Definition
Coleman is a city in and the county seat of Coleman County, located in the state of Texas, United States.
Overview
Coleman lies in the central part of Texas, approximately 150 mi west‑northwest of Austin and 85 mi southwest of Abilene. According to the 2020 United States Census, the city had a population of 5,127 residents. The city occupies an area of about 6.7 square miles (17.4 km²), all of which is land. Coleman serves as the administrative and commercial hub of the largely rural county, providing governmental services, education, health care, and retail functions for the surrounding agricultural region.
Historically, the community developed in the late 19th century following the arrival of the Gulf, Colorado and San Saba Railway in 1880, which spurred settlement and commerce. Incorporation occurred in 1884, and the city was designated the county seat in the same period. Over the decades, Coleman’s economy has been anchored by agriculture—particularly cattle ranching, cotton, and wheat—and later by oil and gas production associated with the broader Permian Basin region.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Coleman” is derived from the surname of Robert M. Coleman, an early Texas settler who drowned in the Brazos River in 1837. Coleman County, established in 1858, was named in his honor, and the city later adopted the county’s name upon its founding.
Characteristics
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Geography & Climate: Situated on the North Central Plains of Texas, Coleman experiences a semi‑arid climate with hot summers, mild winters, and relatively low annual precipitation (approximately 23 inches or 584 mm). The city’s elevation is about 1,800 feet (550 m) above sea level.
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Demographics: The 2020 census recorded a racial composition of roughly 78 % White, 12 % Hispanic or Latino, 5 % African American, and the remainder comprising Native American, Asian, and individuals of two or more races. The median household income was estimated at $38,000, with a poverty rate near 18 %.
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Economy: Primary economic sectors include agriculture (livestock, grain, and hay production), oil and natural gas extraction, and service industries such as health care, education, and retail trade. The city hosts the Coleman County Courthouse, a historic limestone building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Education: Public education is administered by the Coleman Independent School District, which operates an elementary school, middle school, and Coleman High School. Higher‑education opportunities are available nearby through community colleges such as Cisco College and regional campuses of Texas State University System institutions.
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Transportation: Major roadways include U.S. Route 84, which traverses the city east‑west, and State Highway 190, providing north‑south access. The city is served by the Coleman Municipal Airport, a general‑aviation facility.
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Culture & Recreation: Community events often center on local traditions, including the annual Coleman County Fair and agricultural exhibitions. Recreational amenities comprise parks, a public swimming pool, and proximity to the Colorado River for fishing and boating.
Related Topics
- Coleman County, Texas
- List of county seats in Texas
- Texas State Highway 84
- Permian Basin oil fields
- Central Texas Plains ecoregion
All information presented reflects data available from United States Census records, Texas state historical sources, and publicly documented municipal resources.