Wheeler, Texas

According to Top-mba-universities, Wheeler, Texas is a small city located in the northeastern corner of the state. It is situated in an area known as the Rolling Plains, which is characterized by flat, rolling terrain and wide open spaces. The climate in Wheeler is generally mild to hot during summer months and cold to mild during winter months with occasional snowfall. The average temperature ranges from low 40s to high 80s (Fahrenheit) depending on the season.

The history of Wheeler dates back to 1878 when it was founded by James Wheeler, a cattle rancher from Virginia. The city was originally a trading post for ranchers and farmers who lived in the surrounding area. In 1880, Wheeler became an official town site when it was granted its post office.

The politics of Wheeler are dominated by conservative values; however, citizens are generally friendly and welcoming of new ideas and different points of view. The economy of Wheeler is largely based on agriculture but also includes oil production, ranching and tourism.

Wheeler Independent School District serves the educational needs of students ranging from pre-K through 12th grade with three campuses: two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. There are also several private schools in the area that offer religious-based education options for families who want that type of learning environment for their children.

Amongst its many landmarks, Wheeler boasts a restored historic courthouse dating back to 1891 which still stands today as a reminder of its past history as well as being home to several museums featuring local artifacts such as Native American artifacts and historical documents related to early settlers in the area. Other landmarks include scenic parks such as Lake Mckinney State Park where visitors can enjoy fishing or kayaking on its many lakes or take part in various outdoor activities such as camping or hiking trails nearby, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration and fun!

Population: 1,378. Estimated population in July 2020: 1,217 (-11.7% change)
Males: 645 (46.8%), Females: 733 (53.2%)

Wheeler County

Zip code: 79096

Median resident age: 41.3 years
Median household income: $31,375
Median house value: $41,400

Races in Wheeler:

  • White Non-Hispanic (79.4%)
  • Hispanic (18.1%)
  • Other race (10.6%)
  • Two or more races (2.0%)
  • Black (1.8%)
  • American Indian (1.0%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: United States (16.4%), Irish (8.6%), German (8.3%), English (6.4%), Dutch (2.0%), Scotch-Irish (1.7%).

Elevation: 2527 feet

Land area: 1.5 square miles

Wheeler, Texas

Population

Wheeler, Texas is a small rural town located in the Texas Panhandle. It has a population of 1,895 people according to the 2019 census. The town is named after its founder, J. Wheeler, who established it in 1883 as a stagecoach stop along the Fort Worth and Denver Railway line. The town has a unique history as it was once an agricultural hub for the surrounding area, but now serves more as a bedroom community for workers commuting to nearby cities and towns.

The population of Wheeler is primarily white with 88% of residents identifying as such and 11% identifying as Hispanic or Latino according to the 2019 census. Nearly half (48%) of Wheeler’s population are under the age of 18 with 24% between ages 18-24 and 25% between ages 25-44. The median age for Wheeler is 27 years old which is significantly lower than both state (34 years) and national (38 years) averages. Additionally, nearly one-third (31%) of Wheeler’s population live below poverty level compared to 17% at state level and 15% nationally.

Wheeler’s economy relies heavily on agriculture with cattle ranching being one of its main industries due to its location in cattle country. Additionally, tourism plays an important role in boosting local economy due to its proximity to Palo Duro Canyon State Park which attracts many visitors each year. There are also several small businesses located within the city limits that help provide employment opportunities for local residents including restaurants, retail stores, auto repair shops and more.

For population 25 years and over in Wheeler

  • High school or higher: 66.3%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.8%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 2.3%
  • Unemployed: 1.0%
  • Mean travel time to work: 21.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Wheeler city

  • Never married: 14.5%
  • Now married: 65.5%
  • Separated: 1.6%
  • Widowed: 10.2%
  • Divorced: 8.1%

14.2% Foreign born (13.8% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: -33 (-2.3%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers in Wheeler:

  • PARKVIEW HOSPITAL (901 SWEETWATER PO BOX 1030)
  • PARKVIEW HOSPITAL (901)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Wheeler:

  • SHAMROCK GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 15 miles; SHAMROCK, TX)
  • HEMPHILL COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 30 miles; CANADIAN, TX)
  • COLLINGSWORTH GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 41 miles; WELLINGTON, TX)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Wheeler:

  • ALTUS AFB (about 89 miles; ALTUS, OK; Abbreviation: LTS)
  • AMARILLO INTL (about 100 miles; AMARILLO, TX; Abbreviation: AMA)
  • LIBERAL MUNI (about 119 miles; LIBERAL, KS; Abbreviation: LBL)

Other public-use airports nearest to Wheeler:

  • WHEELER MUNI (about 7 miles; WHEELER, TX; Abbreviation: T59)
  • SHAMROCK MUNI (about 16 miles; SHAMROCK, TX; Abbreviation: 2F1)
  • MC LEAN/GRAY COUNTY (about 23 miles; MC LEAN, TX; Abbreviation: 2E7)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Wheeler:

  • SOUTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 109 miles; WEATHERFORD, OK; Full-time enrollment: 4,360)
  • AMARILLO COLLEGE (about 113 miles; AMARILLO, TX; Full-time enrollment: 4,876)
  • WEST TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY (about 117 miles; CANYON, TX; Full-time enrollment: 5,476)
  • WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY (about 133 miles; PLAINVIEW, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,578)
  • CAMERON UNIVERSITY (about 138 miles; LAWTON, OK; Full-time enrollment: 3,529)
  • MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY (about 162 miles; WICHITA FALLS, TX; Full-time enrollment: 4,619)
  • TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY (about 166 miles; LUBBOCK, TX; Full-time enrollment: 22,439)

Public primary/middle schools in Wheeler:

  • WHEELER SCHOOL (Students: 300; Location: 1 MUSTANG DR; Grades: PK – 12)
  • KELTON SCHOOL (Students: 80; Location: 16703 FM 2697; Grades: PK – 07)

Libraries

Library in Wheeler:

  • WHEELER PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $28,159; Location: 306 S CANADIAN ST; 22,500 books; 464 audio materials; 456 video materials; 6 serial subscriptions)