Abilene, Texas

City in Texas, United States

Abilene

City

Downtown Abilene

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Nicknames:

* "The Key City"
* "The Friendly Frontier"

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Coordinates: 32°27′N 99°45′W﻿ / ﻿32.450°N 99.750°W﻿ / 32.450; -99.750
Country| United States
State| Texas
Counties| Taylor, Jones
Settled| 1881[1]
Incorporated (town)| 1881[1]
County seat| 1883[1]
Named after| Abilene, Kansas[1]
County seat| Taylor County
Government

• Type| Mayor–council–manager
• Mayor| Weldon Hurt [2]
Area

[3]

• City

| 112.09 sq mi (290.32 km2)
• Land| 106.67 sq mi (276.27 km2)
• Water| 5.42 sq mi (14.05 km2)
Elevation

| 1,719 ft (527 m)
Population

(2020)[4]

• City

| 125,182

• Estimate

(2024)[5]

| 130,501
• Density| 1,223.4/sq mi (472.4/km2)
• Metro

| 176,579
• Demonym

| Abilenian
Time zone| UTC−6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP codes|

79601-08 79697-99[6]

Area code| 325
FIPS code| 48-01000[7]
GNIS feature ID| 2409657[8]
Website| https://abilenetx.gov/

Abilene (/ˈæbɪliːn/ AB-i-leen) is a city in Taylor and Jones counties, Texas, United States. Its population was 125,182 at the 2020 census.[9] It is the principal city of the Abilene metropolitan statistical area, which had a population of 176,579 as of 2020.[10] Abilene is home to three Christian universities: Abilene Christian University, McMurry University, and Hardin–Simmons University. It is the county seat of Taylor County.[11] Dyess Air Force Base is located on the west side of the city.

Abilene is located on Interstate 20, which forms a rounded bypass loop along the northern side of the city, between exits 279 on its western edge and 292 on the east. The city is located 150 miles (240 km) west of Fort Worth. Multiple freeways form a loop surrounding the city's core: I-20 on the north, US 83/84/277 on the west, and Loop 322 to the east. The former Texas and Pacific Railway, now part of the Union Pacific mainline, divides the city into well-established north and south zones. The historic downtown area is on the north side of the railroad, while the growing south of downtown Abilene "SODA" district is located on the south side of the tracks.

## History

[edit]

An 1883 map of Abilene The restored Texas & Pacific Railway depot in Abilene serves as the tourist information center.

Established by cattlemen as a stock shipping point on the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1881, the city was named after Abilene, Kansas,[1][12] the original endpoint for the Chisholm Trail. The T&P had bypassed the town of Buffalo Gap, the county seat at the time. Eventually, a landowner north of Buffalo Gap, Clabe Merchant, known as the father of Abilene, chose the name for the new town. According to a Dallas newspaper, about 800 people had already begun camping at the townsite before the lots were sold. The town was laid out by Colonel J. Stoddard Johnson, and the auction of lots began early on March 15, 1881. By the end of the first day, 139 lots were sold for a total of $23,810, and another 178 lots were sold the next day for $27,550.[citation needed]

Abilene was incorporated soon after its founding in 1881,[1] and residents began to set their sights on bringing the county seat to Abilene. In a three-to-one vote, they won the county election to do so. In 1888, the Progressive Committee was formed to attract businesses to the area, and in 1890 renamed itself as the Board of Trade. By 1900, 3,411 people lived in Abilene. In that decade, the Board of Trade changed its name to the 25,000 Club, in the hope of reaching a population of 25,000 by the next census. By 1910, though, the population had increased only to 9,204. Another group was formed, the Young Men's Booster Club, which became the Abilene Chamber of Commerce in 1914.

In 1891, the cornerstone was laid for Simmons College, the first of three universities in Abilene.[1] It later developed as Hardin–Simmons University. Childers Classical Institute was founded in 1906,[1] and developed as Abilene Christian University, the largest of the three. In 1923, McMurry College was founded; it later expanded its offerings as McMurry University.[1]

In the late 20th century, Abilene succeeded in gaining branches of Texas State Technical College and Cisco College. Headquarters of the latter institution are located in the city.

In 1940, Abilene raised the money to purchase land to attract establishment of a U.S. Army base southwest of town. It was named Camp Barkeley. When fully operational, it was twice the size of Abilene, with 60,000 men. When the base closed after World War II, many worried that Abilene could become a ghost town, but as the national economy boomed, many veterans returned to start businesses in Abilene.

In the early 1950s, to advocate for an Air Force base, residents raised US$893,261 (equivalent to about $10,821,055 in 2024) to purchase 3,400 acres (14 km2) of land. The southern block of congressmen gained approval for such a base here. For decades, Dyess Air Force Base has been the city's largest employer, with 6076 employees in 2007.[13][14]

From 1950 to 1960, Abilene's population nearly doubled, from 45,570 to 90,638. In 1960, a second high school (Cooper High School) was added to the city's school system.

In 1966, the Abilene Zoo was established near Abilene Regional Airport. The following year, one of the most important bond elections in the city's history passed for the funding of the construction of the Abilene Civic Center and the Taylor County Coliseum, as well as major improvements to Abilene Regional Airport. In 1969, the Woodson elementary and high school for black students closed as the city integrated its school system, more than 10 years after the US Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) that segregation of public schools was unconstitutional.

