Rio Grande Valley could add 109,500 residents by 2060, but not all counties are expected to grow
By Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza • November 2, 2026 • 3 min read
Over the next three decades, the Rio Grande Valley could add enough people for a new mid-sized city, state demographic leaders estimate.
Latest News
- UTRGV lands $2.2M to fight screwworms with drones, thermal imaging
- Rio Grande Valley could add 109,500 residents by 2060, but not all counties are expected to grow
- Day of the Dead generates $7.3M in Reynosa economic activity
- NextDecade races toward 2027 LNG production at Port of Brownsville
- Downtown Weslaco bar Señor Barbas to close amid declining sales, staffing struggles
- Weslaco opens new pathway to healthcare careers for 25 residents
- 57-mile Raymondville Drain project clears two federal hurdles
- South Texas mayors join forces on water, infrastructure and economic development
- Mexico meets annual water obligation, but Valley farmers are still paying the price
- What Toyota’s $3.6B San Antonio expansion could mean for the Rio Grande Valley
Business spotlight
View All
UTRGV lands $2.2M to fight screwworms with drones, thermal imaging
The two-year project aims to give agricultural officials new tools to spot infestations earlier and protect Texas' multibillion-dollar livestock industry.
U.S.
View All
Day of the Dead generates $7.3M in Reynosa economic activity
Rio Grande Valley visitors contributed up to $1.81 million in spending during the combined Halloween and Day of the Dead holiday period.
Demographics
View All
What Valley businesses can learn from a new ‘Made in America’ consumer sentiment survey
U.S. consumers, particularly younger shoppers, say they're willing to pay more for products made in America. Here's what that means for Rio Grande Valley businesses.
Mexico
View All
Mexico meets annual water obligation, but Valley farmers are still paying the price
Agricultural leaders say more than 20,000 acres of vegetables will go unplanted despite improved water deliveries, while Mexico still owes water from the previous treaty cycle.
Tourism
View All
South Padre Island leaders are exploring paid parking for beach visitors. Here’s what you need to know
Several businesses already charge visitors for parking lots or garages, but hundreds of free spots exist across the island. Now the city might change that.
International trade
View All
NextDecade races toward 2027 LNG production at Port of Brownsville
The company's first two production trains are nearly 80% complete overall, with initial LNG production expected in the second quarter of 2027.
Energy
View All
Texas LNG seeks 5 more years but remains bullish on Port of Brownsville export project
The company behind the port's second proposed LNG export terminal wants to push its deadline to begin operations to February 2032 after years of legal challenges and delays.
Retail
View All
Downtown Weslaco bar Señor Barbas to close amid declining sales, staffing struggles
The downtown Weslaco bar is expected to wind down operations in November, with owner Aaron Garcia considering leasing the property to another business.
Healthcare
View All
Weslaco opens new pathway to healthcare careers for 25 residents
Texas Southmost College will train 25 Weslaco residents at Knapp Medical Center beginning in January, creating a pathway to entry-level healthcare jobs.
Workforce
View All
South Texas mayors join forces on water, infrastructure and economic development
Mayors from McAllen, Brownsville, Edinburg and Harlingen coordinated efforts to attract investment, secure infrastructure funding and address regional water needs.
Education
View All
TSTC to take manufacturing training directly to employers
The Harlingen-based mobile lab will deliver hands-on instruction in robotics, automation and industrial technology, helping companies train workers on-site.
Economic incentives
View All
5×5 Brewing plots $2.5M comeback with new Edinburg brewpub near UTRGV
After closing its Mission taproom, veteran-owned 5x5 Brewing plans a $2.5 million Edinburg brewpub with a restaurant, beer garden and up to 40 jobs.
Water
View All
57-mile Raymondville Drain project clears two federal hurdles
The flood control project spanning Hidalgo and Willacy counties has cleared environmental and feasibility reviews, bringing it closer to congressional authorization.
Infrastructure
View All
Starr County’s next solar farm moves forward as contractor ramps up hiring
The general contractor behind renewable energy projects in Starr County, including a new 219-megawatt solar farm and battery plant, is now scouting the Valley for talent.
