The Big Spring area is located on the southern extension of the South Plains of Texas at an elevation of 2800 feet and is approximately halfway between Ft. Worth and El Paso. The terrain is generally level with only slight changes in height.
The climate is typical of a semi-arid region. The vegetation of the area consists mostly of native grasses and a few trees, mostly of the mesquite variety.
Most of the annual precipitation in the area comes as a result of strong spring and early summer thunderstorms. These are usually accompanied by excessive rainfall over limited areas with occasional hail.
Daytime temperatures are quite hot in the summer, but there is a large diurnal range of temperature and most nights are comfortable. The temperature drops below 32 degrees in the fall about mid-November and the last temperature below 32 degrees in spring come early in April.
Winters are characterized by frequent cold periods followed by rapid warming. Cold frontal passages are followed by chilly weather for two or three days. Cloudiness is at a minimum, with annual percent possible sunshine at 73%. Summers are hot and dry with numerous small convective showers.
The prevailing wind direction in this area is from the southeast. This, together with the upslope flow of the terrain from the same direction, causes occasional low cloudiness and drizzle during winter and spring months. Snow is infrequent. Maximum temperatures during the summer months frequently are from 2 to 6 degrees cooler than those at places 100 miles southeast, due to cooling effect of the upslope winds.
Summer afternoon temperatures frequently exceed 90 degrees, but low humidity results in comfortable conditions. The climate of the area is generally pleasant with the most disagreeable weather concentrated in the late winter and spring months.
Property Tax Rates
The following is a list of property tax rates for taxing entities in the Big Spring area.
Taxing Entity
Tax Rate
Howard County
$0.578656
City of Big Spring
$1.013243
Howard College
$0.315583
Big Spring ISD
$1.119500
Permian Basin Water District
$0.180500
Total Tax Rate
$3.044987
Actual taxes are calculated by multiplying the rate shown above times every $100 in value of eligible taxible property.
Community History
No one is certain who was first to come upon the big springs that later gave the town its’ name.
It surely was visited by prehistoric creatures seeking water in the arid region and later hunters with pointed sticks and crude stone tools and primitive Indians following herds of bison used for food, clothing and shelter.
Cabeza de Vaca may have been the first white man to look upon the spring which was chronicled in his journals of his journey in 1535.
Captain Randolph Marcy was the first to chronicle his visit to the spring in October of 1849 as he sought to establish a leg of a transcontinental trail. Marcy noted that the spring appeared to be a favorite place of the Comanche Indians. The spring subsequently became the base for many army expeditions to the new territory and remained home of several Indian tribes. Many skirmishes between the two were recorded by several army officers including Col. Robert E. Lee in 1856 later to become commander in chief of the Confederate forces.
Buffalo hunters unintentionally accomplished what the Army had sought to do. The hunters vanquished the Comanche's by destroying the herds of bison that had been the Indian mainstay. Behind the hunters came a few herdsman the predecessors of the first rancher/settles to the Big Spring area. The news that the railroad was soon to push through the area brought the springs first real settlement of buffalo bone hunters which gathered abandoned bones from the vast herds of slaughtered bison. The approach of the railroad became the end of the times when Indians an Army patrols trooped to and from the spring in their migrations.
The Texas & Pacific Railroad named the little village a division point between Ft. Worth and El Paso from which water was supplied from the spring. This meant jobs for shops and road crews, and corresponding growth and stability for the new town. By 1881 the rail had reached Big Spring and beyond creating a sustainable economic base.
Big Spring flourished, local County government was established, businesses sprang up, farming and ranching operations were established all in a short period beginning in the early 1880’s.
Big Springs’ next big influence came with the discovery of oil in the county. In 1926 the Otis Chalk No. 1 came in after several earlier attempts to find oil and the boom was on. Many of the early wells produced 3,000 to 4,000 barrels of oil a day. Hundreds of workers came to the area for work and new oil related businesses sprang up along with refining.
