Pecos announces itself as the “home of the world’s first rodeo.” While it began as a cattle town on the Texas and Pacific Railway, Pecos today is known less for its cowboy lifestyle than for its booming oil and natural gas industries. Reeves County is the third biggest oil-producing county in Texas and accounts for 8 percent of the state’s natural gas production. Big fossil fuel production means rapid growth. "It's the oasis of West Texas," says Jimmy Dutchover, executive director of the economic development corporation. "We're looking forward to the next 10 years of growth."
Pecos takes much pride in it's rich cowboy and rodeo history.
Sun setting over a long day at the oil fields of Pecos.
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Drilling in Reeves County
More than 40,000 oil and gas workers, or more than twice the city’s population, commute to Pecos for work each week. The biggest employers are major energy companies, including Chevron, ConocoPhillips and EOG Resources. Agriculture is another prominent industry, and the area is famous for its homegrown cantaloupes.
The Permian Basin of West Texas is home to the nations largest oil fields.
With a prosperous industrial sector, its own municipal airport and one of the lowest living costs in the nation, Pecos is an oil oasis in West Texas.
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Low cost of living with limited availability
Most of Pecos' neighborhoods are south of Highway 285. Properties range from new builds and bungalows to fixer-uppers and manufactured homes. The median sale price is about $282,000, lower than both the state and national medians, and there's open land available starting at $2,250 an acre. However, between locals and out-of-town workers, housing availability is a big concern. "We are shorthanded on housing," Dutchover says. "As quickly as we build them, we sell them. It's a domino effect." The city has invested in rental properties, hotels and temporary housing to accommodate the growing demand.
A classic pick up truck and ranch home commonly found in Pecos.
A mid-century split level home located in Pecos.
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A cyclone of sports
Pecos doesn't have many public green spaces, but there are attractions. The 18-hole Reeves County Golf Course has a lighted driving range open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays, while Chango's is the city's only axe-throwing venue. Tricks and kickflips can be seen at the Pecos Skatepark, and Cyclone Ballparks recently expanded with 11 total baseball fields in 2025.
Locals of all ages can join a club team at Cyclone Ballparks in Pecos.
Locals can enjoy a round of golf at the Reeves County Golf Course in Pecos.
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Pecos' educational pathway
Zoned for the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District, Pecos has a whole school pipeline that runs from kindergarten through high school. Campuses have C ratings on Niche, student-teacher ratios of 15-to-1 and offer their own gifted and talented programs. The closest university is 75 miles east at Odessa College, which has its own meeting center in Pecos and a B-minus rating on Niche.
Students in the area can enjoy a great education at Pecos High School.
Pecos High School, home of the Eagles.
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Downtown dining that emphasizes Mexican cuisine
There are nearly 50 businesses alongside Interstate 20 in Downtown Pecos, including a handful of boutique stores and thrift shops. Local dining is primarily made up of Mexican restaurants, bars and grills, as well as a handful of barbecue joints, Asian restaurants and fast-food chains. In addition to having multiple Dollar Generals and Allsup's Convenience Stores throughout the city, the closest grocery stores are Walmart and United Supermarkets, which are directly located next to each other by the business loop.
Enjoy dinner and watch a sports game at Trailways Sports Bar in Pecos.
Voted best food in Pecos and featured on the Travel Channel, locals love The King Shark Seafood.
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Infrastructure improvements to Highway 285
The Texas Department of Transportation oversees infrastructure projects to improve mobility and safety on Pecos roads, including adding a relief route and widening Highway 285 to four lanes. There's a Greyhound bus stop by the Stripes convenience store at Cedar Street, and public transportation is provided by TxDOT's TRAX program. Reeves Regional Health is the local 24-hour urgent care and was recognized as a Critical Access Hospital in 2025. The closest airport is around 85 miles east at the Midland International Air & Space Port.
Environmental factors
Pecos has hot summers and mild winters, with summer high temperatures averaging 99 degrees and winter low temperatures averaging 29 degrees. According to the Pecos Police Department, violent and property crime is generally below the state and national average, although assaults are more frequent compared to the rest of the area. The Reeves County Detention Center is located in the southwest corner and once held over 3,700 inmates but has remained vacant since 2016.
A few horses roaming the West Texas plains of Pecos.
Pecos seen from the birds-eye view.
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Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
Austin Rowdy Winters
Video By
Rebecca Askin
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Clay Braden,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Pecos, TX sell after 98 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Pecos, TX over the last 12 months is $265,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
What a Find : Flat / Clean / Unrestricted 5 acres On Hwy 285 & Paved CR 402 Buy All for $80k or Buy 2.5 Acres for $50k a tract. Great Access to CR 402 & Hwy 285 Under 3 Miles to I-20 under 2 to Pecos. I can promise This Deal is too Good to Miss Out on!!!
What a Find : Flat / Clean / Unrestricted 5 acres On Hwy 285 & Paved CR 402 Buy All for $80k or Buy 2.5 Acres for $50k a tract. Great Access to CR 402 & Hwy 285 Under 3 Miles to I-20 under 2 to Pecos. I can promise This Deal is too Good to Miss Out on!!!
What a Find : Flat / Clean / Unrestricted 5 acres On Hwy 285 & Paved CR 402 Buy All for $80k or Buy 2.5 Acres for $50k a tract. Great Access to CR 402 & Hwy 285 Under 3 Miles to I-20 under 2 to Pecos. I can promise This Deal is too Good to Miss Out on!!!
Wow! Look at this Gorgeous 2-bedroom 2bath Triplex. Unit offers everything a tenant can Possibly be looking for! Walkin-Closets, Washer and Dryer connections, Granite Tops, Enclosed Patios and much more. Located Next to the New Subdivision. Call today to schedule your private showing!
Wellspring is a community offering a great residential environment, upscale amenities and excellent service to our residents.We offer one, two, and three-bedroom homes that are sure to please. Wellspring is sure to have something for you! Make Wellspring your NEW HOME!
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