Cities and Towns in Brooks County, Texas

Founded in 1911, Brooks County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Brooks County was formed from Starr County. The city of Falfurrias is the county seat. With FIPS code of 47, Brooks County has a population of 6,994 and area of 943 square miles (2,442 km²).

List of all cities in Brooks County, TX alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Encino, TX	78353	361
Falfurrias, TX	78355	361
Flowella, TX	78355	361
Kelsay, TX	78353	361
Rachal, TX	78353	361

Major Cities and Towns in Brooks County, Texas

Falfurrias

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 2.4 square miles
• Population: 5,000+
• Zip Codes: 78355
• Latitude: 27.2283° N
• Longitude: 98.1511° W

Location and History:

Falfurrias is the county seat of Brooks County, located in South Texas, approximately 70 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. It lies in the Rio Grande Valley, a region known for its agricultural production, particularly ranching and farming. Founded in 1904, Falfurrias was initially established as a cattle shipping center, taking advantage of its location near railroads and access to key trade routes. The town was named after a Spanish term meaning “a little piece of land,” referencing the area’s flat, fertile lands. Falfurrias rose to prominence as an important point in the cattle industry, with the Falfurrias brand becoming one of the most recognized names in beef production during the 20th century. The town’s economy remained closely tied to agriculture, with a strong emphasis on ranching, cotton, and grain. Despite the decline of some industries in the area, Falfurrias continues to thrive as a rural center for commerce, government, and services. It also remains the cultural heart of Brooks County, with its rich history and traditional Texan identity.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Falfurrias is served by the Falfurrias Independent School District, which includes Falfurrias High School and Falfurrias Middle School. The school district is dedicated to providing quality education to students in this rural community, with a focus on extracurricular activities and community involvement. Major landmarks in Falfurrias include the Brooks County Courthouse, an impressive structure that symbolizes the county’s history and governance. The Falfurrias Cemetery is another notable site, as it holds the graves of many early settlers and prominent residents of the town. Visitors to Falfurrias also often explore the Falfurrias Ranch, a working ranch that highlights the region’s agricultural roots. The town is known for its annual Falfurrias Rodeo, which showcases local ranching culture through competitions and performances, attracting many visitors each year. With its historical landmarks, cultural events, and proximity to Texas’s rich agricultural lands, Falfurrias provides a glimpse into the rural heritage of South Texas.

Encino

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 0.2 square miles
• Population: 200+
• Zip Codes: 78353
• Latitude: 27.2589° N
• Longitude: 98.3783° W

Location and History:

Encino is a small, rural community located in central Brooks County, about 40 miles north of Falfurrias and approximately 100 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. Founded in the late 19th century, Encino’s early growth was tied to the development of the South Texas ranching industry. The town’s name comes from the Spanish word for “oak,” reflecting the natural oak trees in the area. Encino developed as a farming and ranching community, with a focus on cattle, cotton, and corn. The community’s strategic location along the San Antonio to Brownsville Highway helped facilitate trade and transport, contributing to its growth in the early 1900s. Over the years, the town’s population has remained small, and it has become a quiet, tight-knit community. Today, Encino remains primarily agricultural, with local ranching and farming operations continuing to drive the local economy. Though small in size, the town maintains its rural charm, with many residents involved in farming and agricultural work, and it serves as an important part of the greater Brooks County agricultural region.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Encino is part of the Falfurrias Independent School District, so its students typically attend schools in Falfurrias, including Falfurrias High School and Falfurrias Middle School. Encino’s population is small, and there are few educational facilities directly within the town itself. The town is known for its peaceful, rural setting and its proximity to ranching and farming operations that define the area. Major landmarks in and around Encino include Encino Creek, a local natural feature that draws visitors looking to experience the serene Texas landscape. The Encino Ranch, a working ranch in the area, is another notable landmark, showcasing the rich history of ranching in the region. The San Antonio to Brownsville Highway, which runs through the area, is also significant historically, having played a key role in transportation and trade during the 19th and 20th centuries. Encino’s landscape, combined with its quiet rural setting, offers visitors a chance to experience the traditional Texas lifestyle and the natural beauty of South Texas.

Premont

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 1.0 square miles
• Population: 2,600+
• Zip Codes: 78375
• Latitude: 27.3810° N
• Longitude: 98.1450° W

Location and History:

Premont is a small town located in the southern part of Brooks County, Texas, about 30 miles north of Falfurrias. The town was established in 1904 as a railroad community and was named after a prominent local figure, Charles Premont, who played a key role in its development. Premont grew quickly with the arrival of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway, which facilitated trade and transport to other parts of South Texas. As with many towns in the region, Premont’s early economy was based on agriculture, including cattle ranching, cotton farming, and grain production. Over time, the town became a center for both agriculture and ranching, with a strong community and an active commercial center. Today, Premont remains a rural community with agriculture continuing to play a vital role in its economy. Despite its small size, Premont has been able to maintain a tight-knit community, and it serves as a hub for the surrounding ranching and farming areas. The town’s history is closely tied to Texas’ broader agricultural legacy, and it remains an important part of the Brooks County rural economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Premont is served by the Premont Independent School District, which includes Premont High School and Premont Middle School. The district is known for providing quality education in a rural setting, with a focus on community and student involvement. Prominent landmarks in Premont include the Premont Railroad Depot, which serves as a reminder of the town’s early history as a railroad stop and a center for commerce. The Brooks County Veterans Memorial is another key landmark, honoring local veterans and their service to the country. Premont also hosts the Premont Rodeo each year, a popular local event that celebrates the town’s ranching and agricultural heritage with rodeo competitions and entertainment. Surrounding Premont are vast expanses of ranch land, making the area ideal for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Visitors to Premont can experience the unique culture and history of the area, which is deeply rooted in Texas’ agricultural past.

Ricardo

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 0.5 square miles
• Population: 500+
• Zip Codes: 78370
• Latitude: 27.2261° N
• Longitude: 98.0603° W

Location and History:

Ricardo is a small community located in the southwestern part of Brooks County, Texas, situated about 15 miles east of Falfurrias. Originally established as a railroad settlement in the early 1900s, Ricardo grew as an agricultural community due to its proximity to the fertile lands of South Texas. The town’s economy has historically centered on ranching, cotton farming, and later, oil production. Ricardo’s population remained small but stable throughout the 20th century, with a steady reliance on agriculture as the backbone of the local economy. Like other rural towns in Texas, Ricardo has seen some population decline as farming practices changed and industries shifted. Despite its small size, Ricardo remains a close-knit community that is closely tied to the surrounding farming and ranching economy. The town is known for its rural charm and its strong sense of local identity. Residents of Ricardo take pride in their agricultural heritage, and the town continues to serve as a rural retreat for those seeking peace and quiet in a traditionally Texan environment.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Ricardo is served by the Falfurrias Independent School District, so students attend schools in Falfurrias, including Falfurrias High School and Falfurrias Middle School. While there are no major educational facilities directly in Ricardo, the small-town nature of the area fosters a close-knit community atmosphere. Landmarks in Ricardo are primarily related to the town’s agricultural roots. The Ricardo Ranch and surrounding ranch lands are important symbols of the area’s history, representing the town’s deep connection to Texas ranching culture. The nearby Santa Gertrudis Creek also serves as a natural landmark, offering scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Though small, Ricardo’s charm lies in its tranquil, rural setting and its role as a vital part of the larger agricultural landscape of Brooks County. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the region, as well as appreciate the quiet, traditional Texan lifestyle that still thrives in this small town.