Today oil, rail, farming, and ranching still provide the economic base for the community and Big Spring remains poised for the next influence, perhaps wind energy.
Sources: “Howard County...In the Making” John R Hutto “Getting Started Howard County’s First 25 Years” Joe Pickle
Demographics
Household Demographics
The number of households in the study area in 1990 was 8,199 and changed to 8,155 in 2000, representing a change of -0.5%. The household count in 2007 was 8,184 and the household projection for 2012 is 8,297, a change of 1.4%.
Percent Change
1990 Census
2000 Census
2007 Estimate
2012 Projection
1990 to 2000
2007 to 1012
Total Population
23,199
25,232
24,344
24,234
8.8%
-0.5%
Total Households
8,199
8,155
8,184
8,297
-0.5%
1.4%
The population in the study area in 1990 was 23,199 and in 2000 it was 25,232, roughly a 8.8% change. The population in 2007 was 24,344 and the projection for 2012 is 24,234 representing a change of -0.5%.
In 1990, the median age of the total population in the study area was 33.8, and in 2000, it was 35.3. The median age in 2007 is 35.9 and it is predicted to change in five years to 36.9 years. In 2007, females represented 44.2% of the population with a median age of 38.3 and males represented 55.8% of the population with a median age of 35.0 years. In 2007, the most prominent age group in this geography is Age 25 to 34 years. The age group least represented in this geography is 0 to 4 years.
Executive Demographic Summary
Population
The current year population in this selected geography is 24,344. The 2000 Census revealed a population of 25,232, and in 1990 it was 23,199 representing a 8.8% change. It is estimated that the population in this area will be 24,234 in 2012, representing a change of -0.5% from 2007. The current population is 55.8% male and 44.2% female. In 2007, the median age of the population in this area was 35.9, compared to the US median age which was 36.7. The population density in your area is 1,268.8 people per square mile.
Households
There are currently 8,184 households in this selected geography. The Census revealed household counts of 8,155 in 2000, up from 8,199 in 1990, representing a change of -0.5%. It is estimated that the number of households in this area will be 8,297 in 2012, representing a change of 1.4% from the current year. For the current year, the average household size in this area is 2.97 persons.
In 2007, the median number of years in residence in this geography's population is 3.24. The average household size in this geography was 2.41 people and the average family size was 3.00 people. The average number of vehicles per household in this geography was 1.5.
Income
In 2007, the median household income in this selected geography was $32,377, compared to the US median which was $51,680. The Census revealed median household incomes of $27,751 in 2000 and $21,429 in 1990 representing a change of 29.5%. It is estimated that the median household income in this area will be $35,945 in 2012, which would represent a change of 11.0% from the current year.
In 2007, the per capita income in this area was $16,265, compared to the $US per capita, which was $25,232. The 2007 average household income for this area was $40,613, compared to the US average which was $65,273.
Race & Ethnicity
In 2007, the racial makeup of this selected area was as follows: 77.2% White; 5.1% Black; 0.6% Native American; 0.6% Asian/Pacific Islander; and 14.2% Other. Compare these to the US racial makeup which was: 74.5% White, 12.0% Black, 0.8% Native American, 4.6% Asian/Pacific Islander and 5.3% Other.
People of Hispanic ethnicity are counted independently of race. People of Hispanic origin make up 48.0% of the current year population in this selected area. Compare this to the US makeup of 15.1%. Changes in the population within each race and ethnicity category from the 1990 Census to the 2000 Census are as follows: 9.9% American Indian, Eskimo, Aleut Population; 15.2% Asian, Pacific Islander; 13.0% Black; 59.9% Hispanic Ethnicity; -19.8% Other; White 12.5%.
Housing
The median housing value in this area was $32,726 in 1990, compare this to the US median of $78,382 for the same year. The 2000 Census median housing value was $35,724, which is a 9.2% change from 1990. In 1990, there were 5,417 owner occupied housing units in this area vs. 5,222 in 2000. Also in 1990, there were 2,782 renter occupied housing units in this area vs. 2,934 in 2000. The average rent in 1990 was $252 vs. $313 in 2000.
