Rankin, Texas
City in the United States in Upton County
About Rankin
Rankin is a city in and the county seat of Upton County, Texas, United States. Its population was 780 at the 2020 census. It is named after F.E. Rankin, a local rancher. As of 2020, 3,308 people live in Upton County, with McCamey being the only larger town. During the early 20th century, the town grew due to the discovery of oil in the nearby Yates Oil Field. Following a second oil boom in the '80s, the town had a decline in its economy and population.
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How Rankin is governed
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Residents of Rankin
Registered voters elect the officials below.
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Mayor
Executive
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The city's chief elected official. Presides over the executive branch, proposes the budget and represents the city.
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City Manager / Administrator
Executive
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The professional administrator who runs day-to-day operations (in some cities appointed by the council instead of the mayor).
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Police Chief
Administration & departments
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Leads the police department.
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Fire Chief
Administration & departments
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Leads the fire and emergency services department.
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Public Works Director
Administration & departments
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Streets, water, sewer, and city buildings.
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Finance Director
Administration & departments
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The budget, taxes, and city accounts.
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Planning & Zoning Director
Administration & departments
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Land use, zoning, building permits.
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Parks & Recreation Director
Administration & departments
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Parks, programs, and public facilities.
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City Council
Legislative
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The elected body that passes ordinances, sets the tax rate and approves the budget.
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City Clerk
Administration & departments
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Keeps the official records, runs meeting agendas and, often, local elections.
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City Attorney
Administration & departments
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The city's lawyer; advises officials and prosecutes ordinance violations.
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Boards & Commissions
Legislative
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Citizen advisory bodies, such as planning, zoning appeals and library boards.
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Municipal Court
Judicial
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Hears traffic, ordinance and other minor cases.
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Municipal Judge
Judicial
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Presides over the municipal court.
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Population over time
From 778 in 2010 to 780 in 2020 (+0.3%).
Show the numbers
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 780 |
| 2010 | 778 |
History
The town was founded in 1911, and the post office was built a year later. In 1921, this still-tiny community based around the ranching industry was designated the county seat. Rankin was served by the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway.
The discovery of the Yates Oil Field in adjacent Pecos County in 1926 converted Rankin into a boom town. Since Rankin was the nearest settlement on a rail line, it became the center for the oil-services industry for the nearby oil fields. During the Great Depression, the population declined as the price of oil fell, and as workers moved away to work in newly discovered fields in East Texas and elsewhere, but a secondary boom occurred in the 1940s with the discovery of the nearby Benedum Oil Field. A hospital, three new schools, and a library date from this period. The population has gradually fallen since its secondary peak of 1,278 in 1980.
In 1990, the Confederate Air Force (later Commemorative Air Force) filmed a famous "Don't Mess with Texas" advertising campaign near Rankin using the B-17G Sentimental Journey of Airbase Arizona in Mesa, Arizona.
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