Community Profile

The Cowboy Capital creates opportunity

Stephenville was founded in pioneer times, all the way back in the 1850s, and today as industry and people pioneer new global opportunities and meet new challenges, our brand of life and work in the “Cowboy Capital of the World” is still just right, drawing new residents and new industry in record numbers.

For residents, Stephenville provides a uniquely inviting mix: College town, cowboy town and cultural center where fine arts take center stage, and where excellence—whether in a palomino or a pinot noir—is appreciated. For industry, Stephenville’s strategic synthesis expands opportunity in every direction. An established agricultural center by the early 20th century, the city earned its spurs as a prime location for 21st century global manufacturing through a powerful intersection of advantages in logistics and labor quality.

That intersection is geographic, first of all: Three US Highways converge in Stephenville—US 281, US 65 and US 377—and shortline rail ships products to nearby Fort Worth for interchange with three of the nation’s top Class I rail providers. Sitting in the heart of Texas, Stephenville offers easy access to the assets of Waco and Abilene as well.

The intersection is also one of character, allowing our county workforce of 20,000 to bring a mighty impact to the workplace. Rugged, self-reliant yet community minded, the cowboy ethic has made Stephenville a valued partner in the success of leading manufacturers across diverse sectors. While agriculture remains critical to our economy (we are the second largest milk producer in Texas), four of Stephenville’s top ten employers are global manufacturers—FMC Technologies, makers of subsea systems and other oilfield-related products; Saint-Gobain, makers of coated abrasives for manufacturing and consumer use; Schrieber Foods, makers of cheese and dairy products; and Tejas Tubular, makers of tubular products used in oil production. Stephenville’s largest employer, Tarleton State University, provides enriching employment for approximately 1,000, even as it brings priceless educational and cultural advantages for the city and region.

All together, it creates the ideal balance for growth and opportunity—for businesses ready to expand through lower costs and higher quality products, or families ready to flourish in good schools and neighborhoods. Hailed in Norman Crampton’s landmark guide, The 100 Best Small Towns in America, Stephenville combines small town friendliness and ease with leading edge learning while putting the metro amenities of Forth Worth just an easy hour’s drive away.  No wonder Stephenville’s population has grown 30% in the last two decades.

For today’s global brands and global growth, the “Cowboy Capital of the World” offers a uniquely advantageous brand of life and work.