Employment
In 2007, there were 9,163 people over the age of 16 in the labor force in your geography. Of these 94.9% were employed, 5.1% were unemployed, 53.0% were not in the labor force and 0.0% were in the Armed Forces. In 1990, unemployment in this area was 7.2% and in 2000 it was 7.9%.
In 2007, there were 9,405 employees in this selected area (daytime population) and there were 975 establishments.
For this area in 1990, 50.1% of employees were employed in white-collar occupations and 49.9% were employed in blue-collar occupations. In 2000, white collar workers made up 50.3% of the population, and those employed in blue collar occupations made up 49.7%. In 1990, the average time traveled to work was 6 minutes and in 2000 it was 12 minutes.
Houehold Income
In 2007 the predominant household income category in this study area is $0 - $15K, and the income group that is least represented in this geography is $150K+.
HH Income Categories
Percent Change
1990 Census
%
2000 Census
%
2007 Estimate
%
2012 Projection
%
1990 to 2000
2007 to 2012
$0 - $15,000
3,008
36.7
2,199
27.0
1,910
23.3
1,785
21.5%
-26.9
-6.5
$15,000 - $24,999
1,604
19.6
1,526
18.7
1,370
16.7
1,308
15.8%
-4.9
-4.5
$25,000 - $34,999
1,397
17.0
1,167
14.3
1,066
13.0
962
11.6%
-16.4
-9.8
$35,000 - $49,999
1,137
13.9
1,326
16.3
1,262
15.4
1,238
14.9%
16.7
-1.9
$50,000 - $74,999
806
9.8
1,153
14.1
1,275
15.6
1,388
16.7%
43.1
8.8
$75,000 - $99,999
180
2.2
391
4.8
661
8.1
764
9.2%
117.8
15.6
$100,000 - $149,999
37
0.4
282
3.5
419
5.1
543
6.5%
668.3
29.6
$150,000 +
41
0.5
111
1.4
220
2.7
308
3.7%
172.2
40.3
Average Hhld Income
$27,270
$38,547
$40,613
$42,875
41.4
5.6
Median Hhld Income
$21,429
$27,751
$32,377
$35,945
29.5
11.0
Per Capita Income
$10,168
$12,459
$16,265
$17,405
22.5
7.0
Source: Sites on Texas
Race & Ethnicity
In 2007, the predominant race/ethnicity category in this study area is White. The race & ethnicity category least represented in this geography is Asian or Pacific Islander.
Race & Ethnicity
Percent Change
1990 Census
%
2000 Census
%
2007 Estimate
%
2012 Projection
%
1990 to 2000
2007 to 2012
White
17,244
74.3
19,394
76.9
18,796
77.2
18,847
77.8
12.5
0.3
Black
1,155
5.0
1,306
5.2
1,229
5.1
1,198
4.9
13.0
-2.5
American Indian or Alaska Native
137
0.6
150
0.6
145
0.6
139
0.6
9.9
-4.1
Asian or Pacific Islander
127
0.6
146
0.6
144
0.6
148
0.6
15.2
2.3
Other Race
4,536
19.6
3,640
14.4
3,455
14.2
3,402
14.0
-19.8
-1.5
Two or More Races
597
2.4
574
2.4
500
2.1
-12.9
Hispanic Ethnicity
6,954
30.0
11,119
44.1
11,683
48.0
12,258
50.6
59.9
4.9
Not Hispanic or Latino
16,245
70.0
14,113
55.9
12,661
52.0
11,976
49.4
-13.1
-5.4
Education
Big Spring has been blessed with a desire for sound education even before there was a Howard County. This was reinforced by the creation of Big Spring Independent School District in 1901 and Howard College half a century ago.
