Cities and Towns in Kenedy County, Texas

Founded in 1921, Kenedy County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Kenedy County was formed from Hidalgo County and Willacy County (Due to a reorganization of Willacy County). The city of Sarita is the county seat. With FIPS code of 261, Kenedy County has a population of 340 and area of 1,457 square miles (3,774 km²).

List of all cities in Kenedy County, TX alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Armstrong, TX	78338	361
Norias, TX	78338	361
Rudolph, TX	78338	361
Sarita, TX	78385	361

Major Cities and Towns in Kenedy County, Texas

1. Sarita

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 0.5 square miles
• Population: Approximately 200
• Zip Codes: 78385
• Latitude: 26.1886° N
• Longitude: 97.7040° W

Location and History:

Sarita is the county seat of Kenedy County, located in the South Texas Coastal Plains. Situated along U.S. Highway 77, approximately 40 miles north of the Mexican border and about 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, Sarita serves as a key town in one of the state’s least populated counties. The town was founded in the late 19th century as a small settlement primarily serving local ranchers and farmers. It was named after Sarita King, the daughter of a prominent local rancher. Sarita’s early history was closely tied to the region’s cattle ranching, which was the dominant industry at the time. In the early 20th century, the construction of the railway helped to connect Sarita to other major Texas cities, facilitating the transport of goods, particularly cattle. Despite its small size, Sarita became the administrative and commercial center of Kenedy County, and it was officially designated the county seat in 1921. The town remains rural and quiet, with much of its population working in agriculture or the oil industry. While its economy has diversified slightly, the town retains its rural character and remains an important hub for local ranching and farming activities.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Sarita is served by the Kenedy Independent School District, with the main educational facilities being the Sarita Elementary School and the Kenedy High School, located nearby in the city of Kenedy. Although small, the district offers a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. Sarita itself does not have many commercial or cultural landmarks, but it is located near some of the most notable natural features of the region. The nearby Kenedy Ranch Museum, located just outside of town, offers insights into the area’s history, particularly its ranching heritage and the role it played in the development of South Texas. The vast ranchlands surrounding Sarita are significant both historically and economically. The town is close to the Bahia Grande Wetlands and other protected nature areas, which offer wildlife viewing and birdwatching opportunities, particularly for those interested in the rich diversity of flora and fauna in South Texas. Sarita, with its small, close-knit community, remains an important part of the agricultural and environmental landscape of Kenedy County, embodying the rural charm of this part of Texas.

2. Kennedy (Unincorporated Community)

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 1.0 square mile (unincorporated)
• Population: Approximately 50
• Zip Codes: 78385
• Latitude: 26.1500° N
• Longitude: 97.6500° W

Location and History:

Kennedy is a small, unincorporated community located in Kenedy County, situated just north of Sarita, along the southern Texas Gulf Coast. The community was likely named after a prominent local family or the Kennedy Ranch, which played a significant role in the area’s history. Like many towns in South Texas, Kennedy’s early development was centered around ranching and farming, particularly the cattle industry. However, over the years, Kennedy has remained a very small community with few services or infrastructure. As an unincorporated area, Kennedy does not have a formal government structure, and most residents rely on Sarita and other nearby towns for government services and education. Despite its small size, Kennedy remains an important part of the ranching culture in Kenedy County. The community’s rural location in the heart of the South Texas Plains offers a glimpse into the agricultural roots of the region, where large cattle ranches dominate the landscape. Kennedy has not seen much growth in recent years and remains sparsely populated, but it continues to maintain the traditions and way of life established by the early settlers of Kenedy County.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

As an unincorporated community, Kennedy does not have its own schools or major civic landmarks. However, children in the Kennedy area attend schools in the nearby towns of Sarita or the Kenedy Independent School District, which serves the broader region. The surrounding land in the area is dominated by large cattle ranches and agricultural operations. While Kennedy itself does not have commercial or cultural attractions, it is located near important ranching landmarks such as the Kenedy Ranch and the Kenedy Ranch Museum in Sarita, which highlight the region’s deep ties to the cattle industry. The local ranches and surrounding land offer opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hunting and wildlife viewing, with plenty of open space and natural landscapes that define the region. The vast, rural plains surrounding Kennedy offer a peaceful, quiet atmosphere, with the area’s history of ranching and agriculture still palpable in the lifestyle of its residents. The nearby Bahia Grande Wetlands and other wildlife areas contribute to the region’s environmental significance and make it an attractive location for nature enthusiasts. Kennedy remains a small, rustic community within the larger, sprawling agricultural heart of Kenedy County.