In 1982, Abilene became the first city in Texas to create a downtown reinvestment zone. Texas State Technical College opened an Abilene branch three years later. The 2,250-bed French Robertson Prison Unit was built in 1989. A half-cent sales tax earmarked for economic development was created after the decline in the petroleum business in the 1980s. A branch of Cisco College was located in the city in 1990.

Several major projects of restoration and new construction: The Grace Museum and Paramount Theatre, and development of Artwalk in 1992, sparked a decade of downtown revitalization. In 2004, Frontier Texas!, a multimedia museum highlighting the history of the area from 1780 to 1880, was constructed. That year, an $8 million, 38-acre (150,000 m2) Cisco Junior College campus was built at Loop 322 and Industrial Boulevard. Simultaneously, subdivisions and businesses started locating along the freeway, on the same side as the CJC campus. This area attracted Abilene growth on the loop.

Abilene has become the commercial, retail, medical, and transportation hub of a 19-county area more commonly known as "The Big Country", but also known as the "Texas Midwest". It is part of the Central Great Plains ecoregion. By the end of 2005, commercial and residential development had reached record levels in and around the city.[15]

### Timeline

[edit]

Timeline of Abilene, Texas

* 1881
* Settlement established.[16]
* Texas & Pacific Railroad begins operating.[16]
* Abilene Reporter newspaper begins publication.[17]
* 1883
* Town of Abilene incorporated.[18]
* D. B. Corley becomes mayor.[19]
* Abilene becomes seat of Taylor County.[18]
* 1890 – Population: 3,194.[20]
* 1891 – Simmons College founded.[18]
* 1898 – "Federation" subscription library organized.[21]
* 1903 – Saloons banned in Abilene.[22]
* 1906 – Childers Classical Institute established.[16]
* 1910 – Population: 9,204.[20]
* 1919 – Abilene Zoological Gardens established.[23]
* 1923 – McMurry College established.[18]
* 1924 – First Presbyterian Church built.
* 1925 – Majestic Theater, a major movie theater, opened.[24]
* 1930
* Paramount Theatre in business.[24]
* Population: 23,175.[20]
* 1936 – KRBC radio begins broadcasting.[25]
* 1937
* Abilene Reporter-News in publication.[17]
* Regional "West Texas Chamber of Commerce" relocated to Abilene.[26]
* 1942 – Temple Mizpah (synagogue) built.[27]
* 1946 – Abilene Blue Sox baseball team formed.[22]
* 1947 – Office of city manager established.[22]
* 1949 – Park Drive-In cinema in business.[24]
* 1950 – Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra active.[22]
* 1953 – KRBC-TV (television) begins broadcasting.[28]
* 1956
* U.S. military Abilene Air Force Base begins operating.[16]
* KPAR-TV (television) begins broadcasting.[28]
* 1960 – Population: 90,368.[20]
* 1977 – Abilene Preservation League organized.[29]
* 1978 – Alcohol prohibition ends in Abilene.[22]
* 1979 – Charles Stenholm was elected as the Democratic U.S. representative for Texas's 17th congressional district. He was re-elected for 13 terms.[30]
* 2000 – City website online (approximate date).[31][32]
* 2001 – World War II-related "12th Armored Division Memorial Museum" opens.[33]
* 2005 – Republican Randy Neugebauer was elected as U.S. representative for Texas's newly redrawn 19th congressional district, including Abilene.[34]
* 2010 – Population: 117,063.[35]
* 2017 – Jodey Arrington becomes U.S. representative for Texas's 19th congressional district.[36]
* 2019 – revamping the downtown area of North Abilene. As of October 2019 a couple of buildings were torn down and Hilton developed a new Double Tree hotel.

## Geography

[edit]

Abilene is located in northeastern Taylor County. The city limits extend north into Jones County. Interstate 20 leads east 149 miles (240 km) to Fort Worth and west 148 miles (238 km) to Midland. Three U.S. highways pass through the city. US 83 runs west of the city center, leading north 24 miles (39 km) to Anson and south 55 miles (89 km) to Ballinger. US 84 runs with US 83 through the southwestern part of the city but leads southeast 52 miles (84 km) to Coleman and west with I-20 40 miles (64 km) to Sweetwater. US 277 follows US 83 around the northwestern side of the city and north to Anson, but heads southwest from Abilene 89 miles (143 km) to San Angelo.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Abilene has a total area of 112.2 sq mi (290.6 km2), of which 106.8 sq mi (276.6 km2) are land and 5.4 sq mi (14.0 km2) are covered by water (4.82%). The water area is mainly from three reservoirs in the city: Lytle Lake, southeast of downtown on the western edge of Abilene Regional Airport, Kirby Lake on the southeastern corner of the US 83/84 and Loop 322 interchange, and Lake Fort Phantom Hill in Jones County in northern Abilene. Clear Creek runs through the city just east of downtown, flowing north to Elm Creek and ultimately part of the Brazos River watershed.

The fastest-growing sections of the city are in the southwest, along Southwest Drive, the Winters Freeway, and the Buffalo Gap Road corridor; the southeast, along Loop 322, Oldham Lane, Industrial Drive, and Maple Street; and in the northeast near the intersection of SH 351 and I-20. Many developments have begun in these three areas within the last few years with a citywide focus on the reinvigoration of downtown Abilene.[37]

### Climate

[edit]

According to the Köppen climate classification, Abilene lies at the edge of a humid subtropical climate, with areas to the west being semiarid.

