# Azle, Texas

Azle (/ˈeɪzəl/ AY-zəl) is a city west of Fort Worth in Parker and Tarrant Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 13,369.
Azle is the home of the Azle Marching Green Pride marching band and the Fighting Azle Hornets.

## History

The first recorded settlement at the site occurred in 1846, when James Azle Steward, a young doctor, moved into a log cabin built by a Dutchman named Rumsfeldt. Other settlers came and established themselves near the local streams, Ash Creek, Silver Creek, and Walnut Creek. Steward helped establish the first cemetery, Ash Creek. The oldest graves there are those of Dave Morrison (1849–1874) and W. P. Gregg (1833–1874). The first post office opened in 1881, and the town took the name of O'Bar, in honor of the man who obtained the postal service. A short time later in 1883, the name was changed to Azle at the request of Steward, who donated the land for a townsite. The community's economy was based on agriculture. Several crops were grown, including wheat, corn, peanuts, sorghum, and cotton. Watermelons, cantaloupes, peaches, plums, and pears were also produced. Dairy farming became important in the early decades of the 20th century, when local milk products were sold to creameries in Fort Worth. Azle's population grew steadily, and by 1920, the census recorded 150 residents. By 1933, State Highway 34 (later State Highway 199) had reached Azle from Fort Worth, greatly improving transportation between the town and the city. Also, Eagle Mountain Lake was formed by a dam on the Trinity River, east of Azle.
In the late 1930s, electricity was supplied to Azle and the surrounding countryside. The population grew between 1940 and 1960 from 800 to 2,696. It was 5,822 by 1980. After the 1930s, agriculture gradually declined; fields were converted from wheat and corn production to housing developments. Manufacturing increased, and in 1984, Azle had 26 businesses. In 1985, the population was estimated at more than 7,000. In 1990, the population was 8,868. It grew to 9,600 by 2000.

## Geography

Azle is on State Highway 199, 17 miles (27 km) northwest of downtown Fort Worth, in the northwest corner of Tarrant County; the town extends partly into Parker County.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.8 square miles (22.9 km$^2$), of which 8.8 square miles (22.8 km$^2$) is land and 0.015 square miles (0.04 km$^2$), or 0.20%, is covered by water.

## Demographics

Azle racial composition as of 2020 (NH = Non-Hispanic) :
| Race | Number | Percentage |
| White (NH) | 10,660 | 79.74% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 214 | 1.6% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 71 | 0.53% |
| Asian (NH) | 111 | 0.83% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 6 | 0.04% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 18 | 0.13% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 660 | 4.94% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,629 | 12.18% |
| Total | 13,369 | |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 13,369 people, 4,705 households, and 3,499 families residing in the city.

## Economy
### Top employers

According to Azle's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:
| # | Employer | # of Employees |
| 1 | Azle ISD | 992 |
| 2 | Walmart | 426 |
| 3 | Texas Health/Harris Methodist Hospital | 240 |
| 4 | Tri-County Electric Coop | 142 |
| 5 | City of Azle | 139 |
| 6 | Azle Manor Nursing Home | 125 |
| 7 | Integrated Machine Solutions | 117 |
| 8 | Rockwell American (Quality Trailer) | 105 |
| 9 | Albertson's Grocery | 100 |
| 10 | Brookshire's Grocery | 90 |

## Education

The City of Azle is served by the Azle Independent School District. The Azle High School Math/Science and Journalism teams combined won the 2005 UIL State Academic Meet championship with a total of 110 points. In 2003, 2007, and 2009, the Marching Green Pride band of Azle directed by Dr. Ross Grant advanced to the State Marching competition in San Antonio. In November 2011, the Marching Green Pride, under the direction of Shawn Murphy, placed 18th out of 244 4A marching bands in the state of Texas. In 2013, the Marching Green Pride placed 13th out of the same category.

## Notable people

* John Atwell, NASCAR driver
* James Casey professional football coach
* Andrew Greer, musician
* Stephanie Klick, member of the Texas House of Representatives from District 91
* Robert Landers, Senior PGA golfer
* Ken Maddox, California politician, Azle High School alumnus
* Les Peden, American baseball player
* James Reasoner, author of over 150 Westerns
* Jon Shirley, president of Microsoft Corporation
* Chas Skelly, UFC Fighter
* Red Steagall, American actor, musician, poet, and stage performer
* Shelbi Vaughan, Olympic discus thrower
* John T. Walker, USMC Lieutenant General