Summary

• Earth is a unique small farming town in West Texas with less than 900 residents as of 2020.
• The town's name has an interesting history, and it is considered an affordable place to live.
• There isn't much to do in Earth, but visitors can grab a meal at the diner or stay at the town's only motel.

Who has been to Earth? In fact, very few people in this world have visited Earth — it's not a popular place. If you're driving through western Texas, pop into Earth just to tell folks that you've been there.

Unfortunately, the coolest thing to say about Earth, Texas, is its name... Earth is a small rural town in Lamb County in western Texas. There isn't much to see or do there, but it is possible to have dinner and even spend the night in the town's only motel. While other unique towns in Texas may make for the best vacations, Earth makes for an amusing excursion during a Texas road trip.

UPDATE: 2024/05/15 23:08 EST BY ERYNN RUIZ

How To Spend Time In Earth: The Texas Town, Not The Planet

This feature has been updated with more visuals (maps and images) of Earth, Texas, plus as-current-as-possible information on things to see and do there.

Why Is Earth, Texas, Called "Earth"?

Earth, TX was named in a unique way

Earth is one of the most unique places to visit in Texas. It's a small farming community located around 70 miles northwest of Lubbock and 90 miles southwest of Amarillo. It is 40 miles east of the Texas and New Mexico state line.

Earth was established in 1924 after it was laid out by William E. Halsell. He originally planned to call the new community Fairlawn, but the fledging community was renamed in 1925 as it was found out that there already was a Fairlawn in Texas.

• Established: 1924

Some sources claim that the first name was Tulsa but that the postal authorities rejected this name. This source goes on to say that it is not clear why the name Earth was chosen. They say that people believe that a local resident suggested the name "Good Earth" because of the fertile soil around the town, with the name being shortened to Earth.

Not many sources of information about Earth, TX are available. Most of our facts come from Springlake-Earth.org, a site created by local high schoolers that was created in 2004.

Earth, Texas Has A Small Population Today

As of 2020, Earth had less than 900 residents

As of 2024, the town has seen better days. Its population peaked in 1980 with around 1,500 inhabitants. While Texas is one of the fastest-growing states in the United States, Earth seems to have a declining one with a reported population of only 1,065 in the 2010 census and is reported to be less than 900 as of 2020.

Almost three quarters of the population is Hispanic or Latino, while 27 percent is White.

• Population: 899 as of 2020
• Fun Fact: There is only one stoplight in Earth, Texas

The community grew in part because of the development of irrigation on the farms as well as the establishment of Plant X (an electrical plant just south of Earth).

Earth, Texas Is Affordable... But Locals Aren't High Earners

Earth might be affordable, but it's not at the top of most travelers' lists

The cost of living in Earth, TX is considerably cheaper than other places in Texas, with the monthly rent costing around $730. Home prices in Earth are also low, with the median home price falling over 300 percent below average, to $78,700.

However, the median income is also lower than average at under $40K per year. That doesn't mean locals don't enjoy where they live, though. Earth, Texas has a city Facebook page with nearly as many followers as it has residents, and the timeline on the page shows happenings at City Hall.

Some Things You May Not Have Known About Earth:

• Earth: Is Underpopulated
• Earth: Has A Declining Population
• Earth: Is Small
• Earth: Is in the US
• Earth: Speaks English (and maybe Spanish)
• Earth: Has five churches
• Earth: Most exciting thing to happen in Earth was a Dairy Queen Commercial in 1989

The nearest big city to Earth is Lubbock, about an hour away and with a population of 263,930 people. Lubbock is considered an affordable place to retire or move to after college and is known as a good place to get the authentic Texas experience.

What To See And Do In Earth, TX

It might be a small town, but Earth has some dining and lodging options

There are a few options for eating out on Earth, unlike most destinations, it is possible to give a complete list here. Notable Google-listed locations in Earth, TX, include:

Earth does have a City Park, a City Pool, and a City Hall. However, it's largely been incorporated into Springlake, the neighboring city (and where Earth kids go to school). There isn't much excitement to be had, but Earth, TX could be worth a pit stop as you travel through the state on a road trip.