According to topschoolsintheusa, Quitaque, Texas is located in the panhandle of the Lone Star state. It sits on the Llano Estacado, a plateau that stretches across much of West Texas. The city is situated among rolling hills and plains, and it has an elevation of 3,000 feet. The climate in Quitaque is mostly dry and semi-arid, with temperatures ranging from mild in winter to hot in summer. The area receives an average of 15 inches of rain per year.
The history of Quitaque dates back to 1876 when the town was established as a stop along the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway line. It was named after a local Native American chief who had signed one of the earliest treaties with early settlers. In recent years, Quitaque has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination due to its proximity to Caprock Canyon State Park and Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
Politically, Quitaque is part of Briscoe County and falls within Texas’ 13th congressional district. Its government consists of a mayor-council system with five elected council members and an appointed mayor who serves as chief executive officer.
The economy in Quitaque is largely driven by agriculture and ranching, though there are also some manufacturing jobs available in town as well as some retail businesses that cater to tourists visiting from nearby cities such as Amarillo or Lubbock.
Quitaque Independent School District serves students from pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade at three campuses located within city limits: Quitaque Elementary School, Quitaque Junior High School, and Quitaque High School.
The most notable landmark in Quitaque is the historic Church Of Christ building which was built in 1900 and still stands today on Main Street near the railroad tracks where it first opened its doors more than 120 years ago. Other attractions include an old schoolhouse museum that showcases artifacts from local history; several restored historic buildings; beautiful murals painted on many downtown walls; and plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking trails at Caprock Canyon State Park or camping sites at Palo Duro Canyon State Park just outside town limits.
Population: 432. Estimated population in July 2020: 396 (-8.3% change)
Males: 201 (46.5%), Females: 231 (53.5%)
Briscoe County
Zip code: 79255
Median resident age: 41.8 years
Median household income: $27,143
Median house value: $28,900
Races in Quitaque:
- White Non-Hispanic (65.3%)
- Hispanic (27.1%)
- Other race (12.5%)
- Black (5.8%)
- Two or more races (2.1%)
(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)
Ancestries: Irish (10.6%), United States (10.4%), English (9.3%), German (5.3%), Italian (2.8%), Dutch (2.3%).
Land area: 0.7 square miles
Population
Quitaque, Texas is a small rural town located in Briscoe County. It had a population of 837 people as of the 2010 census, making it one of the smallest towns in the county. Quitaque is made up of mostly white individuals and households, with Hispanics making up the largest minority group. The median age for residents is 43 years old, and the median household income is just shy of $35,000. The majority of households are married couples with children. The town has a higher rate of unemployment than the national average, but there are still many opportunities for employment in agriculture and other industries due to its rural location. There are several small businesses within Quitaque that provide services such as auto repair, convenience stores and restaurants. Education opportunities in Quitaque are limited to elementary school level education; however there are several nearby colleges and universities within driving distance that offer higher educational opportunities. Although it may not be an ideal place to live for those who desire more amenities or nightlife, Quitaque provides an ideal atmosphere for those who enjoy a slower pace of life or who appreciate living close to nature.
For population 25 years and over in Quitaque
- High school or higher: 66.8%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.3%
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.7%
- Unemployed: 3.9%
- Mean travel time to work: 17.5 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Quitaque city
- Never married: 18.6%
- Now married: 58.0%
- Separated: 2.0%
- Widowed: 9.9%
- Divorced: 11.5%
3.7% Foreign born (3.7% Latin America).
Population change in the 1990s: -77 (-15.1%).
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Quitaque:
- W J MANGOLD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 27 miles; LOCKNEY, TX)
- COVENANT HOSPITAL PLAINVIEW (about 48 miles; PLAINVIEW, TX)
- SWISHER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 49 miles; TULIA, TX)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Quitaque:
- LUBBOCK INTL (about 73 miles; LUBBOCK, TX; Abbreviation: LBB)
- AMARILLO INTL (about 74 miles; AMARILLO, TX; Abbreviation: AMA)
- ALTUS AFB (about 126 miles; ALTUS, OK; Abbreviation: LTS)
Other public-use airports nearest to Quitaque:
- FLOYDADA MUNICIPAL (about 31 miles; FLOYDADA, TX; Abbreviation: Q41)
- CLARENDON MUNI (about 39 miles; CLARENDON, TX; Abbreviation: E34)
- MEMPHIS MUNI (about 45 miles; MEMPHIS, TX; Abbreviation: F21)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Quitaque:
- WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY (about 48 miles; PLAINVIEW, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,578)
- WEST TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY (about 72 miles; CANYON, TX; Full-time enrollment: 5,476)
- TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY (about 75 miles; LUBBOCK, TX; Full-time enrollment: 22,439)
- AMARILLO COLLEGE (about 80 miles; AMARILLO, TX; Full-time enrollment: 4,876)
- SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE (about 108 miles; LEVELLAND, TX; Full-time enrollment: 3,851)
- EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS (about 159 miles; PORTALES, NM; Full-time enrollment: 2,955)
- HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY (about 159 miles; Abilene, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,026)
Libraries
Library in Quitaque:
- CAPROCK PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $17,230; Location: 104 N 1ST ST; 10,302 books; 35 audio materials; 169 video materials; 8 serial subscriptions)
