Odessa metropolitan area, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Odessa, Texas
Odessa, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area
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Downtown Odessa, Texas in 2020
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Texas |
| Principal city | Odessa |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
The Odessa metropolitan statistical area is a special area in West Texas. It includes one county, Ector, and its main city is Odessa. This area is defined by the United States Census Bureau to help understand population and economic trends.
In 2020, about 165,171 people lived in the Odessa metropolitan area. This makes it an important center for people and businesses in West Texas.
The Odessa metropolitan area is also part of a larger region called the Midland–Odessa combined statistical area. This bigger area includes both Ector County and Midland County. In 2020, the combined area had a population of 335,154 people.
Contents
What is a Metropolitan Area?
A metropolitan statistical area, or MSA, is a region that includes a main city and the surrounding areas that are closely connected to it. These connections can be through jobs, shopping, or daily travel. The U.S. government uses these areas to collect and share information about populations and economies.
Why are Metropolitan Areas Important?
Understanding metropolitan areas helps us learn how people live and work. It shows how cities and their nearby towns grow together. This information is useful for planning new roads, schools, and other important services. It also helps businesses decide where to set up shop.
Counties in the Odessa Area
The Odessa metropolitan area is made up of one main county. A county is a part of a state, like a smaller region with its own local government.
Ector County
- Ector County is the only county that forms the Odessa metropolitan statistical area. It is located in West Texas.
Communities in the Odessa Area
Within the Odessa metropolitan area, there are several towns and communities. Some are cities, and others are smaller places.
Cities and Towns
- City of Odessa: This is the main city of the metropolitan area. Part of Odessa is also in Midland County.
- City of Goldsmith: A smaller city located within the area.
Other Communities
- Gardendale: This is a census-designated place, meaning it's a community identified by the Census Bureau but not officially a city.
- West Odessa: Another census-designated place, located to the west of Odessa.
- Penwell: An unincorporated community, meaning it doesn't have its own local government like a city.
- Pleasant Farms: Also an unincorporated community.
- Notrees: Another unincorporated community in the area.
