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Weslaco, TX

Frequently asked questions

Weslaco, TX

Weslaco is a city in Hidalgo County, Texas, United States. As of the 2020 census the population was 41,103, and in 2020 the estimated population was 41,103. It is located at the southern tip of Texas in the Rio Grande Valley near the Mexican border, across the Rio Grande from the city of Nuevo Progreso, Rio Bravo, Tam

Weslaco derives its name from the W.E. Stewart Land Company. It was the hometown of Harlon Block, one of the Marines photographed raising the flag at Iwo Jima, and of film and television actor David Spielberg.

Streets north of the railroad tracks have Spanish names, and streets south of the railroad tracks bear names in English, as a consequence of a 1921 municipal ordinance that declared that land north of the tracks be reserved for Hispanic residences and businesses, and land south of the tracks be reserved for "Anglo" residences and businesses. During World War II, sandbag production reached a peak in Weslaco, and the town declared itself the "sandbagging capital of the world". Weslaco is part of the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission and Reynosa–McAllen metropolitan areas.

Weslaco is located in southeastern Hidalgo County at 26°9′33″N 97°59′15″W (26.159130, –97.987374). It is bordered to the east by the city of Mercedes and to the west by the city of Donna. Interstate 2 and U.S. Route 83 pass through Weslaco, leading west 16 miles (26 km) to McAllen and east 19 miles (31 km) to Harlingen. Weslaco is 5 miles (8 km) north of Progreso and 7 miles (11 km) north of the bridge over the Rio Grande to Nuevo Progreso in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. 

The present location of Weslaco was originally part of the Llano Grande Land Grant granted to Juan José Ynojosa de Ballí in 1790. After Ynojosa's death, the grant was allocated to his children. Manuela and María received the land on which Weslaco is located today. The Ballí family ranched and maintained ownership of the land until 1852. In 1904, the Hidalgo and San Miguel extension of the St. Louis, Brownsville, and Mexico Railway made its way to the site. It was promoted by Uriah Lott, Lon C. Hill, Jr., and others interested in developing the area through farming as opposed to ranching. The American Rio Grande Land and Irrigation Company of neighboring Mercedes purchased a major portion of the Llano Grande grant and platted the West Tract in 1913. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, Weslaco has a total area of 14.8 square miles (38.3 km2), of which 14.7 square miles (38.1 km2) are land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km2), or 0.49%, is water.

Health and wellness are paramount in Weslaco's community, evident in the presence of healthcare facilities like the Knapp Medical Center. This ensures residents have access to quality medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Weslaco Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, F.I.T. Lab Fitness, and Invicta Fitness and Athletic Training. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Weslaco, such as the Gibson Park and the Valley Nature Center. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Weslaco,TX are The Weslaco Museum, Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco Bicultural Museum.

Population: 41,024 (2021). ZIP Code: 78596. Area code: 956. Elevation: 79 ft (24 m). Area: 16.45 sq mi (42.61 km2).

FAQs

What is Weslaco, TX known for?

The Rio Grande Valley Citrus Growers Association was established in 1932 with its headquarters located in Weslaco. This leads to the creation of the Texsun citrus complex in the city. Texian became the world's largest producer of juice and will remain a vital part of the economy in Weslaco until 1992.

What is the median home price in Weslaco, TX?

The median home price in Weslaco is $365,000 with a median price per sqft of $126. The cost of living index for housing estimates the cost of housing in Weslaco to be 56.6% of the national average. This makes it one of the least expensive cities in the US.

What is the crime rate in Weslaco, TX?

With a crime rate of 33 per one thousand residents, Weslaco has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 30. Within Texas, more than 92% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Weslaco.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Weslaco

Knapp Medical Center

Weslaco Recreation and Community Services Department

Planet Fitness

F.I.T. Lab Fitness

Invicta Fitness and Athletic Training

Gibson Park 

Valley Nature Center

The Weslaco Museum

Estero Llano Grande State Park

Weslaco Bicultural Museum

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