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Big Spring, TX

Frequently asked questions

Big Spring, TX 

Big Spring is a city in and the county seat of Howard County, Texas, United States, at the crossroads of U.S. Highway 87 and Interstate 20. With a population of 27,282 as of the 2010 census, it is the largest city between Midland to the west, Abilene to the east, Lubbock to the north, and San Angelo to the south. Big Spring was established as the county seat of Howard County in 1882; it is the largest community in the county. 

The city took its name from the single, large spring that issued into a small gorge between the base of Scenic Mountain and a neighboring hill in the southwestern part of the city limits. Although the name is sometimes still mistakenly pluralized, it is officially singular. "To the native or established residents who may wince at the plural in Big Spring, it should be explained that until about 1916, when for some unexplained reason the name dropped the final 's', the official name of the town was indeed Big Springs."

Big Spring is located slightly south of the center of Howard County in the valley of Beals Creek, an eastward-flowing tributary of the Colorado River. Interstate 20 runs through the northern side of the city, with access from exits 174 through 182. I-20 leads east 108 miles (174 km) to Abilene and west 40 miles (64 km) to Midland. U.S. Route 87 (Gregg Street) until recently ran through the center of Big Spring, leading north 106 miles (171 km) to Lubbock and southeast 86 miles (138 km) to San Angelo. A bypass to the west of the city now carries US 87, while the old route is now Business US 87. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, Big Spring has a total area of 19.2 square miles (49.7 km2). Approximately 19.1 square miles (49.5 km2) are land, and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km2), or 0.45%, is covered with water.

The area had long been a popular watering hole for Native American residents and nomads, including members of the more recently established Jumano, Apache, and Comanche tribes. The first European to view the site was probably a member of a Spanish expedition exploring the Great Plains from New Mexico. During the 1840s and 1850s, Big Spring was often where Comanches assembled and organized themselves before departing on large-scale raids into northern Mexico during the Comanche-Mexico Wars.

In Big Spring, health and wellness are integral aspects of life. The city provides various recreational opportunities, including parks and fitness centers. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Big Spring Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Spa Castle, the YMCA of Big Spring Texas, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Big Spring, such as the Comanche Trail Park and the Big Spring State Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Big Spring, TX are Hangar 25 Air Museum, Heritage Museum, and Big Spring Bowl-A-Rama.

Population: 22,541 (2024). ZIP codes: 79720, 79721. Area code: 432. Elevation: 2,441 ft (744 m). Area: 19.00 sq mi (49.22 km2). 

FAQs

What is Big Spring, TX famous for?

What is now known as the “big spring” was the point where a huge trade route used by the Comanche extended into areas of Iowa, Wyoming, and Idaho, and as far south as Mexico City and even Honduras took place. Additionally, the Comanche met in the spring to go on what was known as the “Great Comanche War Trail”. From the big spring, one branch of the trail went west to just northeast of Midland at Mustang Springs, then down along the draw system in Midland to the Pecos River and on into Mexico. 

Is Big Spring, TX a good place to live?

Living in Big Spring offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Big Spring there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Big Spring and residents tend to lean conservative.

What is the ethnicity of Big Spring, TX?

Big Spring, TX is home to a population of 26.2k people, of which 89.1% are citizens. As of N/A, N/A% of Big Spring, TX residents were born outside of the country (N/A people). In 2021, there were 1.18 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (10.3k people) in Big Spring, TX than any other race or ethnicity. There were 8.75k White (Hispanic) and 2.43k Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Big Spring 

Big Spring Recreation and Community Services Department

Spa Castle

YMCA of Big Spring Texas

Anytime Fitness

Comanche Trail Park 

Big Spring State Park

Hangar 25 Air Museum

Heritage Museum

Big Spring Bowl-A-Rama

History

Niche

DataUSA

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