Texas Porch

Natural Landmark

A Meteor Crater Sits About Ten Miles Southwest of Odessa

The Odessa Meteor Crater is a prehistoric impact site in south-central Ector County, designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.

Ector County History & Culture

About ten miles southwest of Odessa, in south-central Ector County, lies a meteor crater formed thousands of years ago when iron meteorites hit the South Plains. The Handbook of Texas describes the main depression as 500 to 650 feet wide from rim to rim. Thousands of iron meteorites fell on the site, and fragments have been found in the surrounding area over the years.

No one recognized the site as a meteor crater until a geologist visited in 1922. The NPS has designated it a National Natural Landmark. The site is accessible from Interstate 20, Exit 108, about three miles south. A small museum and self-guided nature trail are on site. The crater is in the Handbook of Texas and on the NPS landmarks list.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas – Meteor Crater at Odessa

More Ector County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Ector County

The appraisal district sets your property value; the tax assessor-collector handles payments — they are two separate offices.

Read note ->

Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Cuts Your School Tax Bill

Texas law gives homeowners a $140,000 exemption from the school district portion of their property tax if the home is their primary residence.

Read note ->

Senior & Disabled Exemption

Extra Tax Break for Homeowners 65 or Older

Homeowners who are 65 or older or who are disabled get an additional $60,000 school district exemption and may qualify for a tax freeze.

Read note ->

Ag Valuation

Agricultural Land Can Be Taxed on Productivity, Not Market Value

Landowners who use their Ector County property for farming or ranching can apply to have it taxed on what it produces, not what it would sell for.

Read note ->