Rio Hondo
Rio Hondo is off Farm roads 508 and 1846 on the northeastern boundary of Harlingen in north central Cameron County. It was established in 1910 and named for its location on the Arroyo Colorado. Río hondo is Spanish for "deep river." The first settler was J. R. George, who operated a general store and served as the first postmaster when the post office was established in 1911. In 1914 Rio Hondo had a population of 150, a restaurant, and various stores and businesses. By 1925 its population was estimated at 250, and it increased to 1,000 by 1929. Rio Hondo was incorporated in 1939, when it had 713 residents and thirty-three businesses. The town population was an estimated 1,128 in 1950. In 1990 Rio Hondo reported a population of 1,793. The population was 1,942 in 2000. The Missouri Pacific line ran through the eastern side of town, and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway cut through the western part.
Adapted from the official Handbook of Texas, a state encyclopedia developed by the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). It is an authoritative source of trusted historical records.
Alicia A. Garza | © Texas State Historical Association
At a Glance
Belongs to
Rio Hondo is part of or belongs to the following places.
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Currently Exists
Yes
Place type
Rio Hondo is classified as a Town
Locations
-
- Latitude
- 26.23491440
- Longitude
- -97.58375600
Has Post Office
Yes
Is Incorporated
Yes

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Rio Hondo by the Numbers
Population Counts
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Population Counts
Rio Hondo
Pop. | Year | Source |
---|---|---|
2,021 | 2020 | United States Census Bureau |
2,720 | 2019 | Texas Demographic Center |
2,356 | 2010 | United States Census Bureau |
1,942 | 2000 | United States Census Bureau |
1,793 | 1990 | United States Census Bureau |