With an estimated population of 142,418 as of 2021 according to the Wikipedia page for McAllen, McAllen is the largest city in Hidalgo County, Texas. It is part of the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission and Reynosa–McAllen metropolitan areas. The city is located at the southern tip of Texas in the Rio Grande Valley, less than 7 miles from the Mexico–United States border.
History
McAllen was settled in 1904 by John McAllen and his son James Ballí McAllen. They named the town after their family name. McAllen was incorporated as a city in 1911. Agriculture, specifically citrus fruit, was a major part of McAllen’s early economy. Over time the city became a regional center for agriculture processing and shipping.
In the latter part of the 20th century, international trade with Mexico and health care also became significant parts of McAllen’s economy. The McAllen Foreign Trade Zone was established in 1973 to facilitate international trade. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, an increase in border security cut down on illegal immigration but did not negatively affect international commerce.
Demographics
According to 2021 census estimates, McAllen had a population of 142,418, making it the 21st most populous city in Texas. The city has seen rapid growth in recent decades. In 1970, McAllen had a population of 37,636. By 1980 that had grown to 66,281. And in 1990, McAllen reached 83,225 residents.
McAllen has been one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country. Between 2000 and 2010, the population grew over 25%. Nearly 85% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race. Almost 25% of the population was foreign-born as of the 2016 Census estimates.
At 2,757 people per square mile, McAllen has a higher population density than most cities in Texas. The median age is 29.8 years old. The median household income is $41,689 which is well below the United States average. The poverty rate is high at 26.5% compared to 12.3% nationally.
Economy and Major Employers
International trade and health care are the dominant sectors of McAllen’s economy today. Due to its proximity to Mexico, McAllen is a center of trade and shipping. The McAllen Foreign Trade Zone allows duty-free importing and exporting of goods. McAllen has the busiest land border crossing between the U.S. and Mexico.
Health care is also a major employer in the area. South Texas Health System, Rio Grande Regional Hospital, and Edinburg Regional Medical Center provide thousands of jobs. Tourists from both the U.S. and Mexico come to McAllen to get more affordable health and dental care.
According to the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, other major employers in McAllen include:
- H-E-B Grocery Company
- McAllen Independent School District
- City of McAllen
- South Texas College
- La Joya Independent School District
- IDEA Public Schools
- Walmart
- Rio Grande Regional Hospital
- Mission Regional Medical Center
- Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP
Jobs in education, health care, retail, and government make up a large portion of employment in McAllen.
Tourism & Landmarks
Main tourist attractions in McAllen include the Palm Haven RV Park & Golf Resort, Frontera Audubon, Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, and the Gladys Porter Zoo. Outdoor recreation at places like Santa Ana & Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Parks is also popular.
One of the most iconic landmarks is the Tallest US Flagpole in McAllen which flies a 240 foot tall American flag that is visible from miles around. Other notable landmarks include the McAllen Convention Center, McAllen Veterans War Memorial, and La Plaza Mall.
Sports
Sports fans in McAllen can cheer for the professional baseball team the McAllen Thunder that plays as part of the American Association of Professional Baseball league. The Thunder play at the Edinburg Stadium. For fans of soccer, the Rio Valley Barracudas FC is McAllen’s own United Soccer Leagues team.
High school football is massively popular in Texas and McAllen is no exception. The McAllen High School Bulldogs, Rowe High School Warriors, and Memorial High School Mustangs have spirited local rivalries.
Culture
McAllen has a diverse culture with Mexican, Hispanic, and Texan influences. Cuisine, music, art, and celebrations reflect this blend of cultures. Tex-Mex food, Tejano music, Mexican folk dancing, rodeos, and Country-Western bars can all be found in McAllen.
There are numerous festivals and community events in McAllen throughout the year such as the Texas International Folk Festival, the Viva McAllen Festival, and the 4th of July Hot Air Balloon Festival.
Transportation
McAllen is served by several major highways including Interstate 2, U.S. Highway 83, and U.S. Highway 281. The McAllen-Miller International Airport offers nonstop flights to destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Public transportation is provided by Valley Metro which operates a bus network with routes throughout McAllen and surrounding cities. For travel to Mexico, drivers can use the Anzalduas International Bridge and Reynosa–McAllen International Bridge which connect to the Mexican city of Reynosa.
Education
Public primary and secondary schools in McAllen are operated by the McAllen Independent School District. There are also numerous private and charter schools. Higher education options include South Texas College, the Texas A&M Health Science Center, and Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen.
Conclusion
With its rapid growth, youthful vibe, diverse culture, and vital transportation links, McAllen has emerged as a hub of economic and cultural activity in the Rio Grande Valley. The city boasts a strong international business community, excellent health care, and vibrant entertainment options. McAllen’s blend of Texan and Mexican influences makes it a unique destination in the Lone Star State.