Hidalgo County

Hidalgo County is an administrative area in southern Texas along the Rio Grande, covering more than 4,000 square kilometers (1,500 square miles) and including several cities such as Edinburg and McAllen. The county shows sandy soils in its northern section and clay soils in the southern part, shaping agricultural use across the region.

The Texas Legislature formed the county on January 24, 1852, naming it after Mexican independence leader Miguel Hidalgo. Since then, the area grew from a rural border region into a densely settled administrative territory along the international boundary.

The county carries the name of Mexican independence leader Miguel Hidalgo and shows this connection through street names and public buildings along the Rio Grande. In towns you hear mostly Spanish at markets and shops, while many communities pass along their roots through traditional celebrations and family recipes.

Major roads such as Interstate 2, US Highway 83 and US Highway 281 link the cities within the county and lead to neighboring regions. Travelers find guidance along these main routes through signs pointing to larger towns like Edinburg and McAllen.

The growing season runs about 320 days each year, allowing farmers to bring in multiple harvests of vegetables, corn and cotton in succession. This long stretch of warm weather makes the region a major supplier of produce within Texas.

Location: Texas

Inception: January 24, 1852

Capital city: Edinburg

Elevation above the sea: 27 m

Shares border with: Brooks County, Starr County, Kenedy County, Willacy County, Cameron County

Website: https://hidalgocounty.us

GPS coordinates: 26.39672,-98.18107

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:52