Starr County, Texas

Starr County sits along the Rio Grande at the southern tip of Texas, right up against the Mexican border. It’s hot down here—really hot. Summers bring the kind of heat that makes you slow down, stay in the shade, and keep a cold drink nearby.

Rio Grande City is the county seat, and the influence of border culture is everywhere. Spanish and English are both commonly heard throughout the community. Starr County dates back to the days when Texas was its own republic, while agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, especially citrus farming.

Birdwatchers come to the area hoping to catch sight of rare and unusual species. After dark, the wide-open skies put on a show of their own, with countless stars visible overhead. Starr County may not be one of the wealthiest places in Texas, but there’s plenty of pride and determination here. It’s a place with real grit and character.

CategoryDetails
County NameStarr County
County SeatRio Grande City
PopulationApproximately 70,000
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesRio Grande City, Roma, La Grulla
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. Highway 83, U.S. Highway 281
FIPS Code48-427
Total Area (Land and Water)1,242 square miles (1,229 sq mi land, 13 sq mi water)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Jim Hogg County (North), Brooks County (Northeast), Hidalgo County (East), Zapata County (Northwest)
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CST)
StateTexas
Coordinates26°23’N, 98°08’W
EtymologyNamed after James Harper Starr, a Texas pioneer and public official
Major LandmarksStarr County Courthouse, Falcon Dam
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