Editing South Padre Island, Texas

{{short description|Incorporated town in Texas, US }}
{{For|the island which the city is on|South Padre Island}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name      = South Padre Island, Texas
| settlement_type    = [[Town]]
| nickname           = SPI
| motto              = <!-- Images -->
| image_skyline      = File:South Padre Island.jpg
| imagesize          = 
| image_caption      = 
| image_flag         = File:SPI Flag.png
| image_seal         = <!-- Maps -->
| image_map          = Cameron County SouthPadreIsland.svg
| mapsize            = 250px
| map_caption        = Location of South Padre Island, Texas

<!-- Location -->| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = United States
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Texas]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Texas|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Cameron County, Texas|Cameron]]

<!-- Government -->| government_footnotes = 
| government_type    = 
| leader_title       = 
| leader_name        = 
| leader_title1      = 
| leader_name1       = 
| established_title  = 
| established_date   = <!-- Area -->
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_48.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017010302/https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_48.txt|url-status=live}}</ref>
| area_magnitude     = 
| area_total_km2     = 9.68
| area_land_km2      = 6.96
| area_water_km2     = 2.72
| area_total_sq_mi   = 3.74
| area_land_sq_mi    = 2.69
| area_water_sq_mi   = 1.05

<!-- Population -->| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
| population_footnotes = 
| population_total   = 2066
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_sq_mi = auto

<!-- General information -->| timezone           = [[North American Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
| utc_offset         = -6
| timezone_DST       = CDT
| utc_offset_DST     = -5
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 2
| elevation_ft       = 7
| coordinates        = {{coord|26|6|43|N|97|10|11|W|region:US-TX|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP code]]
| postal_code        = 78597
| area_code          = [[Area code 956|956]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 48-69140<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website|archive-date=July 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701194655/https://www.census.gov/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 1376223<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov/|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=October 25, 2007|archive-date=January 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107042355/https://geonames.usgs.gov/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| website            = {{URL|myspi.org}}
| footnotes          = 
}}
'''South Padre Island''' is a [[resort town]] in [[Cameron County, Texas]], United States.<ref>[https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hlsus ''Handbook of Texas Online'' article for South Padre Island] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122502/https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hlsus |date=February 4, 2019 }} Accessed May 17, 2007.</ref> It is part of the [[Brownsville, Texas|Brownsville]]–[[Harlingen, Texas|Harlingen]] [[Brownsville-Harlingen metropolitan area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]]. The population was 2,066 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]]. The town is located on [[South Padre Island]], a [[barrier island]] with the [[Laguna Madre]] situated to the leeward of the island and the [[Gulf of Mexico]] on the windward flank, along the Texas [[Gulf Coast of the United States|Gulf Coast]].  South Padre Island is accessible via the [[Queen Isabella Causeway]] from the town of [[Port Isabel, Texas|Port Isabel]]. South Padre Island is named after [[Padre Ballí|José Nicolás Ballí]] (Padre Ballí), a Catholic priest and settler.<ref>[https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fba50 ''Handbook of Texas Online'' biography of José Nicolás Ballí] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725165610/https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fba50 |date=July 25, 2020 }} Accessed May 16, 2007.</ref>

The island is only accessible via the Queen Isabella Causeway and has become a popular tourist destination for both the spring, summer and for winter Texans.<ref>[https://wintertexaninfo.com/pubpgs/WTearly.php Winter Texans]</ref> It features many activities such as [[fishing]], [[snorkeling]], Beach Park at Isla Blanca (formerly Schlitterbahn), [[parasailing]], [[surfing]] and [[horse back riding]]. [[SpaceX Starship|SpaceX Starships]] are launched from the [[SpaceX Starbase]] facility and can be observed across the [[Brazos Santiago Pass (Texas)|Brazos Santiago Pass]] in [[Boca Chica (Texas)|Boca Chica, Texas]].

