Fritch, Texas

2014 Wildfire

On May 11, 2014 a fast moving wildfire in the area began causing much destruction and loss of homes in the Fritch area which was evacuated by authorities. Media reported 100 structures destroyed with numerous people in local shelters.

Geography

Fritch is located at 35°38′23″N 101°36′3″W (35.639639, -101.600921) in the geographic center of the Texas Panhandle region. It is 30 miles north-northeast of Amarillo and 15 miles west of Borger in an area of where the typically flat High Plains are broken up into canyons and draws by the Canadian River. The city itself sits on a flat piece of land surrounded by undulating terrain due to this phenomenon.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.2 square miles (3.1 km²), all of it land. Lake Meredith lies just outside the city of Fritch and is a main source of water for surrounding communities, though the city actually uses well water drawn from the Ogallala Aquifer for its municipal water supply.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,235 people, 886 households, and 679 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,840.9 people per square mile (713.2/km²). There were 961 housing units at an average density of 791.5 per square mile (306.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.53% White, 0.09% African American, 1.66% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 1.30% from other races, and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.30% of the population.

There were 886 households out of which 34.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.3% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.3% were non-families. 21.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52, and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city, the population was spread out with 26.4% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,098, and the median income for a family was $46,600. Males had a median income of $41,134 versus $21,860 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,745. None of the population were below the poverty line.

The city of Fritch is primarily a bedroom community with the majority of citizens commuting to nearby Borger and Amarillo for work. Major employers in the area include Pantex, ConocoPhillips and Agrium, all located with a short distance of Fritch. Due to its nature as a commuting town, Fritch differs from most small towns in the region which rely more on agriculture as their economic base. Though there are several large ranches adjacent to the town, there is little to no farming due to the uneven topography, and the town has no agriculture-related services to speak of.

Recreation

Fritch is located adjacent to the Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for outdoor activities including boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and seasonal hunting. Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument is also located near the city. The town is also home to the Lake Meredith Historical Museum.

Notable natives

Education

The City of Fritch is served by the Sanford-Fritch Independent School District.