An official publication of the Zapata Economic Development Corporation 1301 U.S. Highway 83 · Zapata, Texas 78076

www.zapataedc.com · 956.765.1113

Zapata County At a Glance Community Demographics and Statistics

Welcome to Zapata, Texas and

the County of Zapata, TX USA

Zapata County offers its residents a wide range of options and possibilities. Zapata offers its

residents a quality of life and low cost of living. Although our community has grown rapidly,

we still retain a lifestyle of high quality outdoor recreation, familiarity and comfort of small-

town life, while offering easy access to amenities of major markets in the Rio Grande Valley,

the Cities of Laredo, Corpus Christi and San Antonio. The County possesses important natu-

ral and historical resources including Falcon Reservoir and fishing; historical and cultural

treasures represented by San Ygnacio; birding, hunting and an oil and natural gas industry.

Local Roads & Highways

Location Southwest Texas Border Region

Zapata, Texas has undergone a transformation over the past decades from a rural Texas ranching and farming town to a revital-ized, fast growing urban center in the county that’s home of Falcon Reservoir. The impetus for Zapata’s exponential growth has been high value tourism and a very active and productive oil and gas industry. Zapata County’s location in the U.S. Highway 83 corridor, links us to key economic growth centers in the region. Sixty-years years of crime-free recreation on Falcon Lake USA, a low crime rate, quality schools, low taxes, its proximity to major markets, business friendly, and an innovative vision plan for growth and sustainability have resulted in honors such as Zapata, TX being named the “North American Micro City of the Future” by Foreign Direct Investment Magazine, a Financial Times publication. Zapata County’s natural and historic resources are highly significant providing rare opportunities for the sportsman and outdoor

enthusiast, and a historic glimpse into the past that cannot be replicated. An outdoor recreation paradise, “Winter Texans” and

visitors from all parts of the country and around the world come here to hang glide, hunt, bird watch, rock hunt, and fish on Falcon

Lake, named number one in “BASSMASTERS 100 Best Bass Lakes” in the United States by Bassmaster Magazine. San Ygnacio is a

unique historical community and an example of Spanish-Mexican colonial period community that evolved on the Texas frontier.

Population Growth, Distribution & Educational Attainment

Zapata County is part of the Southwest Texas Border region, characterized as one of the fastest growing areas in Texas. Due to its close proximity to nearby Laredo, TX and the Rio Grande Valley, Zapata is ideally situated to capitalize on the earning potential of international trade, logistics, and manufacturing industries. Prospective employers and local business have the opportunity to reach over 330,000 people on the U.S. side of the border by only traveling within a 60 mile radius of Zapata, TX.

Historical Population Growth

Zapata Trade Area

Population Density 5, 15, 30, 60 Mile Radii Comparison

County 2000 Population

2010 Population

Percent Change

Duvall 13,120 11,782 -10.2%

Jim Hogg 5,281 5,300 0.4%

Hidalgo 569,463 774,769 36.1%

Starr 53,597 60,968 13.8%

Webb 193,117 250,304 29.6%

Zapata 12,182 14,018 15.1%

Totals 846,760 1,117,141 31.9%

U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census

U.S. Census Bureau

Projected Population Growth

Texas State Data Center

ZAPATA COUNTY ZAPATA COUNTY

Over the last few decades, Zapata County, Texas has seen dramatic growth, translating into a popula-tion of 14,018 an increase of over 222% since 1970. This growth can be attributed to two things: the quality of life, high quality recrea-tional opportunities, and very ac-tive natural gas drilling activities. With the increasing popularity of Falcon Lake, came the development of lakeside resorts, RV parks and new housing. Now thousands of “Winter Texans” and others choose to live and retire here making their home in the once rural town of Zapata, TX and taking advantage of the areas low cost of living. Zapata County, TX is well known for its outstanding services to the peo-ple of Zapata, San Ygnacio, Lopeño, Chihuahua and Falcon and its strong focus on growth and pro-gress in the community. The hard work of the town is evident through its awards and honors from the Texas Department of Agriculture, Financial Times-Foreign Direct In-vestment Magazine, and Architec-tural Industry Association.