==Hurricane damage{{anchor|Hurricane damage|History}}==

=== Storms ===
* In September 1967, [[Hurricane Beulah]] caused extensive damage to much of the town of South Padre Island.<ref>[https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/ybh01 ''Handbook of Texas Online'' article on hurricanes in Texas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811063521/https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/ybh01 |date=August 11, 2018 }} Accessed May 16, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.hurricanecity.com/city/padreisland.htm Padre Island's history with tropical systems] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070218174730/http://www.hurricanecity.com/city/padreisland.htm |date=February 18, 2007 }} Accessed May 17, 2007.</ref>
* On July 23, 2008, [[Hurricane Dolly (2008)|Hurricane Dolly]] made landfall on the island as a [[Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale#Category 1|category 1 storm]], also causing extensive damage to the town. The Bahia Mar Condominium had extensive damage and had to be gutted due to the damage.
* In September 2008 [[Hurricane Ike]] caused moderate damage to the island.
* In July 2010, the island received heavy rains from [[Hurricane Alex (2010)|Hurricane Alex]], but the storm left the island generally unscathed.<ref>http://www.themonitor.com/articles/south-40402-island-party.html/ South Padre Island largely unscathed by Hurricane Alex{{dead link|date=June 2024}}</ref>
* On June 19, 2024, [[Tropical Storm Alberto (2024)|Tropical storm Alberto]] caused moderate damage and brought heavy rains and winds to the island.

==Industry==
=== Tourism ===
Subsequent to rebuilding from [[Hurricane Beulah]], the island became a popular [[spring break]] destination for college students and a resort destination for families. Many multistory [[Hotel#Resort hotels|resort hotels]] and [[Condominium (living space)|condominium]]s have been erected along the coastline of the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. The [[Schlitterbahn]] Beach [[Waterpark]], the second of its kind in Texas, opened in South Padre Island in 2001.<ref>[http://www.schlitterbahn.com/corp/media/2005/backgrounder-nb.asp Background information on Schlitterbahn developments in Texas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070705032000/http://www.schlitterbahn.com/corp/media/2005/backgrounder-nb.asp |date=July 5, 2007 }} Accessed May 16, 2007.</ref>

South Padre Island is renowned for its diverse range of tourism activities, making it a popular destination for visitors. Key attractions include:

'''Beaches:''' South Padre Island boasts beautiful sandy beaches that are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. <ref>{{Cite web |title=South Padre Island {{!}} History, Convention & Visitors Bureau |url=https://www.sopadre.com/about/about-spi/ |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=www.sopadre.com}}</ref> Regarding Isla Blanca Park in SPI, USA Today ranks Isla Blanca Park in South Padre Island as the #1 beach destination in Texas.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sun, sand, and surf: Top 10 Texas beach destinations |url=https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-beach-in-texas-2024/ |publisher=USA Today}}</ref> 

'''Water Sports:''' The island offers a variety of water sports, including kiteboarding, windsurfing, and jet skiing.<ref>Water Sports on South Padre Island." Visit South Padre Island, www.sopadre.com/water-sports</ref>

'''Surfing:''' The continental shelf drops steeply offshore of South Padre Island, creating the kind of waves not typically seen in the shallow Gulf.<ref>{{cite web |title=Best Surf Spots in Texas |url=https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/the-best-surf-spots-in-texas#:~:text=the%20occasional%20shark.-,South%20Padre,-Every%20Texan%20surfer |website=Surfer Today |publisher=Surfer Today}}</ref>

'''Fishing:''' South Padre Island is a prime location for both deep-sea and bay fishing, attracting fishing enthusiasts from around the world.<ref>Fishing on South Padre Island." Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, tpwd.texas.gov/fishing</ref> 

'''Bird Watching:''' The island is home to the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, where visitors can observe a wide array of bird species in their natural habitat.

'''Eco-Tours''': Eco-tourism is popular on the island, with activities such as dolphin watching tours, sea turtle excursions, and nature walks.<ref>Eco-Tours on South Padre Island." Visit South Padre Island, www.sopadre.com/eco-tours</ref>

'''Amusement Parks:''' Attractions like Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark provide family-friendly entertainment and fun water rides.<ref>Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark." Schlitterbahn, www.schlitterbahn.com/south-padre-island</ref>

'''Nightlife:''' South Padre Island has a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, restaurants, and live music venues .

