Taylor County vs. Kinney County
Abilene’s Crossroads & Borderland Brush Country
Taylor County and Kinney County highlight two distinct Texas frontiers: one urban and rising, the other rural and rugged. Taylor County, anchored by Abilene, is a cultural, educational, and logistical hub for the Big Country region. Kinney County, on the border, is defined by ranchlands, wildlife habitat, and the unique history of Brackettville’s old Fort Clark. One county grows through universities, hospitals, and air bases; the other preserves heritage, land, and the strength of small communities. Together they show that Texas’ future depends on both innovation and tradition.
Taylor County (Population Approx. 140,000)
Abilene leads Taylor County’s economy through universities, Dyess Air Force Base, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. Strong schools, museums, and a vibrant arts culture define the community. At the same time, Taylor County navigates issues like housing affordability, infrastructure upgrades, and balancing growth with maintaining its historic character.
Kinney County (Population Approx. 3,700)
Kinney County includes Brackettville, home to Fort Clark Springs: one of the best-preserved frontier posts in Texas. The county relies on ranching, hunting leases, and tourism connected to the Devil’s River region. With few medical facilities and large distances to major services, Kinney residents depend on each other and maintain strong ties to land and heritage.
Why It Matters
These two counties remind Texans that both urban service centers and rural borderland communities keep the state strong — and both deserve thoughtful leadership and fair representation.
Why Forward
Forward believes Texas thrives when problem-solvers rise in every corner of the state.
In Taylor County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting would uplift leaders focused on infrastructure, education, and supporting military families — issues that unite rather than divide.
In Kinney County, these same reforms ensure rural and borderland residents have a decisive voice in elections, even as populations fluctuate. Ranked Choice Voting ensures consensus wins and independent Texans feel represented.
Forward’s mission: building trust, transparency, and teamwork; resonates from university halls in Abilene to brush country gates near the Rio Grande. Texans deserve systems that respect every community’s voice.
Did You Know…
Abilene hosts three universities: Hardin-Simmons, McMurry, and Abilene Christian.
“The Alamo” (1960) starring John Wayne was filmed in Brackettville at the rebuilt Alamo Village set.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Taylor County residents love the mix of culture, hometown values, and opportunities tied to the Air Force and local universities. Kinney County residents love quiet nights, heritage steeped in frontier history, and knowing their neighbors look out for one another.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
West Texas Fair & Rodeo (Abilene) — A major regional tradition drawing crowds from across Central and West Texas.
Fort Clark Days (Brackettville) — Frontier reenactments and community celebrations.
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:
