Odessa, TX Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Odessa, TX: What You Need to Know

Odessa is the seat of Ector County in western Texas. The city and its neighbor, Midland, are known as Petroplex because they are both rich in petroleum.  

Job Opportunities

The oil and gas industry is the backbone of Odessa’s economy. The Permian Basin, which includes western Texas and southeastern New Mexico, is the number one oil and gas producer in the U.S. Outside the energy industry, the city’s top employers include Odessa Regional Medical Center, Saulsbury Companies (construction), Walmart, HEB Grocery Co., and Bobby Cox Companies (retail and restaurants).

Local History

Odessa was developed in 1881 as a railroad construction campsite on the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Early settlers named the town for Odessa, Ukraine, for its wide prairies similar to those found in the former Soviet Union city. Odessa was chartered in 1886. While the arrival of the railroad transformed the city, it was the discovery of oil in 1926-1927 that sparked its rapid growth.

Local Culture

Odessa’s roots as a cow town are reflected in its cowboy culture. The Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo has been entertaining audiences from across America since the 1930s. Held every winter, the event features a rodeo, livestock show, a competitive horse show, and live country music. While Odessa is known for its cowboy culture, high school football made it famous, thanks to the film “Friday Night Lights.”  The 2004 movie, based on the nonfiction book by H.G. Bissinger, is about how Odessa rallied around a high school football team. The film starring Billy Bob Thornton was directed by Peter Berg.

Cost of Living

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly city in the Lone Star State, Odessa (population: 123,334) is a great choice. Its cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 12.4%, 5%, and 35.1% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in Odessa is $1,052. In Texas, you won’t be paying a state income tax. The state collects 6.25% to 8.25% in sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

The oil industry attracts waves of newcomers to Odessa who stay for varying lengths of time. Some residents praise the city’s growth, while others complain about it, but everyone agrees Odessa is a laidback and welcoming city. Families in search of superb public schools might have to commute to suburban communities such as Andrews and McKinney Acres. They are known for their overall safety and friendly people.