Wichita Falls • About

Wichita Falls has a proud history dating back to the early 1700’s when the Wichita Indians migrated to the Red River region. Tradition says that a band of Comanches came to the Big Wichita River to cross and sent a squaw into the water to test its depth. She replied “Wee Chi Tah” which meant “Waist deep.” A sculpture of the event now stands close to that area. During the late 1700’s, Apaches also lived in the area where all three tribes remained until the 1830’s. Our first citizens recalled the loud roar of the falls, but in 1886 the falls were washed out in a storm. Learn more about Wichita Falls History by visiting Choosewichitafalls.com and The Museum of North Texas History.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Below you will find a brief snapshot of our community. For more detailed information on any of the topics below, as well as detailed information on housing, crime rates, cost of living, income, largest employers, local tax rates or other community information visit our Community Data section or download our Community Profile.

Climate

Classified as a continental climate, the average temperature in Wichita Falls is 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Most precipitation occurs between March to mid-November with an average of 28 inches of rainfall. However, dry periods of three to four weeks are also common during this time.

Education

Our area is home to many great schools including schools that are a part Wichita Falls ISD, our many private schools, as well as Vernon College and Midwestern State University. To learn more about these schools check out our Community Profile.

Healthcare

Due to Wichita Falls’ geographic location, the community has emerged as a regional hub for health care services. Since the early 1990’s health care services in Wichita Falls have expanded at a pace that exceeds all other industry sectors.

Economy

Wichita Falls is a Metropolitan Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA) as designated by the United States Census Bureau. Wichita Falls is also the hub of the regional economic trade area. Over the past three decades,Wichita Falls has successfully diversified its economy to include new manufacturing, government, medical services, retail, and service related commerce. This diversification is in addition to the more typical north Texas industries of agriculture and oil and gas production. This diversification has allowed for an enhanced quality of life with many more services than are generally found in communities of its size and in similar geographic regions. A primary goal of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the continued diversification of the economy to protect against the negative economic impacts that an economic downturn can have especially in a specific industry sector (i.e. technology). Be sure to check our Economic Development section to learn more about the Chamber’s efforts to attract primary jobs as well as incentives that are available.