Webb County is the only U.S. county that borders three separate foreign states or provinces.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Spanning over 3,300 square miles in South Texas, Webb County is a region of unique geographic and political distinction. Beyond its status as a massive landholder, it holds the singular honor of bordering three foreign jurisdictions, while simultaneously undergoing one of the most dramatic political shifts in modern American history.

Webb County, anchored by its seat in Laredo, occupies a vast territory in South Texas. It ranks as the sixth-largest county in the state and remains the largest in South Texas, excluding the Trans-Pecos region. Its geography is defined by its international position, sharing borders with the Mexican states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas. This makes it the only county in the United States to touch three distinct foreign states or provinces, a feature that underscores its role as a critical regional hub.

The county's demographic profile is equally notable, characterized by a high proportion of Hispanic residents. As of the 2020 census, 95.2% of the population identified as Hispanic, the highest concentration for any county with more than 100,000 residents. This cultural landscape has been shaped by a long history of ranching, which remains a foundational element of the region's identity. Efforts to preserve this heritage are led by organizations like the Webb County Heritage Foundation, which works to protect historical documents and artifacts for future generations.

Politically, Webb County has experienced a profound transformation. Long considered a Democratic stronghold, the county has seen a significant rightward shift since 2016. By 2024, it flipped to the Republican Party for the first time since 1912. Between 2012 and 2024, the county shifted 56 percentage points toward the Republican Party, a change attributed in part to shifting voter preferences among Hispanic residents. This rapid realignment mirrors broader trends across South Texas, marking a departure from the county's traditional political alignment and establishing it as a focal point for understanding contemporary shifts in the American electorate.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Texas holds the record for the most counties in any U.S. state
• Hood County, Texas: A growing landscape shaped by water and proximity to the metroplex
• Austin County: A rural Texas landscape shaped by early German immigration and agricultural roots
• Waller County, Texas, is a rural landscape defined by a complex history of voting
• Far West Texas is a land of extremes defined by the Pecos River
• The Wei River: The Ancient Waterway That Shaped the Cradle of Chinese Civilization
• How a California city’s name was inspired by a mysterious bird sighting in 1769
• How a Pennsylvania grocery chain became a landmark in United States Supreme Court history
• Why saving water is about more than just taking shorter showers at home
• The Welcome Swallow uses specialized facial bristles to master the art of aerial hunting
• Wat Phra Kaew: The Sacred Treasury of Thailand's Chakri Dynasty and the Emerald Buddha
• Welsh English is not a single dialect but a vibrant mosaic of linguistic history

More in Bodies of water · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics