Iraan, Texas

Iraan: A Town with a Rich History and Semiarid Charm

Imagine a small town nestled in the heart of Texas, where history whispers through its streets and the landscape paints a picture of the American West. Iraan (EYE-rə-AN) is such a place—a city in Pecos County with a population of 1,055 as of 2020. The town’s name was formed by combining the first names of Ira and Ann Yates, giving it a personal touch that resonates through its history.

Back in 1926, when the Yates Oil Field was discovered, Iraan experienced an oil boom that transformed this small settlement into a bustling hub. The discovery of oil led to rapid development and growth, with the town’s population swelling to approximately 1,600 by 1930. Can you imagine what it must have been like back then? A place where dreams were made and fortunes were won or lost in the blink of an eye.

The Intersection of Highways

Iraan is situated at a strategic intersection, with State Highway 349 and U.S. Highway 190 crisscrossing through it. The Pecos River loops around the town to the north and east, creating a picturesque setting that’s both charming and functional. With just 0.6 square miles of land, Iraan is a compact gem, where every corner tells a story.

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Iraan has a semiarid climate, BSk on climate maps. This means it experiences hot summers and mild winters, with very little rainfall. The landscape is dry and rugged, much like the American West of old.

Diving into Demographics

Let’s take a closer look at Iraan’s demographics as recorded in the 2020 census. With a population of 1,055 people, 384 households, and 291 families, it’s clear that Iraan is a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other.

Back in 2000, the numbers were slightly different: 1,238 people, 427 households, and 335 families. The population density was 2,234 inhabitants per square mile (863/km2), making it a densely populated area for such a small town.

Racial Makeup

The racial makeup of the city in 2020 was 92.00% White, 0.08% African American, 0.08% Native American, 6.22% from other races, and 1.62% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 36.51% of the population. This diversity adds a rich tapestry to Iraan’s social fabric.

Household Composition

Around 45.7% of households had children under the age of 18 living with them, while 70.3% were married couples living together. Only 4.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.5% were not families. About 20.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Age Distribution

The average household size was 2.90, and the average family size was 3.37. The age distribution showed that 32.5% were under the age of 18, while 6.9% were from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 20.4% aged 45-64, and 9.9% aged 65 or older. The median age was 33, with a female-to-male ratio of 101:101.3.

Economic Profile

Median household income in Iraan was $44,583, and the family income was $48,207. The male/female income disparity was notable, with per capita income at $15,589. Poverty rates were 5% for families, 7.2% for the population as a whole, 9.3% under 18, and 7.6% for those aged 65 or older.

These numbers paint a picture of a community that is economically diverse yet tightly knit. The people of Iraan work hard to support each other, ensuring that everyone has a chance to thrive in this small but vibrant town.

A Town with a Heart

Iraan may be small, but it’s big on character and charm. From its rich history to its diverse population, the town is a microcosm of what makes America great. It’s a place where every resident has a story to tell, and every street corner holds a piece of the past.

So, if you ever find yourself in Pecos County, take a moment to explore Iraan. You might just discover that this small town is full of big surprises and even bigger hearts.

After all, isn’t that what makes a town like Iraan so special? It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the people who call this place home and the stories they share. Iraan is more than a name on a map—it’s a community with a heart full of life.