Moving to Stephenville, Texas

by btobers · Published July 1, 2019 · Updated November 18, 2024

Stephenville, Texas is a small city located in Erath County, approximately 80 miles southwest of Dallas. The city has a population of around 20,000 people and covers an area of over 10 square miles. Geographically, Stephenville is located in the rolling hills of North Central Texas and is known for its beautiful landscapes and rural atmosphere. The climate in Stephenville is hot and humid during the summer months with mild winters.

The history of Stephenville dates back to the mid-1800s when it was first founded by settlers who arrived from Tennessee and other states. These settlers were mostly farmers who established small farms throughout the region. Over time, the town grew as more businesses began to move in and the population steadily increased. Politically, Stephenville is part of Texas’ 22nd congressional district, which is represented by Republican Congressman Pete Sessions in Washington D.C.

The economy of Stephenville is largely centered around agriculture with many local farmers producing wheat, cotton, corn, sorghum and hay for sale both locally and abroad. The city also has a few large manufacturing plants that produce industrial items such as metal products and plastic components for machines used in construction projects across the state. In addition to this, there are several retail stores throughout town that serve the local population with clothing, groceries and other everyday items.

Stephenville has a number of schools that serve students from pre-kindergarten through high school including public schools operated by the Erath County Independent School District (ECISD). There are also several private schools offering education at various levels as well as Tarleton State University which offers higher education opportunities to students from all over Texas as well as international students from around the world.

Finally, some notable landmarks within Stephenville include City Hall which was built in 1907; The Womack Building which dates back to 1883; The First Methodist Church which was constructed in 1895; and Lone Star Arena which hosts rodeos throughout the year as well as other events such as concerts or trade shows. There are also several parks located throughout town where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing or picnicking with friends or family members alike.

Population: 14,921. Estimated population in July 2024: 15,948 (+6.9% change)
Males: 7,104 (47.6%), Females: 7,817 (52.4%)

Erath County

Zip codes: 76401.

Demographics

Median resident age: 27.7 years
Median household income: $27,489
Median house value: $67,600

Population by Race

Races in Stephenville:

White Non-Hispanic (85.0%)
Hispanic (11.6%)
Other race (4.5%)
Two or more races (1.9%)
Black (1.5%)
American Indian (1.2%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: United States (12.5%), German (11.9%), Irish (11.1%), English (10.2%), French (2.3%), Scotch-Irish (2.2%).

Elevation: 1277 feet

Land area: 10.0 square miles

Population by Education

Stephenville, Texas is a small city located in Erath County. It has a population of over 20,000 people and is one of the fastest growing cities in the state. The median age of the population is 33 years old, and the gender ratio is almost even, with slightly more females than males. The most common ethnicities represented are white (78%), Hispanic or Latino (16%), and African American (4%). The majority of residents are native to Texas while a smaller portion have relocated from other states. The average household size is 2.6 people and the median household income is $45,890. Education wise, 87% of adults over 25 have at least a high school diploma with 24% having obtained at least a bachelor’s degree. Most Stephenville residents are employed in either service or sales professions with healthcare and public administration being two other major industries in the area.

For population 25 years and over in Stephenville

High school or higher: 78.0%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 29.1%
Graduate or professional degree: 11.6%
Unemployed: 18.2%
Mean travel time to work: 16.1 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Stephenville city

Never married: 27.2%
Now married: 53.6%
Separated: 2.0%
Widowed: 8.4%
Divorced: 8.8%

4.4% Foreign born (3.1% Latin America, 0.8% Asia).

Population change in the 1990s: +989 (+7.1%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Stephenville:

HARRIS METHODIST ERATH COUNTY (411 N BELKNAP ST)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Stephenville:

DELEON HOSPITAL (about 25 miles; DE LEON, TX)
GLEN ROSE MEDICAL CENTER (about 31 miles; GLEN ROSE, TX)
LAKE GRANBURY MEDICAL CENTER (about 33 miles; GRANBURY, TX)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Stephenville:

FORT WORTH NAS JRB/CARSWELL FIELD (about 66 miles; FORT WORTH, TX; Abbreviation: NFW)
FORT WORTH MEACHAM INTL (about 73 miles; FORT WORTH, TX; Abbreviation: FTW)
WACO REGIONAL (about 82 miles; WACO, TX; Abbreviation: ACT)

Other public-use airports nearest to Stephenville:

CLARK FIELD MUNI (about 4 miles; STEPHENVILLE, TX; Abbreviation: SEP)
DUBLIN MUNI (about 13 miles; DUBLIN, TX; Abbreviation: 9F0)
LITTLE C RANCH (about 23 miles; HICO, TX; Abbreviation: 4T7)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/Universities in Stephenville:

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY (Full-time enrollment: 6,068; Location: 1333 W. Washington; Public; Website: www.tarleton.edu; Offers Master’s degree)
STEPHENVILLE BEAUTY COLLEGE (Full-time enrollment: 26; Location: 951 S LILLIAN ST; Private, for-profit)

Other colleges/universities with over 2000 students near Stephenville:

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE (about 72 miles; FT WORTH, TX; Full-time enrollment: 15,454)
TEXAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY (about 74 miles; FT WORTH, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,403)
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY (about 75 miles; FT WORTH, TX; Full-time enrollment: 7,032)
SOUTHWESTERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (about 75 miles; FT WORTH, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,253)
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON (about 82 miles; ARLINGTON, TX; Full-time enrollment: 15,467)
CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE (about 84 miles; KILLEEN, TX; Full-time enrollment: 6,777)
MCLENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 84 miles; WACO, TX; Full-time enrollment: 3,658)

Schools

Public high schools in Stephenville:

STEPHENVILLE H S (Students: 1,071; Location: 2655 W OVERHILL DR; Grades: 09 – 12)
ERATH EXCELS ACADEMY INC (Students: 124; Location: 2900 W WASHINGTON STE 12; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Stephenville:

STEPHENVILLE J H (Students: 562; Location: 2655 W OVERHILL DR; Grades: 07 – 08)
GILBERT INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL (Students: 514; Location: 2655 W OVERHILL DR; Grades: 05 – 06)
CHAMBERLIN ELEMENTARY (Students: 512; Location: 2655 W OVERHILL DR; Grades: 01 – 02)
HOOK ELEMENTARY (Students: 491; Location: 2655 W OVERHILL; Grades: 03 – 04)
CENTRAL ELEMENTARY (Students: 380; Location: 2655 W OVERHILL DR; Grades: PK – KG)
HUCKABAY SCHOOL (Students: 193; Location: 200 COUNTY RD 421; Grades: PK – 12)
THREE WAY EL (Students: 46; Location: 247 CR 207; Grades: PK – 08)

Private primary/middle school in Stephenville:

STEPPING STONES DAY SCHOOL (Students: 108; Location: PO BOX 173; Grades: PK – KG)

Libraries

Library in Stephenville:

STEPHENVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $165,510; Location: 174 N COLUMBIA ST; 40,500 books; 646 audio materials; 350 video materials; 67 serial subscriptions)