Parker County vs. Crockett County
Rodeo Roots & Frontier Roads
Parker County and Crockett County reveal Texas as both a symbol of tradition and a landscape of endurance. Parker County, just west of Fort Worth, is famous for its peaches, rodeos, and fast-growing small towns. Crockett County: with Ozona as its hub; rests on the edge of West Texas, where ranching, hunting, and oil shape a slower, wide-open way of life. One county grows on metro momentum; the other stands steady against wind and time. Together they show that Texas identity thrives in both bustling arenas and quiet horizons.
Parker County (Population Approx. 150,000)
Weatherford, Aledo, Springtown, and Willow Park anchor a county rich with equestrian culture, family farms, and new neighborhoods rising along I-20. Growth brings prosperity but also infrastructure strain and development pressure on open land. Still, the spirit of Parker County remains grounded in rodeo culture, school pride, and a strong sense of place.
Crockett County (Population Approx. 3,500)
Ozona: “The Biggest Little Town in the World,” sits on a crossroads of U.S. 190 and I-10. Ranching, oil, and hunting leases sustain the local economy, while canyonlands and plateaus define life in this stretch of West Texas. Challenges include distance, limited services, and population decline; but residents take pride in deep roots and frontier self-reliance.
Why It Matters
From equestrian arenas to high plains highways, both counties show how Texans build community in different ways; and why representation must reflect those realities.
Why Forward
Forward believes Texas’ strength lies in empowering both fast-growing exurban counties and quiet frontier communities.
In Parker County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting would encourage leaders to balance growth, road safety, and land preservation: issues that cross party lines.
In Crockett County, those same reforms would strengthen rural voices and ensure independent voters, ranchers, and small-business owners have a say in Austin.
Forward’s mission: to build trust, transparency, and teamwork; resonates in both counties. From Weatherford’s rodeo grounds to Ozona’s desert winds, Texans deserve systems that reward collaboration and respect every county’s voice.
Did You Know…
Weatherford’s Cutting Horse Capital reputation draws riders from across the world.
Crockett County is named after frontier legend Davy Crockett.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Parker County residents love the blend of small-town charm, equestrian heritage, and proximity to Fort Worth. Crockett County residents love open skies, honest work, and the peace that comes from living close to the land.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Parker County Peach Festival — One of Texas’ best-known fruit festivals.
Ozona Local Events — Family gatherings at the town square.
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:
