Crane is a supportive rural community built around oil wells
The discovery of oil in Crane in the 1920s brought thousands of people to the area over the next few decades, and many of them stayed, even though there wasn’t much else to do in the area. Crane County still has nearly 4,000 active oil wells today, but there is more life in the community, with several restaurants, cultural centers and parks. “It’s a place where people come together,” says Kelly Thurman, the Library Director at the Crane Country Library and a longtime resident. The library hosts art, bingo and reading days for area children during the summer, occasionally with popsicles available. Thurman says it is an example of Crane’s community spirit.
Ranch-style and traditional homes for below-median prices
Brick ranch-style homes are found throughout the city, as are traditional houses. The median sale price is around $210,000, well below the national median. On average, properties sell after about 95 days on the market, higher than the national average of close to 50. Homes frequently come with carports, and yards often have small- or medium-sized trees. The city’s grid-like asphalt streets are wide, and some feature sidewalks.
International cuisine, chain restaurants and Lowe's Market
Grandma’s Cafe serves down-home meals like breakfast burritos. El Rey Sol has authentic Mexican entrees. Mario’s Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar offers hibachi-style meats and a sushi menu. The city also has chain restaurants like Subway and Dairy Queen. The community has a Lowe’s Market and a Dollar General.
Residents cheer the Crane High football program on Friday nights
Students are served by the Crane Independent School District. They can attend Crane Elementary School, which has a C-plus Niche grade. Crane Middle School also holds a C-plus. Crane High School offers culinary arts classes that can earn students industry certifications. It earns a B-plus score. Thurman says the community packs El Ave Stadium to cheer for the school’s football team on Friday nights in the fall.
Beginning in 2026, Texas’ school choice voucher program will send participating families about $10,000 for their children’s private education.
Parks for athletics and relaxation, plus cultural centers
Crane County Park offers a disc golf course, a playground, a picnic area and a skate zone. Bennie Thompson Park has basketball courts and a playground. Bill Todt Park has baseball backstops and a set of bleachers. Leland L. Martin Park has a pavilion for gatherings, plus slides and swings. The Keep Crane Beautiful volunteer group plants flowers around the city and helps with upkeep.
The Museum of the Desert Southwest tells the region's story through artifacts. In addition to its summer programs, the Crane County Library hosts visits from guests like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny around the holidays. The First United Methodist Church of Crane holds events like Trunk or Treat and contributes to the Community Food Pantry.
Convenient access to Midland International
U.S. Route 385, known locally as Andrews Highway, cuts through the center of the area. It can take drivers just over 30 miles north to Odessa. Midland International Air & Space Port is around 40 miles away. “We’re a one-stoplight town,” Thurman says. "Unless the power goes out and you can’t get through the light, there’s no traffic.” Crane has an average high temperature of around 95 degrees from June through August.
