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Pecos, TX

Frequently asked questions

Pecos, TX

Pecos is the largest city in and the county seat of Reeves County, Texas, United States. It is in the valley on the west bank of the Pecos River at the eastern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, in the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas and just south of New Mexico's border. Its population was 12,916 at the 2020 census. On January 24, 2012, Pecos City appeared on the Forbes 400 as the second-fastest growing small town in the United States. The city is a regional commercial center for ranching, oil and gas production, and agriculture. The city is most recognized for its association with the local cultivation of cantaloupes. Pecos claims to be the site of the world's first rodeo on July 4, 1883.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.3 square miles (19 km²), all land.

Pecos is one of the numerous towns in West Texas organized around a train depot during the construction of the Texas and Pacific Railway. These towns were subsequently linked by the construction of U.S. Highway 80 and Interstate 20. Before the arrival of the railroad, a permanent camp existed nearby where cattle drives crossed the Pecos River. With the introduction of irrigation from underground aquifers, the city became a center of commerce for extensive local agricultural production of cotton, onions, and cantaloupes. The introduction of large-scale sulfur mining in adjacent Culberson County during the 1960s led to significant economic and population growth. The growth was reversed after mining operations ceased in the 1990s.

In 1962, Pecos resident and tycoon Billie Sol Estes was indicted for fraud by a federal grand jury. Estes' extensive machinations caused a national-level scandal, resulting in a shakeup at the Department of Agriculture. Oscar Griffin, Jr., of the Pecos Independent and Enterprise newspaper, won a Pulitzer Prize for breaking the story. Pecos is the site of the largest private prison in the world, the Reeves County Detention Complex, operated by the GEO Group.

The city of Pecos is deeply committed to the well-being of its residents. Pecos County Memorial Hospital stands as a cornerstone of the community, providing essential healthcare services. The city encourages a healthy lifestyle through its parks and recreational areas. Explore the parks, facilities, and health and wellness programs offered by the Pecos Parks and Recreation 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 Iron M.A.N. Fitness, Marathon Fitness, and Cross Martial Arts and Fitness Center. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Pecos, such as the Texas Pecos Trail Region and the Goodnight-Loving Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Pecos, TX are West of the Pecos Museum, Chango's Axe Throwing, and Buck Jackson Rodeo Arena.

Population: 7,980 (2023). ZIP code: 79772. Area code: 432. Elevation: 2,395 ft (730 m). Area: 22.22 sq mi (57.56 km²).

FAQs

Why is Pecos, TX famous?

Pecos, Texas is well known for delicious cantaloupes and its connection to the renowned character Pecos Bill. But this community might be most recognized as "Home To The World's First Rodeo". The Town Of Pecos City grew out of its strategic location as a crossroads, with several old cattle and wagon trails nearby, including the Butterfield Route and Loving-Goodnight Trail.

What is the crime rate in Pecos, TX?

The crime rate in Pecos is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 15 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 Pecos is 1 in 66. Based on FBI crime data, Pecos is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Texas, Pecos has a crime rate that is higher than 64% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

What is the cost of living in Pecos, TX?

Pecos is 15% less expensive than the national average and 6% less expensive to live in than the average city in Texas. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2-bedroom Apt. Food costs in Pecos are as affordable as average in the United States. Transportation costs in Pecos are more affordable than average in the United States.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Pecos

Pecos County Memorial Hospital

Pecos Parks and Recreation Department

Iron M.A.N. Fitness

Marathon Fitness 

Cross Martial Arts and Fitness Center

Texas Pecos Trail Region 

Goodnight-Loving Trail

West of the Pecos Museum

Chango's Axe Throwing

Buck Jackson Rodeo Arena

Community Profile

Neighborhoodscout

Erieri

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