RANK #820 / 996 · POP 65,716 · TX
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.7%
The Roma Historic District, a National Historic Landmark, distinguishes Starr County with its preserved 19th-century border town architecture, showcasing unique molded brickwork and wrought iron balconies influenced by German architect Heinrich Portscheller. Located in South Texas, Starr County sits along the Rio Grande, approximately 100 miles from larger cities like Brownsville and Laredo. The community maintains a close-knit feel, with local events like the Starr County Fair and Fourth of July Parade. Outdoor recreation opportunities are available at Falcon State Park, offering birdwatching, fishing, and lake access, and the Roma Bluffs World Birding Center.
Life in Starr County is characterized by a strong sense of community, with many families owning their homes. Public schools in the county, including those in Rio Grande City and Roma, are considered above average. Commuting within Rio Grande City averages 23.1 minutes, shorter than the national average. The local economy is experiencing investment in energy, infrastructure, and government sectors. These developments aim to create more opportunities for residents, including those seeking skilled trades and engineering professions.
Above national median (4.7x)
Contracting economy
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.7x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Cascabel Wind Project
BORDAS Renewable Energy
|
$400M | Planned |
|
Mesteño Wind Project
Deriva Energy (formerly E.ON Climate & Renewables)
|
$300M | Operating |
|
State Loop 195 (SL 195) Relief Route
TxDOT and RPM xConstruction
|
$240M | Under Construction |
|
Starr Solar Farm
Lightsource bp
|
$230M | Operating |
|
Border Barrier System
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
|
$100M | Proposed |
|
Las Americas Industrial Park
City of Roma
|
$50M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Starr County has a Boom Town Index score of 18/100, ranking #820 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -1.8% and a median household income of $35,979, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Starr County is $88,300 with median rent at $670/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4075, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: -1.8%. Home values changed -3.0% in the past 12 months.