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Eastland is a city in Central Texas and the county seat of Eastland County, located about 90 miles west of Fort Worth along the Interstate 20 corridor between Fort Worth and Abilene. Its population is roughly 3,800, while the county it anchors has about 18,000 residents. Eastland County takes its name from William Mosby Eastland, a Texas Revolution figure, and the city serves as the civic, commercial, and judicial center of the surrounding rural, agricultural region. Eastland's best-known claim to fame is a piece of Texas folklore: Old Rip, a horned toad placed in the cornerstone of the county courthouse in 1897 as a test of the creature's legendary ability to hibernate. When the courthouse was rebuilt in 1928, the toad was reportedly found alive, becoming a statewide sensation. Old Rip died less than a year later, but his preserved body remains on display in the Eastland County Courthouse, drawing visitors and cementing the town's place in Texas legend. The city also holds a notable role in the state's judiciary: the Texas Eleventh Court of Appeals is located in the Eastland County Courthouse, an uncommon distinction for a town of its size. This, combined with the county seat's government offices and courts, gives Eastland an outsized civic presence and a steady stream of visitors tied to the legal system. The local economy is rooted in agriculture, retail, and services, supporting the farms and ranches of the surrounding county. For those seeking a classic Texas small-town life, Eastland offers a courthouse-centered community, an agricultural economy, and a convenient position on Interstate 20. Its appeal lies in tradition, affordability, and the distinctive folklore that makes it one of Central Texas's memorable county seats.

Population 3,831

County Eastland County

Active Listings 99

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Eastland, Texas?

Eastland is the county seat of Eastland County in Central Texas, about 90 miles west of Fort Worth. It sits along the Interstate 20 corridor, which connects Fort Worth and Abilene through the region.

What is Eastland famous for?

Eastland is famous for Old Rip, a horned toad placed in the courthouse cornerstone in 1897 and found alive when the courthouse was rebuilt in 1928. The preserved toad remains on display in the Eastland County Courthouse.

What is the population of Eastland?

Eastland's population is roughly 3,800, while Eastland County as a whole has about 18,000 residents. The city serves as the civic and commercial center for the surrounding rural, agricultural county in Central Texas.

What court is located in Eastland?

The Texas Eleventh Court of Appeals is located in the Eastland County Courthouse, giving the small city a notable role in the state's judicial system alongside its famous Old Rip display.

City Guide

About Eastland

Real Estate & Housing

Eastland's housing reflects its small-town, county-seat character, with a stock of modest single-family homes on established lots in and around the city center, plus larger parcels and agricultural properties in the surrounding county. Development is low-density, and the market favors affordability and space. Many homes are older, tree-shaded residences near the courthouse and downtown, while newer construction and acreage are found on the edges. Buyers are typically drawn by the small-town atmosphere, the Interstate 20 location, and the lower cost of living.

Neighborhoods

Lifestyle in Eastland

Eastland offers the classic lifestyle of a small Central Texas county seat, where civic life revolves around the courthouse square, local schools, churches, and the agricultural economy of the surrounding county. The city's most famous resident is a legend: Old Rip, the horned toad whose story draws visitors to the courthouse and gives Eastland a distinctive place in Texas folklore. Daily life is unhurried and community-centered, with residents valuing safety, neighborliness, and the town's role as the civic and commercial hub of a rural, working county.

Schools & Education

Eastland is served by the Eastland Independent School District, which educates students from the city and the surrounding rural area. The district is a central part of community life in this small county seat, hosting the events and activities that bring the town together. The city's compact scale keeps students close to home, and the schools share in the community's strong local identity and its long history as the educational and civic center of Eastland County.

Getting Around

Eastland sits directly on Interstate 20, the major east-west route connecting Fort Worth and Abilene, placing the city about 90 miles west of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. This freeway access is Eastland's defining transportation asset, supporting commerce, travel, and commuting across Central Texas. Daily life is car-dependent, with I-20 and the region's state highways carrying most travel through this rural county seat.

Parks & Recreation

Eastland's signature attraction is Old Rip, the legendary horned toad preserved and displayed in the Eastland County Courthouse, drawing visitors interested in one of Texas's most famous folk stories. The surrounding Eastland County countryside offers hunting, fishing, and open space, while the city's parks and school facilities provide everyday recreation. Its position on Interstate 20 also places regional attractions in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and West Texas within a straightforward drive.

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