Breckenridge, a thriving North Central Texas community is home to approximately 6,000 friendly people, and gateway to West Texas with a vast range of recreational opportunities. Breckenridge, the “county seat” of Stephens County, was established in 1876. The great 1920’s oil boom exploded and changed the Breckenridge population from 1,500 to 30,000 in 12 months with hundreds of oil derricks sprouting within the city limits.
Breckenridge has rich oil history and was once labeled The Fastest Growing and Busiest Oil City in the U.S.A.
Presently, the economy is based on ranching, oil and gas, small manufacturing, service business, and a greatly expanded recreation business. Breckenridge is located at the intersection of U.S. Hwy 183 and U.S. Hwy 180, which is 100 miles west of Ft. Worth. Breckenridge is an official Texas Main Street City. It still has its original red brick streets downtown. The downtown buildings constructed mainly during the 1920’s oil boom feature red brick along with native sandstone. The Stephens County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic places.
Climate
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Annual average temperature: | 64.6 |
Monthly average high temperature: | 84.1 |
Monthly average low temperature: | 43.3 |
Annual average precipitation: | 26″ |
Annual average snowfall: | 1.8″ |
Elevation: | 1,220′ |
Public education in Breckenridge is provided by the Breckenridge Independent School District. The BISD serves a total of 840 square miles in Stephens county and is comprised of three elementary schools (K-6), one junior high, (7-8), and one senior high school (9-12). Kindergarten is offered to all five year olds. In addition, the BISD includes a gifted and talented program. Special education is also available to preschool students through the early childhood program. Enrollment is approximately 1,700. North and East Elementary schools have been granted an Exemplary Rating!
The Breckenridge campus of Texas State Technical College (TSTC) offers certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees for a variety of technical careers including: Air Conditioning Technology, Associate Degree Nursing, Chemical Dependency Counseling, Computer Aided Drafting & Design Technology, Computer Networking Systems and Administration, Computer Science Database & Web Programming, Construction Management Technology, Digital Signage Technology, Energy Management, Environmental Science Technology, Health Information Technology, Software & Business Accounting, Software & Business Publishing, Vocational Nursing, and Welding Technology.
In addition, nearly 600 businesses and over 35 churches offer their services to the area and its citizens, while over 100 civic clubs and groups offer participation in a broad range of community activities for every member of the family.
Stephens Memorial Hospital, a licensed 54-bed facility, offers quality medical care to the community, and has five local physicians and surgeons on its permanent medical staff. Contracted doctors provide specialized medical services. A local ambulance service provides patient transportation to and from the hospital as needed.
Plenty of desirable housing is available and – thanks to local law enforcement agencies – Breckenridge enjoys a low crime rate. The Breckenridge Fire Department, a paid full time entity, provides superior service for a community of this size.