Donna, Texas

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Donna is a city in Hidalgo County, Texas, United States. The population was 14,768 at the 2000 census. The town motto is "The City with a Heart in the Heart of the Rio Grande Valley".

Contents

[edit] History

The region was originally part of the La Blanca Land Grant, given to Lino Cabazos on May 18, 1834. The first Anglo-American Settler was John F. Webber, who in 1839 moved to escape persecution of his marriage to Sylvia Hector, a former slave.

In 1902, Thomas Jefferson Hooks formed the LaBlanca Agricultural Company, which purchased 23,000 Acres in Hidalgo County. Part of this purchase was given to his daughter, Donna Hooks Fletcher, a divorcee. In 1904, The St. Louis, Brownsville, and Mexico Railway reached the area, and a town was formed that July. In 1907, the town was given a depot station, which was named Donna in Hooks' honor.

[edit] Geography

Location of Donna, Texas

Donna is located at 26°10′13″N, 98°2′57″W (26.170336, -98.049037)GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.1 km² (5.1 mi²). 13.1 km² (5.0 mi²) of it is land and 0.20% is water.

Donna is bordered on the east by Weslaco, Texas and on the west by Alamo, Texas. The southern boundary of the town is a few miles north of the Rio Grande, the international border between the United States and Mexico in Texas.

[edit] Demographics

As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 14,768 people, 4,167 households, and 3,525 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,131.3/km² (2,929.5/mi²). There were 5,734 housing units at an average density of 439.3/km² (1,137.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 76.06% White, 0.37% African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 20.40% from other races, and 2.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 87.26% of the population.

There were 4,167 households out of which 43.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, 20.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.4% were non-families. 13.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.54 and the average family size was 3.91.

In the city the population was spread out with 34.1% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 17.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females there were 92.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,800, and the median income for a family was $23,892. Males had a median income of $19,815 versus $17,009 for females. The per capita income for the city is about $10,000. About 32.6% of families and 37.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 48.1% of those under age 18 and 25.5% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Education

Donna is served by the Donna Independent School District.

In addition, South Texas Independent School District operates magnet schools that serve the community.

[edit] Recreation

  • The Rio Grande Valley, which encompasses Donna, is recognized as one of the best Birding areas in the United States. Some locations near Donna include:
  • "Winter Texans", or seasonal Texas residents, flock to the area during winter months to enjoy the generally mild weather.
  • An international bridge across the Rio Grande is being constructed to link Donna to the city of Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, a city with a population of approximately 150,000.

[edit] Media and Journalism

[edit] Area television stations

[edit] Area radio stations

[edit] Area newspapers

[edit] External links

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