The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is located at the southernmost tip of Texas, situated on the northern bank of the Rio Grande River which serves as a natural divide between Mexico and the United States. This region of South Texas was a rural, agriculture-based economy characterized by sporadic growth. The RGV, also referred to as “The Valley” by locals, has transformed into a major international trade area with developing first-rate commercial, retail, office, industrial, medical, retirement and educational facilities driven by population growth, a blossoming healthcare industry, and robust trade commerce with Mexico.
The RGV is comprised of Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy and Starr Counties. This region of South Texas has an estimated population greater than 1.3 million in the 2020 Census including Hidalgo County as the 5th largest metropolitan statistical area in Texas. Bordering with the State of Tamaulipas, Mexico, the combined binational population of the region is approximately 2.8 million and is expected to exceed 7 million by 2040.
Tourism is prevalent in The Valley. The warm and fair climates provide an inviting alternative to winter chills that affect other parts of the state and country. The seasonal influx of tourists from both sides of the US-Mexico border is a unique factor that drives economic growth as indicated by the continued growth in sales tax revenue.
The region is served by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, University of Texas School of Medicine, Texas A&M University and South Texas College among other local community and trade colleges. The expansion of colleges and universities in the RGV has enhanced the local economic development of the region by serving the local population and supporting continued growth in various market sectors.
