Big Spring: An Affordable West Texas City Built on Oil, Ranching, and Resilience

Big Spring is a city of approximately 352 residents in Howard County, Texas, where the median age sits at 38.3 years according to Census Bureau estimates and the economy centers on oil and gas extraction, with mining and quarrying jobs averaging $96,554 annually per Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The city's 18 neighborhoods range from park-adjacent areas like Wasson Place and Edwards Heights to central pockets like Park Hill, all served by Big Spring ISD. Property taxes in Texas carry no state income tax, and the overall cost of living runs well below state and national averages, making Big Spring one of the more affordable places to own a home in West Texas.

History

Big Spring's history is preserved in 17 historical markers that reference the Comanche War Trail, the arrival of the Texas & Pacific Railroad in the 1880s, and the oil boom of the late 1920s that financed landmarks like the Settles Hotel. The city's name comes from a natural spring that served as a critical water source for Native American war parties and later for railroad workers and ranchers settling the area.

ZIP Codes Compared

Housing costs across Big Spring's neighborhoods are relatively consistent, with variations based more on lot size, home age, and proximity to parks or schools than on dramatic price differences between zip codes. The city's affordability is one of its defining features, and that holds true across nearly all residential areas.

Demographics

Big Spring's population is 69 percent Hispanic, 16.5 percent White, and 4.8 percent Black according to Census Bureau data, with a median age of 38.3 years and educational attainment skewing lower than state averages at just 2.1 percent holding bachelor's degrees. The demographic profile reflects a working-class community with strong ties to the energy sector and a family-oriented population.

Economy

The local economy is anchored by mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, which employs 884 workers at an average annual pay of $96,554 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, followed by manufacturing at $98,488 and utilities at $142,765. Retail trade and accommodation and food services provide the most jobs but at significantly lower wages, reflecting the dual nature of Big Spring's economy.

Schools

Big Spring ISD serves the city with one school, and like many small West Texas districts, it operates with limited resources and a focus on core academics. The Texas Education Agency provides accountability ratings for the district, and families here tend to prioritize affordability and community over access to specialized programs or cutting-edge facilities.

Cost of Living

Big Spring's cost of living runs well below both Texas and national averages, driven primarily by housing costs that are a fraction of what you'd pay in major metros. Texas has no state income tax, and while property tax rates vary by school district, the overall tax burden remains manageable for most homeowners.

Homeowners Associations

Big Spring has no registered homeowners associations in county records, reflecting the city's preference for individual property ownership without the restrictions or fees common in newer suburban developments. Buyers here enjoy lower costs and fewer rules, though that also means fewer shared amenities like pools or maintained common areas.

About Big Spring

Big Spring sits in the heart of West Texas, a city of roughly 352 residents in Howard County where the economy still runs on oil and gas, the landscape opens wide under endless sky, and housing costs remain dramatically lower than most of the state. This is a place where the median age hovers around 38 according to Census Bureau estimates, where neighborhoods like Park Hill and Wasson Place orbit around Comanche Trail Park, and where the Big Spring of the city's name—a natural spring that once drew Comanche war parties and later railroad workers—still anchors the identity of the town.

People who move to Big Spring tend to fall into a few categories: workers in the oil and gas sector drawn by jobs that pay well above the state average, families seeking affordable homeownership in a small-town environment, and retirees or near-retirees looking for low property taxes and a slower pace. The city's demographics skew heavily Hispanic at 69 percent according to Census Bureau data, with a median age that suggests a mix of working families and established residents. Educational attainment runs lower than state averages—just 2.1 percent of adults hold bachelor's degrees—but the employment picture tells a story of blue-collar prosperity, particularly in the energy sector where mining, quarrying, and oil and gas jobs average over $96,000 annually per Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

The lifestyle here is distinctly West Texas: practical, outdoor-oriented, and tied to the rhythms of the energy industry. Big Spring State Park sits on a mesa overlooking the city, offering hiking trails and sunset views that residents in neighborhoods like Edwards Heights, Indian Hills, and Mountain View reference as part of their regular routines. Comanche Trail Park anchors the southern part of town with walking paths, playgrounds, and open space. Errands tend to center on H-E-B for groceries, Kwikie Grocery for quick stops, and a handful of local spots like Hteao for iced tea. This isn't a city with a bustling downtown nightlife or a restaurant scene that draws visitors from across the region—it's a place where weekends might mean a drive to the state park, a family gathering at home, or a trip to Midland or Odessa for shopping and dining options not available locally.

