✅ Petition Referrals, LLC: Petition Jobs, Campaign Petition gatherer, Signature Gatherer Petitioner, Petition Signature Collector, Petition Circulator, Sales Canvasser, Outdoor Sales Representative

Odessa is a city in West Texas, located northeast of the intersection of Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 80 in Ector County. As of the 2020 census, Odessa had a population of 123,334 making it the 29th-most populous city in the state of Texas. Odessa was founded in 1881 as a water stop and cattle shipping point on the Texas and Pacific Railway. The city's economy is primarily focused on oil, agriculture, transportation, and government sectors. Home to the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Odessa has a rich history and offers many attractions for visitors and residents alike.

History of Odessa

Odessa was founded as a railroad water stop in West Texas in 1881. The city was named after Odessa, Ukraine because of a local cattle baron's fondness for his Russian heritage. Odessa grew rapidly in the 1920s after oil was discovered in the area. The opening of the 528-foot-tall Ector County Courthouse in 1954 helped establish downtown Odessa as an architectural landmark. Today, Odessa continues to thrive as a hub for the oil industry in the Permian Basin.

For more on the history of Odessa, visit the Odessa page on Wikipedia.

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Odessa had a population of 123,334 making it the 29th-most populous city in Texas. The racial makeup of Odessa is 64.2% White, 29.1% Hispanic/Latino, 5.1% Black, 1.1% Asian, 0.5% Native American, and 3.9% Two or More Races. Compared to the rest of Texas, Odessa has a higher concentration of Hispanic/Latino residents.

Attractions and Landmarks

Odessa Meteor Crater

The Odessa Meteor Crater is one of the best preserved meteor craters in the world. Formed over 50,000 years ago, the crater is 550 feet wide and 100 feet deep. Visitors can view the crater from the rim trail. The Odessa Meteor Crater is located at:

GPS Coordinates: 31.905155, -102.317725

For more information, visit the Odessa Meteor Crater website.

Odessa Spire

The Odessa Spire is a 76-foot tall stainless steel sculpture designed by Raumlabor Berlin. Located in the center of Noel Heritage Plaza, the abstract sculpture represents the pioneering spirit of Odessa's founders. The Odessa Spire is located at:

GPS Coordinates: 31.845278, -102.367309

For more on Odessa's public art installations, visit the Odessa Arts website.

Ector County Courthouse

The Ector County Courthouse is an architectural landmark in downtown Odessa, built in 1954. The building stands at 528 feet, one of the tallest buildings between Fort Worth and El Paso. Visitors can tour the interior murals and gardens surrounding the courthouse. The Ector County Courthouse is located at:

GPS Coordinates: 31.844712, -102.367347

Learn more about the Ector County Courthouse at the Ector County website.

Economy and Major Employers

Odessa's economy is focused primarily on oil, transportation, agriculture, education, and government sectors. Many of the major employers are in the oil and gas industry, serving the prolific Permian Basin. The top employers in Odessa are:

• Ector County ISD
• Medical Center Hospital
• City of Odessa
• Odessa Regional Medical Center
• UNT Health Science Center
• Walmart
• Halliburton
• Weatherford
• Baker Hughes
• Schlumberger

For more on Odessa's economy and major employers, visit the Odessa Chamber of Commerce website.

Transportation

Odessa is located at the crossroads of Interstate 20 and Highway 80 in West Texas. The city is served by Midland International Air & Space Port, located halfway between Odessa and Midland. Within the city, the Ector County Transit District operates a public bus system with 6 routes. The Greyhound bus station provides intercity bus service. The Texas Pacifico Railroad offers freight rail service through Odessa.

For information on flying into Midland International Airport, visit the airport's website. To learn more about public transportation options, see the Ector County Transit District website.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Odessa is home to several museums and cultural attractions that preserve the history and heritage of the city and West Texas region.

The Ellen Noël Art Museum

The Ellen Noël Art Museum features permanent collections and traveling exhibits focusing on American art. The museum is located in downtown Odessa at:

Phone: (432) 550-9696

For more information, visit the Ellen Noël Art Museum website.

Odessa Meteor Crater Museum

Located onsite at the Odessa Meteor Crater, this museum features exhibits about meteorites, geology, and the history of the Odessa crater. The Odessa Meteor Crater Museum is located at:

Phone: (432) 381-1603

Learn more at the Odessa Meteor Crater website.

The Presidential Archives and Leadership Library

This museum houses archives and artifacts chronicling each US president. Located on the University of Texas of the Permian Basin campus:

Phone: (432) 552-2020

Visit the museum website to plan your visit.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Odessa offers numerous parks and outdoor spaces for enjoying the warm West Texas climate.

Sherwood Park

Sherwood Park spans over 1,000 acres and features playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, and the Ellen Noël Art Museum. Located at:

For more information, see the Sherwood Park website.

McKinney Park

McKinney Park offers green space, playgrounds, sports facilities, and hiking trails perfect for outdoor recreation. The park is located at:

Learn more at the McKinney Park website.

Education in Odessa

Odessa is located within the Ector County Independent School District, which operates 22 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 5 high schools. Higher education options include the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and Odessa College.

Ector County Independent School District

The public school district serving Odessa students. Learn more at the ECISD website.

Phone: (432) 456-0000

University of Texas of the Permian Basin

A public university located in Odessa offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Visit the UTPB website.

Phone: (432) 552-2020

Odessa College

Odessa College provides academic transfer programs, technical certificates, and workforce training. Learn more at the Odessa College website.

Phone: (432) 335-6600

Additional Local Resources

Ector County Government

The governing body for Ector County, which Odessa resides in. Visit the Ector County website.

Phone: (432) 498-4011

Odessa Public Library

The city's public library system with multiple branch locations. Learn more at the library website.

Phone: (432) 332-0633

Odessa Chamber of Commerce

Promotes business and economic growth in the Odessa region. Visit the chamber website.

Phone: (432) 332-9111

City of Odessa Facebook

Get news and updates about the city by following the City of Odessa on Facebook.

Odessa Jackalopes Hockey

Odessa's local junior ice hockey team playing in the North American Hockey League. Visit the Jackalopes website.

Phone: (432) 552-7825

Petition Referrals LLC is NOT a contracting or employing entity for petitioners or contractors and does not collect signatures. Petition Referrals LLC is solely a referral service and any agreement or arrangement made between a petition collection company and a petitioner or contractor is strictly between them and the company. Petition referrals LLC disclaims any liability for any actions, omissions, or conduct of any petition-collecting company, petitioner, or contractor referred by Petition Referrals LLC.