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Odessa, TX

Frequently asked questions

Odessa, TX

Odessa is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the seat of Ector County with portions extending into Midland County. Odessa's population was 114,428 at the 2020 census, making it the 28th-most populous city in Texas; it is the principal city of the Odessa metropolitan statistical area, which includes all of Ector County. The metropolitan area is also a component of the larger Midland–Odessa combined statistical area, which had a 2020 census population of 359,001. 

The city is famous for being featured in the book Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream, and the movie adaption, Friday Night Lights. In 1948, Odessa was also the home of First Lady Barbara Bush, and the onetime home of former Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush. Former President George H. W. Bush has been quoted as saying "At Odessa, we became Texans and proud of it."

Odessa was founded in 1881 as a water stop and cattle shipping point on the Texas and Pacific Railway. The first post office opened in 1885. Odessa became the county seat of Ector County in 1891 when the county was first organized. It was incorporated as a city in 1927 after oil was discovered in Ector County on the Connell Ranch southwest of Odessa.

With the opening of the Penn Field in 1929, and the Cowden Field in 1930, oil became a major draw for new residents. In 1925, the population was just 750; by 1929, it had risen to 5,000. For the rest of the 20th century, the city's population and economy grew rapidly during each of a succession of oil booms (roughly in the 1930s–1950s, 1970s, and 2010s), often with accompanying contractions during the succeeding busts (particularly in the 1960s and 1980s).

Odessa is located along the southwestern edge of the Llano Estacado in West Texas. It is situated above the Permian Basin, a large sedimentary deposit that contains significant reserves of oil and natural gas. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 44.0 square miles (114 km2); 43.9 square miles (114 km2) are land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) (0.05%) is covered by water.

Emphasizing health and wellness, Odessa hosts various facilities and initiatives dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle. The Odessa Regional Medical Center stands as a key healthcare institution, providing comprehensive medical services to the community. In addition, the city features multiple parks and recreational areas like Floyd Gwin and Sherwood Park, offering spaces for outdoor activities, exercise, and relaxation. The Odessa Family YMCA acts as a hub for fitness and wellness activities, providing exercise classes, sports leagues, and community events, making Odessa an ideal place for individuals and families seeking a balance between work, health, and recreation. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Fitness 1440, and Anytime Fitness.

Top sites in Odessa, TX are The Ellen Noël Art Museum, Permian Basin Stonehenge, and Odessa Meteor Crater Museum.

Population: 115,743 (2023). ZIP codes: 79760–79769. Area code: 432. Elevation: 2,900 ft. Area: 44.0 square miles.

FAQs

What is Odessa, TX famous for?

The city is famous for being featured in the book Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream, and the movie adaption, Friday Night Lights. In 1948, Odessa was also the home of First Lady Barbara Bush, and the onetime home of former Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush. Former President George H. W. Bush has been quoted as saying "At Odessa, we became Texans and proud of it."

Is Odessa, TX a nice place to live?

Living in Odessa offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Odessa, there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Odessa and residents tend to have moderate political views.

Is Odessa, TX safe?

The crime rate in Odessa is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 26 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Odessa is 1 in 39. Based on FBI crime data, Odessa is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Texas, Odessa has a crime rate that is higher than 85% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Odessa

Odessa Regional Medical Center

Floyd Gwin 

Sherwood Park

Odessa Family YMCA 

Planet Fitness

Fitness 1440 

Anytime Fitness

The Ellen Noël Art Museum

Permian Basin Stonehenge

Odessa Meteor Crater Museum

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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