Compared to other Texas cities, Big Spring occupies a unique niche. It's far more affordable than the state's major metros—housing costs that would barely cover a down payment in Austin or Dallas can buy a home outright here. It's smaller and quieter than nearby Midland or Odessa, but it shares their economic dependence on oil and gas. The tradeoff is access: Big Spring sits roughly 40 miles from Midland, meaning commutes to larger job markets are possible but not convenient for daily work. Cultural amenities, dining variety, and shopping options are limited compared to cities even a quarter the size in other parts of Texas. What Big Spring offers instead is affordability, space, and a community where neighbors know each other and the cost of living allows working-class families to build equity and stability.

The housing market reflects this affordability. Neighborhoods like Park Hill and Wasson Place offer single-family homes on larger lots than you'd find in suburban developments elsewhere in the state, often with mature trees and room for vehicles, workshops, or outdoor projects. Newer pockets like Avion and Brennard sit closer to the edges of town, while older areas like Settles Heights and West Cliff carry more historic character. The city's 18 named neighborhoods each have their own feel, but the differences are subtle—this isn't a city with dramatic wealth divides or sharply defined luxury versus working-class zones. Instead, you'll find a relatively consistent affordability across the board, with variations based more on lot size, home age, and proximity to parks or schools than on prestige.

Big Spring's identity is inseparable from its history as a railroad town and ranching hub. The Settles Hotel, a 15-story Art Deco landmark built in 1930 after oil was discovered on the Settles Ranch, still stands as a reminder of the boom times that shaped the city. Historical markers scattered around town reference the Comanche War Trail, the arrival of the Texas & Pacific Railroad, and early settlers like Joseph and William Fisher, who opened a general store in a tent in 1881. This history isn't just preserved in plaques—it's visible in the architecture of downtown, the layout of older neighborhoods, and the cultural memory of a city that has weathered multiple boom-and-bust cycles in the oil industry.

For families, Big Spring offers a trade: lower costs and a tight-knit community in exchange for fewer amenities and limited educational options. Big Spring ISD serves the area, and while specific school performance data varies, the district operates with the resources typical of a small West Texas town. Parents here tend to prioritize affordability and stability over access to magnet programs or cutting-edge facilities. The outdoor lifestyle—state parks, open space, room to roam—is a draw for families who value that over proximity to museums, theaters, or specialized extracurriculars.

Big Spring isn't for everyone. If you're looking for career diversity, cultural vibrancy, or walkable urbanism, you'll find those things in Austin, San Antonio, or even Lubbock. But if you're seeking a place where a single income in the energy sector can support a family, where homeownership is accessible without crushing debt, and where the pace of life is measured in sunsets over the state park rather than traffic on the freeway, Big Spring delivers exactly what it promises: an affordable, grounded slice of West Texas where the landscape is big and the cost of living is small.

Where to Live in Big Spring: Neighborhoods by Character and Location

Big Spring's 18 neighborhoods don't break into sharply defined quadrants the way larger cities do, but they do cluster into a few recognizable areas based on proximity to parks, schools, and the city's main corridors. Understanding these areas helps narrow your search based on what matters most—whether that's quick access to Comanche Trail Park, proximity to H-E-B for groceries, or a lot size that gives you room to spread out.

The Park Hill and North Park Hill area sits in the central part of town and feels like the most established residential pocket of Big Spring. Park Hill in particular benefits from its location near H-E-B and Big A, making daily errands genuinely quick. Homes here tend to be single-family houses on decent-sized lots, with mature trees and a mix of mid-century and slightly newer construction. North Park Hill shares that practical accessibility, with school drop-offs and park visits folding easily into the same afternoon. This is the part of Big Spring that feels most like traditional suburban living, where neighbors know each other and routines are built around proximity to everyday needs. Families with school-age kids and working professionals who value convenience tend to gravitate here.

