Appropriately named for the surrounding terrain, the town was surveyed and plotted by cereal king C.W. Post in 1912. The suggested name of Hockley City was denied by the post office because a town in Harris County had the same name.

The city has recently become known as the "City of Mosaics" with several large outdoor, colorful mosaics that may be found on the chamber of commerce building, college buildings, hospital and clinic, as well as the freestanding mosaic in Carver Park. A free overnight RV park is south on U.S. 385; a three-day maximum stay.

Levelland holds the distinction of being among the top 10 oil-producing counties in the state, and one of its largest cotton producing counties. It is situated on the migratory path for several species of birds and the Monarch butterfly.

The city is the home of South Plains College, which is noted for its music/arts department teaching country and bluegrass music.

Several city parks provide recreational activities, including fishing, swimming and picnicking.