Robstown, Texas


Robstown is a city in Nueces County, Texas, of the United States of America, and is a western suburb of Corpus Christi. It was founded in 1907 by a land speculator from Keota, Iowa by the name of George H. Paul. Paul purchased 10,410.43 acres of the Driscoll Ranch located north of the Texas-Mexican Railroad built in 1875. Around the same period, Robert Driscoll Jr. opened a small shop known locally as "Robs Store". The residents soon started referring to the surrounding settlement as "Rob's town." a name that eventually became Robstown. The population was 10,222 as of the 2023 census.
The Texas State Legislature recognizes Robstown as the birthplace of Texas hold 'em poker. Texas Hold'em was birthed in the early 1900s, but did not become widely known until 1967 when it was launched in Las Vegas, Nevada. Robstown is also known for its long-standing mascot, the "Cotton Pickers" used by the Robstown Independent school district. The Cotton Picker mascot reflects the city's agricultural heritage, specifically cotton fields as many families in the city of Robstown worked in the cotton energy.

Geography

Robstown is located at .
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of, all land.

Climate

The climate in Robstown is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Robstown has a humid subtropical climate, Cfa on climate maps. Robstown enjoys a great amount of sunshine all year round and will mildly see precipitation depending on the climate and influence of the Gulf of Mexico.

Demographics

2020 census

RaceNumberPercentage
White 5625.54%
Black or African American 1141.12%
Native American or Alaska Native 80.08%
Asian 170.17%
Pacific Islander 50.05%
Some Other Race 250.25%
Mixed/Multi-Racial 390.38%
Hispanic or Latino9,37392.41%
Total10,143

As of the 2023 United States census, there were 10,222 people, 4,137 households, and 2,731 families residing in the city.

2019

As of 2019, the Census Bureau estimates the population to be 11,261 people and consisting of 3,728 households. Owner-occupied housing is 58.1%. The average household has 3.06 persons. The racial makeup of the city was 5.6% White, 0.2% Native American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 93.8% of the population. Non-Hispanic Whites were 5.8% of the population. Median value of housing was $52,900. Median gross rent was $688 per month.
In the city, the age distribution of the population was 9.2% under the age of 5, 31.0% under the age of 18, and 17.1% who were 65 or older. Females were 51.1% of the population. Foreign-born persons were 5.3% of the population.
Population density was 741.0 persons/sq mi. Land area is 15.50 sq mi. The FIPS code is 4862600
The median income for a household in the city was $29,218. Per capita income was $14,178. The poverty rate was 41.1%.

Point of interest

The Robstown post office contains a mural, Founding and Subsequent Development of Robstown, Texas, painted in 1941 by Alice Reynolds. Federally commissioned murals were produced from 1934 to 1943 in the United States through the Section of Painting and Sculpture, later called the Section of Fine Arts, of the Treasury Department.
Robstown also has the Robstown Area Historical Museum, first opened in 1999, contains many artifacts and walls dedicated to war veterans.

Neighborhoods

Robstown is divided into several distinct neighborhoods. The Ashburn, Kissling area is located just east of Bluebonnet, next to the Robstown Early College High School. The area locally known as Bluebonnet is located in the northwest area of town, right next to Robstown Early College High School. The area locally known as Casa Blanca is considered to be south of the city and south of the Kansas City Railroad. San Pedro is on the westside, next to San Pedro Elementary School.

Education

Robstown is served by the Robstown Independent School District.
Del Mar College is the designated community college for all of Nueces County.
Robstown ISD schools include: Robstown Early College High School, Seale Junior High School, Robert Driscoll Jr. STEM Academy, Lotspeich Leadership Academy, and San Pedro Fine Arts Academy.

Industry

Robstown is the site of a 1,200 acre lithium refinement plant owned and operated by Tesla. Ground was broken on the $375 million facility in 2023 and the plant began operation in December 2024. The plant is expected to employ 160 people and produce battery grade lithium hydroxide. Environmental concerns as to the expected water usage by the plant have been raised.

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