The southern and southeastern neighborhoods—Wasson Place, Stardust, and Wright's—orbit around Comanche Trail Park and the outdoor side of Big Spring life. Wasson Place feels like the neighborhood where weekends naturally involve the park, whether that's a morning walk or an evening drive. Stardust and Wright's share that outdoor orientation, with Big Spring State Park also within easy reach. These areas tend to attract buyers who prioritize space and access to nature over proximity to retail. Homes here often sit on larger lots, and the overall feel is quieter and more spread out than the Park Hill area. If your ideal Saturday involves hiking trails and sunset views rather than shopping trips, this is the part of town to focus on.

The western and southwestern neighborhoods—Edwards Heights, Edwards Hills, Indian Hills, and Mountain View—feel tied to Big Spring State Park in a way that shapes daily life. Edwards Heights and Edwards Hills both reference the ease of a quick drive to the park for sunset views, and that proximity to outdoor space is a defining feature. Indian Hills and Mountain View share that character, with the landscape and the sky feeling like active parts of the neighborhood rather than distant amenities. These areas tend to attract buyers who value the visual drama of West Texas—the mesas, the open sky, the sense of space—and who don't mind a slightly longer drive to the grocery store in exchange for that connection to the land. Homes here vary in age and style, but lot sizes tend to be generous and the overall density lower than the central parts of town.

The northern and eastern edges of Big Spring—Avion, Brennard, Mesa, Rice, and Indianola—feel like the transitional zone where the city meets the surrounding ranching country. Avion and Brennard are newer pockets where quick stops at Kwikie Grocery and drives to Big Spring State Park are part of the routine. Mesa, Rice, and Indianola share that mix of convenience and open space, with landmarks like Kwikie Grocery serving as neighborhood anchors. These areas tend to attract first-time buyers and families looking for affordability and room to grow, with newer construction and larger lots common. The tradeoff is distance from the central amenities—you're a bit farther from H-E-B and Comanche Trail Park—but the housing stock is often newer and the prices slightly lower.

Settles Heights, West Cliff, and Webb Village sit closer to the older core of Big Spring, with more historic character and proximity to downtown landmarks like the Settles Hotel. Settles Heights and West Cliff feel practical and lived-in, with quick access to Kwikie Grocery and the everyday rhythms of the city. Webb Village sits near Big Spring State Park and feels like a blend of convenience and outdoor access. These neighborhoods tend to attract buyers who appreciate older homes with character, who value walkability to local spots, and who don't need the newest construction or the largest lots. The homes here carry more history, and the overall feel is more established and less suburban than the newer pockets on the edges of town.

Wright's Airport, despite the name, is a residential neighborhood rather than an aviation hub, and it shares the same practical orientation as much of Big Spring: quick runs to Kwikie Grocery, easy access to Big Spring State Park, and a lifestyle that balances convenience with outdoor space. It's a quieter pocket that appeals to buyers looking for affordability and a low-key environment without sacrificing access to the city's main amenities.

Classification

Type

Incorporated Place

Class Code

C1

Identifiers

GEOID

4808236

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

08236

Statistics

Neighborhoods

18

Population

25,949

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

50 km²

County

Howard

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Big Spring

Is Big Spring a good place to live?

Big Spring is a good place to live if you prioritize affordability, outdoor space, and a tight-knit community over access to urban amenities and career diversity. The city's population of roughly 352 residents according to Census Bureau estimates reflects a small-town environment where neighbors know each other and the cost of living runs well below state and national averages. The local economy centers on oil and gas extraction, with mining and quarrying jobs averaging $96,554 annually per Bureau of Labor Statistics data, meaning workers in the energy sector can build comfortable lives here. Housing costs are dramatically lower than in Texas's major metros, and the absence of state income tax further reduces the financial burden. The tradeoff is limited dining, shopping, and cultural options—Big Spring is roughly 40 miles from Midland, so access to larger job markets and amenities requires a drive. Families who value outdoor recreation will appreciate Big Spring State Park and Comanche Trail Park, both of which anchor neighborhood life in areas like Wasson Place and Edwards Heights. The city's demographics skew heavily Hispanic at 69 percent, with a median age of 38.3 years and a working-class character that defines the social fabric. If you're looking for a place where a single income can support a family, where homeownership is accessible, and where the pace of life is measured in sunsets rather than traffic, Big Spring delivers.

What are the best neighborhoods in Big Spring?

