The West Central Texas region covers a vast area, encompassing over 17,900 square miles of land and surface water; across 19 counties. It contains vastly rural areas; the most urbanized being the City of Abilene (population 161,783). The region lies approximately 140 miles west/southwest of the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex and is approximately 190 miles west/northwest of the City of Austin. The City of Abilene is centrally located in the heart of the 19-county region, on the area’s only major interstate highway. The counties of Stephens, Eastland, Brown, Comanche and Throckmorton are in the Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Ecoregion; and are primarily range and pastureland. The remaining counties are encompassed within the Central Great Plains Ecoregion; once grassland with low trees and shrubs, the area is prime for winter wheat crops.
The region’s economic composition and characteristics are as varied and complex as the communities that comprise it. Analyzing the Regional Vitals provides insights into the economic vitality and potential of West Central Texas.
The region’s economic composition and characteristics are as varied and complex as the communities that comprise it. Analyzing the Regional Vitals provides insights into the economic vitality and potential of West Central Texas.