Willacy is one of the 254 counties that make up Texas State in the U.S. The 253^rd county to be formed lies in the Rio Grande Valley on the south part of Texas, thirty miles from northern Mexico. Willacy’s neighbors are the Gulf of Mexico, Cameron, Hidalgo, and Kenedy counties

The foundation of this county took place in 1912 and derives its name from John G. Willacy, a state senator. Its county seat and the largest town in the region is Raymondville.

According to the 2019 U.S. census data, the county’s population stands at 21,358. In addition, the 2020 and 2021 projections are 21,266 and 21,174, respectively. Consequently, the county stands at the 117^th position in Texas, covering an area of 784 sq mi.

Willacy County is in the 34^th Congressional district and 27^th senatorial district.

History of Willacy County, Texas

The county traced its roots from Hidalgo and Cameron counties in 1912. Bermuda onion was introduced to the region and slowly became the county’s most essential crop.

Eight years down the line, there were no paved roads in the county, and La Sal Vieja was still successful in supplying salt in the area. The area became Anglo territory at the beginning of the 1920s. Anglo clusters cover New Zealand, the U.K., the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and other smaller English-speaking nations.

New settlers did not embrace Tejano custom or the older culture. As a result, race and labor relations took a new turn, and the area got widespread poverty. Non-industrialization and lack of ambition of the Mexican laborers were the main contributors to the high poverty levels.

More settlement by people from northern states caused a rift where early settlers (ranchers) ganged against the newcomers (farmers). The division resulted in the county’s reorganization.

Today the county comprises Raymondville (11,030 people), Sebastian (1,956 people), Lyford (2,579), and Port Mansfield (222). The region has three airports and waterborne commerce served by Port Mansfield. Also, the county has various recreation facilities and special events to keep residents entertained.

County Topography

589 sq mi of Willacy County is elevated from sea level by fifty feet. The region has a nearly level to the rolling terrain of the south of Texas plains. The surface of these plains has red loam to dark brown, over deep, clayey subsoils. Vegetation in the area includes cacti, thorny shrubs, grasses, and mesquite.

The soils are cracking or saline and sandy along the Gulf Coast. This nature enables them to support seashore saltgrass, cordgrasses, and marsh millet. The county’s natural resources are gas, oil, and caliche.

Climatic Conditions

The county has a subtropical-humid climate. As a result, there is a high likelihood of hurricanes and tropical storms between June and October.

The area’s average temperature falls between 48°F and 69°F in January, while in July, they range from 74°F to 95°F. The region’s hottest month is August, having an average high temperature of 96.0°F. Its coldest nighttime temperatures are 48.3% in January.

The county’s average rainfall is 26 inches annually, much below that of the U.S. of 38 inches. The county’s hottest month is September, having 5.3 inches of rainfall. January is the driest month with 1.2 inches. Winter is the wettest season with a yearly precipitation of 37%, while spring is driest with 15%.

During the summer season, humidity is suppressing. On the other hand, the moisture is pleasant during the winter season. The moist period occurs between April and October, and hence, November to March is the most comfortable time of the year.

Willacy county is less snowy than most places in Texas, with an annual snowfall of 0.1 inches. The area’s snowiest month is December, recording 0.1 inches of snow.

Towns in Willacy County

The region has two categories of towns. One group comprises incorporated towns, including Raymondville, San Perlita, and Lyford. The second set is the unincorporated towns, including Willmar, Sebastian, Santa Monica, Port Mansfield, Porfirio, Los Coyotes, and Lasara.

County Offices

Willacy county renders services to its people through the following offices.

County Judge: Hon. Aurelio “Keter” Guerra is the office boss, and you can reach him by phone- (956) 689-3393 or Fax- (956) 689-4817. You can also visit the office at 576 W. Main Ave. Room #152 Raymondville, Texas 78580.

County Attorney: Hon. Annette C. Hinojosa is the head of this office and can be reached by calling (956) 689-2164 or Fax (956) 689-5280. The office address is 576 W. Main Ave. Room # 133 Raymondville, Texas 78580.

County Clerk: Hon. Susana R. Garza oversees the operations of this office, and you can contact her through the phone- (956) 689-2710 or Fax– (956) 689-9849. The office location is 576 W. Main Ave. Room # 153 Raymondville, Texas 78580.

County Treasurer: Hon. Ruben Cavazos is the county’s financial custodian. His contacts include office (956) 689-2772, county Cell (956) 398-9818, direct (956) 304-5051, or fax- (956) 689-2735. You can locate the office at 576 W. Main Ave. Room 143 Raymondville, TX 78580.

Tax Assessor-Collector: The county’s tax officer is Hon. Elizabeth Barnhart. You can find her at 192 N. 3^rdRoom 202 Raymondville, Texas 78580. Alternatively, you can contact her through Office- (956) 689-3621 or Fax- (956) 689-3910.

County Constable: There are four officers in this office. They include Precinct 1-Hon. Carlos Ybarra, Precinct 2- Hon. Andy Chavez, Precinct 3- Hon. Ben Vera, and Precinct 4- Hon. Jose Alberto Garza. You can contact the office at 494 W. Hidalgo Ave. Raymondville, Texas 78580.

Justice of peace: The office operates under five officers, including Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The office is at 494 W. Hidalgo Ave. Raymondville, Texas 78580, and you can contact it through: office- (956) 689-3381 or fax- (956) 689-9524.

County Auditor: Ida Martinez is the office administrator, and you contact her by calling (956) 689-3422 or faxing (956) 689-6127. You can locate the office at 576 W. Main Ave. Room # 138 Raymondville, Texas 78580.

County Sheriff: Jose Salazar heads the Sheriff’s office in Willacy County. You can reach him through the phone- 956-689-5576, fax- 956-689-3867, or email- [email protected]. You may also visit the office at 1371Industrial Boulevard in Raymondville, Texas.

Commissioners Court: This office has four officers, including Commissioner Precincts 1, 2, 3, and 4. You can contact them through phone- (956) 689- 4214 or fax (956) 689-2735). The court’s office is at 576 W. Main Ave. Room 145 Raymondville, Texas 78580.