West Texas’ Fastest-Growing Community

Offering everything residents desire in a warm family-first community

Wolfforth, Texas, has transformed from a small farming community into one of the fastest-growing cities in the region. On the outskirts of Lubbock, it offers residents a perfect blend of small-town charm and access to big-city amenities. “I was born in Lubbock and raised in Wolfforth, and I’ve watched it grow from a small town where Lubbock seemed so far away to what it is now,” says Danielle Sweat, Director of Economic Development. “You can live here, know your neighbors and schoolteachers, and still have everything you need just a step away.”

Infrastructure upgrades to match rapid growth

As Wolfforth continues to expand rapidly, city officials have prioritized infrastructure improvements to accommodate the influx of new residents and businesses. “The growth hit us more quickly than expected, and exceeded some of the preparation that had been made,” explains Randy Criswell, Wolfforth’s City Manager. “Over the past three years, we’ve aggressively expanded our water supply by securing a water supply contract with Lubbock and working with developers to secure water rights.”

A key part of this effort is a $31.5 million capital improvement plan focused on water infrastructure, including a recently launched $5 million project to build a half-million-gallon elevated storage tank. “That gets us from trying to catch up to staying ahead of our growth,” Criswell adds. Additionally, the city has undertaken projects to enhance water distribution and storage capacity, including the construction of new treatment facilities and the upgrading of pipelines to ensure long-term water security.

Sewer infrastructure is another priority, with plans in place to expand wastewater treatment capacity through a partnership with the City of Lubbock. “We will be working with our neighboring city to enhance our treatment capabilities and ensure that we can efficiently handle our future needs,” Criswell says. Road development is also a major focus, with multiple projects aimed at improving connectivity. “We’re working closely with TxDOT and the City of Lubbock to enhance our roadways and ensure smooth transportation for residents and businesses,” he adds. These initiatives include expanding key intersections, adding traffic control measures, and enhancing public access to commercial zones.

Meeting housing demand

With growth comes a demand for housing. “We’ve been permitting around 300 new homes annually for the past three years,” says Tara Tomlinson, Director of Development Services. We have four significant developments underway, featuring a mix of starter homes, rental properties, and high-end housing.

One of Wolfforth’s unique features is the diversity of its housing options. “We have neighborhoods with parks, walking trails, and dog parks, creating a sense of community,” Tomlinson says. “We also offer homes exceeding 4,000 square feet for more established families. There’s something for everyone.”

Developers have been mindful of maintaining the town’s character while meeting the increasing demand. “Many new housing projects are designed with community amenities, like open green spaces and recreational areas,” Sweat says. “We see everything from affordable starter homes to luxury residences, and developers are incorporating family-friendly layouts and modern design elements.”

Rental properties, including duplexes and townhomes, are also on the rise to accommodate young professionals and those transitioning into homeownership. “We recognize that not everyone is ready to buy, so we are ensuring that rental options remain available within our growing community,” Sweat adds. The balance of housing types allows Wolfforth to continue expanding while preserving the close-knit feel that residents value.

Fifteen years ago, Wolfforth had a population of just 3,500. Today, that number has nearly tripled, with an expected 1,000 new residents arriving each year. “People want to live in a small-town environment but still have access to everything a big city offers,” Criswell notes. “It’s almost like magic—this blend of old and new has evolved naturally.”

Entrepreneurship and resilience

Wolfforth has long been a community of entrepreneurs, with small businesses thriving despite economic challenges. “Some of our local boutiques have survived since 2017, through the COVID-19 pandemic, and are still doing well,” Sweat says. We don’t have a traditional chamber of commerce, but businesses support one another through word of mouth. That has been a key part of their success.

As Wolfforth attracts new businesses, the city is prioritizing warehouse and distribution industries. “We have an industrial park called Cityside, featuring companies such as American Tire Distributors and a pool company specializing in distribution,” Sweat explains. “Retail is another major focus—we have developments in the works and expect to break ground soon.”

One area of emphasis is attracting sit-down restaurants. “We have a world-renowned barbecue restaurant, Evie Mae’s Pit BBQ, and we are anxious for more casual dining where people can sit down, order a cocktail, and enjoy a meal with table service,” Sweat says. “We know these businesses will thrive because people here love to dine out. We’ve been working to introduce more diverse dining options, including family-friendly eateries and upscale restaurants, to serve our growing population better.”