Population Distribution by Age & Gender

U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census

Population Distribution by Ethnicity

U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census

An educated workforce is key to having a dedicated and diverse workforce. In the Zapata area, 11% of the population has a col-lege degree or higher, compared to the national average of 28% and a state average of 25%. Recognizing this as a priority, Zapata County leaders collabo-rated and developed a Vision Plan that addresses the issue of low educational attainment lev-els and poverty. In 2011, the Zapata County Technical and Advanced Education Center (ZTAC) opened its doors, provid-ing the community with higher education and workforce training as a solution.

Zapata County, Texas: Educational Attainment

Educational Attainment: Geographic Comparison

U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census

U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census

Property Tax The property tax is the largest source of funding for local services in Texas. Property taxes help to pay for public schools in the Zapata Independent School District, municipal services, roads, fire and rescue protection as well as many other services. Prop-erty taxes are based on monetary value. For example, the property tax due on a vacant lot valued at $10,000 would be ten times as much as the tax for one valued at $1,000. The tax rate for Zapata County is $1.96 per $100.00 of assessed value. Tax ratios are established in July of each year and property values are re-appraised every three years.

Sales Tax Zapata County does not impose a sales tax rate. The rate is then entirely comprised of the rate for the State of Texas, which is 6.25%.

Business Tax Texas ranks 9th nationally in the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index. Neighboring states rank as follows: New Mexico (38th), Oklahoma (33rd), Arkansas (31st), and Louisiana (32nd). The State of Texas does not have a business income tax, but does impose a business franchise tax. In the 2007 Texas legislative session, state business franchise taxes were lowered and broadened to include partnerships (general, limited, and limited liability), corporations, limited liability corporations, business trusts, professional associations, joint ventures and most other legal entities. The tax rate is 1%, with the exception of qualified retail and wholesale businesses that have a 1/2% tax. The tax rate applies to an adjusted margin which equals the least of three calculations – total revenue minus cost of goods sold, total revenue minus compensation, or total revenue times 70%.

Hotel Occupancy Tax Zapata County collects a Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) from hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts. Under state law, the revenue for the HOT may be used only to directly promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry. The current composite rate is 13%. Of that, 7% is levied by Zapata County, and 6% is levied by the state of Texas.

Local & State Tax Information Texas levies no individual and corporate income tax, and overall the state has one of the lowest state and local tax burdens in the nation. Texas’ state and local tax burden is cur-rently estimated at 7.9% of income (45th nationally), below the national average of 9.8%. Currently, Texas taxpayers pay $3,197 per capita in state and local taxes.

Zapata County Appraisal District, 2011

Tax Burden: Local Rates & State Comparison

Local Taxing Authorities State Tax Burden

The Tax Foundation, 2009

Tourism Industry Texas Travel Data

Total direct travel spending in Texas in 2011 was approximately $63.2 billion increasing by 10% over previous year.

Traveler spending supported 543,000 jobs with earn-ings of $17.6 billion and generated roughly $4 billion in state and local taxes.

Texas’ Non-resident overnight leisure visitors partici-pated at rates higher than the average U.S. destina-tion in the activities listed on the bar chart at left.

Hotel revenues increased by 13% and room night stays increased by 9% over 2010.

Mexico is the largest inbound international market for travelers to Texas with an estimated 6.3 million visitors in 2010.

Mexico contributes the largest share of international spending to the state with about $2.6 billion (land and air travelers).

Zapata, County Travel Data Total direct travel spending in Zapata County in 2011

was $15.6 million

Traveler spending supported 180 jobs with earnings of $2.7 million and generated roughly $730,000 in state and local taxes.

Hotel revenues and hotel occupancy both increased by 6% over 2010.

