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Lubbock, TX

Frequently asked questions

Lubbock, TX

Lubbock is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the seat of Lubbock County. With a population of 263,930 in 2022, the city is the 10th-most populous city in Texas and the 85th-most populous in the United States.  The city is in the northwestern part of the state (the region is the Great Plains), an area known historically and geographically as the Llano Estacado, and ecologically is part of the southern end of the High Plains, lying at the economic center of the Lubbock metropolitan area, which had an estimated population of 360,104 in 2023.

Lubbock's nickname, "Hub City," derives from it being the economic, educational, and health-care hub of the multicounty region, north of the Permian Basin and south of the Texas Panhandle, commonly called the South Plains. The area is the largest contiguous cotton-growing region in the world and is heavily dependent on water from the Ogallala Aquifer for irrigation. Lubbock is home to Texas Tech University, the sixth-largest college by enrollment in the state.

Lubbock County was founded in 1876. It was named after Thomas Saltus Lubbock, former Texas Ranger and brother of Francis Lubbock, governor of Texas during the Civil War. As early as 1884, a U.S. post office existed in Yellow House Canyon. A small town, known as Old Lubbock, Lubbock, or North Town, was established about three miles to the east. In 1890, the original Lubbock merged with Monterey, another small town south of the canyon. The new town adopted the Lubbock name. The merger included moving the original Lubbock's Nicolett Hotel across the canyon on rollers to the new townsite. Lubbock became the county seat in 1891 and was incorporated on March 16, 1909. In the same year, the first railroad train arrived.

Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University) was founded in Lubbock in 1923. A separate university, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, opened as Texas Tech University School of Medicine in 1969. Both universities are now overseen by the Texas Tech University System after it was established in 1996 and based in Lubbock. Lubbock Christian University, founded in 1957, and affiliated with the Churches of Christ, has its main campus in the city. South Plains College and Wayland Baptist University operate branch campuses in Lubbock.

Lubbock is considered to be the center of the Llano Estacado portion of the South Plains, with Midland on the southern edge, and Amarillo denoting the northern boundary. According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2022, the city has a total area of 135.85 sq mi (351.85 km2), of which 134.605 sq mi (348.63 km2) (99.08%) are land and 1.244 sq mi (3.22 km2), or (0.92%), is covered by water. The population density was 1,900 inhabitants per square mile (730/km2).

For those seeking outdoor recreation, Buffalo Springs Lake provides a picturesque setting for boating, fishing, and hiking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular health and wellness options include Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and Crunch Fitness. The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a key player in providing quality healthcare services to the community. Lubbock's dedication to well-being, is evident in its numerous parks and recreational areas, such as Mackenzie Park and Clapp Park, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Top sites in Lubbock, TX are Buddy Holly Center, Silent Wings Museum, and Buffalo Springs Lake.

Population: 266,878 (2023). ZIP codes: 79401–79416, 79423–79424, 79430, 79452–79453, 79457, 79464, 79490–79491, 79493, 79499 . Area code: 806. Elevation: 976 m. Area: 135.85 sq mi (351.85 km2).

FAQs

What is the history of Lubbock, TX?

Founded in 1876, Lubbock County was named after Thomas Saltus Lubbock, former Texas Ranger and brother of Francis Lubbock, governor of Texas during the Civil War. The great “806” was established in 1890 when two towns, Old Lubbock and Monterey, joined to be the Lubbock we know and love today. Lubbock was officially incorporated in 1909. 

Is Lubbock, TX safe?

With a crime rate of 53 per one thousand residents, Lubbock has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 19. Within Texas, more than 98% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Lubbock. In fact, after researching dangerous places to live, NeighborhoodScout found Lubbock to be one of the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.A.

Is Lubbock, TX expensive?

The cost of living in Lubbock, TX is 1% lower than the state average and 8% lower than the national average. Lubbock, TX housing is 16% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 10% less pricey. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 3% less in Lubbock, TX than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 3% less.

Sources

Wikipedia 

Lubbock County

Planet Fitness

Anytime Fitness

Crunch Fitness

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center 

Mackenzie Park 

Clapp Park

Buddy Holly Center

Silent Wings Museum

Buffalo Springs Lake

History

Neighborhoodscout

Rentcafe

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.