Where is Rio Grande City, Texas, USA?

Written and Fact-checked by | Last Updated On: March 11, 2026

Where is Rio Grande City, Texas Located in the United States? - Rio Grande City is a city located in the Starr County of Texas, United States. Rio Grande City lies between 26.3798 Degrees North latitudes and -98.8203 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Rio Grande City in Starr County, Texas

Where is Rio Grande City, Texas

About Map: The map shows the location of Rio Grande City in the state of Texas, United States. Rio Grande City is a city in Starr County, Texas.

Rio Grande City Map, Texas, USA

About Rio Grande City Map: This interactive Google Map shows the exact location of Rio Grande City in Texas, United States. You can zoom in or out, switch to satellite view, and explore nearby cities, roads, and local landmarks around Rio Grande City.

About Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas

Rio Grande City is a city located in Starr County in the U.S. state of Texas, United States. The city was established in 1848 following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and developed as an important border community along the Rio Grande River. Rio Grande City serves as the county seat of Starr County and has long been a cultural and commercial center in the Rio Grande Valley region.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Rio Grande City is 15,317 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 1,300 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Rio Grande City covers a total area of approximately 11.3 square miles (about 29.3 square kilometers), including about 11.3 square miles (29.3 square kilometers) of land and a very small portion of water area.

Location and Surroundings

Rio Grande City is located in southern Texas and lies within Starr County along the Rio Grande River near the United States–Mexico border. The city sits west of McAllen and forms part of the greater Rio Grande Valley region.

Top Attractions

Rio Grande City features historic landmarks, parks, and cultural attractions that reflect the heritage of the Rio Grande Valley. The downtown historic district includes preserved nineteenth-century buildings and community spaces that highlight the city’s long history as a border settlement.

Transportation

Rio Grande City is served by U.S. Highway 83, which connects the city with other communities across the Rio Grande Valley. The nearest major airport serving the region is McAllen International Airport.

Explore more cities and counties across Texas or view the complete USA States Map for additional geographic information.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General information referenced from local and regional government resources.

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Rio Grande City, Texas Quick Facts

AttributeDetails
CityRio Grande City
CountyStarr County
StateTexas
State CapitalAustin
US RegionSouth
Latitude26.3795° N
Longitude98.8203° W
Elevation174 ft (53 m)
Land Area11.35 sq mi
Water Area0.00 sq mi
Total Area11.35 sq mi
Population (2020 Census)15,317
Population Density1,349 per sq mi
ZIP Codes78582
Area Code956
Time Zone StandardCentral Standard Time (CST), UTC−6
Time Zone DaylightCentral Daylight Time (CDT), UTC−5
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
FIPS Code48-62168
Congressional DistrictTexas's 28th Congressional District

Transportation and Connectivity in Rio Grande City, Texas

Transportation TypeDetails
Airport NameMcAllen International Airport
IATA CodeMFE
PortNearby access to Port of Brownsville and Gulf Coast shipping facilities
Major HighwaysU.S. Highway 83, Texas State Highway 755, Farm to Market roads
Train/Amtrak ServiceNo Amtrak station in Rio Grande City; nearest passenger rail service is available in nearby cities
Local Bus/Transit ServiceRegional bus services provide connections throughout the Rio Grande Valley
  • U.S. Highway 83: Runs east-west through Rio Grande City and connects the community with McAllen, Laredo, and other Rio Grande Valley destinations.
  • Texas State Highway 755: Provides local connections between Rio Grande City and nearby rural communities.
  • Farm to Market Roads: Support agricultural areas and connect local neighborhoods throughout Starr County.

Top Places to Visit in Rio Grande City, Texas

Landmark NameType
Fort RinggoldHistoric Military Site
Starr County Historical MuseumMuseum
Roma Historic DistrictHistoric District
Rio Grande RiverRiver and Natural Attraction
Falcon State ParkState Park
Falcon International ReservoirLake and Recreation Area
World Birding Center - Roma BluffsNature and Wildlife Area
San Agustín de Laredo Plaza AreaHistoric Area
Los Velas Ranch Historic SiteHistoric Landmark
Rio Grande City Main Street DistrictCultural District

Driving Distances from Rio Grande City, Texas to Nearby Cities

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
RomaTexas12 mi20 minutes
MissionTexas35 mi45 minutes
McAllenTexas40 mi50 minutes
EdinburgTexas45 mi55 minutes
HarlingenTexas85 mi1 hour 30 minutes
BrownsvilleTexas110 mi2 hours
LaredoTexas120 mi2 hours
Corpus ChristiTexas170 mi3 hours
San AntonioTexas220 mi3 hours 30 minutes
AustinTexas330 mi5 hours

Colleges and Universities Near Rio Grande City, Texas

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
South Texas CollegePublicCommunity CollegeAssociate degrees, workforce training, and transfer programs
Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllenPublicUniversity CampusEngineering, business, and higher education programs
Texas A&M University–KingsvillePublicUniversityAgriculture, engineering, education, and sciences
University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyPublicUniversityHealth sciences, research, business, and liberal arts
Starr County Independent School DistrictPublicK–12 DistrictPrimary and secondary education

Waterbodies Near Rio Grande City, Texas

Rio Grande River, Falcon International Reservoir, Salineño Wildlife Refuge waterways, Arroyo Los Olmos, and nearby streams and channels of Starr County.

Golf Courses Near Rio Grande City

Fort Ringgold Golf Course, Shary Municipal Golf Course, Tierra Santa Golf Club, Palm View Golf Course, and McAllen Country Club.

Rio Grande City, Texas — Key Historical Facts

  • Rio Grande City developed along the Rio Grande River and has a long history connected to ranching, trade, and border culture.
  • Fort Ringgold was established in 1848 and played an important role in protecting the U.S.–Mexico border region during the 19th century.
  • The city grew as a center for agriculture, commerce, and transportation in Starr County.
  • Rio Grande City became the county seat of Starr County and remains an important administrative center in the region.
  • The nearby Roma Historic District preserves Spanish colonial architecture and the area's early river trade history.
  • The community has maintained strong cultural traditions influenced by both Mexican and American heritage.

Stadiums and Sports Facilities Near Rio Grande City

Facility NameTypeLocation
Rio Grande City High School StadiumHigh School Sports StadiumRio Grande City, Texas
Falcon High School StadiumHigh School Sports FacilityFalcon Heights, Texas
H-E-B ParkSoccer Stadium and Event VenueEdinburg, Texas
UTRGV Baseball StadiumCollege Baseball FacilityEdinburg, Texas
Payne ArenaSports and Entertainment ArenaHidalgo, Texas

References

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