The best neighborhoods in Big Spring depend on what you value most—proximity to parks, central convenience, or newer construction with larger lots. Park Hill stands out for its location near H-E-B and Big A, making daily errands genuinely quick and school drop-offs easy to fold into the same afternoon. It's the most established residential pocket of the city, with mature trees and a mix of mid-century and slightly newer single-family homes. Wasson Place appeals to buyers who prioritize outdoor access, sitting close to Comanche Trail Park and offering a quieter, more spread-out feel than the central neighborhoods. Edwards Heights and Edwards Hills both benefit from proximity to Big Spring State Park, with sunset drives and hiking trails as part of the regular routine—these areas attract buyers who value the visual drama of West Texas and don't mind a slightly longer drive to the grocery store. Avion and Brennard represent newer pockets on the northern edge of town, with quick stops at Kwikie Grocery and access to Big Spring State Park, appealing to first-time buyers and families looking for affordability and room to grow. Settles Heights and West Cliff carry more historic character, sitting closer to downtown landmarks like the Settles Hotel and offering older homes with established trees and a lived-in feel. The differences between neighborhoods are subtle—Big Spring doesn't have dramatic wealth divides or sharply defined luxury zones—but understanding the character of each area helps narrow your search based on lifestyle priorities.

What is the cost of living in Big Spring?

The cost of living in Big Spring runs well below both Texas and national averages, driven primarily by housing costs that are a fraction of what you'd pay in major metros like Austin, Dallas, or Houston. Median home values according to Census Bureau estimates are dramatically lower than state averages, meaning homeownership is accessible even on a single income in the energy sector. Texas has no state income tax, which reduces the overall tax burden compared to many other states, though property taxes vary by school district and local taxing entities—combined rates are typically reported by the Texas Comptroller's office and factor into monthly housing costs. Everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation also run below national averages, reflecting the city's small size and lower demand for services. The tradeoff is limited access to amenities—dining out, entertainment, and shopping options are far more limited than in larger cities, and many residents drive to Midland or Odessa for purchases beyond basic groceries. For families and workers in the oil and gas sector, the affordability is the primary draw: housing costs that would barely cover a down payment in Austin can buy a home outright in Big Spring, and the absence of state income tax means more of your paycheck stays in your pocket. The overall cost of living makes Big Spring one of the more affordable places to own property in Texas, particularly for buyers willing to trade urban conveniences for financial breathing room.

How are the schools in Big Spring?

Big Spring ISD serves the city with one school, and like many small West Texas districts, it operates with limited resources and a focus on core academics rather than specialized programs or cutting-edge facilities. The Texas Education Agency provides accountability ratings for the district, and parents researching the area should review those ratings to understand how the schools perform on state assessments and other metrics. Educational attainment in the broader community runs lower than state averages, with just 2.1 percent of adults holding bachelor's degrees according to Census Bureau data, which reflects both the working-class character of the city and the limited presence of higher education institutions nearby. Families who move to Big Spring tend to prioritize affordability and community stability over access to magnet programs, advanced coursework, or extensive extracurriculars—the schools here serve a population focused on practical skills and workforce readiness, particularly in the energy sector. For parents seeking highly rated schools with diverse programming, larger nearby cities like Midland may offer more options, but the tradeoff is higher housing costs and a different community feel.

Is Big Spring good for families?

Big Spring is good for families who prioritize affordability, outdoor space, and a small-town environment over access to diverse schools and urban amenities. The city's neighborhoods—particularly Park Hill, Wasson Place, and Edwards Heights—offer single-family homes on larger lots than you'd find in suburban developments elsewhere in Texas, with room for kids to play and families to spread out. Big Spring State Park and Comanche Trail Park anchor outdoor recreation, providing hiking trails, playgrounds, and open space that families in neighborhoods like Indian Hills and Mountain View reference as part of their regular routines. The cost of living runs well below state and national averages according to Census Bureau data, meaning a single income in the energy sector can support a family without the financial strain common in larger metros. The tradeoff is limited educational options—Big Spring ISD serves the area with one school, and resources are typical of a small West Texas district—and fewer extracurricular opportunities than you'd find in cities with more population and tax base. Families here tend to value stability, affordability, and the tight-knit community feel over access to specialized programs or cutting-edge facilities. If your priorities include low housing costs, outdoor recreation, and a slower pace of life, Big Spring delivers, but if you're seeking highly rated schools and diverse cultural amenities, you'll need to look at larger nearby cities.

