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Incorporated in 1888, Midlothian traces its roots back to settlers in the early 1800s. Once a small farm community, Midlothian is now a strong industrial community with an excellent school system and an unprecedented quality of life.
Located in the northwest section of Ellis County, Midlothian is nestled between Interstate 35 and Highway 67. The town is ten miles west of Waxahachie, 26 miles south of Dallas, 27 miles southeast of Fort Worth, 73 miles north of Waco, and 180 miles north of Austin. The location of rail and air service in Midlothian is an excellent advantage for local industries.
Ellis County comprises 939 square miles of the Blackland Prairie. Away from the streams, it is almost treeless except for scattered mesquite, cacti and shrubs. Native vegetation consists mainly of bunch and short grasses, including Indian, buffalo, grama, big and little bluestems, and three-awn. Such native trees as ash, cottonwood, pecan, hackberry, bois d'arc, oak, and elm grow along watercourses. The terrain is level to rolling, with an elevation ranging from 300 to 700 feet above sea level. Temperatures range from an average low of 35 degrees in January to an average high of 96 degrees in July. Rainfall averages slightly less than 36 inches a year, and the growing season extends for 245 days.
In 2007, the population of Ellis County was estimated to have reached 144,500 according to the North Central Texas Council of Governments projections. Midlothian posted the second-highest growth rate in Ellis County in 1997 and continues to grow steadily. City population statistics reflect a population of approximately 13,750 residents inside city limits and another 14,000 within the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
Midlothian's population (including ETJ) grew by more than 56 percent from 2000-2008, from a population of 17,300 in 2000 to 27,750 in 2008. The census figures reflect that Midlothian is a strong family community, which accounts for its growth and dynamic trend.
As Midlothian grows, a high quality of life remains a top priority with the community. Education, health care and recreation facilities continue to be major focuses for community leaders.
Economically, the area continues to experience significant growth. Accessibility to the area continues to improve with the completion of the Highway 287 Bypass, and opening of the thoroughfare between Waxahachie and Mansfield. The 8th Street bridge and street project was completed in February 2007, opening up the route to Main Street from Highway 67.
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