Laredo, Texas
Laredo is a Texas city whose current Census footprint includes Webb County. Start with the quick read below for what gives Laredo its character, then the practical property-tax, insurance, district, and local-record checks worth making before you rely on a monthly estimate.
Place essentials
Official Census snapshot- Census place type
- City
- July 2025 population
- 269,515
- Change from 2020 base
- +5.6%
- Land area
- 109.1 sq. mi.
- County footprint
- Webb County
Place type, county footprint, and land area use the Census Bureau's January 1, 2025 geography. Population uses Vintage 2025 estimates through July 1, 2025; change compares that estimate with the April 1, 2020 estimates base. Geography file | Population file
Official routes
Use the office for the parcel address; a mailing city is not always the governing city.
Local checks
- Webb CAD account
- FEMA flood zone
- School district (LISD vs. UISD)
- Foundation/slab type
- City limits & utility service
What buyers should know
Flood zone check is essential: portions of Laredo near the Rio Grande are in designated FEMA flood zones, and standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage — look up the FEMA FIRM panel for any address and price out NFIP or private flood coverage before finalizing your offer.
Foundation inspection matters more than usual here: the mix of caliche hardpan and expansive clay that underlies much of Webb County causes slab movement; ask the inspector specifically about evidence of differential settlement, and verify the slab type (post-tension slabs require specialized repair contractors).
Confirm school district boundaries at the parcel level: the city is split between Laredo ISD and United ISD, and the boundary does not follow obvious street or neighborhood lines — the Webb CAD record or both districts' enrollment offices can confirm which applies.
Local character
Start with Laredo itself
A few landmarks, stories, and everyday places that help give Laredo its shape.
Birding
The Laredo Loop Turns Webb County Into a Birding Route
TPWD's Laredo Loop strings together Webb County parks, a university campus, creeks, ranchland, and Lake Casa Blanca into one official wildlife-watching route.
Campus Habitat
TAMIU's Back Brush Is a Birding Stop
TPWD points birders to the undeveloped brush behind Texas A&M International University, an easy-to-reach pocket of South Texas habitat near Loop 20.
Birding
Lake Casa Blanca Is Also a Birding Lake
Beyond fishing and camping, Lake Casa Blanca is a TPWD wildlife-trail stop for water birds, desert birds, dragonflies, and sunset bats.
Then zoom out to Webb County
History
Laredo Was the Founding Site of the Republic of the Rio Grande
In 1840, Laredo was where leaders declared the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande, a federalist rebellion against Mexico that lasted about 10 months.
Property Tax
Who Handles Property Taxes in Webb County
Two separate offices handle property taxes here: the appraisal district sets your home's value, and the tax assessor-collector sends the bill.
History
Webb County Was Created in 1848 After the Mexican-American War
The Texas legislature created Webb County in January 1848, naming it after a judge, after the Rio Grande became the new international boundary.
Nearby places
Other local pages to compare
Nearby counties
Local notes for nearby counties
Next steps for Laredo
Compare nearby places
Put Census population, land area, county footprints, and official office routes side by side.
Open comparison ->Estimate property tax
Use the official local rates and appraisal value for this parcel.
Open estimator ->Build a buyer timeline
Track homestead, appraisal notice, protest, and tax-bill dates.
Build timeline ->Read insurance guide
Check flood, windstorm, roof, deductibles, and coverage questions.
Read guide ->