Lubbock

by The Linguist

Lubbock, Texas – The Hub City of West Texas

Lubbock is a city in and the county seat of Lubbock County, Texas, United States. With a population of 256,042 as of the 2020 census, Lubbock is the 11th most populous city in the state of Texas and the 102nd-most populous city in the United States. The city is located in northwestern part of the state, a region known historically as the Llano Estacado, and the bulk of the city extends for 25 miles (40 km) from east to west and 17 miles (27 km) from north to south.

Lubbock was founded as a small town in 1890 and has grown into an important economic hub for the region. The city is sometimes called the “Hub City” as it serves as the economic, education, and health care hub of a multicounty region, north of the Permian Basin and south of the Texas Panhandle, commonly called the South Plains.

Some key facts and figures about Lubbock:

  • Population: 256,042 (2020)
  • Median Household Income: $50,716 (2019)
  • Median Home Value: $154,400 (2019)
  • Land Area: 123.6 square miles
  • Located in Lubbock County
  • Nickname: “Hub City”

History of Lubbock

Lubbock’s history began with the establishment of Lubbock County in 1876 by the Texas Legislature. The county was named for Thomas Saltus Lubbock, who was a Texas Ranger and brother of Francis Lubbock, governor of Texas during the Civil War.

As early as 1884, a federal post office existed in Yellow House Canyon. A small town, known as Old Lubbock, Lubbock, or North Town, was established about three miles to the east. In 1890, the original Lubbock merged with Monterey, another small town south of the canyon.

The new town adopted the Lubbock name and was designated the county seat in 1891. More information on Lubbock’s early history can be found on the Wikipedia page.

Lubbock was incorporated on March 16, 1909. By 1915, Lubbock was established as a railroad hub and agricultural center for the region. Cotton became an important crop and fueled growth in the city. In 1938, oil was discovered in Lubbock County and added to the local economy.

The city continued to expand through the 20th century, aided by the establishment of Lubbock Army Airfield in 1941 (later Reese Air Force Base), Texas Technological College (Texas Tech University) in 1923, and a growing medical sector. By the 1960s, Lubbock had emerged as an important economic hub for the South Plains and West Texas regions.

Geography and Climate

Lubbock is located at 33°35′5′′N 101°51′2′′W, at an elevation of 3,256 feet above sea level. According to the United States Geological Survey, Lubbock sits atop the Ogallala Aquifer, an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock that provides groundwater to the High Plains region.

Lubbock has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cool winters. On average, Lubbock receives 19.12 inches of rain per year. Monthly average temperatures range from 46°F in January to 83°F in July. The highest recorded temperature was 114°F in 1994.

Lubbock frequently experiences severe thunderstorms in the spring and is located near the western edge of Tornado Alley. On May 11, 1970, an F5 tornado struck downtown Lubbock and caused extensive damage.

Economy and Major Employers

Lubbock has a diverse economy based on agribusiness, education, manufacturing, retail, and medical care. Cotton and grain farming is important to the local economy, as Lubbock is the largest contiguous cotton-growing region in the world. Texas Tech University and the Texas Tech University Health Science Center are also large employers in Lubbock.

According to the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, some of the largest employers in Lubbock include:

  • Covenant Health System (10,000 employees)
  • Texas Tech University (7,124 employees)
  • Lubbock Independent School District (5,026 employees)
  • City of Lubbock (1,623 employees)
  • United Supermarkets (1,500 employees)
  • University Medical Center (1,494 employees)
  • AT&T (1,300 employees)

Covenant Health System
2002 W Loop 289
Lubbock, TX 79407
(806) 725-0000

Texas Tech University
2500 Broadway Lubbock, TX 79409
(806) 742-2011

Lubbock Independent School District
1628 19th St. Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 219-0000

City of Lubbock
P.O. Box 2000
Lubbock, TX 79457
(806) 775-2000

Transportation

Lubbock is served by various transportation methods:

  • Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB) – Located north of the city, LBB offers daily flights to major cities in Texas and connects to hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth. Website
  • Amtrak – The Texas Eagle line stops daily at the Lubbock Amtrak station and provides service to San Antonio, Dallas, and Chicago. Website
  • Citibus – The city’s public transportation system offers bus services throughout Lubbock. Website
  • Greyhound Lines – Intercity bus service is provided by Greyhound Lines at the downtown Lubbock Station. Website

Attractions and Landmarks

As the largest city on the South Plains, Lubbock is home to many attractions that highlight the history, culture, and landmarks of the region.

