Howard County has a population of 36,664. Big Spring is its largest city and also the county seat. In addition, Howard County was founded in 1876 and started being functional in 1882. The county name is after Volney E. Howard, a respected congressman in the state of Texas.

The county covers a total area of 2,3490 square miles. Out of that, 901 square miles is land while 3.4 miles is covered by water. Its neighboring counties are Llano Estacado in the North and Edwards Plateaus, which is in the south. To its east is Mitchell County, while Martin County is on its west.

History of Howard County

Howard County was formed from Bexar County on the 21st of August 1876. It was attached with Mitchell county for administration until 1882 when it gained the entire organization. For some time, Howard County was also responsible for Lynn, Terry, Andrew, and Dawson counties.

The county received a significant development boost during the construction of the Pacific Railway in 1881. It is the development of the railway that also pioneered the growth of Big Spring. The once small town is now one of the biggest cities in Howard County.

Howard County Major Towns

Howard County has two major cities; Big Spring and Forsan. Big Spring is the biggest city and is where most of the county offices are located. It has the highest population in the county, standing at 27 282. It also stands as the largest city between Midland, Abilene, Lubbock, and San Angelo.

The city took its name from the single large spring at the base of Scenic Mountain. It has 19.2 square miles, with only 0.1 square miles being covered with water. You will love the fantastic parks, museums, and hotels in the area.

Another fascinating city in Howard County is Forsan. The city is located along FM 421 in southeastern Howard County. That’s about 14 miles in the southeast of Big Spring. It covers a total area of about 0.29 square miles and has a population of 210 residents.

Other towns in the county are Coahoma and Vealmoor. They are both great places to visit and have a vast track of history. They also hold some of the best economic, geographic, and cultural aspects.

Howard County Census Statistics

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county’s estimated population is 36,664. People under five years account for 6.4% of the people, while those over 65 years take 13.1%.

The whites are the most, 88.2%, while the black/African Americans take 7.0% of the population. The county also has a total number of 13,203 households with a median value of $99,000.

Places to Visit in Howard County

Howard County is one of the most amazing counties to visit in Texas. It holds the best hotels, restaurants, parks and several museums. The county is also an excellent business hub, having a significant number of companies. Here are some of the places you may want to visit in Howard County.

Big Spring State Park: It is a large beautiful park with many attractive features. The park covers an area of 382 acres. Here you’ll enjoy a sizzling early morning or sunset view, great walking paths, and cycling activities.
Hangar 25 Air Museum: This museum holds some of the county’s best military preservations and exhibitions. It aims to educate the community through honoring military veterans in the county.
Moss Creek Lake: If you are a fan of lake water, you need to visit this place. Here you’ll enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the lake and do some fishing.
Heritage Museum: It holds some of the deepest history collections of the county. Get educated on how the county started, who the founders were, and everything else about it.

Other places to visit are the Comanche Trail Park, Howard County Library, Roy Anderson Sports Complex, and the Comanche Trail Municipal Golf Course.

Howard County Offices

Several county offices administer Howard County. Some of these offices include the commissioner’s court, county judge, county attorney, and county clerk.

The County Judge is Kathryn Wiseman, assisted by Itzel Gomez. Their office is located at 300 Main Street, Suite 207 Big Spring, TX 79720. You can contact them through 432-264-2202 or use fax via 432-264-2238.

Judge Kathryn G Wiseman heads the commissioner’s court. Four Precinct commissioners assist her.

Eddilisa Ray is the precinct one commissioner. Their phone number is 432-213-5461. You can also fax them on 432-264-2206.

Precinct 2 Commissioner is Craig Bailey, whose phone number is 254-595-1063. Their fax is 432-264-2206.

Jimmie Long is the Precinct 3 commissioner. You can reach them at 432-267-4224. In addition, you can send them to fax via 432-264-2206.

Precinct 4 commissioner is John Cline. His phone number is 432-263-7158, and the fax contact is 432-264-2206.

The County Attorney is Joshua Hamby. The office is located at 300 Main Street, Room 205. You can send a letter to their office address P.O. Box 2096 Big Spring, Texas. His phone number is 432-264-2205 or fax 432 264-2206.

The county Clerk is Brent Zitterkopf, whose office is located at 300 Main Street, Room 104. You can call them at 432-264-2213 and fax 432-264-2215.

Sharon Adams is the County Treasurer, assisted by Rosanna Mendoza. You can call them through 432-264-2218 or use fax via 432-264-2201. Their office address is 300 Main Street, Room 201.

The County Tax Assessor-Collector is Tiffany Sayles, whose office is at 315 Main Street, Suite D. You can reach them through 432-264-2232 or fax through 432-264-2282.

The County Sheriff is Stan Parker; their office is located at 3611W. Hwy 80, Big Spring, TX 79720. You can contact him at 432-264-2231 or fax at 432-264-9117.

Judge Angela Griffin is the Justice of Peace, assisted by clerks Angie Martin and Cecily Paredes. Their offices are at 300 Main Street, Room 211, Big Spring, TX 79720. Their phone number is 432-264-2226, and fax contacts are 432-264-2227.

Finally, the County Auditor is Jack Olson. You can contact them through 432-264-2210 or fax via 432-264-2201.