Cities and Towns in Willacy County, Texas
Founded in 1911, Willacy County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Willacy County was formed from Cameron County and Hidalgo County. The city of Raymondville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 489, Willacy County has a population of 20,316 and area of 597 square miles (1,546 km²).
List of all cities in Willacy County, TX alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Lasara, TX | 78561 | 956 |
Los Coyotes, TX | 78569 | 956 |
Lyford, TX | 78569 | 956 |
Porfirio, TX | 78580 | 956 |
Port Mansfield, TX | 78598 | 956 |
Prt Mansfield, TX | 78598 | 956 |
Raymondville, TX | 78580 | 956 |
78598 | 956 | |
San Perlita, TX | 78590 | 956 |
Santa Monica, TX | 78580 | 956 |
Sebastian, TX | 78594 | 956 |
Stockholm, TX | 78569 | 956 |
Willamar, TX | 78580 | 956 |
Major Cities and Towns in Willacy County, Texas
1. Raymondville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 1.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 11,500
- Zip Codes: 78580
- Latitude: 26.4664° N
- Longitude: 97.7720° W
Location and History:
Raymondville, the county seat of Willacy County, is located in the southeastern part of Texas, about 40 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico. The city was founded in the late 19th century and named after Raymondville, a local landowner and prominent figure in the area’s early development. The city served as a regional center for agriculture, especially cotton farming, which flourished due to the fertile soil of the Rio Grande Valley. Raymondville’s location along the railroad also helped the town grow as a hub for trade and commerce in the early 1900s. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Mexican-American traditions and the area’s early settler history. Today, Raymondville is a small yet vibrant city that retains much of its historic charm while evolving to meet the needs of a modern community. The city’s economy is supported by agriculture, oil and gas production, and retail businesses, while its close proximity to both the border and the Gulf of Mexico make it a key player in regional trade.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Raymondville is served by the Raymondville Independent School District (ISD), which includes Raymondville High School, Willacy County Alternative School, and several middle and elementary schools. The district is known for its commitment to academic excellence and its active community engagement. Raymondville also features a number of notable landmarks that reflect the city’s history and culture. The Willacy County Historical Museum is a popular destination for those interested in the local history, offering exhibits on the region’s agricultural roots and its development over the years. Another important landmark is the Raymondville City Park, which provides a space for recreation and community events. The city’s proximity to the South Texas border also places it near the popular Padre Island National Seashore, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts to the region. Additionally, Raymondville has a thriving local economy centered around small businesses, providing a blend of tradition and modernity that enhances its community character. The city continues to grow as a regional hub while maintaining a small-town atmosphere that makes it unique.
2. San Perlita
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500
- Zip Codes: 78590
- Latitude: 26.3797° N
- Longitude: 97.8052° W
Location and History:
San Perlita is a small town in the northeastern part of Willacy County, located about 15 miles east of Raymondville. The town was established in the early 1900s and was named after the Perlita family, who were early settlers in the area. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, was a driving force in the community’s early development, though in later years, the town’s economy diversified to include other crops such as citrus and vegetables. San Perlita, like much of Willacy County, benefited from the region’s rich soil and favorable climate. The community has retained a rural charm, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, family, and small-town values. Today, it remains a close-knit community that offers a slower pace of life while being close to the economic and cultural opportunities found in the larger cities of the Rio Grande Valley.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
San Perlita is served by the San Perlita Independent School District, which includes San Perlita High School, San Perlita Junior High, and several elementary schools. The district provides students with a solid education while also offering extracurricular activities like sports and arts programs. As a small town, San Perlita does not have many large-scale landmarks, but the San Perlita Community Center is an important gathering place for local events and celebrations. The town is known for its close-knit, friendly atmosphere, where community members regularly come together for social events, school activities, and church services. The area around San Perlita is also known for its natural beauty, with nearby access to wildlife areas and nature preserves, providing opportunities for birdwatching and outdoor activities. Although small, San Perlita’s quiet charm and sense of community make it a unique part of Willacy County. Visitors to the area will often find themselves immersed in the slower pace of rural life, while still being close to the region’s larger cities and attractions.
3. Lyford
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000
- Zip Codes: 78569
- Latitude: 26.2231° N
- Longitude: 97.7981° W
Location and History:
Lyford is located in the northern part of Willacy County, Texas, approximately 20 miles north of Raymondville. The town was founded in the early 20th century and named after James Lyford, a land developer who played a key role in the area’s settlement. Lyford quickly became a center for agriculture, particularly citrus farming, and its proximity to the railroad facilitated the transportation of goods. The town grew steadily through the years, maintaining its agricultural focus. Over time, Lyford developed into a small but vibrant community that has preserved much of its rural character while also embracing modern amenities. Lyford is known for its tight-knit community and its role as a key agricultural area within the county, producing a range of crops including vegetables, citrus, and cotton. Though it remains a small town, Lyford’s connection to the agricultural economy and its sense of community make it a unique place in Willacy County.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Lyford is served by the Lyford Consolidated Independent School District (ISD), which includes Lyford High School, Lyford Junior High School, and several elementary schools. The district places a strong emphasis on providing a high-quality education for its students while fostering a sense of community involvement. The town is home to the Lyford Veterans Memorial Park, a popular landmark that honors local veterans and serves as a gathering place for events. Another significant landmark is the Lyford Municipal Park, where locals gather for outdoor recreation, family picnics, and community events. Although Lyford is a small town, its agricultural roots continue to define the town’s identity, and it is a central hub for local farm activities. The town’s friendly atmosphere, historic significance, and beautiful natural surroundings make it a beloved part of Willacy County. Additionally, Lyford hosts several local events throughout the year, which draw visitors from surrounding areas, helping to maintain its strong sense of community. Despite its size, Lyford continues to play a vital role in the county’s economy and culture.