Ector County, originally a part of Tom Green County, was created in 1887 with Odessa as the county seat. We are located approximately midway between Fort Worth and El Paso and cover an area of some 900 square miles, right in the heart of the Permian Basin. Three of the state’s major land resources meet here – the High Plains, Trans Pecos and Edwards Plateau.
When oil was discovered in 1926, the destiny of the community took a determined course. Today, Ector County is the energy epicenter of the State of Texas and is on the leading edge of oil and gas activity, as well as energy projects in wind, solar, coal gasification and nuclear energy.
Ector County is also the proud home of the Permian Basin Oil Show. Occurring in October of even-numbered years, the Oil Show is the only international event that brings together members of all aspects of the oil and gas industry for a state-of-the-art show and exposition. We are also home of the Permian Basin Fair and Exposition and the Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo.
Visitors from all over the world come to see the famous Meteor Crater State Park, home of the second-largest meteor crater in the United States. Other special attractions include the Globe of the Great Southwest Theatre and the Presidential Museum boasting heirlooms from every former President of the United States and featuring the Bush Home on museum grounds.
Many people say that Ector County is a community of contrasts. I prefer to think of it as a dynamic community that is a great place to live, work and play. Please come see us! – County Judge Susan Redford