Laredo, Texas
Laredo: The third most populous city in Texas and the center of the Laredo metropolitan area.
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 271 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.
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 |
| Latitude & Longitude | 27.5064,-99.5075 |
| Altitude | 449 feet / 137 meters |
| Capital city | Laredo is capital of Republic of the Rio Grande |
| Establishment | January 01, 1755 (271 years ago) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone, UTC−05:00, UTC−06:00 |
| Local time | 14:05:34 (22nd April 2026) |
| Density | 992 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth | 10.45% (2010-2020) |
| Weather | 89℉ Partly Sunny 7-days weather |
Geography
Laredo is located at 27°30'23"N 99°30'27"W (27.5064100, -99.5075400).
Laredo map
icon to open full mode. View satellite images
Weather
Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Southeast wind around 8 mph.
7-Day ForecastOfficial website of Laredo
Official Website- 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 |
Services and Civic Places in Laredo
1Laredo Police Department
4712 Maher Ave, Laredo, TX 78041 View details
Phone: +19567952800 | Website available
2Laredo City Hall
1110 Houston St, Laredo, TX 78040 View details
Phone: +19567917300 | Website available
3Rio Bravo City Hall
1701 Centeno Ln, Laredo, TX 78046 View details
Phone: +19567909500
4City of Laredo - Building Development Services Department
1413 Houston St, Laredo, TX 78040 View details
Phone: +19567941625 | Website available
5City Hall Annex
1102 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, TX 78043 View details
Phone: +19567276400 | Website available
6City of Laredo - Main Office - Utilities Department
5816 Daugherty Ave, Laredo, TX 78041 View details
Phone: +19567212000 | Website available
7El Cenizo City Hall
507 Cadena, Laredo, TX 78046 View details
Phone: +19567129107 | Website available
8Laredo Human Resources Department
1102 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, TX 78043 View details
Phone: +19567227444 | Website available
9Laredo Public Works Department
5512 Thomas Ave, Laredo, TX 78041 View details
Phone: +19567952500 | Website available
10City of Laredo Tax Department
1102 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, TX 78042 View details
Phone: +19567276403 | Website available
People born in Laredo (77)
People born in Laredo, including Republican politician Tom DeLay, shot putter and discus thrower Earlene Brown, parapsychologist José Silva, .
More notable people
- Abraham Kazen (American politician (1919-1987)) he was born in 17/01/1919
- Clementina Díaz y de Ovando (Mexican writer and academic) she was born in 07/11/1916
- Alfonso Gomez-Rejon (Film director, television director) he was born in 06/11/1972
- John P. Wheeler III (American medical examiner; presidential aide to three U.S. presidents) he was born in 14/12/1944
- Henry Cuellar (American politician) he was born in 19/09/1955
- Edgar Valdez Villarreal (Mexican American suspected drug lord) he was born in 11/09/1973
- Poncho Sanchez (American musician) he was born in 30/10/1951
- Federico Peña (U.S. Secretary of Transportation, 1993-1997) he was born in 01/01/1947
- Quico Canseco (American businessman and politician) he was born in 30/07/1949
- Kathleen King von Alvensleben (German architect) she was born in 05/12/1959
- Kaleb Canales (American basketball coach) he was born in 07/07/1978
- Orlando Canizales (American boxer) he was born in 25/11/1965
- Freddie Benavides (American baseball player) he was born in 07/04/1966
- Albert Huffstickler (American writer) he was born in 17/12/1927
- Alex Andrade (American martial artist) he was born in 14/05/1974
- Alicia Dickerson Montemayor (American Latino activist) she was born in 06/08/1902
- Ana Rodriguez (American model) she was born in 20/01/1986
- Barrie Karp (American activist (1945-2019)) she was born in 01/01/1945
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Laredo, TX. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| 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 |
Closest post offices linked to 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 (1)
- Laredo, Missouri city in Missouri, USA with a population of 184 people.
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