RANK #508 / 996 · POP 873,167 · TX
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.7%
Hidalgo County, Texas, is defined by its position in the Rio Grande Valley, bordering Mexico, which shapes its culture and economy. Edinburg serves as the county seat, while McAllen is the largest city. The county is known for its subtropical climate and extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, including numerous parks and nature centers ideal for birding, biking, and walking. The Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Regional Hike and Bike Trail connects McAllen, Pharr, and Hidalgo, offering miles of paved routes. The community offers a blend of urban and small-town atmospheres, with a strong sense of local identity. Life in Hidalgo County is generally affordable, with many residents owning their homes. The area attracts families, with public schools in the county generally performing above average. The economy is significantly influenced by international trade due to its border location, with several international bridges facilitating commerce. Recent economic developments highlight growth in sectors related to trade, including the movement of mineral fuels, electric machinery, and agricultural products. The county also focuses on promoting infrastructure development in rural areas and workforce development through partnerships with educational institutions like the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.1x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Val Vista Grid BESS (combined BESS 1 and BESS 2)
Eolian
|
$420M | Planned |
|
Monte Cristo Wind Farm (Phase I)
Terra-Gen
|
$216M | Commissioned |
|
Anemoi Energy Storage Project
Plus Power, LLC (Anemoi Energy)
|
$190M | Under Construction |
|
Gunnar Reliability Project
GridStor
|
$150M | Under Construction |
|
Great Kiskadee Storage (100MW Battery Energy Storage System)
Apex Clean Energy
|
$75M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Hidalgo County has a Boom Town Index score of 49/100, ranking #508 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.6% and a median household income of $49,371, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Hidalgo County is $112,700 with median rent at $875/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4381, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.9% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.6%. Home values changed -0.3% in the past 12 months.