Texico, New Mexico
Texico, New Mexico Overview
Geographical Landscape
Texico is a small town located in eastern New Mexico, directly on the Texas state border in Curry County. As its name suggests, Texico sits right at the intersection of New Mexico and Texas, with the neighboring city of Farwell, Texas, just across the state line. The surrounding landscape is characterized by the flat, expansive plains of the Llano Estacado, a vast plateau that stretches across eastern New Mexico and western Texas.
The town has an elevation of approximately 4,200 feet and experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers, mild winters, and low humidity. Texico’s flat terrain and open skies provide a classic high plains environment, with agriculture being a dominant feature of the surrounding area. The town is primarily a rural community, with easy access to nearby Clovis, about 10 miles to the west, and other larger regional cities.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Texico had a population of approximately 1,100 people. The town has a predominantly Hispanic and White population, with around 55% identifying as Hispanic or Latino and 40% as White. Texico is a small, tight-knit rural community where both English and Spanish are spoken widely.
The median age in Texico is relatively young, with many families living in the area. The town's population is stable, with deep roots in agriculture and ranching. Although Texico is small, it serves as a residential and agricultural hub for the surrounding rural areas, contributing to its modest yet steady population.
Financial Details and Economic Landscape
Texico's economy is largely driven by agriculture, with farming and ranching being the primary industries. The flat, fertile plains surrounding the town are well-suited for crops such as wheat, corn, sorghum, and cotton. In addition to crop farming, cattle ranching is also a significant economic activity in the area. The agricultural sector supports not only local farming families but also agribusinesses and supply companies in the region.
Due to Texico's proximity to Clovis and Farwell, some residents commute to these nearby towns for work, particularly in sectors like education, healthcare, and retail. While Texico itself has limited commercial development, it benefits from being part of a larger regional economy centered on agriculture, trade, and small businesses.
Key industries in Texico:
Agriculture: Farming and ranching, with a focus on crops like wheat, corn, and sorghum, as well as cattle ranching.
Retail and Services: Limited local businesses serve the needs of residents, with additional retail options in nearby Clovis.
Education: The local school system is one of the larger employers in the town, serving Texico and surrounding rural communities.
Notable Businesses and Establishments
Texico is a small town with a limited commercial footprint, but it is home to several key businesses and institutions that serve the local population:
Texico Municipal Schools: One of the main employers in the area, the school system provides education to children from Texico and nearby rural communities. The schools are known for their close-knit community atmosphere.
Local Agricultural Businesses: There are various businesses that support the town’s agricultural base, including farm supply stores, equipment dealers, and grain elevators.
Texico Co-op Gin: A cooperative that supports local cotton farming by processing cotton from the surrounding farms, playing a vital role in the local economy.
While Texico has a limited number of restaurants, shops, and services, residents often rely on nearby Clovis or Farwell, Texas, for additional amenities, shopping, and healthcare services.
Restaurants in Texico
As a small rural town, Texico has limited dining options, but residents have access to a few local establishments and rely on nearby Clovis and Farwell for additional dining choices:
Texico Truck Stop Café: A casual, family-friendly spot that serves classic American and New Mexican dishes, including burgers, breakfast plates, and traditional comfort food.
Local Diner: A small, locally owned diner offering simple, home-cooked meals for breakfast and lunch, popular with locals and truckers passing through town.
For more dining options, residents frequently travel to Clovis, where there are a wide variety of restaurants offering New Mexican, Mexican, and American cuisine.
Notable Events
Texico, as a small community, hosts several local events throughout the year that focus on agriculture, school activities, and community engagement. These events help bring the community together and celebrate the town’s rural heritage:
Texico High School Sports (Year-round): High school football, basketball, and other sports events are central to the community's social life. These games attract residents from across the region and foster a strong sense of local pride.
Community Fairs and Agricultural Events (Seasonal): Texico participates in regional fairs and agricultural events, including livestock shows and crop exhibitions. These events often take place in nearby Clovis but are important to Texico’s agricultural community.
Holiday Parades and Celebrations (December): Texico celebrates the holidays with a small-town parade and festive events centered around the community and schools, bringing families together.
Tourism Impact
Due to its small size and rural location, Texico does not have a significant tourism industry. However, the town’s proximity to Clovis, which has historical attractions and events like the Clovis Music Festival, allows Texico to benefit indirectly from regional tourism. Texico’s role as a quiet, agricultural community appeals to those seeking a rural lifestyle or interested in the area’s farming heritage.
Agricultural tourism, including visits to local farms, is a potential area for growth, particularly as more people become interested in the farm-to-table movement and rural experiences. The town’s small festivals, school events, and proximity to the Texas state line make it a pleasant stop for travelers passing through the area.
Conclusion
Texico, New Mexico, is a small, close-knit rural town with an economy largely centered around agriculture and education. Its strategic location on the New Mexico-Texas border provides residents with access to larger commercial centers like Clovis and Farwell, while maintaining a quiet, agricultural lifestyle. Texico’s schools, local businesses, and strong agricultural base are the core of the community, supporting a population that is deeply connected to the land. While the town does not attract significant tourism, its role as a regional agricultural hub and its proximity to larger cities allow it to maintain its importance in eastern New Mexico’s rural economy.
