Abilene, Texas

Categories: Cities in Texas | Jones County, Texas

Abilene, Texas, USA
Image:Abilene-seal.gif Image:Abilene-seal.gif
City flag City seal
City nickname: "Key City"
Location
Image:TXMap-doton-Abilene.PNG
Location within the state of Texas
Government
County Taylor County
Mayor Norm Archibald
Physical characteristics
Area
     Land
     Water 		286.5 km²
     272.3 km²
     14.2 km²
Population
     Total (2000)
     Density
     115,930 (city proper)
     425.8 persons/km²
Latitude 32°26'47" N
Longitude 99°44'44" W
Time zone
     Summer (DST) 		CST (UTC-6)
     CDT (UTC-6)
Official website: http://www.abilenetx.com/

Abilene is a city located in Texas, USA. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 115,930. It is the county seat of Taylor County6. Dyess Air Force Base is located to the west of the city.

Contents

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History

Established by cattlemen as a stock shipping point on the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1881, the city was named for Abilene, Kansas; the original endpoint for the Chisholm Trail. The city later became a major cattle producing area with diversified farming. In recent years, petroleum has added great impetus to the city's economy. By 1900, 3,411 people lived in Abilene. When the city celebrated its centennial in 1981, the city set up a demonstration oil-drilling rig on the county fairgrounds just to illustrate the techniques of "making hole". By pure accident, it struck oil, not much - but enough for modest profitable production.

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Geography

Abilene is located at 32°26'47" North, 99°44'44" West (32.446425, -99.745482)1, 160 miles (257 km) west by south of Fort Worth.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 286.5 km² (110.6 mi²). 272.3 km² (105.1 mi²) of it is land and 14.2 km² (5.5 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 4.95% water.

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Demographics

As of the census2 of 2000, there are 115,930 people, 41,570 households, and 28,101 families residing in the city. The population density is 425.8/km² (1,102.7/mi²). There are 45,618 housing units at an average density of 167.5/km² (433.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 78.07% White, 8.81% African American, 0.55% Native American, 1.33% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 8.73% from other races, and 2.44% from two or more races. 19.45% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 41,570 households out of which 34.2% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% are married couples living together, 11.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% are non-families. 26.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.53 and the average family size is 3.07.

In the city the population is spread out with 25.6% under the age of 18, 15.3% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 31 years. For every 100 females there are 102.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 101.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $33,007, and the median income for a family is $40,028. Males have a median income of $28,078 versus $20,918 for females. The per capita income for the city is $16,577. 15.4% of the population and 10.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 18.6% of those under the age of 18 and 9.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

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Culture

Abilene cultural aspects influenced by Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University, the Abilene Campus of Cisco Junior College, a West Texas campus of Texas State Technical College; The Paramount Theater, a philharmonic association and the Grace Museum of Fine Arts.

Abilene is home to several Television stations including KRBC (NBC Channel 9), KTXS (ABC Channel 12), KXVA (Fox Channel 15), KTAB (CBS Channel 32), and KIDZ (UPN/PAX Channel 54).

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Events

The West Texas Fair, ten days in mid-Sept., features exhibits and amusements reflecting early days of Abilene, plus modern attractions of West Texas.

The Western heritage classic in early May features ranch rodeo, campfire cook-off, sheep dog trails, farrier competition, Cowboy Poets Society, Western art show and many other activities recalling early western heritage.

The first weekend in April features Celebrate Abilene, an outdoor festival held in the historic downtown area bringing the arts, history, railroad and family enterainment into one fun-filled festival for the entire community.

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Famous People from Abilene

  • Bob Estes, PGA golfer
  • Carol Hall, composer/lyricist
  • Cris Judd, married Jennifer Lopez
  • John Lackey, MLB pitcher
  • Caryl Mack Parker, country singer
  • Gary Perkins, radio broadcaster
  • Dominic Rhodes, running back for the Indianapolis Colts
  • Jessica Simpson, pop singer
  • Diane Stanley, children's book author
  • Hollis Thomas, NFL defensive tackle
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Newspapers & Media

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Colleges & Universities

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External links

da:Abilene (Texas) de:Abilene (Texas) gl:Abilene

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