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Stephenville, TX

Frequently asked questions

Stephenville, TX

Stephenville is a city in, and the county seat of, Erath County, Texas, United States. It is on the North Bosque River, which forms nearby. Founded in 1854, it is home to Tarleton State University. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 20,847, and it is the principal city in the Stephenville Micropolitan Statistical Area. Stephenville is among several communities that call themselves the "Cowboy Capital of the World".

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 11.89 square miles (30.8 km2), of which 11.89 square miles (30.8 km2) are land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) is covered by water. 

Stephenville is served by three major US highways – US Highway 377, US Highway 281, and US Highway 67 (the last of which joins US Highway 377).

Stephenville was founded by and named after John M. Stephen, who settled there in 1854 and donated the land for the townsite laid out by George B. Erath when the county was organized in 1856. In the first two years of its settlement, the population increased to 776. The population then declined until 1871, because the townsite was in Comanche territory and raids were common, and because the hardships of the American Civil War led citizens to leave. The population grew after Stephenville became an agriculture and livestock center. Coal mining also became important to the area in 1886, and was a major segment of the economy for 30 years.

Stephenville was incorporated in 1889, with the arrival of the Fort Worth and Rio Grande Railway. In the 1890s, many of the buildings around the town square were built, Tarleton State University opened, and the community's two newspapers merged to become the Empire-Tribune, which is still in operation. In February 1907, the Stephenville North and South Texas Railway was chartered by Stephenville and Hamilton business interests, which sold the line in 1910 to the St. Louis Southwestern Railway of Texas system. In the 20th century, industry became an important part of Stephenville, and the population has steadily increased since the 1920s.

In terms of health and wellness, Stephenville places a strong emphasis on community well-being. The Stephenville Medical and Surgical Clinic is a cornerstone of healthcare in the area, providing residents with comprehensive medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Stephenville 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 Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and Kinect Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Chico, such as the Bosque River Trail and the Stephenville City Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Stephenville, TX are Stephenville Historical House Museum, Splashville, and Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center.

Population: 21,946 (2023). Elevation: 1,241 ft (378 m). Area: 11.91 sq mi (30.85 km2). ZIP code: 76401. Area code(s): 254.

FAQs

What is Stephenville, TX known for?

As the ‘Cowboy Capital of the World’, Stephenville is uniquely home to more professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls than any other place in the world.  And the equine industry continues to grow throughout the surrounding County. The ‘City of Champions’ designation reflects the commitment as a community to excellence in youth and civic organizations. 

Is Stephenville, TX a nice place to live?

Stephenville is in Erath County and is one of the best places to live in Texas. Living in Stephenville offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Stephenville, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Stephenville and residents tend to be conservative.

What is the crime rate in Stephenville, Texas?

The crime rate in Stephenville is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 16 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 Stephenville is 1 in 63. Based on FBI crime data, Stephenville is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Texas, Stephenville has a crime rate that is higher than 65% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Stephenville

Stephenville Medical and Surgical Clinic 

Stephenville Parks and Recreation Department

Planet Fitness

Anytime Fitness 

Kinect Fitness

Bosque River Trail 

Stephenville City Park

Stephenville Historical House Museum

Splashville

Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center

About Stephenville

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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