Introduction to Midland-Odessa Metropolitan Area

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Midland-Odessa Metropolitan Area is a collaboration between two cities, which back in the day had experienced political rivalry and competition. Located in West Texas, the area is home to nearly 400,000 people. Today, marketed as “Two cities, no limits,” both cities have made significant investments in the area that has resulted in economic cooperation and friendly competition. There is a lot more happening in the area nowadays, which brings us to the introduction of the Midland-Odessa Metropolitan Area. Let’s begin.

Climate & Geography

The Midland-Odessa Metropolitan Area is situated in West Texas along Interstate 20 in a petroleum-rich area, known as Permian Basin. The Midland-Odessa area combined is informally termed as ‘The Petroplex.’ The climate of the Midland-Odessa Metropolitan area is the same as the cities located in the Southwest United States. The area enjoys mild winter seasons with a few cold spells. The terrain here is described as mesquite semi-arid mixed-grassland subtropical steppe. Furthermore, during the spring season, the winds can catch some speed while the summer season can raise the temperature to about 100 degrees. Lastly, on average, the Midland-Odessa Metropolitan Area experiences 316 sunshine days each year. 

Statistical Area Combined

The Metropolitan Area of Midland-Odessa combines two metropolitan statistical areas along with three counties. The counties of Midland and Martin are located in Midland MSA, whereas the Odessa MSA includes Ector County.

Demographics

According to the census of 2000, the Midland-Odessa Metropolitan Area was home to 237,132 people, 86, 591 households, and 62,647 families. Furthermore, there was a noteworthy diversification of people in terms of nationality as there were 75.47% White, 5.77% African American, 0,74% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander and a total of around 16% of other races residing in the area. Latino or Hispanic people contributed to 35.84% of the total population. 

The Combined Statistical Area had a median household income on average, standing at $35,117, whereas $41,819 was the average median income for a family. The median income for males stood at $33,778 as compared to $23,013 for females. Lastly, the prevailing per capita income for the area was $17,700. 

Economy

Not only is the Midland-Odessa Metropolitan area located in Permian Basin, which is a petroleum-rich area, but is heavily dependent on it as well. Over time the area has experienced ups and down due to the fluctuating prices of crude oil. Both Midland and Odessa have played their roles in the petroleum industry in terms of financing and investment etc. While Midland houses several corporate offices along with the white-collar population, Odessa, on the other hand, is home to industrial facilities and blue-collar workers. 

Family Dollar in 2003 introduced and developed its seventh distribution center in the industrial complex, which later was followed by Coca-Cola Enterprises and Telvista (an incoming call center) to moves their offices to Interstate 20 as well. The world’s largest inland petroleum exposition is an event that is organized and held in even numbers by Odessa, known as the Permian Basin International Oil Show at the Ector County Coliseum. Over the years, both cities have shown significant interest in different industries to reduce the dependence on the petroleum industry. 

Today, the Midland-Odessa period in the upcoming few years is expected to become a center of energy for the entire United States. In addition to that, the area already includes two major powerplants of gas. In July 2006, it was stated and announced that Odessa is amongst the four locations for a zero-emissions coal-fired powerplant that will be a project of FutureGen. Moreso, the Permian Basin includes several windfarms as well in addition to the city of Andrews that is a strong candidate for a high-temperature nuclear reactor for experimentation in the coming years. Today, Permian Basin’s move towards other industries has enabled people to term it as the Energy Basin. 

Education

The University of Texas Permian Basin

The University of Texas Permian Basin

Located in Odessa, Texas, The University of Texas Permian Basin was founded in 1973 and is basically a part of the University of Texas System. In spring 2016, the university had recorded a record high 6,050 enrollments, which as compared to the previous year was a huge increase. Since the Permian Basin itself is an area that heavily depends on oil, the reason behind high enrollments is evident as more and more people are migrating to the area for better opportunities as a result of the oil boom. 

The University of Texas Permian Basin 2

The university specializes in offering both bachelor’s and master’s degree through its schools and colleges that are five in total.

  • College of Nursing
  • College of Arts & Science
  • College of Business
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Education

Furthermore, the average cost for an undergraduate student belonging to another state is $70,000, if they choose to study full-time at the University Of Texas Permian Basin. Today, the university includes classrooms, two demonstration labs that are huge, multiple laboratories, state of the art Data Communications Teaching and a lecture hall that can accommodate 200 people. 

Lastly, the concern of the university in terms of impact to the community is also showcased as it carries several research activities and focuses on performing arts on a regular basis. As of today, the students at the University are working on developing lifesaving medical equipment in response of the COVID-19 epidemic, which again is a proof that the university strives to bring a positive change to the community as well as the West Texas as a whole.

Transportation

The Midland-Odessa Metropolitan area utilizes the services of Midland International Air and Space Port, which in terms of the terminal is located between the two core cities and stands annexed to the Midland Proper. The airport serves many cities and towns of this region and is one of the ways to get to the Big Bend National Park as well. Furthermore, the Midland Air Park and Odessa Schlemeyer airport houses and operates smaller jets as well. 

The Midland Odessa Transportation Alliance is proof that both cities are in good terms when it comes to trade. The “La Entrada al Pacifico” which is a centerpiece project, is one such example. This project is an official corridor for trade that connects Topolobampo, which is a Mexican Port City having major markets in both North East and the Eastern United States along with a port facility inland, which is to be located in Midland-Odessa. 

Living in Midland-Odessa Metropolitan Area

Since the Midland-Odessa Metropolitan area is expanding quickly, living here can be a bit expensive. Furthermore, the area offers several amenities such as schools and an airport as well. The crime rate in Andrews particularly stands quite low, which could be a great option if you want to settle with your family. You will find the area to be full of oil workers as people normally relocate due to easily available opportunities. The area also hosts a number of events throughout the year. In addition to the beautiful parks and locations for bowling and watching movies. Even though the area does not offer that much as compared to the big cities, but it is sufficient and safe enough according to its size.

Final Word

The Midland-Odessa Metropolitan area, as you can see, is slowly and gradually moving in the right direction. Considering the relocation of global brands, the introduction of major projects, and the interest of the area in other industries, will invite a lot of opportunities. Not only that, but the standards of living will also improve as well, which will bring more attention and development towards the area.

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