Texas is full of unexpected growth stories—but one city in the Rio Grande Valley is quietly making a name for itself as a rising hub for entrepreneurs and professionals alike.
A CITY FINALLY GETTING ITS FLOWERS
With a population boom that just outpaced its better-known neighbors McAllen and Brownsville, Edinburg is officially the fastest-growing city in the four-county Rio Grande Valley region. Between 2020 and 2024, Edinburg’s population increased by 8.4%, reaching an estimated 108,733 residents in 2024. That growth puts Edinburg 25th in the nation for fastest percentage growth among U.S. cities with populations over 100,000—and 10th in Texas. (source)
A Population Surge That Signals Opportunity
Edinburg’s rapid growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about potential. With more people comes increased demand for services, retail, real estate, healthcare, and infrastructure. For women business owners, that means new customers, expanding markets, and more collaboration opportunities.
If you’re a businesswoman thinking about expansion—or launching something new—it’s worth paying attention. Edinburg offers that sweet spot of rapid growth without the oversaturation you’ll find in larger metros.
The Valley’s Quiet Momentum
For years, the Rio Grande Valley has been left out of the “emerging market” conversations happening across Texas. But if you’ve spent any time on the ground lately, you know that narrative is outdated.
Events like RGV Startup Week are drawing serious regional attention. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is investing in talent, tech, and innovation through its Center for Innovation and Commercialization. And local business owners—many of them women—are redefining what entrepreneurship looks like in South Texas.
Edinburg just happens to be where a lot of those threads intersect. With UTRGV’s main campus, regional government offices, and a central spot along the border economy, it’s not just growing—it’s anchoring a shift in how people see the Valley’s potential.
Women Are Already Leading in Edinburg
From small business owners to civic changemakers, women in Edinburg are actively shaping the city’s future. Here are a few:
Myra L. Ayala – Appointed Edinburg’s City Manager in April 2022 after two decades in various leadership roles, Myra is one of the few women in Texas overseeing a city of over 100,000 residents. Her decisions on infrastructure and development help define Edinburg’s future.
Blanca Dávila – Former Economic Development Director for the City (and now Director, Professional Education & Workforce Development at UTRGV), Blanca has led the charge on downtown revitalization, small-business support, and aligning Edinburg’s strategy with broader Valley growth.
Norma Ramirez – An Edinburg native and CEO of Sunny Produce & Sunny Logistics, Norma scaled her family’s business into a multimillion-dollar operation. She’s also a former Hidalgo County Democratic Chair, bringing firsthand business insight into local political leadership.
Mayra Ayla, City Manager
What’s Next
Her Texas will be returning to the Rio Grande Valley this summer for a special Her RGV meetup. We’re planning gatherings, partnerships, and programming that reflect the energy, talent, and ambition of this city’s women.
Want to get involved?
👉 List your business in our Buy From Her directory
💸 Invest in our BankHER RGV Circle
🌟 Join the RGV advisory board shaping our next steps in the Valley
The Edinburg of today isn’t just growing—it’s making space for new voices, new ventures, and new visions of success.
And that’s exactly why we’ll be paying close attention.
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