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Moving to Marfa, Texas

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Marfa is a city located in the high desert of the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas. It has a population of 2,121 according to the 2010 census. It is situated at an elevation of 4,686 feet above sea level and has an area of 1.6 square miles.

The climate in Marfa is semi-arid and hot, with average highs in July reaching 93°F and average low temperatures in January dipping down to 24°F. The area receives an average precipitation of 17 inches per year, most of which comes from thunderstorms during summer months.

The history of Marfa dates back to 1883 when it was founded by Charles and Mary Ann McDonald, who were ranchers from Pennsylvania looking for new land for their cattle business. In 1886, the town was incorporated as Marfa City, named after a character in Dostoyevsky’s novel The Brothers Karamazov.

Politically, Marfa is located within Presidio County and has been represented by both Democratic and Republican legislators over the years. The economy here is largely based on tourism due to its unique geography and cultural offerings, as well as ranching and oil production in the surrounding areas.

Education-wise, Marfa is served by two school districts: Marfa Independent School District (K-12) and Presidio Independent School District (K-12). There are no institutions of higher education within city limits but Sul Ross State University is located nearby in Alpine (about 75 miles away).

Marfa’s landmarks are numerous – some examples include the historic Hotel Paisano where James Dean stayed while filming Giant; Prada Marfa; Fort D A Russell Museum; Chinati Foundation; Ballroom Marfa; Crowley Theater; Stahr Armory Museum; The Judd Foundation; Thunderbird Motel & RV Park; El Sol Studios & Gallery; Chinati Hot Springs; and many more!

Population: 2,121. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,978 (-6.7% change)
Males: 1,070 (50.4%), Females: 1,051 (49.6%)

Presidio County

Zip code: 79843

Demographics

Median resident age: 38.7 years
Median household income: $24,712
Median house value: $49,000

Population by Race

Races in Marfa:

  • Hispanic (69.9%)
  • White Non-Hispanic (29.0%)
  • Other race (7.5%)
  • Two or more races (0.8%)
  • American Indian (0.7%)

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

Ancestries: United States (6.3%), German (5.5%), English (4.8%), Irish (4.7%), Scottish (1.2%), Scotch-Irish (1.1%).

Land area: 1.6 square miles

Population by Education

Neah Marfa, Texas is a small town located in Presidio County. It has a population of about 2,200 people, with a median age of 36.7. The majority of the population is Hispanic or Latino and the median household income is $25,817. The cost of living in Neah Marfa is much lower than the national average due to its rural location and lack of amenities. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $500 per month, while utilities are relatively low as well. Groceries and other essential items tend to be more expensive than in larger cities due to limited competition and demand. Furthermore, there are very few job opportunities available in this small town; most locals rely on farming or ranching for their livelihoods. Despite the limited resources available in Neah Marfa, residents enjoy living here because it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its beautiful scenery and open spaces, Neah Marfa offers its residents a peaceful place to call home.

For population 25 years and over in Marfa

  • High school or higher: 65.2%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 18.7%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 9.0%
  • Unemployed: 4.9%
  • Mean travel time to work: 13.0 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Marfa city

  • Never married: 22.7%
  • Now married: 54.7%
  • Separated: 2.9%
  • Widowed: 10.4%
  • Divorced: 9.3%

14.0% Foreign born (13.1% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: -376 (-15.1%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Marfa:

  • BIG BEND REGIONAL MED CTR HOME HEALTH (about 38 miles; ALPINE, TX)
  • CULBERSON COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT (about 72 miles; VAN HORN, TX)
  • REEVES COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 82 miles; PECOS, TX)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Marfa:

  • CAVERN CITY AIR TRML (about 140 miles; CARLSBAD, NM; Abbreviation: CNM)
  • MIDLAND INTERNATIONAL (about 169 miles; MIDLAND, TX; Abbreviation: MAF)
  • LEA COUNTY RGNL (about 173 miles; HOBBS, NM; Abbreviation: HOB)

Other public-use airports nearest to Marfa:

  • MARFA MUNI (about 4 miles; MARFA, TX; Abbreviation: MRF)
  • ALPINE-CASPARIS MUNICIPAL (about 25 miles; ALPINE, TX; Abbreviation: E38)
  • PRESIDIO LELY INTL (about 52 miles; PRESIDIO, TX; Abbreviation: T77)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Marfa:

  • SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY (about 26 miles; ALPINE, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,076)
  • ODESSA COLLEGE (about 153 miles; ODESSA, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,555)
  • MIDLAND COLLEGE (about 179 miles; MIDLAND, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,800)
  • EL PASO COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 190 miles; EL PASO, TX; Full-time enrollment: 11,127)
  • THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO (about 199 miles; EL PASO, TX; Full-time enrollment: 12,071)
  • NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS (about 233 miles; LAS CRUCES, NM; Full-time enrollment: 12,562)
  • NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY-DONA ANA (about 233 miles; LAS CRUCES, NM; Full-time enrollment: 2,380)

Schools

Public high school in Marfa:

  • MARFA JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH (Students: 198; Location: 300 N GONZALES ST; Grades: 07 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Marfa:

  • MARFA EL (Students: 258; Location: 401 N GONZALES ST; Grades: PK – 06)

Libraries

Library in Marfa:

  • MARFA PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $74,639; Location: 115 E OAK ST; 19,498 books; 1,903 audio materials; 3,577 video materials; 22 serial subscriptions)

 

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