Laredo, Texas

Laredo: The third most populous city in Texas and the center of the Laredo metropolitan area. It is located on the Rio Grande River in southern Texas. Laredo is known for its Mexican culture, its many border crossings, and its many attractions, such as the Laredo Children's Museum and the Laredo Museum of Art.

About

Laredo is a city located in the county of Webb in the U.S. state of Texas. Its population at the 2010 census was 236,091 and a population density of 889 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 263,640 inhabitants.

The city was created 269 years ago in 1754.

Laredo is a city situated in southern Texas, right along the Mexican border. With a population of around 260,000, it is the largest inland port in the United States.

History and Origins

Laredo originates from a Spanish settlement founded in 1755. It grew as a ranching and trading center before emerging as a key port and border city.

Key historical facts:

  • Founded originally as Villa de San Agustin de Laredo in 1755
  • Became part of Mexico after the Mexican War of Independence in 1821
  • Joined the U.S. in 1848 after the Mexican-American War
  • Growth fueled by arrival of railroads in 1881

Economy and Major Industries

Laredo's economy relies heavily on international trade and transportation. Major industries include:

  • Trade and transportation
  • Warehousing and logistics
  • Oil and gas
  • Banking and finance
  • Government agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The city is home to the Americas' largest inland port, handling thousands of trucks and trade daily.

Attractions and Things to Do

Popular sites and activities in Laredo include:

  • The San Agustin Cathedral and historic downtown plazas
  • Outdoor recreation along the Rio Grande River
  • Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
  • Annual celebrations like George Washington's Birthday Celebration
  • Laredo Center for the Arts and Laredo Little Theater
  • North American International Auto Show

Laredo offers a mix of culture, entertainment, and outdoor recreation influenced by its border location and Mexican heritage.

Laredo locator map
Location of Laredo on Texas map.

Quick Facts about Laredo

Population : 263,640 (2020)
Country : United States of America
State : Texas (United States)
County : Webb County
Postal code : 78040–78046, 78049
Phone Area Codes : 956
Area : 265.69 km2
Altitude : 449 feet / 137 meters
Capital city : Laredo is capital of Republic of the Rio Grande
Establishment : January 01, 1755 (269 years ago)
Time Zone : Central Time Zone, UTC−05:00, UTC−06:00
Local time : 21:47:56 (17th December 2024)
Density : 992 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth : 10.45% (2010-2020)
Laredo Public Library II image
Laredo Public Library II
Laredo Public Library II image

Geography

Laredo is located at 27°30'23"N 99°30'27"W (27.5064100, -99.5075400).

Laredo map

    Pete Saenz ,

  • Campeche
  • Guadalajara
  • Irapuato
  • Lower Hutt
  • Murray Bridge
  • Tainan
  • Tijuana
  • Torreón

Demographics

The population of Laredo increased by 10.45% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2006 231,470 - 100039
2010 236,091 1.96% census
2011 241,195 2.12% estimation process
2012 245,728 1.84% estimation process
2013 249,602 1.55% estimation process
2014 252,734 1.24% estimation process
2015 255,271 0.99% estimation process
2016 257,862 1% estimation process
2017 259,324 0.56% estimation process
2018 260,856 0.59% estimation process
2019 262,491 0.62% estimation process
2020 263,640 0.44% estimation process

Laredo zip code is 78040. County name: Webb, County fips: 48479

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People born in Laredo (77)

People born in Laredo, including Republican politician Tom DeLay, shot putter and discus thrower Earlene Brown, parapsychologist José Silva, .

List

Schools in Laredo

College & universities near Laredo, TX

Code Name City ZIP
226134 Laredo College Laredo (TX) 78040-4395
226125 Laredo Beauty College Inc Laredo (TX) 78040
486503 Laredo CHI Academy Beauty School Laredo (TX) 78041-6540
226152 Texas A & M International University Laredo (TX) 78041-1900

Post offices near Laredo

Post Office Name City ZIP
El Centr Post Office Laredo (TX) 78040
Lared Post Office Laredo (TX) 78041
Del Mar Post Office Laredo (TX) 78045
San Ygna Post Office San Ygnacio (TX) 78067
Oilton Post Office Oilton (TX) 78371

Other places with the same name (2)

Other cities in Webb County

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Webb County , TX.

City Name Population Title
Rio Bravo 4,608 City in Webb County, Texas, United States
Cactus 3,235 City in Texas, USA
El Cenizo 3,092 City in Webb County, Texas, United States

Distance to Other Cities

Laredo distances to largest Texas cities