Our earliest settlers around 1880 recall that the first "school" functioned under a buffalo hide fly tent, possibly at the Historic Big Spring and surrounded by buffalo bone haulers, crude merchant tents, and one of which may have passed as a saloon.
When Howard County was organized in 1891, one of the first actions was to provide a two-story frame building to house a school on the west side of the 300 block of Scurry Street on the condition it also would house court proceedings at various times until a courthouse could be built.
Howard County at the time had jurisdiction over several adjoining unorganized counties. Howard therefore became school district No. 1, a number that passed to the Big Spring Independent School District when it was created.
Even in its earliest days, the county’s records reflect a commitment to education, including a school—even though separate—for a handful of African-American children. Common schools proliferated because there was almost no transportation access until there were 28 unites in the county.
There was an increasing sentiment in the late 1890s for a special status for the village schools referred to as the “reorganized No. 1 school,” because Big Spring was the largest community between Abilene and El Paso.
When B. Reagan, a recent graduate of Baylor University, became superintendent in 1898, he began organizing the curriculum that would earn affiliation with the State University (of Texas) and make us a “first class district.” Hardly had he left the teaching profession to enter private business when voters approved the creation of Big Spring Independent School District in December 1901.
This led immediately to a $15,000 school house bond issue on February 12, 1902 (which had to be shaved temporarily by $5000 because property values would not support the full amount). The financial strain of getting underway was indicative that resources within the 100 square mile district (less than 10% of the county area, but with 90% of the population) would create financial problems for years to come. Virtually all the wealth from successive future oil strides lay outside the district.
Nevertheless, Professor S.E. Thompson, a former vice-president of Reagan’s alma mater, was optimistic when named first superintendent on June 11, 1902 that “we will make such additions as will enable us to affiliate with the State University.” He assembled a faculty of five teachers, which grew to six by end of the first school year in 1903, when the school term was set at nine months, and the compulsory attendance ages were set at six through eighteen.
By June 1904, May Cherry, Lillie Potton (daughter of first school board president Joseph Potton), Jed A. Rix, A. C. Hayden, Jenny Bell Ethel Atwood and Della Stephens became the first graduates of Big Spring High School. At the same time, the district’s first catalogue was published, vowing "to raise our curriculum so that graduation shall be worth striving for and have meaning." Immediately, "elocution and physical culture" were added, along with books for a library, but music instruction did not make the cut for lack of space.
The District continued to grow through the oil-boom, the Great Depression and War years. There have been many examples of boldness and leadership by trustees and administrators, none more outstanding that the decision in 1955 to become the first public school in Texas to integrate all races.
Like many schools, striving for quality, BSISD has experienced ebbs and flows on standardized test, but never on the most important test of all; that of the end products—its graduates. The District has turned out an army of graduates imbued with a sense of responsibility to participate actively to preserve our democratic society and to serve the common good.
Howard College
Howard College believes that education is the primary purpose of the institution and that the programs and services of the college should be available to all citizens who are able to benefit from them. The college is committed to excellence in carrying out its purpose of education and in the efficient and effective use of its resources in meeting the educational needs of its students and the community. The college seeks to treat each person of the college community as a unique individual and provide a positive, encouraging, and success-oriented environment. As we make every effort to help our students reach their maximum potential, we are integrating core concepts of critical thinking into our daily business and our classrooms. We are striving to be a beacon of education and life-long learning by thinking, teaching and acting with purpose, skill and confidence.
Our service area includes 13 counties and hosts 29 independent school districts – proof that we touch many lives, both young and old, in our efforts to provide a top quality higher education option in West Texas. We have varied educational opportunities available to meet the ever-changing needs of all learners through our four campuses: Big Spring, Lamesa, San Angelo and Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf (SWCID).
Our top rate faculty and staff are eager to help all learners reach their educational goals, whatever they may be. Howard College offers basic core or occupation-specific classes for students who want to begin or rekindle their higher education experience. Still other classes are available for professionals wanting to sharpen their skills or possibly make a career change.
