The Rio Grande Valley is an area located in the southernmost tip of Texas. It lies along the northern bank of the Rio Grande, which separates Mexico from the United States.
The Rio Grande Valley is not a valley, but a delta or floodplain. Early settlers from Mexico felt that the term "Valley" sounded more inviting to tourists and northern investors than did "Delta." The Rio Grande Valley is also called "El Valle", the Spanish translation of "the valley", by those who live there. Another affectionate term that the residents of the Rio Grande Valley use to refer to the area is the "RGV."
The region is made up of four counties: Starr County, Hidalgo County, Willacy County, and Cameron County. As of January 1, 2007, the Texas State Data Center estimated the population of the Rio Grande Valley at 1,139,581.[1] Over 80% of the residents of the Valley are Hispanic or Latino.
The Valley is reliant on Agribusiness and Tourism. Cotton, various sorghums, Maize, and sugarcane are its leading crops, and the region is the center of citrus production and the most important area of vegetable production in the State of Texas. Over the last several decades, the emergence of maquiladoras (factories or fabrication plants) has caused a surge of industrial development along the border, while International bridges have allowed Mexican nationals to shop, sell and do business in the border cities along the Rio Grande River. The geographic inclusion of South Padre Island also drives tourism, particularly during the Spring Break season, during which South Padre Island becomes reminiscent of New Orleans during Mardi Gras.
According to the 1990 census, just over 82 percent of Cameron County, over 85 percent of Hidalgo County, over 97 percent of Starr County, and over 84 percent of Willacy County were Hispanic.
The Valley is a popular Winter tourist destination for residents from the Midwest United States and Canada (called Winter Texans). Along with Mexican nationals and thousands of college students who visit South Padre Island throughout March and April, Winter Texans are the bulk of the Valley's tourism. Winter Texans typically arrive in October-November and stay until February-March, causing a seasonal swell for local businesses.
The Valley is also the only region in the United States where birders can observe certain varieties of endangered and migratory birds. It is also along the path taken by the migratory Monarch Butterfly as it transits to and from the Mexican state of Michoacan.