Museums

  • Buddy Holly Center – Honors the pioneering rock n’ roll musician Buddy Holly, a native of Lubbock. Website
  • Silent Wings Museum – Focuses on the history of glider pilots who trained at South Plains Army Airfield during WWII. Website
  • American Wind Power Center – Showcases the history of wind power and energy in the Lubbock area. Website
  • National Ranching Heritage Center – Preserves and interprets the history of ranching and the diverse cultures of the settlers of the South Plains. Website

Parks and Natural Landmarks

  • Mackenzie Park – Large city park featuring hiking trails, athletic fields, a golf course, and Joyland Amusement Park. Website
  • Llano Estacado – A large escarpment that rises about 1,000 feet above the plains and extends north and east of Lubbock. The Caprock Escarpment offers scenic views. More Info

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University, founded in 1923, is the largest university in West Texas with over 38,000 students. The Spanish Renaissance-themed campus contains landmarks like the Administration Building, Memorial Circle, and the Double T sculpture.

Some key locations on campus:

  • Administration Building – 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409 (33.586025, -101.879403)
  • Memorial Circle – Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409 (33.585574, -101.879647)
  • Double T Sculpture – Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409 (33.585352, -101.878615)

The map above shows the location of Lubbock within Texas.

Local Government

Lubbock has a council-manager government system and is led by an elected mayor and city council.

Contact info for the City of Lubbock government:

City of Lubbock
P.O. Box 2000
Lubbock, TX 79457
(806) 775-2000
https://www.lubbocktx.gov

The City of Lubbock is located in Lubbock County. Contact info for Lubbock County:

Lubbock County
913 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 775-1000
https://www.co.lubbock.tx.us/

Education

Public education in Lubbock is provided by two independent school districts:

  • Lubbock Independent School District – Encompasses the main inner city area. Website
  • Frenship Independent School District – Covers western and suburban parts of Lubbock. Website

Higher education options in Lubbock include:

  • Texas Tech University – Public research university founded in 1923. The main campus spans 1,839 acres. Website
  • Lubbock Christian University – Private Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Website
  • South Plains College – Public community college based in Levelland with a branch campus in Lubbock. Website
  • Wayland Baptist University (Lubbock Campus) – Private Baptist university with a branch campus in Lubbock. Website

Things to Do

Here are some of the top attractions and activities in Lubbock:

  • Attend a concert or performance at the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences.
  • Tour the National Ranching Heritage Center to learn about the history of ranching in Lubbock.
  • Cheer on the Texas Tech Red Raiders at a football, basketball, or baseball game.
  • Visit the Silent Wings Museum to learn about Lubbock’s role in WWII glider pilot training.
  • Enjoy outdoor recreation at Lubbock Lake Landmark State Historic Site or Buffalo Springs Lake.
  • Catch a show or movie at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Lubbock.
  • Shop and dine at the South Plains Mall, one of the largest malls in West Texas.
  • Take a self-guided tour of Texas Tech University’s scenic Spanish Renaissance-style campus.

You can also follow Visit Lubbock on Facebook to stay up-to-date on local events and attractions.

Sports

As the home of Texas Tech University, Lubbock is passionate about college sports. The Texas Tech Red Raiders compete in NCAA Division I athletics as part of the Big 12 Conference. Popular sports include football at Jones AT&T Stadium and basketball at United Supermarkets Arena.

You can find info, schedules, and tickets for Texas Tech Athletics at the official website.

Beyond college sports, Lubbock has a minor league baseball team, the Lubbock Christian High School Eagles, who play home games at PlainsCapital Park. See the team’s website for schedule and ticket info.