Welcome to Kermit, Texas—a small but mighty West Texas town where wide-open skies, community spirit, and oil-fueled opportunity collide. If you’re considering a move to Kermit, you’re likely looking for a peaceful lifestyle with access to stable jobs, friendly neighbors, and room to grow.
This comprehensive Kermit Texas Relocation Guide is your roadmap to understanding what life is really like in this Permian Basin gem. From cost of living and schools to housing, healthcare, and recreation—we cover it all.
Kermit is the county seat of Winkler County, situated in far West Texas, approximately:
45 miles west of Odessa
65 miles west of Midland
370 miles from Dallas
290 miles from El Paso
Strategically located in the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil regions in the world, Kermit thrives on energy and opportunity.
Moving to Kermit isn’t just about relocating—it’s about embracing a simpler, more grounded lifestyle. While small in size, Kermit offers many big advantages:
Low cost of living
Abundant job opportunities in oil & gas
Tight-knit community with strong values
No state income tax
Wide-open spaces and West Texas sunsets
It’s a place where people know your name, where the local football team brings the town together, and where hard work is respected.
One of the biggest perks of moving to Kermit is its affordable lifestyle.
Median home price: ~$120,000
Average rent (2BR apartment): ~$800–$1,000/month
Utilities: Lower than the national average
Gas prices: Usually lower than urban centers due to proximity to oil infrastructure
Whether you’re buying or renting, you’ll get far more space for your money in Kermit compared to bigger Texas cities.
If you’re tired of inflated real estate markets, you’ll find relief in Kermit’s affordable housing. Most homes are single-family properties, though mobile homes and modest apartments are also available.
East Avenue
South Poplar Street
Austin Street
Winkler Heights
Homes often sit on large lots with plenty of room to garden, build, or store recreational vehicles. If you’re looking for privacy, space, and a slower pace, Kermit delivers.
The driving force behind Kermit’s economy is the oil and gas industry, thanks to its location in the Permian Basin—the most productive oil region in the U.S.
Energy & oilfield services
Trucking and transportation
Construction & skilled trades
Education and government (via Winkler County)
Retail and local services
Many workers in Kermit enjoy high wages due to oilfield demand, and some even commute to nearby Midland-Odessa while enjoying the lower cost of living in Kermit.
Education in Kermit is administered by the Kermit Independent School District (KISD), serving grades Pre-K through 12.
Kermit Elementary School
Kermit Junior High School
Kermit High School – Home of the Yellow Jackets
The schools offer solid academic programs, athletics, and career readiness initiatives, especially for students interested in oilfield-related trades or technical careers.
For higher education, nearby Odessa College and University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) in Odessa/Midland offer further options.
Healthcare access in Kermit is centered around Winkler County Memorial Hospital, a full-service community hospital offering:
Emergency care
Lab testing
Imaging services
Family medicine
While Kermit doesn’t have large medical centers, residents are within an hour of top facilities in Midland and Odessa, including:
Medical Center Hospital (Odessa)
Midland Memorial Hospital
Texas Tech Physicians of the Permian Basin
For regular checkups and non-emergency care, local clinics and family practices serve the community well.
Kermit is a car-dependent community, like most rural Texas towns.
No public transit system
Short commutes (5–15 minutes) within town
Wider roads with minimal traffic
State Highway 302 and FM 1157 connect Kermit to the region
Midland International Air & Space Port is 1 hour away for air travel
You’ll want a reliable vehicle, especially if you plan to commute or travel frequently to nearby cities.
While Kermit may not be a tourist hotspot, it has its own West Texas charm and community-focused entertainment.
Winkler County Park: Picnic areas, sports courts, and walking trails
Kermit Swimming Pool: Open in the summer, family-friendly
Yellow Jacket Stadium: Home games and local pride
Golf at the Kermit Country Club: 9-hole course for relaxed play
Many locals enjoy hunting, fishing, ATV riding, and weekend barbecues—a reflection of the town’s love for the outdoors and self-reliance.
Even small towns throw big events! Kermit celebrates its roots with various local festivals and activities throughout the year:
Kermit Fall Festival
Homecoming Parade & Football Week
West Texas BBQ Cook-Offs
4th of July Celebrations
Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
It’s not about flashy entertainment—it’s about community spirit, family fun, and local pride.
Kermit has a mix of local eateries, fast food chains, and grocery staples. While limited compared to urban areas, essentials are easy to find.
El Rancho Restaurant: Authentic Mexican food
Bubba’s BBQ & Steakhouse
Subway, Sonic, and Pizza Hut – National chains for quick eats
Lowe’s Market: Local grocery store with fresh produce and basics
Need more variety? Midland and Odessa are just a short drive away with shopping malls, big-box stores, and restaurants.
Faith plays a central role in Kermit’s social life. The town has a variety of churches, including:
First Baptist Church of Kermit
Church of Christ
Kermit Assembly of God
Catholic and Methodist congregations
There are also community organizations for youth and adults:
4-H Clubs
FFA (Future Farmers of America)
Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts
Rotary and Lions Clubs
These groups help build strong bonds and give residents a way to connect, serve, and lead.
Be prepared for hot summers, mild winters, and lots of sunshine.
Summer highs: 95°F–105°F
Winter lows: 30°F–40°F
Low humidity
Very little rainfall
Dust storms and high winds are not uncommon
If you enjoy dry heat, clear skies, and stunning sunsets, you’ll fall in love with Kermit’s climate.
Affordable housing and cost of living
Strong job market in oil & energy
Friendly, small-town atmosphere
Safe, low-crime environment
Minimal traffic and noise
Limited dining and entertainment
Hot, dry climate
Fewer healthcare and education resources than cities
Dependence on personal vehicle
That said, many families find the peace, affordability, and simplicity of Kermit to be well worth it.
If you’re:
Looking to escape big city chaos
Wanting a tight-knit, safe community
Working in or near the oil & gas industry
Planning to raise a family in a grounded environment
Ready to own a home and plant roots
…then Kermit, Texas might be your perfect fit.
It’s not for everyone—but for the right person or family, Kermit offers stability, opportunity, and authentic West Texas living.
Kermit, TX is a town with heart, heritage, and hope. While it may fly under the radar compared to flashier Texas cities, its affordability, strong work ethic, and genuine community values make it an incredible place to call home.
Whether you’re starting a career in the energy sector, looking for a family-friendly community, or simply seeking a slower pace of life, Kermit welcomes you with open arms and open land.
Ready to relocate? There’s room to grow in Kermit—physically, financially, and personally.