It is the policy of Howard College to adhere to the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mission within the spirit and letter of federal law and regulations, state law and regulations, local ordinances, national and regional accrediting regulations, and the policies of the college district. Howard College accepts its responsibilities to those it serves and will meet those responsibilities with balance, fairness, accountability, and ethical integrity.
Healthcare
Big Spring is blessed with a broad and varied array of health care providers and services.
From a 150 bed private hospital serving the general public to a Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, a State mental health facility and a Texas State Veterans Home Big Spring is a center for health care.
Big Spring is home of one of the premier rehabilitation facilities in West Texas providing physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, audiolgy, wellness programs along with a multitude of other services.
Big Spring offers several facilities that provide housing for the elderly, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and in home health care.
Big Spring has long had the reputation as being a center for health care in West Texas.
Scenic Mountain
Scenic Mountain Medical Center (SMMC), located on Martin Luther King Boulevard, admits 3400 patients to the 150-bed hospital each year, while the emergency department serves 14,000 people annually. The hospital hosts a staff of over 300 employees, delivers an annual payroll of $17 million and is involved in several community non-profit efforts. Notably, in 2008 the SMMC team raised over $21,000 to contribute to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
During the second half of 2008, services expand to include lithotripsy treatment and a sleep lab. A recent upgrade to the hospital’s magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment allows for magnetic resonance angiography which provides a detailed view of the blood vessels. This is extremely useful in detecting stroke and blood vessel diseases.
A Level IV Trauma Center designation, first earned in 2005, certifies that the Emergency Department at Scenic Mountain provides the equipment and resources to care for patients with traumatic injuries and illness. “This designation was given after SMMC underwent an extensive survey process by the Texas Department of State Health Services to demonstrate its commitment to high quality trauma care for the residents of Howard County and the surrounding area” says George Parsley, CEO of Scenic Mountain Medical Center. “We will continue to work to set new standards of excellence in providing emergency care.”
West Texas VA Health Care System
The West Texas VA Health Care System is located at 300 Veterans Boulevard in Big Spring, Texas and was constructed in 1949. It is a 55-bed Complexity Level 3 facility with a 40-bed Community Living Center and a 12 bed domiciliary. Staffed with 520 employees, the facility serves counties in West Texas and New Mexico, with a veteran population of approximately 58,500. The WTVAHCS is part of the VA Southwest Health Care Network, VISN 18.
In addition to primary care and mental health services, specialties are available in medicine, outpatient surgery, ophthalmology, dental, audiology, and rehabilitation.
Outpatient alcohol and drug treatment are also provided.
The ophthalmology service is provided in conjunction with an ophthalmology residency training program through an affiliation with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. Programs are in place for medical residents and physician assistant students with Texas Tech University in Odessa, Texas. Additional affiliations exist with ten universities, colleges, and technical schools for students in nursing and allied health professions.
Authorized Beds: 55 Medical 40 Extended Care & Transitional Unit 40 bed domiciliary
Mission Statement To serve the health care needs of America's veterans through excellence of service.
Vision Statement The West Texas VA Health Care System will be a model of clinical and organizational excellence.
Big Spring State Hospital
Big Spring State Hospital's mission is to promote recovery from mental illness and a rapid return to community life by providing treatment, education and hope in a safe and supportive environment. Big Spring State Hospital believes patients can achieve their optimum level of wellness by being cared for in the least restrictive environment possible. Most people stay at the hospital less than a month before moving home.
Big Spring State Hospital contracts with the Veterans Administration VISN 18 of West Texas, New Mexico and Arizona to provide psychiatric hospitalization for veterans. Veterans from these areas may be admitted to Big Spring State Hospital by a formal referral from one of the seven VA Hospitals in VISN 18.
Big Spring State Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (Joint Commission).