Climate data for Abilene, Texas (Abilene Regional Airport), 1991−2020 normals, extremes 1885–present

Month  | Jan  | Feb  | Mar  | Apr  | May  | Jun  | Jul  | Aug  | Sep  | Oct  | Nov  | Dec  | Year
Record high °F (°C)  | 90
(32)  | 94
(34)  | 98
(37)  | 104
(40)  | 109
(43)  | 110
(43)  | 110
(43)  | 113
(45)  | 108
(42)  | 103
(39)  | 93
(34)  | 90
(32)  | 113
(45)
Mean maximum °F (°C)  | 78.6
(25.9)  | 82.9
(28.3)  | 88.6
(31.4)  | 93.2
(34.0)  | 98.6
(37.0)  | 100.1
(37.8)  | 102.6
(39.2)  | 102.4
(39.1)  | 97.5
(36.4)  | 92.4
(33.6)  | 83.2
(28.4)  | 77.9
(25.5)  | 104.6
(40.3)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)  | 58.8
(14.9)  | 62.8
(17.1)  | 70.9
(21.6)  | 79.2
(26.2)  | 86.3
(30.2)  | 92.8
(33.8)  | 96.4
(35.8)  | 96.0
(35.6)  | 88.7
(31.5)  | 79.3
(26.3)  | 67.8
(19.9)  | 59.4
(15.2)  | 78.2
(25.7)
Daily mean °F (°C)  | 46.3
(7.9)  | 50.1
(10.1)  | 58.1
(14.5)  | 66.0
(18.9)  | 74.1
(23.4)  | 81.1
(27.3)  | 84.7
(29.3)  | 84.2
(29.0)  | 76.8
(24.9)  | 67.0
(19.4)  | 55.5
(13.1)  | 47.3
(8.5)  | 65.9
(18.9)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)  | 33.7
(0.9)  | 37.4
(3.0)  | 45.3
(7.4)  | 52.8
(11.6)  | 61.9
(16.6)  | 69.5
(20.8)  | 73.1
(22.8)  | 72.4
(22.4)  | 65.0
(18.3)  | 54.7
(12.6)  | 43.3
(6.3)  | 35.2
(1.8)  | 53.7
(12.1)
Mean minimum °F (°C)  | 17.8
(−7.9)  | 20.1
(−6.6)  | 25.3
(−3.7)  | 34.7
(1.5)  | 45.2
(7.3)  | 59.6
(15.3)  | 65.8
(18.8)  | 63.0
(17.2)  | 49.8
(9.9)  | 35.3
(1.8)  | 24.8
(−4.0)  | 18.8
(−7.3)  | 14.0
(−10.0)
Record low °F (°C)  | −9
(−23)  | −7
(−22)  | 9
(−13)  | 25
(−4)  | 33
(1)  | 44
(7)  | 54
(12)  | 48
(9)  | 38
(3)  | 23
(−5)  | 13
(−11)  | −7
(−22)  | −9
(−23)
Average precipitation inches (mm)  | 1.10
(28)  | 1.29
(33)  | 1.73
(44)  | 1.86
(47)  | 3.21
(82)  | 3.44
(87)  | 1.92
(49)  | 2.53
(64)  | 2.67
(68)  | 2.83
(72)  | 1.40
(36)  | 1.26
(32)  | 25.24
(641)
Average snowfall inches (cm)  | 0.7
(1.8)  | 1.0
(2.5)  | 0.1
(0.25)  | 0.3
(0.76)  | 0.0
(0.0)  | 0.0
(0.0)  | 0.0
(0.0)  | 0.0
(0.0)  | 0.0
(0.0)  | 0.0
(0.0)  | 0.7
(1.8)  | 0.9
(2.3)  | 3.7
(9.4)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 4.6  | 5.1  | 5.8  | 4.7  | 8.0  | 6.9  | 4.7  | 6.0  | 5.9  | 6.2  | 4.5  | 4.8  | 67.2
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 0.5  | 0.8  | 0.2  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.1  | 0.3  | 0.5  | 2.4
Mean monthly sunshine hours | 204.6  | 203.4  | 263.5  | 282.0  | 306.9  | 330.0  | 347.2  | 316.2  | 258.0  | 248.0  | 198.0  | 192.2  | 3,150
Source 1: NOAA[38]
Source 2: National Weather Service[39] Hong Kong Observatory (sun only, 1961–1990)[40]

### Notable architecture

[edit]

Hotel Wooten

Enterprise Tower

Notable and historical buildings in Abilene include:

* Hotel Wooten (1930) at 302 Cypress Street downtown, built by grocery entrepreneur H. O. Wooten, at 16 stories tall, is designed after the Drake Hotel in Chicago. It was restored in 2004 as a high-end apartment building.
* First Baptist Church (1954) at 1442 North Second Street has a spire 140 feet (43 m) from the ground. Pastor Jesse Northcutt oversaw the planning of this building of 325 tons of steel.
* The Church of the Heavenly Rest, Episcopal, at 602 Meander Street, reflects surprising Gothic architecture on the West Texas Plains. Its plaque reads: "No man entering a house ignores him who dwells in it. This is the house of God and He is here."
* The 20-story Enterprise Tower at 500 Chestnut Street, the highest structure in Abilene, rises to 283 feet (86 m) above the Plains. It is the tallest building in west central Texas and one of the five highest in the western two-thirds of the state.
* The Taylor County Courthouse at 300 Oak Street, with its international architectural style of concrete and pink granite, resembles few other courthouses.
* Paramount Theatre at 352 Cypress Street (opened in 1930 and restored in 1986) had an original 90-foot (27 m) marquee, with 1,400 lights.
* Lincoln Junior High School, 1699 South First Street. In 2012, the Abilene Independent School District deeded the property to the City of Abilene. This property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 28, 2012. Built in 1923, the architecture is Gothic Revival and includes two large gargoyles at the entrance and has Gothic and art deco motifs. It opened as Abilene High School in 1924, became Lincoln Junior High in 1955, and Lincoln Middle School in 1985. The campus closed in 2007. As of 2019, the Abilene Heritage Square was renovating the school into "a multipurpose center for learning, making, discovery, building community and innovating and encouraging our city's future businesses."[41] The Abilene Public Library will also use the restored building as the new main branch.[42]

