Get to know Odessa, TX

The city began as a water stop and cattle shipping point on the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1881.  Odessa was incorporated in 1927, the same year oil was found on the southwest side of the city.  Throughout the 1920s, new residents were drawn because of the oil and the oil fields that were opened in the area.  The population as well as the economy continued to grow in the 20th century with a succession of oil booms.  The name is believed to have come from the Ukrainian city of the same name because the local prairie resembles the steppe landscape of Ukraine.  It has replicas of both Stonehenge and Shakespeare’s Globe Theater among other tourist attractions.  The economy in Odessa is heavily dependent on the energy industry.  This has led to a boom-bust cycle throughout the city.  Recently efforts have been made to diversify the economy in the hopes it will bring more stability.  This has led to the growth in the logistics industry.  The largest employers in Odessa are Ector County Independent School District, Medical Center Hospital, Saulsbury Industries, Halliburton, and Weatherford.

Quick Facts

Population: 107,325

Median Household Income: $56,119

Median Property Value: $109,500