Vacant Burger King
For sale688 East Expressway 83, La Joya, TX 78560
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
McAllen–Edinburg–Mission is a fast-growing metropolitan area in South Texas’s Rio Grande Valley, directly adjoining Mexico and the binational Reynosa–McAllen urban region. Centered on McAllen, the area is known for international trade, agriculture, warm winters, subtropical landscapes, and its position along a major bird-migration route. With nearly 892,000 residents, it is one of Texas’s largest metropolitan areas and an important gateway for commerce, tourism, healthcare, and cross-border cultural exchange.
Recreational Delights
Outdoor recreation reflects the valley’s warm climate and borderland ecology. The McAllen Nature Center provides free walking trails, a cactus garden, birdwatching, and nature observation, while Quinta Mazatlan, the local World Birding Center property, combines historic architecture with gardens and wildlife habitat. The region’s location on a major flyway attracts birders and butterfly enthusiasts, particularly during migration seasons. The Bicentennial Bike Path offers cycling and walking routes through McAllen, and Champion Lakes Golf Course provides 18 holes, a driving range, and tournament facilities. Families can visit Zinnia Spray Water Park, while the Rio Grande and nearby international bridges create opportunities to experience the region’s distinctive binational setting. Parks, trails, golf, and wildlife viewing are especially appealing during the area’s mild winter months, although summer heat is intense.
Culinary Scene
The metropolitan area’s culinary identity is shaped by its Mexican-American border culture, agricultural history, and daily connections with Reynosa. Tex-Mex and regional Mexican cooking are central, with tortillas, tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, citrus-influenced dishes, and pan dulce widely represented. Traditional food businesses coexist with contemporary restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and casual dining. Downtown McAllen and the 17th Street Entertainment District are prominent destinations for restaurants and nightlife, while Uptown McAllen and the Convention Center District offer broader shopping and dining choices. The region’s former citrus, grape, and farm economy continues to influence local flavors, and cross-border travel adds culinary exchange between South Texas and northern Tamaulipas. Spanish-language culture is highly visible throughout the dining and retail environment.
Demographics
- The metropolitan area has 891,977 residents and a median age of 30.5, considerably younger than the U.S. median of 38.9, reflecting a youthful, family-oriented population.
- Median household income is $54,338, below the U.S. median of $80,734. The region’s economy has expanded through international trade, healthcare, retail, tourism, and logistics.
- McAllen’s 2020 census reported that 84.6% of residents identified as Hispanic or Latino, highlighting the area’s deeply rooted Mexican-American and binational cultural identity.
Population
891,977
Growth 1.26%
Households
270,210
Growth 2.3%
Median Age
30.5
US Median Age 38.9
Median Household Income
$54,338
US Median Household Income $80,734
Radius Metrics Highlights in 3-mile radius
12,147
Total population
1,149%
5 year population growth projection
3,638
Total households
$22,007
Per capita income
| 1 Mile | 3 Miles | 5 Miles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 3,419 | 12,147 | 26,003 |
| 5 year projected total population | 42,790,868 | 151,678 | 319,090 |
| Total households | 1,027 | 3,638 | 7,870 |
| Current Median Household Income | $66,348 | $56,642 | $41,393 |
| 5 year projected median household income | $114,931 | $83,764 | $46,224 |
| Current Per Capita Income | $23,887 | $22,007 | $20,199 |
| 5 year projected per capita income | $33,855 | $28,738 | $22,998 |
| Median home value | $107,661 | $129,235 | $125,959 |
Sports
Basketball
Rio Grande Valley Vipers
Soccer
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
College athletics
UTRGV Vaqueros
Golf
Champion Lakes Golf Course tournament program
Education
South Texas College, with its main campus in McAllen and more than 27,000 students across its regional campuses.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, whose Edinburg campus serves as the metropolitan area’s major public university.
McAllen Independent School District, the principal public-school system serving much of McAllen.
South Texas Independent School District, which operates regional magnet schools accessible to area residents.
Entertainment
International Museum of Art & Science, a Smithsonian Affiliate and accredited museum near Bicentennial and Nolana Avenue.
McAllen Convention Center, a major venue for conferences, performances, exhibitions, and community events.
Historic Cine El Rey Theatre, a landmark entertainment venue in downtown McAllen.
Quinta Mazatlan, a historic Spanish Colonial mansion and World Birding Center property offering cultural and nature programming.
Quality of Life
The area offers a relatively low cost of living, warm winters, extensive retail and healthcare services, and strong cultural ties to Mexico. Housing has historically been affordable, while outdoor recreation and birding add distinctive benefits. Challenges include lower-than-national median household income, intense summer heat, occasional hurricanes and tropical storms, and periodic extreme winter weather.
2022 Population by age
8%
0-4 Years
26%
5-19 Years
8%
20-24 Years
26%
25-44 Years
20%
45-64 Years
12%
65+ Years
Employers
8%
Unemployment rate
Employment sectors
Health Care and Social Assistance
16.43%
Educational Services
12.99%
Retail Trade
12.87%
Construction
10.79%
Accommodation and Food Services
8.19%
Transportation and Warehousing
6.37%
Administrative and Support and Waste Management Services
6.17%
Manufacturing
6.03%
Public Administration
4.89%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
3.27%
Wholesale Trade
3.06%
Finance and Insurance
2.71%
Other
6.23%