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1890| 3,194| | —
1900| 3,411| | 6.8%
1910| 9,204| | 169.8%
1920| 10,274| | 11.6%
1930| 23,175| | 125.6%
1940| 26,612| | 14.8%
1950| 45,570| | 71.2%
1960| 90,368| | 98.3%
1970| 89,653| | −0.8%
1980| 98,315| | 9.7%
1990| 106,707| | 8.5%
2000| 115,930| | 8.6%
2010| 117,063| | 1.0%
2020| 125,182| | 6.9%
U.S. Census Bureau[43]

### 2020 census

[edit]

Abilene city, Texas – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race. Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[44] | Pop 2010[45] | Pop 2020[46] | % 2000  | % 2010  | % 2020

|
|
|
|
|
|

White alone (NH)  | 79,712  | 73,016  | 70,391  | 68.76%  | 62.37%  | 56.23%
Black or African American alone (NH)  | 9,947  | 10,638  | 12,242  | 8.58%  | 9.09%  | 9.78%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)  | 428  | 448  | 496  | 0.37%  | 0.38%  | 0.40%
Asian alone (NH)  | 1,492  | 1,865  | 2,678  | 1.29%  | 1.59%  | 2.14%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)  | 63  | 94  | 141  | 0.05%  | 0.08%  | 0.11%
Some Other Race alone (NH)  | 95  | 137  | 388  | 0.08%  | 0.12%  | 0.31%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)  | 1,645  | 2,199  | 5,212  | 1.42%  | 1.88%  | 4.16%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)  | 22,548  | 28,666  | 33,634  | 19.45%  | 24.49%  | 26.87%
Total | 115,930 | 117,063 | 125,182 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00%

The 2020 United States census counted 125,182 people, 46,134 households, and 29,111 families in Abilene.[47][48] The population density was 1,173.6 per square mile (453.1/km2). There were 51,508 housing units at an average density of 482.9 units per square mile (186.4 units/km2).[47][49] The racial makeup was 64.95% (81,300) white or European American (56.23% non-Hispanic white), 10.39% (13,012) black or African-American, 0.89% (1,114) Native American or Alaska Native, 2.22% (2,785) Asian, 0.14% (170) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 9.26% (11,590) from other races, and 12.15% (15,211) from two or more races.[50] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 26.87% (33,634) of the population.[51]

Of the 46,134 households, 31.1% had children under the age of 18; 43.6% were married couples living together; 29.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 29.8% of households consisted of individuals and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[47] The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.1.[52] The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 16.5% of the population.[53]

23.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 13.4% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males.[47] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 98.3 males.[47]

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $52,518 (with a margin of error of +/- $2,091) and the median family income was $67,079 (+/- $3,258).[54] Males had a median income of $32,038 (+/- $1,216) versus $22,765 (+/- $1,577) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $27,110 (+/- $739).[55] Approximately, 9.9% of families and 15.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.8% of those under the age of 18 and 9.5% of those ages 65 or over.[56][57]

### 2000 census

[edit]

As of the census[7] of 2000, 115,930 people, 41,570 households, and 28,101 families resided in the city. The population density was 1,102.7 inhabitants per square mile (425.8/km2). The 45,618 housing units averaged 433.9 units per square mile (167.5 units/km2). As of the 2010 census, Abilene had a population of 117,063. In 2020, its population was 125,182 people, 46,134 households, and 29,111 families residing in the city.[47][48]

In 2000, the racial makeup of the city was 78.07% white, 8.81% African American, 0.55% Native American, 1.33% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 8.73% from other races, and 2.44% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 19.45% of the population. The racial and ethnic makeup of the population in 2010 was 62.4% non-Hispanic White, 9.6% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% non-Hispanic reporting some other race, 3.3% of two or more races, and 24.5% Hispanic or Latino. By 2020, its racial and ethnic composition was 56.23% non-Hispanic white, 9.78% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 2.14% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 0.31% some other race, 4.16% multiracial, and 26.87% Hispanic or Latino of any race.[51]

At the 2000 census, the median income for a household in the city was $33,007, and for a family was $40,028. Males had a median income of $28,078 versus $20,918 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,577. About 10.9% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over. At the 2020 American Community Survey, the median household income in the city was $52,518.[58] The mean household income was $70,807.[59]

## Economy

[edit]

The economy in Abilene was originally based on the livestock and agricultural sectors,[1] but is now based strongly on government, education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The petroleum industry is prevalent in the surrounding area, also.[1] The city has established incentives to bring new businesses to the area, including job training grants, relocation grants, and more.[60]

### Top employers

[edit]

According to the city's 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Abilene's top employers are:[61]

Rank | Employer | Employees

|
|

1 | Dyess Air Force Base | 8,864
2 | Hendrick Health System | 4,032
3 | Abilene Independent School District | 2,450
4 | Abilene Christian University | 1,900
5 | City of Abilene | 1,299
6 | Abilene State Supported Living Center | 1,225
7 | Texas Department of Criminal Justice | 1,187
8 | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas | 1,061
9 | Taylor County | 560
10 | First Financial Bank | 540

## Government and infrastructure

[edit]

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) operates the Abilene District Parole Office in the city.[62] The Robertson Unit prison and the Middleton Unit transfer unit are in Abilene and in Jones County.[63][64][65]

The United States Postal Service operates the Abilene Post Office and the Abilene Southern Hills Post Office.[66][67]

On June 17, 2017, Abilene elected its first African-American mayor, Anthony Williams.

