shaping its economy and community. The economy of Hutchinson County is diverse, with key industries including manufacturing, educational services, and retail trade. Petroleum has been a chief industry since the 1920s. The county also has a strong agricultural sector, with income derived from wheat, corn, alfalfa, and grain sorghums. Major employers contribute to the local job market, and the area is known for its natural gas production. Hutchinson County offers a blend of historical significance and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Hutchinson County Historical Museum, also known as Boomtown Revisited, showcases the area's rich history. Lake Meredith provides outdoor activities, and the county's location in the Texas Panhandle offers a unique experience of the Texan landscape.
Hutchinson County, Texas
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 48233
- Country
- United States
- County
- Hutchinson County
- Region
- Texas Panhandle
- Elevation
- 3,077 ft
- Total Area
- 895 sq mi
- Land Area
- 887 sq mi
- Water Area
- 7.5 sq mi
- Latitude
- 35.84
- Longitude
- -101.36
- Climate
- Average annual rainfall of 19.9 inches. Average minimum temperature is 22° F in January, and the average maximum is 93° in July; the growing season averages 187 days.
- Notable Features
- Canadian River · Lake Meredith · Alibates Flint Quarries
- Neighboring Areas
- Hansford County · Roberts County · Carson County · Moore County · Sherman County
- Population (2020)
- 20,617
- Est. Population (2024)
- 19,721
- Median Age
- 38.1
- Median Income
- $65,470
- Poverty Rate
- 8.3%
- Owner-Occupied
- 80.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 68.1% White (Non-Hispanic), 24.5% Hispanic, 2.3% Black or African American, 1.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% Asian.
- Government Type
- County government
- Governing Body
- Commissioners Court
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.2%
- Economic Profile
- Oil, gas, petrochemical, and synthetic-rubber production · Agriculture
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Educational Services · Retail Trade
- School Districts
- Borger Independent School District · Plemons-Stinnett-Phillips Consolidated Independent School District · Sanford-Fritch Independent School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Frank Phillips College
- Transportation
- State Highways 236, 152, and 207
- Major Facilities
- Hutchinson County Airport
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lake Meredith National Recreation Area · Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
- Founded
- 1876
- Incorporated
- 1901
- Named After
- Andrew Hutchinson, an early Texas attorney
- Historical Significance
- Hutchinson County's history is marked by early Native American presence, ranching, and a significant oil boom that shaped its development.
- Key Events
- Establishment of Quarter Circle T Ranch in 1876 · Discovery of the Panhandle oilfield in the 1920s · Establishment of Adobe Walls trading post