Plainview is located north of Lubbock toward Amarillo on Runningwater Draw at the intersection of I-27, US 87 and US 70, Hwy 194, and numerous local roads, in Hale County, and is the county seat.
In the 1980s Plainview had 395 businesses, mostly related to an agricultural economy. Annual events include the Panhandle Parade of Breeds, Pioneer Round-Up Day in May, a June rodeo, and the High Plains Cotton Festival in October.
Population was reported at 21,700 in 1990.