Rio Grande City, Texas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rio Grande City is a city in Starr County, Texas, United States. The population was 11,923 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Starr CountyGR6. It is the hometown of former Commander of U.S. Forces in Iraq, General Ricardo Sanchez.
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[edit] History
The city was founded in 1848, and grew as a result of steamboat trade on the Rio Grande (known as the Rio Bravo in Mexico).
Many buildings in the Rio Grande City historic district are notable and have historical value. Perhaps the most notable structure is La Borde House, an early 20th century, two-story brick building that now doubles as a hotel and a restaurant (Che's). Lyndon Baines Johnson's wife, Lady Johnson, stayed at La Borde House once on a visit to see the area's spring wildflowers.
In spite of Rio Grande City's rich architectural heritage, many buildings in the old downtown district are abandoned, dilapidated, or crumbling. While there are a good number of small shops and businesses operating in the district, most new development and commerce takes place in new shopping centers outside of the old downtown neighborhood.
[edit] Geography
Rio Grande City is located at (26.380667, -98.818364)GR1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 19.7 km² (7.6 mi²), all land.
Rio Grande City has seen rapid growth in the past years. In August of 2006, an HEB Plus (the regional supermarket chain of south Texas) was opened just east of the historic downtown and Fort Ringgold.
[edit] Demographics
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 11,923 people, 3,333 households, and 2,796 families residing in the city. The population density was 606.5/km² (1,571.6/mi²). There were 3,846 housing units at an average density of 195.6/km² (506.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 82.97% White, 0.30% African American, 0.44% Native American, 1.11% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 12.51% from other races, and 2.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 95.89% of the population.
There were 3,333 households out of which 47.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.1% were married couples living together, 19.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.1% were non-families. 14.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.47 and the average family size was 3.86.
In the city the population was spread out with 33.1% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 17.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $19,853, and the median income for a family was $21,363. Males had a median income of $20,245 versus $14,984 for females. The per capita income for the city was $9,684. About 40.4% of families and 44.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 57.3% of those under age 18 and 33.7% of those age 65 or over.
It is interesting to note that there are more Pacific Islanders (namely Filipinos) than Caucasians in Rio Grande City, and in Starr County as a whole. One possible explanation for this is that the area's rapidly growing health care industry has fueled a great demand for nurses, many of whom come from the Philippines.
[edit] Education
Rio Grande City is served by the Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District.
[edit] Radio Stations
- KFRQ 94.5FM - Official Site
- KKPS 99.5FM - Official Site
- KNVO 101.1FM - Official Site
- KVLY 107.9FM - Official Site
- 104.1FM - (http://www.wild104.net Official Site)
[edit] Constructions
- Multimedia Associates Tower
[edit] External links
- City of Rio Grande
- Maps and aerial photos
- Street map from Google Maps, or Yahoo! Maps, or Windows Live Local
- Satellite image from Google Maps, Windows Live Local, WikiMapia
- Topographic map from TopoZone
- Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA
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