Hidalgo County, TX
888,367 residents · 1,571 sq mi · 565.5/sq mi · 9% rural
About Hidalgo County
Hidalgo County is located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2024 census estimate, its population was 914,820, making it the ninth-most populous county in Texas, and the most populous county outside of the counties in the Texas Triangle. However, based on housing permits and service usage, county officials believe the true population is around 1.2 million, if "a full and accurate census count is completed." The county seat is Edinburg and the largest city is McAllen. The county is named for Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the priest who raised the call for Mexico's independence from Spain. It is located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas and is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States.
Hidalgo County is designated by the U.S. Census Bureau as the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission metropolitan statistical area, which itself is part of the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission-Rio Grande City, Texas combined statistical area with neighboring Starr County.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area is characterized by a warm climate with an annual mean temperature of 75.1°F and a growing season conducive to gardening, as indicated by USDA zone 10b. However, the arid classification and only 23.1 inches of rainfall per year present significant challenges for water supply, making self-sufficient living dependent on effective water management strategies. The terrain is relatively flat, which may offer opportunities for agriculture but limits natural barriers against extreme weather events.
The county faces considerable risks from natural hazards, with FEMA rankings indicating high vulnerability to hurricanes (100), drought (99), and heat waves (99). While the violence percentile is low at 2/100, suggesting a safer environment, the high disaster percentile of 99/100 indicates an area that may frequently experience significant disruptions. The cost of living is relatively low, with a median home price of $112,700, but the economic conditions may not provide a robust safety net in the face of these hazards.
This county may be a good fit for individuals or families who are prepared for the challenges of a hot, arid climate and are willing to invest in water conservation techniques. Those comfortable with the risk of hurricanes and other natural disasters might thrive here, particularly if they have a flexible work situation or strong community ties. However, individuals seeking a more temperate climate or with limited resources for disaster preparedness may find this area less suitable for homesteading.