The Odessa–Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) consists of Ector and Midland counties, with a population of 237,068 divided almost equally between the two ( see Table 1 ). The cities of Midland (population 94,996) and Odessa (90,943) are located only nine miles apart, and together they dominate their part of the West Texas economy. The two cities share a common location, have a similar history and respond to the same broad economic forces. Because these two cities are located in the heart of the Permian Basin, oil has been their most important economic force for 80 years, and—like Houston during this same period—Midland and Odessa have repeatedly ridden the boom and bust cycles of the oil and natural gas industry.