According to Directory of Maps, Penitas is a small city in Texas located in the Rio Grande Valley. It is situated on the banks of the Rio Grande River and borders Mexico. The climate is typically hot and dry in summer months, although there can be some humidity due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. The history of Penitas dates back to the 1800s when it was founded by settlers from Mexico. The city has grown significantly since then and has become an important economic hub for South Texas, with a strong agricultural presence as well as other industries such as manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.
Politically, Penitas is part of Hidalgo County which includes several cities and towns in South Texas. The county government provides services such as law enforcement, public education, healthcare, and more to Penitas residents. Penitas also has its own City Council which works closely with the county government to ensure that local needs are met.
Economically, Penitas is known for its agricultural production which includes cotton, grain sorghum, citrus fruits and vegetables. Additionally, there are several manufacturing companies located in the city that produce a variety of products ranging from furniture to electronics components. Retail stores can be found throughout the city providing goods and services to residents while healthcare facilities provide medical care for those who need it most.
Schools in Penitas include several elementary schools as well as a middle school and high school that serve students from grades pre-K through 12th grade respectively. These schools offer a variety of educational opportunities including special education classes as well as college-level courses for those looking to further their education after graduating high school.
As far as landmarks go there are several historic sites within Penitas including churches dating back to colonial times as well as buildings that have been around since before World War II such as the old courthouse building which now serves as a museum dedicated to local history and culture. Additionally there are two public parks within city limits offering recreational activities for both children and adults alike such as playgrounds and picnic areas perfect for family outings or just relaxing on sunny days.
Population: 1,167. Estimated population in July 2020: 1,182 (+1.3% change)
Males: 556 (47.6%), Females: 611 (52.4%)
Hidalgo County
Zip code: 78576
Median resident age: 29.3 years
Median household income: $26,071
Median house value: $52,900
Races in Penitas:
- Hispanic (98.0%)
- Other race (16.2%)
- White Non-Hispanic (1.7%)
(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)
Ancestries: .
Elevation: 125 feet
Land area: 2.0 square miles
Population
Penitas, Texas is a small city located in Hidalgo County. It is situated on the banks of the Rio Grande, in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. As of 2019, Penitas had a population of approximately 6,000 people. The majority of the population is Hispanic or Latino and speaks Spanish as their primary language. The median age is 28 years old, which is lower than both the state and national averages. Over half of the population lives below the poverty line, making it one of the poorest cities in Texas. However, there are many opportunities for education and employment in Penitas due to its proximity to Reynosa and McAllen, two larger cities in Mexico and Texas respectively. There are several local businesses that provide goods and services to residents as well as visitors from across the border. Additionally, Penitas has many cultural attractions such as its annual tamale festival and its historic downtown district with art galleries, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. In recent years, Penitas has seen an increase in economic development initiatives such as new housing projects for low-income families and businesses that provide job opportunities to residents. With these developments coupled with its unique culture, Penitas continues to be an attractive destination for both local citizens and tourists alike.
For population 25 years and over in Penitas
- High school or higher: 38.8%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 4.9%
- Graduate or professional degree: 1.9%
- Unemployed: 12.5%
- Mean travel time to work: 22.3 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Penitas city
- Never married: 28.0%
- Now married: 60.9%
- Separated: 3.0%
- Widowed: 4.0%
- Divorced: 4.0%
28.6% Foreign born (28.6% Latin America).
Population change in the 1990s: +206 (+21.4%).
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Penitas:
- MISSION HOSPITAL INC (about 7 miles; MISSION, TX)
- MC ALLEN HEART HOSP (about 15 miles; MC ALLEN, TX)
- RIO GRANDE REGIONAL HOSPITAL (about 15 miles; MC ALLEN, TX)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Penitas:
- MC ALLEN MILLER INTL (about 16 miles; MC ALLEN, TX; Abbreviation: MFE)
- VALLEY INTL (about 55 miles; HARLINGEN, TX; Abbreviation: HRL)
- BROWNSVILLE/SOUTH PADRE ISLAND INT’L (about 75 miles; BROWNSVILLE, TX; Abbreviation: BRO)
Other public-use airports nearest to Penitas:
- EDINBURG INTL (about 27 miles; EDINBURG, TX; Abbreviation: 25R)
- RIO GRANDE CITY MUNI (about 30 miles; RIO GRANDE CITY, TX; Abbreviation: 67R)
- MID VALLEY (about 34 miles; WESLACO, TX; Abbreviation: T65)
Amtrak station near Penitas:
- 15 miles: MCALLEN (120 S. 16TH ST.) – Bus Station. Services: enclosed waiting area, intercity bus service.
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Penitas:
- SOUTH TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 15 miles; MCALLEN, TX; Full-time enrollment: 7,142)
- THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN (about 20 miles; EDINBURG, TX; Full-time enrollment: 9,651)
- TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE-HARLINGEN (about 53 miles; HARLINGEN, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,167)
- THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT BROWNSVILLE (about 68 miles; BROWNSVILLE, TX; Full-time enrollment: 6,044)
- TEXAS SOUTHMOST COLLEGE (about 68 miles; BROWNSVILLE, TX; Full-time enrollment: 4,556)
- TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY-KINGSVILLE (about 95 miles; KINGSVILLE, TX; Full-time enrollment: 4,860)
- LAREDO COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 115 miles; LAREDO, TX; Full-time enrollment: 4,449)