Zavala County, Texas

Zavala County is a small corner of South Texas with plenty of character. The land is flat, the summers are hot, and life moves at a steady pace. Crystal City, the county seat, proudly holds the title of the "Spinach Capital of the World" and even features a statue of Popeye in its town square.

Agriculture has long been the backbone of the local economy. Spinach is the county’s signature crop, but farmers also grow onions, carrots, and other vegetables. During the winter, hunters arrive from across the state in search of white-tailed deer, adding another boost to the local economy.

Named after Lorenzo de Zavala, the first vice president of the Republic of Texas, Zavala County has a rich history and a predominantly Hispanic population. It’s the kind of community where neighbors know one another, conversations come easily, and even a quick stop at the grocery store can turn into a friendly visit.

Zavala County location map showing the geographic position of Zavala County in Texas.
Category Details
County Name Zavala County
County Seat Crystal City
Cities, Towns, and Communities Crystal City, La Pryor, Batesville
Interstates and Highways U.S. Highway 83, U.S. Highway 57
Etymology Named after Lorenzo de Zavala, a prominent figure in Texas history
FIPS Code 48-507
Total Area (Land and Water) 1,217 square miles (1,213 sq mi land, 4 sq mi water)
Time Zone Central Time Zone (CT)
State Texas
Coordinates 28°39’N, 99°15’W
Major Landmarks Zavala County Courthouse, Lake Amistad
Adjacent Counties (and Direction) Uvalde County (North), Frio County (East), Dimmit County (South), Maverick County (West), La Salle County (Southeast)
Population Approximately 12,000
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