=== Port of Brownsville ===
The [[Port of Brownsville]] plays a significant role in the economy and industry of South Padre Island. As one of the largest ports in Texas, the Port of Brownsville facilitates substantial maritime traffic through the channel south of the island, contributing to local economic growth and providing numerous employment opportunities. The port handles a diverse range of cargo, including petroleum, agricultural products, and manufactured goods, which are essential to the region's trade activities.

The economic impact of the port extends to various sectors, including shipping, logistics, and transportation, creating a robust industrial network that supports the local community. Infrastructure projects associated with the port, such as channel deepening and dock expansions, further enhance its capacity and efficiency, leading to increased economic activity in the area.<ref>"Economic Impact of the Port of Brownsville." Texas A&M Transportation Institute, www.tti.tamu.edu Accessed 19 May 2024</ref>

Environmental considerations are also a crucial aspect of the port's operations. Efforts are made to mitigate the impact of maritime activities on the surrounding ecosystem, ensuring the protection of local wildlife and marine habitats. These measures include pollution control initiatives, habitat restoration projects, and adherence to environmental regulations.<ref>"Environmental Initiatives at the Port of Brownsville." Port of Brownsville, www.portofbrownsville.com/environment</ref>

Additionally, the port's presence influences the tourism and recreational activities on South Padre Island. While the industrial operations are concentrated in specific areas, the overall economic benefits from the port contribute to the island's development, enhancing the quality of life for residents and attracting visitors.<ref>[Source: "Port of Brownsville." Port of Brownsville, www.portofbrownsville.com. Accessed 19 May 2024.]</ref>

==Recreation==
[[File:South Padre Island beach panorama.jpg|thumb|South Padre Island beach in June. Boardwalks provide access over the dunes.|upright=1.8]]
The year-round warm tropical weather attracts tourists allowing them to experience the 34 miles of beach, over 300 days of sunshine, and all forms of entertainment from water sports to live music, <ref>{{cite web |title=City of SPI |url=https://www.sopadre.com/about/about-spi/}}</ref> with [[personal water craft]] rental, parasailing and [[Whale watching|dolphin watches]] being the most popular. Other favorites are horseback riding adventures on the beach, visiting the Sea Turtle sanctuary,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cervera |first1=Sara |title=Crews on standby to rescue cold stunned sea turtles at South Padre Island |url=https://www.krgv.com/news/crews-on-standby-to-rescue-cold-stunned-sea-turtles-at-south-padre-island/ |access-date=April 7, 2024 |agency=KRGV}}</ref> the Birding Center <ref>{{cite news |title=Birding Center celebrates Monarch migration with Sixth Annual Hallo-Wings |url=https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2023/10/05/birding-center-celebrates-monarch-migration-with-sixth-annual-hallo-wings/ |access-date=April 7, 2024}}</ref> and other ecological tours that explore the Laguna Madre and the [[Gulf of Mexico]].

Fishing is also popular. Every summer, the Texas International Fishing Tournament is held the first weekend of August,<ref>{{Cite web |title=About TIFT |url=https://www.tift.org/content.php?id=7719 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=Texas International Fishing Tournament |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330180209/https://www.tift.org/content.php?id=7719 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=July 1, 2020 |title=Meet Felicia Calo: Hostess for the 81st TIFT |url=https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2020/07/01/meet-felicia-calo-hostess-for-the-81st-tift/ |access-date= |website=Port Isabel-South Padre Press |language=en-US |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330180208/https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2020/07/01/meet-felicia-calo-hostess-for-the-81st-tift/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with winnings totaling almost a quarter million dollars. Other fishing tournaments include the Ladies Kingfish Tournament,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=July 27, 2021 |title=Ladies Kingfish Tournament Returns |url=https://valleybusinessreport.com/industry/recreation_tourism/ladies-kingfish-tournament-returns/ |access-date= |website=Valley Business Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330180209/https://valleybusinessreport.com/industry/recreation_tourism/ladies-kingfish-tournament-returns/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the Ron Hoover Tournament, just to name a few.