Texas Office of the Governor – Economic Development & Tourism

Texas Travel Activity Index—2010

Hotel Occupancy

Zapata County Visitor Spending

U.S. Activity Participation = 100

$ Million

Historical Employment & Unemployment

Labor Force & Employment Data Local, State & National Comparison

Zapata County, Texas’ population is predominantly Hispanic and relatively young, with a much larger share of residents under the age of 25, with a median age of 31.0 than in the state of 33.7 and nation of 37.2 as a whole. Its workforce The region is poised to see a large number of workers entering its job market in the near future. The South Texas region’s economic outlook is excellent. The region’s rate of job growth will outpace that of the state , with Zapata County strategically positioned between the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo, two of the region’s fastest growth areas.

Historical Unemployment: Geographic Comparison Zapata County: Historical Employment

Zapata County

South Texas WDA

Texas United States

Labor Force 6,311 109,660 12,451,504 153,617,000

Employment 5,773 100,809 11,464,525 139,869,000

Unemployment 538 8,851 986,979 13,747,000

Unemployment Rate 8.5% 8.10% 7.9 8.9

Zapata County South Texas WDA Texas United States

Year Labor Force

Unemployment Rate

Labor Force

Unemployment Rate

Labor Force Unemployment Rate

Labor Force Unemployment Rate

2007 4,936 5.4% 96,814 4.8 11,411,891 4.4 153,124,000 4.6

2008 5,158 5.6% 100,210 5.4 11,653,877 4.9 154,287,000 5.8

2009 5,348 10.7% 102,950 8.5 11,968,199 7.5 154,142,000 9.3

2010 5,698 10.7% 106,119 9.0% 12,269,727 8.2 15,389,000 9.6

2011 6,311 8.5% 109,660 8.1% 12,451,504 7.9 153,617,000 8.9

Apr-11 6,208 8.2% 107,704 7.9 12,408,713 7.6 152,898,000 8.7

Apr-12 6,746 6.2% 112,487 6.5 12,547,852 6.5 153,905,000 7.7

WDA – Workforce Development Area Texas Workforce Commission. May 2012.

WDA – Workforce Development Area

Texas Workforce Commission. May 2012.

2011 Workforce Distribution by Industry - Zapata County

2011 Labor Force & Employment Data

Texas Workforce Commission, 2011

Labor Force & Employment

Texas Workforce Commission, 2011

Household Income Historical & Geographic Comparison

The average level of income for Zapata County residents falls substantially below the average for Texas and United States. However, average income is steadily increasing and is projected to continue with this trend. Unemployment and educational attainment is highly correlated with income. Unemployment has been on a downward trend for the area in recent times, and educational attain-ment on an upward trend, which supports the projected increase in income.

Geographic Comparison

Historical Comparison

Zapata County Texas United States

Average Household Income $38,378 $67,464 $ 72,131

Median Household Income $29,673 $51,960 $ 51,510 Per Capita Income $12,518 $24,031 $ 27,859

Zapata County Census

2000 Census 2010

Percent Change

2015 Projection

Percent Change

Average Household Income $32,725 $38,378 17% $42,713 11% Median Household Income $24,609 $29,673 21% $33,732 14% Per Capita Income $10,486 $12,518 19% $13,971 12%

Retail Sales Historical & Industry Comparison

Gross sales for Zapata County have been slowly recovering, and on an upward trend since the recession of 2009. Sales subject to sales tax have followed a similar trend. Five major industries, mining, retail trade, administrative and support services, construc-tion, and real estate dominated the majority of gross sales in 2011, making up over 90% of all gross sales.

