TV channels & antenna towers in Rankin, Texas
Rankin has 17 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, Fox, CW, ION, Univision and MeTV. About 2 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K29NW-D, 52 miles to the NNW.
Network channels in Rankin
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IONKTLE-LDION | 7.7 | 52 mi | 333° NNW | Poor | Odessa, TX |
| UNIKUPBUnivision | 18 | 55 mi | 321° NW | Fair | Midland, TX |
| CWKOSA-TVCW | 7.2 | 58 mi | 320° NW | Weak | Odessa, TX |
| MeTVKWWTMeTV | 30.2 | 61 mi | 340° NNW | Poor | Odessa, TX |
| FOXKPEJ-TVFox | 24 | 64 mi | 341° NNW | Fair | Odessa, TX |
| ABCKMIDABC | 2 | 64 mi | 341° NNW | Weak | Midland, TX |
Over-the-air TV in Rankin
Rankin, Texas has a population of about 844. Our map shows 17 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 7 full-power and 10 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 2 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
0 of them are within 25 miles of Rankin, 0 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 17 are more than 45 miles out. Four of the 6 network stations in range are licensed to Odessa, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Odessa's stations.
The best-placed network stations are ABC on channel 2 (KMID), Fox on channel 24 (KPEJ-TV), CW on channel 7.2 (KOSA-TV), ION on channel 7.7 (KTLE-LD), Univision on channel 18 (KUPB) and MeTV on channel 30.2 (KWWT). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KLST in San Angelo, TX, 112 miles to the east. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KWES-TV in Odessa, TX, 77 miles to the northwest. Spanish-language viewers can pick up Univision (fair signal). 2 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Rankin
Point your antenna NNW, at about 341°. The main network towers for Rankin sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Two network stations, KPEJ-TV and KMID, transmit from the same tower site about 64 miles north of Rankin (341° NNW). That one direction covers every station on the site.
KMID (ABC) and KPEJ-TV (Fox) lie beyond the radio horizon of their transmitter as seen from Rankin. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Rankin
The farthest main network tower for Rankin is KPEJ-TV (Fox), 64 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Rankin
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K29NW-DLow power | 52 mi | 347° NNW | Poor | Midland, TX |
| K21GU-DLow power | 52 mi | 347° NNW | Poor | Midland, TX |
| KMDF-LDLow power | 52 mi | 333° NNW | Poor | Midland, TX |
| K25QA-DLow power | 53 mi | 325° NW | Poor | Odessa, TX |
| K17MP-DLow power | 55 mi | 358° N | Poor | Midland, TX |
| KMLM-DTFull power | 61 mi | 340° NNW | Poor | Odessa, TX |
| KPBT-TVFull power | 63 mi | 341° NNW | Weak | Odessa, TX |
| KEOO-LDLow power | 63 mi | 341° NNW | Poor | Midland, TX |
| K34MX-DLow power | 63 mi | 341° NNW | Poor | Odessa, TX |
| K06QA-DLow power | 63 mi | 341° NNW | Poor | Odessa, TX |
| K12XO-DLow power | 63 mi | 341° NNW | Poor | Midland/Odessa, TX |
How Rankin compares with the rest of Texas
With 2 stations at fair strength or better, Rankin ranks 930th of 1,039 places in Texas: fewer than the typical Texas town (14). Its nearest major network tower is 52 miles away, against a state median of 26 miles.
32% of Texas's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Rankin: step by step
- Mount an outdoor antenna on the roof or a mast, as high as you can safely get it, with a clear view toward the towers.
- Point it toward 341° NNW, the direction of KPEJ-TV (Fox), 64 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
- Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
- Expect around 2 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
- Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is ABC in Rankin, TX?
ABC is on channel 2 from KMID, broadcasting from 64 miles NNW of Rankin. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is Fox in Rankin, TX?
Fox is on channel 24 from KPEJ-TV, broadcasting from 64 miles NNW of Rankin. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CW in Rankin, TX?
CW is on channel 7.2 from KOSA-TV, broadcasting from 58 miles NW of Rankin. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is Univision in Rankin, TX?
Univision is on channel 18 from KUPB, broadcasting from 55 miles NW of Rankin. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Rankin?
17 transmitters within 70 miles of Rankin; around 2 of them are likely to be receivable with outdoor directional antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.
Which direction should I point my TV antenna in Rankin?
Point your antenna NNW, at about 341°. The main network towers for Rankin sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Rankin?
Outdoor directional antenna (45–70 miles). Some major towers are a long way off. Mount a directional antenna on the roof or a mast and aim it with the bearings below.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Rankin?
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Rankin?
Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.
TV channels in nearby Texas cities
More: all TV stations in Texas · South region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Rankin; signal estimates ignore terrain.