List of mayors of Abilene, Texas

* D. B. Corley, 1883–1885[19]
* G. A. Kirkland, 1885–1886
* D. W. Wristen, 1886–1891
* H. A. Porter, 1891–1893
* D. W. Wristen, 1893–1897
* A. M. Robertson, 1897–1899
* John Bowyers, 1899–1901 [68]
* F. C. Digby Roberts, 1901–1904
* R. W. Ellis, 1904–1905
* Morgan Weaver, 1905–1907
* E. N. Kirby, 1906–1919
* Dallas Scarborough, 1919–1923
* Charles E. Coombes, 1923–1927
* Thomas E. Hayden, 1927–1931
* Lee R. York, 1931–1933
* C. L. Johnson, 1933–1937
* Will Hair, 1937–1947
* B. R. Blankenship, 1947–1949
* Hudson Smart, 1949–1951
* Ernest Grissom, 1951–1953
* C. E. Gatlin, 1953–1957
* Jess F. (T-Bone) Winters, 1957–1959
* George L Minter, 1959–1961
* C. R. Kinard, 1961–1963
* W. L. Byrd, 1963–1966
* Ralph N. Hooks, 1966–1969
* J. C. Hunter Jr., 1969–1975
* Fred Lee Hughes, 1975–1978
* Oliver Howard, 1978–1981
* Elbert E. Hall, 1981–1984
* David Stubbeman, 1984–1987
* Dale E. Ferguson, 1987–1990
* Gary D. McCaleb, 1990–1999
* Grady Barr, 1999–2004
* Norm Archibald, 2004–2017
* Anthony Williams, 2017–2023
* Weldon Hurt, 2023–present

[69]

## Education

[edit]

### Primary education

[edit]

Abilene High School

As of 2020[update], within Taylor County, most of Abilene is in the Abilene Independent School District (AISD), while portions extend into Wylie Independent School District (WISD), Eula Independent School District and Merkel Independent School District.[70] Within Jones County, most of Abilene is in AISD, while portions extend into Clyde Consolidated Independent School District and Hawley Independent School District.[71]

High schools include Abilene High School and Cooper High School of AISD, and Wylie High School of WISD.

### Colleges and universities

[edit]

Abilene Christian University campus

Abilene is home to six colleges, three of which are religiously affiliated. Hardin–Simmons University is the oldest, founded in 1891. Abilene Christian University is the largest with 2012 undergraduate enrollment at 4,371.

Name  | Affiliation  | Founded  | Enrollment

|
|
|

Abilene Christian University | Churches of Christ | 1906  | 6,219[72]
Cisco College |  | 1972[73] | 3,256[74]
Hardin–Simmons University | Baptist | 1891  | 1,765[75]
McMurry University | Methodist | 1923  | 1,237[76]
Texas State Technical College West Texas |  | 1985  | 1,049[73]
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Abilene Campus |  | 2006  | 332

The Texas Legislature designated Taylor County as being in the Cisco Junior College District, while it designated Jones County as being in the Western Texas College District.[77]

## Healthcare

[edit]

Hendrick Medical Center includes two large hospital campuses on the north and south sides of Abilene, and is one of the city's largest employers. It is one of seven healthcare institutions affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.[78]

The Presbyterian Medical Care Mission was founded in 1983 as a medical and dental clinic. Its services are focused to low-income individuals and families without insurance.[79]

## Culture

[edit]

The Grace Museum

The cultural aspects of Abilene revolve around a mix of the local college and university campuses, the agriculture community of the surrounding area, and a growing nightlife scene in the downtown area. Abilene is also home to the restored Paramount Theatre, the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, the Grace Museum, the Center for Contemporary Arts, the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, The Abilene Zoo, Frontier Texas!, the 12th Armored Division Museum, the Taylor County Expo Center, the Abilene Convention Center, six libraries (three private, three public), 26 public parks, six television stations, a daily newspaper, and several radio stations, including one NPR station (89.5 KACU).

## Media

[edit]

See also: List of newspapers in Texas, List of radio stations in Texas, and List of television stations in Texas

### Newspapers

[edit]

The Abilene Reporter-News is the primary daily newspaper of the city of Abilene and the surrounding Big Country area.