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, 2011

U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 Data

Esri forecasts for 2015

2011 Gross Sales by Industry Gross Sales—Zapata County

Education Information Higher Education

1) Zapata Technical and Advanced Education Center 2) Texas A&M International University 3) Laredo Community College 4) University of Texas Health Science Center – Laredo 5) South Texas College – Rio Grande City 6) University of Texas – Pan American at Starr County 7) University of Texas – Pan American 8) University of Texas Health Science Center - Edinburg 9) Texas A&M University – Kingsville 10) Texas State Technical College – Harlingen 11) University of Texas Health Science Center - Harlingen 12) Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi 13) University of Texas - Brownsville 14) Texas Southmost College - Brownsville 15) Coastal Bend College – Alice, Kingsville 16) Del Mar College – Corpus Christi

Zapata County Independent School

Colleges & Universities: 150 Mile Radius

Public Education

ZCISD Statistics

TEA Region 1

UIL AAA District

Total Enrollment: 3,724

6 Campuses

Average faculty member has 11.5 years of experi-ence in education.

Student/Teacher Ratio is 19.5 at elementary level, and 19.5 at the secondary.

ISD Tax Rate: $1.16

School Enrollment—2011

ZCISD is averaging an increase of 80

students per year. The projected

enrollment by 2016 is 4,124.

Zapata

High School Zapata Middle

School Villarreal

Elementary North

Elementary South

Elementary Benavides

Elementary

920 755 674 590 693 92

Texas Education Agency, 2011

Projected Enrollment—Zapata County ISD

There are over 16 higher edu-cation institutions within a 150 mile radius of Zapata, TX with many branches opening their doors within the past 15 years. This indicates a growing em-phasis and interest in higher education in the South Texas region in recent times. When you come to Zapata, you have your pick of some of the na-tion’s top schools at your door-step. From workforce develop-ment to research institutions, all your needs can be met within minutes of Zapata.

Graduation Rates South Texas

Texas Education Agency, 2010

Strategically Positioned

Interstate Highway System

South Texas International Port System

Texas Office of the Governor – Economic Development & Tourism

Zapata County is connected to the entire South Texas region, and even the entire nation, be-cause of the well-integrated highway system which comprises the local transportation makeup. Zapata County is served by U.S. Highway 83, and State Highway 16. U.S. Highway 83 traverses the entire county of Zapata and par-allels the Rio Grande River linking Zapata County to the Rio Grande Valley and IH-35. It is undergoing 4-lane highway expansion both north and south of Zapata, Texas. The projects are slated to be complete by the end of 2012.

Zapata, TX is in close proximity to

two major sea ports, and over

ten inland ports along the South-

ern Texas Border.

The Port of Corpus Christi is

the 6th largest deep-water

port in the U.S., and 3rd larg-

est bulk-handling port in the

U.S. It is located 152 miles

from Zapata.

The Port of Laredo, located

less than 45 minutes away, is

the nation’s number 1 inland

port along the US-Mexico

border crossing over $114

billion in imports and ex-

ports. About 12,000 com-

mercial trucks cross Laredo

bridges each day.

1301 U.S. Highway 83 · Zapata, Texas 78076 www.zapataedc.com · 956.765.1113

info@zapataedc.com

An official publication of the Zapata Economic Development Corporation

The Zapata Economic Development Corporation is the designated economic development entity for Zapata County, Texas. ZapataEDC is a proactive organization that assists Zapata County’s businesses and people in developing solu-tions and facilitating business development and job growth. It is a Texas Non-Profit Corporation, tax exempt under sec-tion 501(c)3 of the IRS Code of 1986. The Mission of the Zapata Economic Development Corporation is to facilitate new employment opportunities and capital investment in Zapata County through the attraction, expansion, and retention of commercial, manufacturing, and profes-sional service businesses, educational attainment, and the improvement of quality of life.

The Vision of the Zapata Economic Development Corporation is to create and promote a sustainable and inclusive cul-

ture of free enterprise for Zapata County that will use economic and community development as an engine for prosperity

and opportunity for all our residents. We will work to provide the conditions and resources that enable leaders, entrepre-

neurs, and investors to succeed including tools, research, education, and planning and policy advocacy.