Midland County vs. Real County
Oilfields & Cypress Springs
Midland County and Real County show two different Texases shaped by land, labor, and legacy. Midland: the heart of the Permian Basin; beats with energy production, rapid growth, and economic volatility. Real County, in the remote western Hill Country, is quieter, greener, defined by clear rivers, limestone bluffs, and small-town life. One county fuels the world; the other restores the soul, and both remind Texans that prosperity and peace are all part of the state’s story.
Midland County (Poplulation Approx. 180,000)
Midland is one of the most economically influential counties in the country thanks to the Permian Basin’s oil and gas fields. Families, engineers, and oilfield workers call Midland home, benefiting from strong wages but also facing rising housing costs, infrastructure strain, and boom-bust cycles typical of extraction economies. The arts community, youth sports, and civic organizations help ground a city known globally for its role in energy markets.
Real County (Population Approx. 2,800)
Centered on Leakey and Camp Wood, Real County is a Hill Country escape known for the Frio River, Garner State Park, and scenic “Three Sisters” roads popular with motorcyclists. Tourism, ranching, and small businesses support the local economy. Challenges include broadband gaps, healthcare distance, and seasonal tourism swings; but neighbors look after one another with a steadiness built across generations.
Why It Matters
Texas depends on both the industries that power our economy and the natural spaces that power our well-being. Midland and Real County illustrate how different local needs require flexible, community-driven leadership.
Why Forward
Forward believes Texas’ strength lies in empowering energy hubs and rural hill communities alike.
In Midland County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting would reward leaders who plan for infrastructure, housing, and economic diversification — not hyper-partisan standoffs.
In Real County, those same reforms give ranchers, river guides, teachers, and small-business owners a genuine voice in Austin’s decisions. Ranked Choice Voting ensures rural ballots matter, even when elections have small turnouts.
Forward’s mission: to build trust, transparency, and teamwork; fits both counties. From pumpjacks to cypress roots, Texans deserve systems that elevate local problem-solvers and honor every community’s needs.
Did You Know…
Midland is home to the George W. Bush Childhood Home historic site.
Garner State Park in Real County is Texas’ most famous summer dance destination.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Midland residents love the strong wages, community pride, and sense of purpose tied to powering the country. Real County residents love river days, dance nights, and the peace of living under star-filled skies.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Midland County Fair — Rodeo, livestock, and community concerts.
Garner State Park Summer Dances — A beloved Real County tradition for decades.
People & Tech Created This
The profiles and shared challenges were gathered from Texas Forward Party supporters and written using ChatGPT and Gemini models to combine verified public data, official county/state sources, and general knowledge from Texas historical and government records:
