Friona, Texas

Friona, Texas
Friona at dusk
Motto: 
"The Biggest Small Town in Texas"
Location of Friona, Texas
Coordinates: 34°38′20″N 102°43′18″W / 34.63889°N 102.72167°W / 34.63889; -102.72167
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountyParmer
Government
  TypeCouncil-manager
  City ManagerLeander Davila
Area
  Total
1.40 sq mi (3.63 km2)
  Land1.40 sq mi (3.63 km2)
  Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
4,019 ft (1,225 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total
4,171
  Density2,979.29/sq mi (1,150.31/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
  Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
79035
Area code806
FIPS code48-27660
GNIS feature ID1357767
Websitewww.cityoffriona.com

Friona is a city in Parmer County, Texas, United States. The population was 4,171 at the 2020 census. Friona was established as a small community in 1898 by XIT Ranch, originally called Frio, which is also the word for "cold" in Spanish.

The community served as a shipping point for the Pecos and Northern Texas Railroads. In 1906, the George G. Wright Land CO. chose the community for a colonization project, promising settlers of fertile soil, and a healthful climate. The community then became known as Friona after the opening of a post office in March 16, 1907 and started to construct various buildings, which were a hotel, livery stable and a bank. Soon after, the first church in Friona was constructed, and then in the following year of 1908 a school.

In 2007, the Texas State Legislature declared Friona the "Cheeseburger Capital of Texas". The city began holding the "Cheeseburger Cook-Off and Festival" in 2006.

The city motto is "The Biggest Small Town in Texas".