Mission

by The Linguist

Mission, Texas is a city located in Hidalgo County in the southern part of the state along the US-Mexico border. With a population of around 83,000 as of the 2020 census, it is one of the larger cities in the Rio Grande Valley region.

History of Mission

The area where Mission now sits was first settled in 1908 when land developer John Closner established a community named Mission, likely due to its proximity to the Spanish colonial missions of the region. The town was officially incorporated in 1927. Early settlers were attracted to the fertile land along the Rio Grande river which allowed for agriculture and ranching.

Over the decades, Mission’s economy shifted more towards trade and retail due to its location along key transportation routes. In the 1950s, agriculture started to decline while trade and tourism rose. Today tourism is still an important industry for Mission due to attractions like the National Butterfly Center and easy access into Mexico via multiple international bridges.

Mission’s Population

According to the latest census data, Mission’s population in 2020 was 83,761. This represents a significant increase from 2000 when the population was 45,408 showing steady growth over the past two decades.

The majority of residents in Mission identify as Hispanic or Latino, making up 91.2% of the population as of 2020. White residents account for 7.4% of the population while other races such as Black, Asian, Native American represent less than 2% combined.

With 35.2% of residents under the age of 18 and a median age of 30.2 years old, Mission skews younger than the average city in Texas and the United States overall. Only 8.4% of residents are over age 65.

The average household size in Mission is 3.71 which is larger than comparable cities in Texas. The city has a home ownership rate of 70.4% which is slightly lower than the national average.

Mission’s Economy and Major Employers

Mission has a diversified economy with major industries in trade, agriculture, manufacturing, education and government. Top employers in Mission include:

  • H-E-B Distribution Center and Warehouse
  • Mission Regional Medical Center
  • Sharyland Independent School District
  • City of Mission
  • Rio Fresh – Produce distributor

Trade with Mexico is also a significant driver of Mission’s economy. The city has two international bridges connecting it with Mexico which see over 15 million vehicle crossings each year. Many residents from Mexico cross the border daily to shop in Mission or work for businesses there.

For more on the economy and major employers in Mission, visit the Mission Economic Development Corporation website.

Attractions and Things to Do in Mission

Some of the top attractions that draw visitors to Mission include:

The mild climate of south Texas also makes Mission popular with Winter Texans who temporary reside there during the colder winter months. Weekly flea markets and cultural festivals occur throughout the year.

Sports Teams and Recreation in Mission

Residents and visitors of Mission have several options for sports teams and recreation:

  • The Sharyland High School Rattlers compete in football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and other sports.
  • Veterans Memorial High School has sports programs as well.
  • Youth sports leagues including Pop Warner football are popular.
  • Outdoor recreation like hiking and camping is available along the Rio Grande River.
  • Golf courses such as Cimarron Country Club.
  • Several parks such as Bryan Park and Nye Elementary Park.

South Padre Island and its beaches are also only a short drive away from Mission for water sports and fun in the sun.

Tourism Website for Mission

For additional information on things to do, places to stay, events, and more in Mission, visit the Mission Tourism Bureau website.