Located midway between El Paso and Fort Worth, Texas, Midland has a population of about 109,000. Midland has summers that get quite hot, regularly going over 90 degrees with mild winters in the 50s. Those moving to Midland will discover an area with a low crime rate that is also considered to be in the middle of reinventing itself and building its downtown area. The city has a healthy economy and a low cost of living, and if you are considering moving to Midland,Texas you will find a city that is friendly and proud.
Economy:
The median income for households in Midland is well about the average for the state, while the cost of living is considerably lower than the national average. Unemployment is much lower than the national average, and is currently listed at only 4.9 percent. Some of the top employers in Midland are Warren Equipment Companies, Dawson Geophysical, Patterson Drilling and Halliburton.
History:
Midland was originally known as Midway Station, due to its location between Ft. Worth and El Paso. It was a railway station then, in 1881. It got its first permanent resident in 1882 when Herman Garrett started a sheep ranch there. More ranchers followed in the next few years. When it got its post office in 1884, the name was changed to Midland. It became an important cattle shipping center in the late 1800s. Midland was incorporated in 1902. When oil was discovered in the Permian Basin just south of Midland, the city soon became the administration center for the west Texas oil fields. By 1929, thirty-six oil companies had offices in Midland. Hard hit by the Great Depression in the 1930s, at one time one third of all adults in Midland were unemployed. After the Second World War, more oil was discovered at Spraberry Trend, starting a second boom in the economy. The city has made a switch to more technology-based industries to help the economy.
Tourism:
The second weekend in March features the Annual Scottish-Irish Faire. In May, there is the Celebration of the Arts featuring food and five entertainment stages. June through August, there is a summer concert series every Sunday. In June, the Tex-Mex Menudo, Chili and Fajita Cook-off takes place. In August the annual Rock the Desert Festival features Christian music. In September, the Western National Bank Golf Classic, a PGA nationwide tour event, takes place. You can tour the family Home of former President George Bush. There are many museums to tour, and there are tons of outdoor activities to enjoy.