Cities and Towns in Starr County, Texas
Founded in 1848, Starr County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Starr County was formed from Nueces County. The city of Rio Grande City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 427, Starr County has a population of 66,049 and area of 1,223 square miles (3,168 km²).
List of all cities in Starr County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Delmita, TX | 78536 | 956 |
| El Centro, TX | 78536 | 956 |
| El Sauz, TX | 78582 | 956 |
| Escobares, TX | 78582 | 956 |
| Falcon, TX | 78584 | 956 |
| Falcon Heights, TX | 78545 | 956 |
| Falcon Village, TX | 78545 | 956 |
| Fort Ringgold, TX | 78582 | 956 |
| Fronton, TX | 78584 | 956 |
| Garceno, TX | 78582 | 956 |
| Garciasville, TX | 78547 | 956 |
| Grulla, TX | 78548 | 956 |
| La Casita, TX | 78582 | 956 |
| La Gloria, TX | 78591 | 956 |
| La Reforma, TX | 78536 | 956 |
| Los Saenz, TX | 78584 | 956 |
| Rincon, TX | 78582 | 956 |
| Rio Grande, TX | 78582 | 956 |
| Rio Grande City, TX | 78582 | 956 |
| Roma, TX | 78584 | 956 |
| Salineno, TX | 78585 | 956 |
| San Isidro, TX | 78588 | 956 |
| Santa Catarina, TX | 78582 | 956 |
| Santa Cruz, TX | 78582 | 956 |
| Santa Elena, TX | 78591 | 956 |
| Villareales, TX | 78582 | 956 |
Major Cities and Towns in Starr County, Texas
1. Rio Grande City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 6.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 15,000
- Zip Codes: 78582
- Latitude: 26.3793° N
- Longitude: 98.7673° W
Location and History:
Rio Grande City, the county seat of Starr County, Texas, is situated along the banks of the Rio Grande River, which forms the border between the United States and Mexico. Founded in the mid-19th century, Rio Grande City has a rich history rooted in its strategic location on the border, which played a crucial role in trade and transportation between the U.S. and Mexico. The town was established in 1839 as a military post under the name “Fort Ringgold” and was later renamed Rio Grande City. Over the years, it developed into a key trade hub, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the region was an important point for the livestock and cotton industries. The town has a long history of both cultural and economic exchange between the United States and Mexico, which is reflected in the vibrant mix of customs, traditions, and languages that characterize the community today. Rio Grande City is a gateway to the southern Texas border and remains a vital location for commerce and cultural exchange.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Rio Grande City is served by the Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District (ISD), which includes Rio Grande City High School, Veterans Memorial High School, and several elementary and middle schools. The district offers a range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities, with a strong emphasis on bilingual education due to the large Hispanic population. Major landmarks in Rio Grande City include the Historic Downtown, which features beautifully preserved buildings dating back to the late 1800s. The Fort Ringgold historical site is another key landmark, a former military post that has been preserved and offers educational programs about the area’s early history. The Rio Grande Valley Brewing Company offers a glimpse into local culture, producing craft beers with a strong regional influence. The Starr County Memorial Hospital provides medical services to the community, and the La Borde House is a historic home that adds to the town’s rich heritage. Rio Grande City is also known for hosting events like La Joya’s Annual Fiesta, which celebrates Mexican heritage through music, food, and dancing.
2. Roma
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 1.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 10,000
- Zip Codes: 78584
- Latitude: 26.4011° N
- Longitude: 98.1314° W
Location and History:
Roma is a small border town located on the northern banks of the Rio Grande River, directly across from the Mexican town of Ciudad Miguel Alemán. The town’s history is deeply entwined with the culture and commerce of the U.S.-Mexico border. Roma was established as a port of entry in the mid-19th century and served as a key crossing point for goods and people between the two countries. Like much of Starr County, Roma’s economy has historically been tied to agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cotton, as well as trade. The town was officially incorporated in 1911 and grew rapidly during the early 20th century. Roma is known for its distinct blend of Mexican and American influences, which can be seen in the local cuisine, language, and architecture. The town’s historic significance as a border crossing and its unique cultural fusion make Roma a notable part of Starr County’s heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Roma is served by the Roma Independent School District, which includes Roma High School, Roma Middle School, and a number of elementary schools. The district offers a bilingual education program, reflecting the bilingual nature of the community. Key landmarks in Roma include the Roma Historical District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This district features beautifully restored buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into Roma’s past as a major trading hub. The Roma Bluffs, which offer scenic views of the Rio Grande River, are another popular attraction, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts. The Roma International Bridge connects Roma to Ciudad Miguel Alemán, Mexico, serving as an important gateway for trade and travel. El Valle del Rio Grande is a regional landmark offering a taste of the rich cultural heritage of the area. Additionally, La Lomita Mission and the Roma Plaza are notable historic sites that showcase the blend of religious and civic life in the town. The annual Roma Fiesta celebrates the town’s Mexican-American heritage with food, music, and cultural displays.
3. La Grulla
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500
- Zip Codes: 78548
- Latitude: 26.3470° N
- Longitude: 98.7636° W
Location and History:
La Grulla is a small community located in the southern part of Starr County, Texas, near the U.S.-Mexico border. It was originally founded as an agricultural settlement in the early 20th century and remains a quiet, rural area. The town’s name, “La Grulla,” translates to “The Crane,” referring to the sandhill cranes that were once abundant in the region, though they are now a rare sight. Over the years, La Grulla has remained a primarily agricultural town, with farming and ranching serving as its economic backbone. The community has close ties to both the United States and Mexico, with many residents being bilingual and having familial connections across the border. While La Grulla is small, it is known for its strong sense of community and its quiet, relaxed lifestyle that appeals to those looking for a slower pace of life.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
La Grulla is part of the Grulla Independent School District, which operates La Grulla High School, Grulla Middle School, and La Grulla Elementary School. The school district provides educational services to the local community, with a focus on academic achievement and the preservation of cultural traditions. Major landmarks in La Grulla include the La Grulla Cemetery, which serves as a reflection of the area’s long history. The La Grulla Community Park offers local residents a place for recreational activities, including sports, family gatherings, and outdoor events. La Grulla’s proximity to the Rio Grande River provides access to fishing and bird-watching opportunities, especially in the San Juan Wildlife Management Area, which is located nearby and attracts visitors for its rich birdlife and natural beauty. While La Grulla is relatively small, its tight-knit community and access to natural resources make it a peaceful place to live or visit.
