Growth
Laredo, Texas has experienced continuous growth over the years. Between 1960 and 1990 Laredo's population has more than doubled. This is attributed to Laredo's growing importance as a manufacturing and trading center on the Texas-Mexico border, which has drawn increasing numbers of people from the surrounding region. The estimated population figure for 1995 is 155,877 for Laredo, Texas and 335,000 for Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. By the year 2000, Laredo's population is expected to increase by 21% to 189,021. The Texas Water Development Board forecasts the City of Laredo's population to increase to 247,380 by the year 2010. The following chart illustrates the increase.
The City of Nuevo Laredo has also experienced continued population growth. Between 1960 and 1990, the city's population more than tripled. This can be linked to the direct trade relationship Laredo and Nuevo Laredo share. Webb County consists mainly of a Hispanic population. The number of dwelling units has also increased. In 1960, there were nearly 16,000 dwelling units. By 1970, this number increased to 18,446; in 1980 the number of dwelling units increased to 25,250, and in 1990 the number of dwelling units reached 33,098 The estimated number of dwelling units for 1994 was 40,750.
The median family income for the City of Laredo has steadily increased over the years. In 1970, the median family income was $4,213 and progressively increased to $18,395 by 1990. In 1995, the Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated Laredo's median family income at $24,200.