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UTB-CBIRD Report: “At the Crossroads” Demographics 10
Brownsville, Cameron County’s largest city, grew from 98,962 in 1990, to
139,722 in 2000: a 41% increase. Matamoros’ population grew from 303,293
in 1990 to 418,141 in 2000, a 38% increase (Figure 2.5).
Figure 2. 5 Growth of Brownsville and Matamoros Populations
450,000
400,000
350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
98,962
139,722
303,293
418,141
Brownsville Matamoros
Source: U.S. Census Bureau; INEGI 1990 and 2000 Mexico–U.S. Border Demographics
Source: U.S. Census Bureau; Mexico 1990 and 2000 Census INEGI
Figure 2.6 shows growth patterns of Cameron County, Hidalgo County, and
Matamoros. In 1970, Cameron showed a population “decrease” of 7% from the
previous decade; Hidalgo stayed close to no growth; and Matamoros showed
growth of 30%. By 1980, Cameron and Hidalgo counties had increased their
populations by 49% and 56% and Matamoros by 28%. In 1990, Cameron County
grew at 24%, Hidalgo at 35%; and Matamoros at 35%. In 2000, Cameron’s
growth rate was 29%, Hidalgo’s 49%, and Matamoros 38%.
Figure 2. 6. Cameron, Hidalgo & Matamoros Population Growth 1970-2000
Cameron County
Hidalgo County
Matamoros
-7%
0%
29%
24%
35%
38%
35%
28%
30%
-20% -10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
49%
49%
56%
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Mexico 2000 Census INEGI
1990
2000
2000
1990
1980
1970
Una Region -- Un Futuro
While Texas will become
a “Minority Majority”
state by 2005, this is
already a reality on the
border. The future of
Texas will in large part
depend on how well the
Hispanic population is
integrated into the
knowledge economy of
the 21 st Century.