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Physical Features: South Plains, numerous playas, drains to Yellow House Draw; loam, sandy loam soils.

Economy: Extensive oil, gas production and services; manufacturing; varied agribusiness.

History: Comanches displaced Apaches in the early 1700s. Large ranches of the 1880s brought few residents. Homesteaders arrived after 1900. County created in 1876 from Bexar, Young districts; organized in 1921. Named for the Republic of Texas secretary of war Gen. G.W. Hockley.

Race/Ethnicity (in percent): Anglo, 46.2; Black, 4.0; Hispanic, 48.7; Asian, 0.5; Other, 1.4; Two or more races, 1.3.

Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 335; deaths, 224; marriages, 129; divorces, 79.

Recreation: Early Settlers’ Day in July; Marigolds Arts, Crafts Festival in November.

Minerals: Oil, gas, stone; one of leading oil counties with more than 1 billion barrels produced.

Agriculture: Cotton, grain sorghum; cattle, hogs raised; substantial irrigation. Market value $92 million.

LEVELLAND (13,732) county seat; oil, cotton, cattle center; government/services; hospital; South Plains College; Hot Burrito & Bluegrass Music Festival in July.

Other towns include: Anton (1,105); Opdyke West (179); Pep (30); Ropesville (422); Smyer (474); Sundown (1,410); Whitharral (158).

The Hockley County Courthouse in Levelland. Photo by Robert Plocheck.