### Television

[edit]

* KRBC-TV (NBC)
* KTES-LD (TBD)
* KTXS-TV (ABC)
* KTAB-TV (CBS)
* KXVA-TV (FOX)

### Radio

[edit]

* 88.1 FM KGNZ (Christian contemporary)
* 89.5 FM KACU (Public Radio)
* 90.5 FM KAGT (Christian contemporary)
* 91.3 FM KAQD (Religious)
* 91.7 FM KQOS (Religious)
* 92.5 FM KMWX (Red Dirt Country)
* 93.3 FM KBGT (Tejano)
* 94.1 FM KVVO-LP (Inspirational Country)
* 95.1 FM KABW (Country)
* 96.1 FM KORQ (Farm, Country)
* 98.1 FM KTLT (Active Rock)
* 99.7 FM KBCY (Country)
* 100.7 FM KULL (Classic hits)
* 101.7 FM KABT (Americana and red dirt country)
* 102.7 FM KHXS (Classic Rock)
* 103.7 FM KCDD (Top 40)
* 105.1 FM KEAN (Country)
* 106.3 FM KTJK (variety hits)
* 106.9 FM KLGD (Country)
* 107.9 FM KEYJ (Active Rock)
* 1280 AM KSLI (Country)
* 1340 AM KWKC (News Talk)
* 1470 AM KYYW (News Talk)
* 1560 AM KZQQ (Sports talk)

## Transportation

[edit]

### Major highways

[edit]

A section of Business Loop 20 (formerly US 80) in Abilene

* Interstate 20
* Business Loop 20
* US 80 (former)
* US 83
* US 84
* US 277
* SH 36
* Loop 322
* SH 351
* FM 89 (Buffalo Gap Road)
* FM 600
* FM 707 (Beltway South)
* UR 18
* UR 3438

### Airport

[edit]

The city of Abilene is served by Abilene Regional Airport.

## Notable people

[edit]

See also: List of people from Abilene, Texas

* Ken Baumann, actor
* Raleigh Brown, member of the Texas House of Representatives and a state-court judge
* Doyle Brunson, two-time World Series of Poker champion, attended and played basketball at Hardin–Simmons College
* Randall "Tex" Cobb, heavyweight boxer and actor
* Charles Coody, Masters-winning professional golfer (from Stamford and Abilene) — graduate of ACU[80]
* Carole Cook, an actress, was born January 14, 1924, in Abilene as Mildred Frances Cook
* Roy Crane, nationally syndicated cartoonist (Wash Tubbs, Captain Easy, Buz Sawyer)
* Dorian, hip hop recording artist, was born in Abilene
* Bob Estes, professional golfer
* W. C. Friley, first president of Hardin–Simmons University, 1892–1894
* Billy Gillispie, former Texas Tech University Red Raiders, Kentucky, and Texas A&M men's basketball coach
* Ryan Guzman, actor
* Homer Hailey (1903–2000), Church of Christ clergyman and professor at Abilene Christian University
* David W. Harper (born 1961), actor, played James Robert Walton on CBS television series The Waltons, 1972–1981
* Kristy Hawkins (born 1980), IFBB professional bodybuilder
* Jerry Herron (born 1949), dean of Wayne State University Honors College
* Katie Hill, former U.S. congresswoman from CA-25
* Micah P. Hinson, indie rock singer
* Gregory Hoblit, film director
* Robert Dean Hunter, member of Texas House of Representatives from Abilene, 1986–2007; vice president emeritus of Abilene Christian University
* Bill Jones, former NFL player for the Kansas City Chiefs
* Morgan Jones, railroad builder
* Rainy Day Jordan, Playboy playmate (Miss December 2011)
* Ashley Kavanaugh, public official and former political aide; wife of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh
* Case Keenum, quarterback for the Houston Texans
* Johnny Knox, former wide receiver for the Chicago Bears
* John Lackey, former starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs
* Deirdre Lovejoy, best known for her role as Assistant State's Attorney Rhonda Pearlman on HBO's The Wire
* Billy Maxwell, golfer, winner of seven PGA Tour events
* Mildred Paxton Moody, wife of Governor Dan Moody
* Bobby Morrow, three-time gold medal winner at 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, named Sportsman of the Year in 1956 by Sports Illustrated
* Scott Nagy, head coach of the Wright State University men's basketball team, and former head coach for South Dakota State University men's basketball
* Billy Olson, pole vaulter (1988 Summer Olympics, for the U.S. team that boycotted the 1980 Summer Olympics); held several world records[80][81][82][83][84]
* Ty O'Neal, rodeo cowboy and film actor
* Terry Orr, tight end for the Washington Redskins — played for CHS[80]
* Fess Parker (1924–2010), actor and hotel and winery owner, attended Hardin–Simmons University, played football at HSU before transferring to University of Texas, starred in TV as Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone
* Lee Roy Parnell, country musician
* Vinnie Paul (1964–2018), born in Abilene; musician, co-founder, and drummer of heavy metal band Pantera and Damageplan, drummer of Hellyeah
* Charles Perry, member of Texas Senate from Lubbock, was born in Abilene in 1962
* Dominic Rhodes, born in Waco Texas, football player for Cooper High School, NFL football player for Indianapolis Colts
* Lou Halsell Rodenberger, author and biographer of Jane Gilmore Rushing, professor at McMurry University
* Rick Roderick, philosopher
* Bill Sharman, Hall-of-Fame NBA basketball player and coach, born in Abilene
* Jessica Simpson, singer and actress, born in Abilene
* Jorge A. Solis (born 1951), U.S. federal judge, 5th Circuit
* Rawson Stovall, video game producer/designer, author, and first nationally syndicated reviewer of video games
* Steven Stucky, Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer
* Sarah Weddington, lawyer, represented "Jane Roe" in case of Roe v. Wade
* Ann Wedgeworth, actress[85]
* Mason Williams, musician, best known for his guitar instrumental "Classical Gas"

## Sister cities

[edit]

* Chita, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia
* Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina

## See also

[edit]

* Texas portal

* List of museums in West Texas
* Abilene CityLink
* Abilene paradox

## References

[edit]