What is the job market like in Big Spring?

Big Spring's job market is dominated by the energy sector, with mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction employing 884 workers at an average annual pay of $96,554 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Manufacturing and utilities also pay well above the state average, at $98,488 and $142,765 respectively, reflecting the technical and industrial character of the local economy. Retail trade and accommodation and food services provide the most jobs—1,498 and 1,300 employees respectively—but at significantly lower wages, with retail averaging $46,014 and food service just $24,769. Construction and wholesale trade round out the employment picture, both offering solid middle-class wages in the $78,000 to $87,000 range. The job market here is tightly tied to the boom-and-bust cycles of the oil and gas industry, meaning employment can fluctuate based on commodity prices and drilling activity. For workers with skills in the energy sector, Big Spring offers well-paying jobs and a low cost of living that allows for financial stability and homeownership. For those outside the energy industry, opportunities are more limited, and many residents commute to Midland or Odessa for work in sectors like healthcare, education, or professional services. The overall job market is narrow but lucrative for those in the right fields, and the affordability of the area makes it possible to build a comfortable life even in lower-wage service jobs.

What is the lifestyle like in Big Spring?

The lifestyle in Big Spring is distinctly West Texas: practical, outdoor-oriented, and tied to the rhythms of the energy industry. Weekends often revolve around Big Spring State Park, which sits on a mesa overlooking the city and offers hiking trails and sunset views that residents in neighborhoods like Edwards Heights, Indian Hills, and Mountain View reference as part of their regular routines. Comanche Trail Park anchors the southern part of town with walking paths, playgrounds, and open space, serving as a gathering spot for families in areas like Wasson Place. Errands center on H-E-B for groceries, Kwikie Grocery for quick stops, and a handful of local spots like Hteao for iced tea. Dining and entertainment options are limited compared to larger cities—this isn't a place with a bustling downtown nightlife or a restaurant scene that draws visitors from across the region. Instead, social life tends to revolve around family gatherings, church events, and outdoor recreation. The Settles Hotel stands as a historic landmark downtown, a reminder of the oil boom of the 1930s, but the city's cultural amenities are modest. For shopping, dining, and entertainment beyond the basics, many residents drive to Midland or Odessa, roughly 40 miles away. The pace of life is slower than in Texas's major metros, and the landscape—wide-open sky, mesas, and ranchland—is a defining feature of daily experience. If you value space, affordability, and a tight-knit community over cultural vibrancy and urban conveniences, Big Spring's lifestyle will feel like a relief from the hustle of bigger cities.

How does Big Spring compare to nearby cities?

Big Spring is smaller, quieter, and more affordable than nearby cities like Midland and Odessa, but it shares their economic dependence on oil and gas. Midland, roughly 40 miles west, is larger and offers more job diversity, better schools according to Texas Education Agency accountability ratings, and far more dining, shopping, and cultural amenities, but housing costs run significantly higher according to Census Bureau data. Odessa, also about 40 miles away, is similar in character to Midland but slightly less expensive and slightly rougher around the edges. Big Spring's advantage is affordability—housing costs that would barely cover a down payment in Midland can buy a home outright here—and a slower pace of life that appeals to buyers seeking space and quiet over access to urban conveniences. The tradeoff is limited local job opportunities outside the energy sector, fewer educational options, and a narrower range of services and amenities. Commute times to Midland or Odessa are manageable for occasional trips but not ideal for daily work, meaning most Big Spring residents work locally or in the energy sector. For families and workers who prioritize low housing costs and a tight-knit community, Big Spring offers better value than its larger neighbors, but for those seeking career diversity, highly rated schools, and cultural vibrancy, Midland or Odessa will be better fits despite the higher costs.

Find Your Place in Big Spring with Texas Ally

Whether you're drawn to the outdoor access of Edwards Heights, the central convenience of Park Hill, or the affordability of Big Spring's newer neighborhoods, a Texas Ally advisor can help you navigate the local market and find the right fit. We know West Texas, and we're here to make your move as smooth as the horizon.