McAllen, Texas
McAllen is a Texas city whose current Census footprint includes Hidalgo County. Start with the quick read below for what gives McAllen 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
- 150,640
- Change from 2020 base
- +5.9%
- Land area
- 62.4 sq. mi.
- County footprint
- Hidalgo 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
- Hidalgo CAD account
- Flood zone / FEMA map
- Foundation inspection
- School district boundary
- Utility / platting status (rural parcels)
What buyers should know
With much of McAllen facing significant flood risk from flat terrain and heavy summer rain, check the FEMA flood map for the specific parcel and price a separate flood policy before closing — standard homeowners policies do not cover flood.
Foundation inspections are essential: expansive clay soils throughout the Valley cause significant slab movement; budget for a licensed structural engineer or foundation specialist during the option period rather than relying solely on a general home inspector.
Cross-border shopping drives unusually high retail activity and a healthy rental market, but also means home values near the bridges or major retail corridors can track trade-policy shifts — ask your agent about neighborhood-level price trends, not just city-wide averages.
County context
What to know around McAllen
County lines carry much of the property, land, water, and outdoors context around McAllen.
County History
Hidalgo County Was Formed in 1852 and Named for a Mexican Hero
The county was established in 1852 and named for Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, who began Mexico's fight for independence from Spain.
Property Tax Basics
Two Separate Offices Handle Your Property Taxes
Hidalgo County has one office that values your property and a different office that collects the taxes, so you need to know which to contact.
Settlement History
Spanish Ranchers Settled This Area More Than 275 Years Ago
The lower Rio Grande Valley was settled by Spanish ranching families in 1749 under José de Escandón, making it one of the older continuously settled regions in Texas.
Nearby places
Other local pages to compare
Nearby counties
Local notes for nearby counties
Next steps for McAllen
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 ->