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3. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
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7. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
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9. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Abilene city, Texas". www.census.gov. Archived from the original on November 7, 2021. Retrieved December 13, 2019.
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29. ^ "About". Abilene Preservation League. Archived from the original on April 12, 2017. Retrieved April 11, 2017.
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33. ^ "World War II museum turns 15". Abilene Reporter-News. October 5, 2016. Archived from the original on August 25, 2017.
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36. ^ Civic Impulse, LLC. "Members of Congress". GovTrack. Washington, D.C. Archived from the original on April 11, 2017. Retrieved April 11, 2017.
37. ^ "Downtown Abilene Initiative | Shopping, Dining, Entertainment & More". Downtown Abilene Initiative. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
38. ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Abilene RGNL AP, TX". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
39. ^ "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS San Angelo". National Weather Service. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
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45. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Abilene city, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
46. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Abilene city, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
47. ^ a b c d e f "Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
48. ^ a b "Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
49. ^ "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
50. ^ "Table P1: RACE". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
51. ^ a b "Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
52. ^ "Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
53. ^ "Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
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56. ^ "Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
57. ^ "Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
58. ^ "Table S2503: FINANCIAL CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
59. ^ "Table S1901: INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
60. ^ "Incentives : Abilene Industrial Foundation". Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
61. ^ "FY23 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report". abilenetx.gov. City of Abilene, Texas.
62. ^ "Parole Division Region V Archived 2011-09-26 at the Wayback Machine." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on May 22, 2010.
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64. ^ "Robertson Unit Archived 2010-07-25 at the Wayback Machine." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on July 23, 2010.
65. ^ "Middleton Unit Archived 2010-07-25 at the Wayback Machine." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on July 23, 2010.
66. ^ "Post Office Location - ABILENE". United States Postal Service. Archived from the original on June 15, 2010. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
67. ^ "Post Office Location - ABILENE SOUTHERN HILLS". United States Postal Service. Archived from the original on June 13, 2010. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
68. ^ "Municipal election returns", Houston Daily Post, Texas, April 6, 1899 – via Library of Congress' Chronicling America
69. ^ "Mayor". City of Abilene. Archived from the original on December 11, 2004.
70. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Taylor County, TX" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved September 22, 2024. \- Text list
71. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Jones County, TX" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved September 22, 2024. \- Text list
72. ^ "Quick Facts". acu.edu. Abilene Christian University. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
73. ^ a b Bethel, Brian (January 27, 2006). "Cisco Junior College Abilene outgrows building". Abilene Reporter News. Archived from the original on July 19, 2013. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
74. ^ "Cisco College Overview". usnews.com. U.S. News. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
75. ^ "Hardin-Simmons Overview". usnews.com. U.S. News. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
76. ^ "McMurry Overview Overview". usnews.com. U.S. News. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
77. ^ "Sec. 130.172. CISCO JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA. Sec. 130.210. WESTERN TEXAS COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA". Retrieved September 22, 2024.
78. ^ "About Us". ehendrick.org. Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
79. ^ "Medical Care Mission : Abilene". medicalcaremission.org. Archived from the original on May 27, 2012. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
80. ^ a b c Al Pickett (December 24, 1999). "Abilene has produced more than its share of stars". Abilene Reporter-News. Archived from the original on October 28, 2007.
81. ^ "Information about Abilene Christian University". Acu.edu. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
82. ^ Ted Dunnam (June 25, 2000). "Coaching by Hood vaulted ACU over top". Abilene Reporter-News. Archived from the original on February 22, 2008.
83. ^ "All-Time U.S. Rankings — Men's Pole Vault" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 1, 2007. Ranked #1 in the world for 1982.
84. ^ Frank Litsky (February 22, 1982). "Billy Olson is inching ahead on way to a 19-foot vault". The New York Times (late city final ed.). p. C6, column 1. Archived from the original on December 9, 2008.
85. ^ Abilene, Texas at IMDb

## Bibliography

[edit]

* "Abilene". Texas State Gazetteer and Business Directory. St. Louis: R.L. Polk & Co. 1884.
* "Abilene". Texas State Gazetteer and Business Directory. Detroit: R.L. Polk & Co. 1890.
* Abilene City Directory. Dallas: John F. Worley Directory Co. 1919 – via University of North Texas.
* Federal Writers' Project (1940), "Abilene", Texas: a Guide to the Lone Star State, American Guide Series, New York: Hastings House, pp. 470–472, hdl:2027/mdp.39015002677667 – via HathiTrust
* Abilene City Directory. Dallas: John F. Worley Directory Co. 1946 – via University of North Texas.
* Abilene...On Catclaw Creek: A Profile of a West Texas Town (Abilene, Texas: Reporter Publishing, 1969)
* Katharyn Duff and Betty Kay Seibt. Catclaw Country: An Informal History of Abilene in West Texas (Burnet, Texas: Eakin Press, 1980)
* Fane Downs, ed. The Future Great City of West Texas: Abilene, 1881–1981 (Abilene: Richardson, 1981).
* Paul D. Lack et al. The History of Abilene (Abilene, Texas: McMurry College, 1981)
* Juanita Daniel Zachry. Abilene (Northridge, California: Windsor, 1986).
* Tracy M. Shilcutt; David A. Coffey; Donald S. Frazier (2000). Historic Abilene: An Illustrated History. San Antonio: Historical Publishing Network "for the Abilene Preservation League". ISBN 978-1-893619-06-7.
* David J. Wishart, ed. (2004). "Cities and Towns: Abilene, Texas". Encyclopedia of the Great Plains. University of Nebraska Press. ISBN 0-8032-4787-7.
* Donald S. Frazier; Robert F. Pace (2009). Abilene Landmarks: An Illustrated Tour. State House Press. ISBN 9781933337302.
* Jack E. North (2010). Early Abilene. Images of America. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia. ISBN 9781439624791.
* Glenn Dromgoole; Jay Moore; Joe W. Specht, eds. (2013). Abilene Stories: From Then to Now. Abilene Christian University Press. ISBN 978-0-89112-368-2.
* Lost Abilene: Images of America, Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing. 2013. ISBN 978-0-73859-693-8
* David G. McComb (2015). "Railroad Towns: Abilene". The City in Texas: a History. University of Texas Press. pp. 133+. ISBN 978-0-292-76746-1.

