Visitor & Relocation Information

Community Profile & Other Demographics

Zapata, Texas is located at the intersection of US State Hwy 83 and State Hwy 16, along the Rio Grande River in the southern tip of Texas. The nearest Interstate Hwy (IH-35) is located 50 miles north of US Hwy 83, at the southern terminus of I-35 in Laredo. Just across the Rio Grande from Zapata is the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico.

The elevations within Zapata County range from 200 to 700 feet above sea level. Zapata County has light-colored loamy soils over reddish or mottled day subsoil; limestone lies in places within forty inches of the surface. The flora includes thorny shrubs, grasses, mesquite, and cacti. Less 1% of the county is considered prime farmland. Natural resources include caliche, lignite coal, sand, gravel, oil and gas. 

The town of Zapata, has the largest population in the country and is the county seat. Zapata is nestled on the shores of Falcon Lake and abounds in exciting and romantic history. Falcon Lake is the largest fresh water lake in Texas, and is a major regional and international tourist attraction.

Temperatures and conditions in the lake produce ample resources for the regional ecosystem. In fact, resources are so abundant that Falcon Lake has held national bass tournament here in Zapata (Bassmaster Elite Series, FLW Outdoors Stren Series & Bass Champs). Falcon Lake attracts professional, amateur anglers from all over the US and the world. Fish in the lake are often an average of 2 inches larger than those found in other parts of the country.

Zapata County is also a bird paradise. Home to more than 360 feet species of birds, and 295 indigenous species, Zapata and the surrounding counties are a global destination for bird watching enthusiast.  Air currents and other conditions have made Zapata County a top gliding location. The hand gliding world record was set in Zapata and wind aviation companies and the military use the area as a test side.

Although outdoors activity options abound, Zapata has a rich history and culture as well. The Spanish Mexican heritage of the region is quite apparent and very influential in every aspect of life, for it covers a period of over 300 hundreds years of exploration and settlement. The people are justly proud of the rich historical and social heritage that is theirs.
 
Zapata – Population Trends:

Zapata – Weather Overview:
Zapata’s climate is considered to be “subtropical-sub humid”. Zapata has an abundance of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of 318 sunny days per year. Zapata’s average wind speed is 12 mph, with 52% of the time is being from a southeasterly direction. Zapata receives on average of 59 days measurable precipitation per year. There are 12 days per year on average where we receive.50 inch or greater precipitation. On average, Zapata has 177 days per year with a high temperature of 90 degrees or more, and 5 nights of low temperature 32 degrees or below. The record high temperature of Zapata is 114, and record low is 15. On average, Zapata experiences a “hard freeze” about every 4 years. Based on a 65 degree temperature, Zapata averages 903 heating degree days per year 4097 cooling degree days per year.

Zapata – Mileages Information:
Laredo - 50 miles (1hour) Houston - 402 miles (7 hours)
Monterrey Mex. - 135 miles (2.5 hours) Dallas - 484 miles (8 hours)
Corpus Christi - 152 miles (2.5 hours Atlanta GA. - 1213 miles (20 hours)
Brownsville - 154 miles (3 hours) Chicago IL. - 1450 miles (23 hours)
San Antonio – 206 miles (3.5 hours) New York – 2056 miles (33 hours)

Nearby Airports:
Laredo International Airport – 50 miles - (956) 795-2570
McAllen International Airport – 95 miles – (956) 581-1500
Harlingen Valley International Airport – 135 miles – (956) 430-8600
Corpus Christi International Airport – 142 miles – (361) 289-0251
Brownsville/South Padre Island Airport – (800) 433-7300
San Antonio International Airport – 214 mile - (210) 207-3411

Bus Service: Zapata, Texas
Valley Transit – Greyhound – operates 2 routes on Hwy 83 North & South  
South Connections: McAllen – Harlingen – Brownsville
North Connection: Laredo
Zapata’s Bus Location – Arrivals/Departures: Taikiris Millennium Drive-Inn

2214 Hwy 83 (corner of Hwy 83 & 23rd Ave) -(956) 765-6464
San Ygnacio Location – Arrivals/Departures: Pepe’s Grocery on Hwy 83