Texas has the largest number of colonias and the largest colonia population. According to the Texas Water Development Board, more than 340,000 Texas residents live in approximately 1,436 colonias along the state s border with Mexico. These colonias are primary between Brownsville and El Paso, which is about a 1,000 mile stretch. Although, each colonia is different and may have unique needs, there are general characteristics that apply to most. Most colonias are removed from urban areas which inhibits the traditional methods of service delivery systems.
Colonias residents are predominantly Mexican-American, young, and unskilled.
The residents are usually farm workers and migrants. These rural communities are usually less than 10,000 in population with the majority of the population being individuals and families of low and very low income. Generally the level of education of colonia residents is low and illiteracy is high. The primary language is Spanish, which often impedes access to existing programs and interpretation and understanding of policies, procedures, and legal documents. Several Texas border counties have been determined to be among the poorest in the Country.