EDINBURG, Texas - Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez says that while a decrease in the poverty rate is an encouraging indicator, he recognizes that many families continue to face economic challenges.
Cortez commented about newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau after Prosperity Task Force Coordinator Mario Reyna broke the news in the Rio Grande Guardian. The task force was set up by Cortez to tackle poverty.
“While the decrease in the poverty rate is an encouraging indicator, we recognize that many families continue to face economic challenges,” Cortez said. “Our responsibility is to continue working with community partners, educational institutions, and economic development organizations to expand opportunities and support a stronger workforce for residents throughout Hidalgo County.”
Cortez pointed out that Hidalgo County continues to see improvements in key economic indicators, with new U.S. Census Bureau data showing the county's poverty rate declined to 24.2% in 2024, down from 26.9% in 2023 and 28.8% in 2021.
He said the latest figures show a decrease in the percentage of residents living below the federal poverty threshold over the past several years, noting that the decline occurred during a period of continued population growth in Hidalgo County.
According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, Hidalgo County’s population reached 921,549 residents in 2025, up from previous population estimates.
Cortez said educational attainment and workforce development remain important components of the region’s economic landscape. According to Cortez, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has awarded more than 60,000 degrees since its creation in 2015, expanding access to higher education and workforce preparation throughout South Texas.
South Texas College continues to provide associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs designed to support student completion and career pathways, Cortez explained. The college’s 2025–2031 Strategic Plan identifies student success, degree completion, and workforce alignment as key priorities.
Cortez said employment and economic conditions also provide important context when reviewing poverty trends. Census data shows Hidalgo County had 227,682 total jobs in 2023, with employment across multiple industries, including healthcare, education, retail, transportation, and other sectors.
Cortez believes recent business investments and economic development projects across the region should contribute to future economic activity and employment opportunities. He said county officials continue to work with public and private partners to support workforce development, business growth, and access to career opportunities.
“Although the poverty rate has declined, Hidalgo County continues to face challenges related to income levels, workforce opportunities, and economic mobility. County officials will continue monitoring economic indicators and supporting initiatives focused on workforce development, education, and long-term economic opportunity,” a press release from Cortez’s office stated.
In an email, Reyna, coordinator of the Prosperity Task Force, provided additional points about the new Census Bureau data. The email was sent to both task force members and to RioPlex, the nonprofit that is working to build the region’s marketing profile around the world. Reyna is executive director of RioPlex.
“I'm proud to share a recent Rio Grande Guardian article highlighting real, measurable progress: Hidalgo County's poverty rate has declined, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. You can read it here,” Reyna wrote.
“This progress didn't happen on its own — it reflects the work each of you is doing across the Prosperity Task Force and RioPlex network throughout the entire region. Rising educational attainment, growth in human capital, and wage gains in higher-paying sectors are the drivers behind this improvement, and that's a direct result of your organizations' commitment to workforce development, education, health, housing, transportation, and mentoring across South Texas.”
Reyna continued: “Thank you for doing your part. There's still more work ahead of us, but this is real, tangible proof that our coordinated efforts are making a difference in people's lives. Let's continue to promote our educational institutions to create more human capital, and let's also continue pushing for better wages and benefits for our community. Progress like this is only possible when we keep working together.
At the same time, Reyna said, RioPlex needs to continue to promote the region to the world in order to attract the business investment that will help reduce poverty further.
“We need to bring 14,000 manufacturing jobs to the Rio Grande Valley to reduce poverty by 10% — and we're already well on our way. With the outstanding team in the City of Brownsville and the Port of Brownsville, Saronic Technologies' new $3.2 billion Port Alpha shipyard alone is expected to create over 10,000 jobs, making it the largest private-sector employer in the region's history,” Reyna wrote.
“Combined with wins like Valeo's new McAllen facility and continued nearshoring momentum, our 14,000-job goal for the region is well within reach — and I know, together, we can get there.”
Reyna added: “I want to personally recognize and thank the individuals in Brownsville, at the Port of Brownsville, and across Cameron County whose vision and tireless work made this landmark investment possible. This win belongs to them, and it's a powerful example of what our region can achieve when we lead together. I look forward to continuing this work together.”