Agriculture
View All
Tamaulipas battles rising screwworm cases as cattle exports remain on hold
State officials are treating livestock and maintaining animal health inspections as they prepare for a possible reopening of cattle exports to the United States.
Manufacturing
View All
What Toyota’s $3.6B San Antonio expansion could mean for the Rio Grande Valley
Toyota's San Antonio expansion could create opportunities for Valley manufacturers, even as the region loses ground to competing Texas border crossings.
Logistics
View All
New Texas Workforce Commission grant to help upskill 78 employees in the RGV’s manufacturing sector
The grant will fund continuing educational programs for local workers through the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s manufacturing training center.
Commercial Real Estate
View All
Handel’s Ice Cream plans first Valley location
The Ohio-based chain, known for making ice cream fresh in its stores, is planning a $250,000 investment in McAllen.
Real Estate
View All
Jeff’s Bagel Run plans first Valley location in Edinburg
The fast-growing Florida-based chain plans a $380,000 renovation on South McColl Road, with construction scheduled for completion in March 2027.
Finance
View All
Brownsville launches website explaining $220M SpaceX water deal
The website provides details about Project Quantum, including how SpaceX's funding would support water infrastructure projects and what the agreement means for residents.
Entertainment
View All
Beach Water Park files plans for $750K go-kart track project on South Padre Island
The latest filing follows an earlier $750,000 project to rebuild the park's Hurricane Slide, although both projects are registered under the same name.
Industrial Real Estate
View All
Matamoros port moves closer to cargo operations, but customs hurdles remain
Puerto del Norte is working toward an independent customs office, but restrictions affecting 48 local customs brokers and questions over tax revenue remain unresolved.
Technology
View All
Workforce leaders say the Rio Grande Valley job market isn’t what you think
From work-life balance to AI skills, Rio Grande Valley employers are rethinking hiring, training and what makes a good employee in today's job market.
Economic Trends
View All
Vanguard Academy plans $94M in projects across three Valley cities
The charter school network plans a new secondary school in Pharr, an athletic complex in Alamo and a new campus in Mission.
Residential Real Estate
View All
Home sales down in McAllen metro, flat in Brownsville metro — see data
Single-family home sales in the Valley followed trends seen in other Texas markets, including Corpus Christi, El Paso and Killeen, where sales also declined in September.
Sponsored Content
View All
Edwards Abstract and Title Co. announces acquisition of Rio Grande Valley Abstract
The acquisition brings together two established title companies with deep roots in South Texas, expanding Edwards Abstract's presence in Cameron County.
Immigration
View All
Rio Grande Valley saw 10,000 people deported, projected $180M economic loss
About 43% of those economic losses stem from 2025 alone, according to the Caminos Institute inaugural report.
Most Read
- Is SpaceX quietly building a data center at Starbase? Job postings offer clues
- 25 Mexican businesses eye McAllen expansion after city pitches U.S. market entry program
- Edinburg ISD rejects nearly $6M offer for prime land near La Sienna despite $15M budget deficit
- Developers begin $12M master-planned community near Rio Grande City
- 5×5 Brewing plots $2.5M comeback with new Edinburg brewpub near UTRGV
Get the latest business news delivered to your inbox every morning for free.
Try 30 Days Free!
Get full access to award-winning journalism covering business, real estate, health care, economic trends, and the people shaping the Rio Grande Valley.
30 Days Free!
$9.95/month
Limited time offer
Subscription renews after your 30 day free trial at $9.95/mo.
Included Benefits
- Unlimited access to all articles
- Daily business news and analysis
- Subscriber-only content and features
In the Headlines
- SpaceX’s operations projected to generate $13B economic impact in Cameron County
- Environmental advocates push back as Starbase votes to dramatically expand city limits near Boca Chica Beach
- Exclusive: Inside Starbase’s rapid rise — hundreds of permits and major construction reshape SpaceX’s new city
- $1B desal plant secures land on South Padre Island
- South Texas’ shuttered sugar mill now part of $1 billion plan to revive U.S. cane industry
