Overview
Los Ybanez is a small incorporated municipality located in the U.S. state of Texas. Situated in Dawson County, it is one of the smallest cities by population in the state. The community is officially recorded in federal statistics and is sometimes cited in discussions about rural governance and demographic change.
Characteristics
As an incorporated city, Los Ybanez maintains a municipal identity despite its tiny population. It has the legal status and boundaries of a city, which allows for a local government structure and the authority to make ordinances, provide services, or levy taxes within its limits. Physical infrastructure is limited compared with larger towns; residences and any local businesses are dispersed in a rural setting.
History and name
The name Los Ybanez reflects Spanish-language influence common across much of West Texas. Local accounts connect the name to the Ybanez surname, indicating ties to families or landowners in the region. Like many small communities in this part of Texas, its development reflects agricultural and oil-era patterns that shaped settlement in the 20th century.
Demographics and government
Population figures for Los Ybanez are derived from the federal decennial census; the community had 19 residents recorded in the 2010 census. Such low population totals make municipal administration informal in scale but still subject to state law governing cities. Local officials typically handle basic administrative tasks and coordinate any necessary services with county authorities.
Geography and location
Located within Dawson County in the broader region of West Texas, Los Ybanez lies amid agricultural plains and areas influenced by energy production. Its rural setting means limited public transportation and a reliance on county roads for access to nearby towns and services. Proximity to larger county centers determines where residents obtain education, healthcare, and retail needs.
Notable facts and significance
Los Ybanez is often mentioned as an example of very small incorporated cities in the United States. Its recorded population makes it noteworthy in state-level listings and demographic studies. For readers seeking official information or basic municipal facts, state and county web pages and census records provide authoritative sources; see the Texas state directory and Dawson County resources via links such as state references and county pages at Dawson County portals. For broader context about how tiny municipalities operate, municipal law guides and rural governance studies offer useful perspectives (local overview).
- Official status: incorporated city
- County: Dawson County
- 2010 population: 19 (2010 census)