## External links

[edit]

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Abilene.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Abilene, Texas.

Wikisource has the text of the 1921 Collier's Encyclopedia article Abilene.

* Official website
* Convention & Visitors Bureau
* Abilene.com
* "Collections: City Directories: Abilene". Portal to Texas History. University of North Texas Libraries. (circa 1900s-1950s)
* "Historical Maps of Texas Cities: Abilene". Perry–Castañeda Library Map Collection. University of Texas at Austin.
* "Abilene". Texas Archive of the Moving Image. Austin, Texas. Archived from the original on April 11, 2017. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
* Items related to Abilene, Texas, various dates (via Digital Public Library of America)
* "Locations: Taylor County". West Texas Digital Archives – via University of North Texas Libraries.

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Jones County, Texas, United States

County seat: Anson

Cities|

* Abilene‡
* Anson
* Hamlin‡
* Hawley
* Lueders‡
* Stamford‡

Jones County map

Unincorporated
communities|

* Avoca
* Corinth
* Noodle
* Nugent
* Radium
* Tuxedo

Ghost towns|

* Penick

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

* Texas portal
* United States portal

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Taylor County, Texas, United States

County seat: Abilene

Cities|

* Abilene‡
* Tuscola
* Tye

Taylor County map

Towns|

* Bradshaw
* Buffalo Gap
* Impact
* Lawn
* Merkel
* Trent

CDP|

* Potosi

Other
communities|

* Caps
* Hamby
* View
* Ovalo
* Wylie

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

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See: List of counties in Texas

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* Edna
* El Paso
* Eldorado
* Emory

* Fairfield
* Falfurrias
* Farwell
* Floresville
* Floydada
* Fort Davis
* Fort Stockton
* Fort Worth
* Franklin
* Fredericksburg

* Gail
* Gainesville
* Galveston
* Garden City
* Gatesville
* George West
* Georgetown
* Giddings
* Gilmer
* Glen Rose
* Goldthwaite
* Goliad
* Gonzales
* Graham
* Granbury
* Greenville
* Groesbeck
* Groveton
* Guthrie

* Hallettsville
* Hamilton
* Haskell
* Hebbronville
* Hemphill
* Hempstead
* Henderson
* Henrietta
* Hereford
* Hillsboro
* Hondo
* Houston
* Huntsville

* Jacksboro
* Jasper
* Jayton
* Jefferson
* Johnson City
* Jourdanton
* Junction

* Karnes City
* Kaufman
* Kermit
* Kerrville
* Kingsville
* Kountze

* La Grange
* Lamesa
* Lampasas
* Laredo
* Leakey
* Levelland
* Liberty
* Linden
* Lipscomb
* Littlefield
* Livingston
* Llano
* Lockhart
* Longview
* Lubbock
* Lufkin

* Madisonville
* Marfa
* Marlin
* Marshall
* Mason
* Matador
* McKinney
* Memphis
* Menard
* Mentone
* Meridian
* Mertzon
* Miami
* Midland
* Monahans
* Montague
* Morton
* Mount Pleasant
* Mount Vernon
* Muleshoe

* Nacogdoches
* New Braunfels
* Newton

* Odessa
* Orange
* Ozona

* Paducah
* Paint Rock
* Palestine
* Palo Pinto
* Pampa
* Panhandle
* Paris
* Pearsall
* Pecos
* Perryton
* Pittsburg
* Plains
* Plainview
* Port Lavaca
* Post

* Quanah
* Quitman

* Rankin
* Raymondville
* Refugio
* Richmond
* Rio Grande City
* Robert Lee
* Roby
* Rockport
* Rocksprings
* Rockwall
* Rusk

* San Angelo
* San Antonio
* San Augustine
* San Diego
* San Marcos
* San Saba
* Sanderson
* Sarita
* Seguin
* Seminole
* Seymour
* Sherman
* Sierra Blanca
* Silverton
* Sinton
* Snyder
* Sonora
* Spearman
* Stanton
* Stephenville
* Sterling City
* Stinnett
* Stratford
* Sulphur Springs
* Sweetwater

* Tahoka
* Throckmorton
* Tilden
* Tulia
* Tyler

* Uvalde

* Van Horn
* Vega
* Vernon
* Victoria

* Waco
* Waxahachie
* Weatherford
* Wellington
* Wharton
* Wheeler
* Wichita Falls
* Woodville

* Zapata

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF
* WorldCat

National|

* Germany
* United States
* Israel

Geographic|

* MusicBrainz area

Other|

* NARA
* Yale LUX

*[Pop.]: Population
*[%±]: Percent change
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