Owens is a small unincorporated community in Crosby County, Texas, situated about 28 miles east of Lubbock along Farm to Market Road 40.
History
The community was named for Tom B. Owens, who contributed to its early development. In 1924, he built a four-room brick schoolhouse that became a local landmark and served as the center of community life.
By the mid-1920s, Owens had begun to grow into a rural hub. A general store opened in 1925, and the same year a cotton gin was established. The gin was one of the largest in Crosby County at the time, underscoring the area’s role in local agriculture. In 1948, the gin was destroyed by fire but was later rebuilt.
For decades, Owens supported nearby farms and ranches, with its school, store, and cotton gin providing essential services. By the end of the 20th century, however, declining population and consolidation of resources led the Owens school to be absorbed into the Ralls Independent School District.
Population
Owens has always been a small community. Its estimated population was about 75 from 1980 through the 1990s, but this number dropped to around 40 by 2000.
Severe Weather Event
On May 5, 2015, Owens briefly made news when two F0 tornadoes touched down nearby. The first stayed in open country for about three minutes before dissipating, then merged with another that crossed Texas State Highway 207. Fortunately, no damage was reported.
Key Facts
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Named after: Tom B. Owens, who built a brick school in 1924.
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Community features (historical): Store (1925), cotton gin (1925, rebuilt after 1948 fire).
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School affiliation: Originally local; later absorbed into Ralls ISD.
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Population trends: ~75 (1980s–1990s); ~40 (2000).
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Weather history: Two brief F0 tornadoes in May 2015 with no reported damage.
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