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Wichita Falls, TX

Frequently asked questions

Wichita Falls, TX

Wichita Falls is a city in and the county seat of Wichita County, Texas, United States. It is the principal city of the Wichita Falls metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses all of Archer, Clay, and Wichita Counties. According to the 2020 census, it had a population of 102,316, making it the 39th-most populous city in Texas. 

The city was named, in 1876, for a waterfall on the Wichita River, which was destroyed due to flooding in 1886. The city is home to the Newby-McMahon Building (otherwise known as the "world's littlest skyscraper"), constructed downtown in 1919 and featured in Robert Ripley's Ripley's Believe It or Not!

American settlers arrived in the 1860s, mainly as cattle ranchers. The city was named Wichita Falls on September 27, 1876, as the Wichita River runs through the area and a waterfall was in the river’s course in 1876. Just 10 years later in 1886, a flood destroyed the original waterfall on the Wichita River for which the city was named. After nearly 100 years of visitors wanting to visit the no longer existing falls, the city built an artificial waterfall beside the river in Lucy Park. The recreated falls are 54 ft (16 m) high and recirculate at 3,500 gallons per minute. They are visible to southbound traffic on Interstate 44.

On the day the city was named in 1876, a sale of town lots was held at what is now the corner of Seventh and Ohio Streets – the birthplace of the city. The Fort Worth & Denver City Railway arrived in September 1882, the same year the city became the county seat of Wichita County. The city grew westwards from the original FW&DC train depot which was located at the northwest corner of Seventh Street and the FW&DC. This area is now referred to as the Depot Square Historic District, which has been declared a Texas Historic Landmark.

Wichita Falls is about 15 miles (24 km) south of the border with Oklahoma, 115 mi (185 km) northwest of Fort Worth, and 140 mi (230 km) southwest of Oklahoma City. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 70.71 square miles (183.1 km2), of which 0.02 square miles (0.052 km2) (0.03%) is covered by water.

Wichita Falls places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, providing its residents with ample opportunities to maintain an active and balanced lifestyle. Green spaces like Lucy Park and Lake Wichita Park offer residents areas for outdoor activities, jogging, and leisurely picnics. The Wellness Center at United Regional Health Care System delivers fitness programs and resources to support the community's health and well-being. Additionally, Wichita Falls is renowned for its commitment to fostering a healthy community through initiatives like the Healthy Cities program, encouraging residents to prioritize wellness. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness, and Crush NTX Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Chico, such as the Wichita Bluff Nature Area and the Onion Creek Loop Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Wichita Falls, TX are Museum of North Texas History, River Bend Nature Center, and Wichita Falls Museum of Art.

Population: 102,372 (2024). ZIP codes: 76301–76311. Area code: 940. Elevation: 951 ft (290 m). Area: 72.03 sq mi (186.57 km2).

FAQs

Is Wichita Falls, TX a nice place to live?

Wichita Falls is in Wichita County and is one of the best places to live in Texas. Living in Wichita Falls offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Wichita Falls there are a lot of bars and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Wichita Falls and residents tend to lean conservative.

Is Wichita Falls, TX expensive?

The cost of living in Wichita Falls, TX is 2% lower than the state average and 9% lower than the national average. Wichita Falls, TX housing is 21% cheaper than the U.S average, while utilities are about 8% pricier. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 8% less in Wichita Falls, TX than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 8% less.

Is Wichita Falls, TX safe?

With a crime rate of 34 per one thousand residents, Wichita Falls 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 29. Within Texas, more than 93% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Wichita Falls.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Wichita Falls 

Lucy Park 

Lake Wichita Park 

United Regional Health Care System 

Planet Fitness

Crunch Fitness

Crush NTX Fitness

Wichita Bluff Nature Area

Onion Creek Loop Trail

Museum of North Texas History

River Bend Nature Center

Wichita Falls Museum of Art

Niche

Rentcafe

Neighborhoodscout

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