Accredited Acute Care Hospitals - Within 60 Minutes
Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital
Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital 200 E Arizona Sweetwater, TX 79556 (325) 235-1701
Permian Regional Medical Center Andrews County Hospital 720 Hospital Drive Andrews, TX 79714 (432) 523-2200
Scenic Mountain Medical Center 1601 W 11th Place Big Spring, TX 79720 (432) 263-1211
Mitchell County Hospital 997 West I-20 Colorado City, TX 79512 (325) 728-3431
Midland Memorial Hospital 2200 West Illinois Ave Midland, TX 79701 (432) 685-1111
D M Cogdell Memorial Hospital 1700 Cogdell Blvd Snyder, TX 79549 (325) 574-7437
Odessa Regional Hospital 520 E 6th Street Odessa, TX 79761 (432) 582-8340
Medical Center Hospital 500 W 4th Street Odessa, TX 79760 (915) 640-7111
Major Employers
Workforce
Workforce
Area
Area Type
Latest Month
Year Ago
September
September
2009
2008
Labor Force
Unemployment
Rate
Labor Force
Employment
Unemployment
Rate
Howard
County
15,054
1,129
7.5
15,141
13,765
723
5.0
Big Spring
City
10,405
880
8.5
10,463
9,146
547
5.5
Wage Data
Wage Data
November 2009
Production Classifications
Occupational Title
Entry Level Wage ($/HR)
Low
High
Aircraft Mechanic
16.24
27.28
General Assembler
7.88
10.78
Mobile Home Assembler
8.69
15.06
Electrician
13.42
20.65
Electronics Assembler
6.84
10.04
Janitor
8.04
10.38
General Laborer
8.07
14.78
Machinist
12.52
17.91
General Maintenance
9.07
11.77
Mechanic (Maintenance)
8.31
15.10
Molding Machine Operator
12.13
14.40
Sewing Machine (Garment)
6.74
7.97
Sheet Metal Worker
10.19
14.40
Truck Driver
14.18
26.08
Warehouse Worker
7.38
11.49
Production Welder
11.78
20.98
Wage Data
Office, Clerical and Technical Classification
Classification
Occupational Title
Entry Level Wage ($/HR)
LOW
HIGH
Accountant/Auditor
18.89
34.94
Computer Programmer
22.79
49.42
General Office Clerk
6.89
8.23
Secretarial
8.88
14.72
Shipping & Receiving Clerk
7.47
13.88
Telemarketing
6.57
8.54
Correctional Officer
11.36
18.02
Transportation
Big Spring is known as the Crossroads of West Texas. It is situated on Interstate Highway 20 mid distant between Dallas and El Paso. Interstate Highway 20 serves as the east-west artery with U.S. Highway 87 as the north-south corridor. Big Spring is also served by State Highways 176 and 350. Ranch Road 700 serves as a loop connecting west I.H. 20 to South U.S. 87 and continues east to I.H. 20 and then north to U.S. 87 north.
Big Spring is serviced by Union Pacific Rail providing freight services.
Big Spring Airpark
Big Spring is the former home of Webb Air Force Base. It now serves the community and region as a top notch airpark with a long (8800 ft) newly upgraded runway capable of landing 737 type aircraft and smaller planes.
Public airport with long (8,800’ x 100’) runways, and shorter (4,400’x 75’) crosswind runways. All runways and taxiways are lighted with approach lights and navigational aids for the facility.
A modern airport terminal building, the perfect place to greet visitors arriving in the City. The terminal has a comfortable waiting area, a conference room, and a well-equipped pilot lounge. Snacks, souvenirs, pilot items, and memorabilia are available in the terminal.
A flying school available for those interested in learning to fly.
Museum (Hangar 25 Air Museum) which reflects the heritage of the WW II US Army Air Corps Bombardier School, and the more recent Korean War and Vietnam era Webb Air Force Base, a jet pilot training facility. Buildings of various sizes for lease - for businesses, office space, warehousing, or self storage. Hangars, for all sizes of general aviation and corporate aircraft. Acreage, for building sites. Easy access to the interstate.