Beyond retail and dining, Wolfforth is also focusing on expanding commercial developments that align with its small-town character. “We’re looking to attract businesses that complement our community values—local artisans, specialty retailers, and unique service providers that will enhance the quality of life for our residents,” Sweat adds. “It’s about more than just growth; it’s about ensuring the right kind of growth.”

Helping local businesses succeed

Sweat has taken a hands-on approach to business support. “I work closely with small business owners, sharing resources, providing marketing support, and connecting them with grant opportunities,” she says. The city partners with Purpose Marketing for business promotion and leading EDG for business planning assistance. “I have nearly every business owner’s phone number in my phone, and we’re on a first-name basis.”

Beyond one-on-one support, Wolfforth has implemented various initiatives to foster a thriving business environment. The city actively promotes networking opportunities and small business mentorship programs, ensuring that local entrepreneurs have access to professional guidance and market insights. “We work to connect our businesses with industry experts, funding sources, and marketing strategies that can help them grow sustainably,” Sweat adds.

To further encourage local entrepreneurship, Wolfforth offers business development grants, facade improvement incentives, and small business tax abatements. These programs have enabled businesses to expand operations, revamp storefronts, and invest in modern infrastructure. “We want to create an environment where businesses not only survive but thrive,” Sweat says. It’s about making Wolfforth an attractive destination for both startups and established companies seeking to expand their presence.

Strong schools, strong community

Wolfforth’s school district, Frenship Independent School District (FISD), is one of the primary drivers of growth. “Frenship ISD is the anchor of Wolfforth. We wouldn’t be here without it,” Tomlinson says. “The district is expanding rapidly, with plans to open a second high school in Lubbock to accommodate growing enrollment. It’s a top-rated district, and families relocate here specifically for the schools.”

Beyond academics, the district fosters a tight-knit community. “Kids grow up as Tigers from kindergarten through graduation. It creates a continuity and pride that is rare,” Sweat adds. “You can hear the band marching through neighborhoods on game nights. That’s the kind of community we are.”

Major events and milestones

Wolfforth hosts several major events that bring residents together. “Our Fourth on the Fifth event had about 6,500 attendees in 2023, and in 2024, that number jumped to 11,000,” Sweat says. We also host a Harvest Festival featuring a parade and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Beyond events, the city is known for its safety. “We are ranked the 22nd safest city in Texas,” Criswell says. Our police department is top-notch, and our residents look out for one another. Crime is incredibly low because people know Wolfforth isn’t the place to be a criminal…pretty good chance we’ll catch you.”

A recent milestone for the city was the transition from a volunteer fire department to a full-time fire department with 18 firefighters. “Our fire department had been volunteer-run since 1954, and this was a major step for us,” Tomlinson says.

Expanding without losing identity

Maintaining Wolfforth’s small-town feel while embracing growth is a priority for city officials. “Every city struggles with this balance,” Criswell acknowledges. “But it’s at the core of everything we do. When developers come to us, we emphasize the importance of preserving that neighborhood feel.”

The city’s Economic Development Corporation operates under the vision statement: “Community-focused, future-ready.” This principle guides infrastructure planning, business recruitment, and neighborhood design. “We have ordinances that ensure our neighborhoods are built to be safe, even to the degree of having street design standards that minimize or prevent high-speed driving,” Criswell explains. It’s all part of keeping Wolfforth unique.

Sustaining growth and thoughtful planning

Looking forward, Wolfforth has ambitious goals. “Retail development is my top priority,” Sweat says. People want more shopping and dining options without having to drive into Lubbock.

Infrastructure remains a focus as well. “We want to stay ahead of growth rather than constantly catching up,” Tomlinson says. “That means ensuring our roads, water, and sewer systems are prepared for continued expansion.”

For Criswell, the vision is clear. “We want to remain a coveted place where people want to raise families,” he says. “Our growth has been organic, driven by a strong school district and a close-knit community. We are building for the future while preserving the past. That’s what makes Wolfforth special.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Wolfforth, Texas
What: A small, rapidly growing city located southwest of Lubbock, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, strong educational system, and close-knit community.
Where: Wolfforth is located in Lubbock County, in the northwestern region of Texas, just southwest of the city of Lubbock. In fact, our city limits directly border Lubbock—there’s no space or distance between us.
Website: www.wolfforthtx.us & www.wolfforthedc.com