Refugio County, Texas
Refugio County sits along the Texas Gulf Coast and may be small, but it has a fascinating history. Refugio, the county seat, dates back to 1834 when it was established as a Spanish colonial settlement.
Living along the coast means hurricanes are always a concern, but residents have a long history of rebuilding and moving forward. Cattle ranching remains an important part of the local economy, and it’s not unusual to see ranchers working the land much as earlier generations did.
The county is also a great destination for birdwatching, with endangered whooping cranes wintering in the nearby coastal region. Oil and gas provide an economic backbone, while fishing remains an important tradition. Life moves at an easy pace here, and stopping for a friendly conversation is still part of everyday life in Refugio County.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Refugio County |
| County Seat | Refugio |
| Population | Approximately 7,500 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Refugio, Woodsboro, Bayside, Austwell |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 77, State Highway 202 |
| FIPS Code | 48-391 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,049 square miles (1,045 sq mi land, 4 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Victoria County (North), Calhoun County (Northeast), Aransas County (Southeast), San Patricio County (South), Bee County (West), Goliad County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 28°19’N, 97°18’W |
| Etymology | Named after the Spanish mission of Refugio |
| Major Landmarks | Refugio County Courthouse, Mission Refugio |