An FBO (Fixed Base Operation) for the flying enthusiasts, for aircraft refueling and maintenance.
An established assortment of business and industry.
Regional Air Transportation
Midland International Airport is just less than an hours drive from Big Spring down I.H. 20. The airport is serviced by Southwest Airlines, Continental Express, and American Eagle providing direct flights to many regional and metropolitan areas with connections to any destination.
Ports-to-Plains
U.S. Highway 87 has been designated as the route for the Ports-To-Plains Corridor connecting Mexico to Canada.
Ports-to-Plains Mission Statement
The Ports-to-Plains Trade Corridor is a planned, multimodal transportation corridor including a multi-lane divided highway that will facilitate the efficient transportation of goods and services from Mexico, through West Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Oklahoma, and ultimately on into Canada and the Pacific Northwest.
Together, the communities along the Ports-to-Plains Trade Corridor are becoming the Gateway to trade throughout the nation and with Mexico and Canada. The Ports-to-Plains Trade Corridor will provide a vast number of benefits for communities along the corridor. The Trade Corridor will allow for the development of less congested ports of entry along the Texas/Mexico border. In addition, it will provide alternatives to other congested corridors that run through major metropolitan areas. In doing so, the trade between Mexico, Canada, and the United States will continue to dramatically increase and all three nations will continue to see a rise in their regional mobility and economic status.
Utilities
Electricity:
Reliant Energy 1-866-222-7100
TXU Energy Delivery 1-800-242-9113 Retail Company of Choice 1-866-797-4839 For any connects/disconnects www.powertochoose.com
Gas:
Atmos Energy 1-888-363-7427 Pay Atmos Energy bills at: HEB- 2000 Gregg St. Sparenburg Building – 309 S. Main Neighbors Convenience Store – 3315 FM 700
Water:
City of Big Spring 432-264-2542 501 Runnels Water is billed per 1,000 gallon Sewer is billed per 1,000 gallon Sanitation: commercial accounts are based on size of container and frequency of collection
Cable:
Suddenlink 432-267-3821 2006 Birdwell Lane
Telephone:
Wes-Tex Telecom. 432-263-0091
SBC 1-800-464-7928
AT&T 1-800-288-2020 Pay phone bills at: HEB – 2000 S. Gregg St. Neighbors Convenience Store – 3315 FM 700 Sparenburg Building – 309 S. Main – cash only + $1 fee
Satellite:
AT&T Dish Network 1-866-722-7500
DirectTV 1-800-280-4388
Basin 2-Way Radio 432-264-7034
Geography
Big Spring and Howard County are located in an area where three ecological regions merge. To the north and east are the Western Rolling Plains, to the south is the Edwards Plateau, and to the north are the Southern High Plains (also know as the Llano Estacado or the Staked Plains). The merging of these ecological regions results in a variety of plant and animal life with representatives from each region overlapping in Howard County. The merging of these regions has also created some very scenic terrain around Big Spring, including Scenic Mountain offering a panoramic view of Big Spring, South Mountain and Signal Peak.
The region consists mostly of level plains with some canyons interspersed over the landscape. The Caprock escarpment in the region is caused by surface erosion. Along the edge of the high plains, this escarpment is a striking feature rising abruptly 2,500 feet above sea level and as much as 1,000 feet above the plains creating dramatic vistas.
The plains are fairly dry with low lying bushes, small areas of grass, and small clusters of wooded plants. On the Southern High Plains, the dominate vegetation types are woody plants and grasses. The woody plants consist of mesquite, lotebush, catclaw, junipers, and shinery oak. The grasses are primarily of the buffalo grass and plains bristle types. Grain sorghum, cotton, and a variety of small grains have been successfully cultivated. The Western Rolling Plains accommodate similar vegetation to the Southern High Plains with the addition of chinaberry, pecan and little leaf sumac. Prickly pear cactus and cottonwood are common in this area.
Soil types are dominated by sandy loams and clays. Howard County is located in the Colorado River watershed.
