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Known as the least populated county in the U.S., Loving County has fewer than 100 residents. Its seat, Mentone, is the only community. Established in 1887, its history is tied to ranching and, later, oil. Today, it is almost entirely oilfield territory and ranchland, with limited housing stock. Homes are sparse—mostly modular units, oilfield housing, and ranch houses. The nearest larger cities are Pecos (20 miles south) and Odessa (about 70 miles southeast). Prices for homes are rarely listed, but when available, they typically fall $100,000–$180,000. Land, driven by mineral rights, is expensive: $2,500–$6,000 per acre, often higher with oil activity. Buyers are primarily oil operators, ranchers, or speculators.