South Padre Island, Texas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

South Padre Island is a town in Cameron County, Texas, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had an official population of 2,422, although this probably underestimates its size since many people split their time between vacation properties on South Padre and "permanent" residences elsewhere in the Rio Grande Valley. The town is located on Padre Island, a large barrier island along the Texas Gulf coast. The island is a popular Spring break destination for college students among other tourists.

The second Schlitterbahn water park, Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, opened in South Padre Island in 2001.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Education
4 Radio stations
5 Gallery
6 External links

[edit] Geography

South Padre Island is located at 26°6′43″N, 97°10′11″W (26.111935, -97.169587)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 4.9 km² (1.9 mi²). 4.7 km² (1.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 mi²) of it (4.23%) is water.

South Padre Island is named after Father José Nicolas Ballí (Padre Balli), a Catholic priest and settler.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 2,422 people, 1,211 households, and 662 families residing in the town. The population density was 516.7/km² (1,335.9/mi²). There were 4,685 housing units at an average density of 999.4/km² (2,584.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 94.59% White, 0.70% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.77% from other races, and 1.24% from two or more races. 22.83% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,211 households out of which 15.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% were married couples living together, 4.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.3% were non-families. 35.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.00 and the average family size was 2.54.

In the town the population was spread out with 12.9% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 34.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 113.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $45,417, and the median income for a family was $53,250. Males had a median income of $39,250 versus $30,028 for females. The per capita income for the town was $31,708. About 10.2% of families and 12.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.

Every summer and spring break, the tourist population widely increases, bringing people mostly from inside the state, and also, from the neighbouring country of Mexico, particularly from the states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo León. It is a popular holiday destiny among the population of the city of Monterrey, Nuevo León which has long seen South Padre Island as a close vacationing spot.

[edit] Education

Children living in South Padre Island are zoned to schools in Port Isabel Independent School District. Children go to Garriga Elementary School (Grades K-2), Derry Elementary School, (3-5), Port Isabel Junior High School (6-8), and Port Isabel High School (9-12). All of the schools are in Port Isabel.

In addition, South Padre Island residents may apply to schools in the South Texas Independent School District.