In March, the island is a popular [[spring break]] destination for college students.<ref name="TIME_spring_break">{{Cite magazine |last=Woodbury |first=Richard |date=April 6, 1987 |title=Spring Break at South Padre: Island Students find a new Fort Lauderdale on the Texas coast |url=https://time.com/vault/issue/1987-04-06/page/95/ |magazine=[[TIME]] |page=87 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330180208/https://time.com/vault/issue/1987-04-06/page/95/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The rest of the year it is a popular family resort destination, with July being the most crowded.

In January 2011, the island hosted the [[NBA Development League]] Showcase at the [[South Padre Island Convention Centre]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NBA D-League Showcase |url=https://www.myspi.org/eGov/apps/events/calendar.egov?view=detail;id=300}}</ref> and is designated as the "Official Island Escape" for the NBA team the [[San Antonio Spurs]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coker |first=Laurie |date=2023-11-10 |title=SPI partners with Spurs as Official Island Escape |url=https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2023/11/09/spi-partners-with-spurs-as-official-island-escape/ |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=Port Isabel-South Padre Press |language=en-US}}</ref>

The island advertises its proximity to rocket testing and launch activities at the nearby [[SpaceX Starbase]] at [[Boca Chica (Texas)|Boca Chica]], which attract thousands of tourists.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thousands Gather for SpaceX’s Fourth Starship Launch at South Padre Island |url=https://foxrgv.tv/thousands-gather-for-spacexs-fourth-starship-launch-at-south-padre-island/ |agency=Fox Rio Grande Valley |publisher=Space X}}</ref><ref name="sopadre">{{Cite web |title=SpaceX - South Padre Island |url=https://www.sopadre.com/spacex/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Visit South Padre Island}}</ref>

==Geography==
The town of South Padre Island is located at the southern end of [[South Padre Island]], with the town limits extending from the northern edge of Isla Blanca Park in the south to the end of development north of Wharf Street in the north, a distance of {{convert|6|mi|0}}. The [[Queen Isabella Causeway]] is the only road access to the mainland; it leads {{Convert|2.5|mi}} across [[Laguna Madre (United States)|Laguna Madre]] to the city of [[Port Isabel, Texas|Port Isabel]]. [[Brownsville, Texas|Brownsville]] is {{convert|25|mi}} southwest of South Padre Island.

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|6.0|km2|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|5.5|km2|order=flip}} is land and {{convert|0.5|km2|order=flip|1}}, or 8.44%, is water.<ref name="Census 2010">{{cite web |title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): South Padre Island town, Texas |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US4869140 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213071704/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US4869140 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=July 8, 2015 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder}}</ref>

==Climate==
{{climate chart|South Padre Island
|52|68|1.88
|55|71|1.74
|60|76|1.5
|67|80|1.51
|73|85|2.22
|76|89|2.49
|77|90|1.91
|77|91|1.75
|74|88|6.30
|69|84|4.03
|62|78|2.27
|53|70|1.43
|float=left
|units=imperial
}}

South Padre Island experiences a warm [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Cwa''), transitioning into a [[hot semi-arid climate]] (BSh). The average high in January is {{convert|68|°F|°C|abbr=on}} and the average low is {{convert|52|°F|°C|abbr=on}}. The average high in July is {{convert|90|°F|°C|abbr=on}}, and the average low is {{convert|77|°F|°C|abbr=on}}. The warm season is long, as average high temperatures are {{convert|80|-|89|F|C}}, and average low temperatures typically around {{convert|77|°F|°C|abbr=on}}. The region experiences relatively high [[dew point]] values, around {{convert|75|°F|°C|abbr=on}} in the summer time, resulting in higher [[relative humidity]] values from June through September. Rainfall tends to be the highest during the summer and autumn months, usually ranging from 2 to 6 inches of rain each month. September has the highest rainfall, averaging 6.3 inches, followed by October, which averages 4 inches of rain. Due to the island being next to the ocean, temperatures above {{convert|100|°F|1}} are not common. South Padre Island went down to at least {{convert|25|F|C|0}} during the [[2021 Texas freeze]].

Due to the fact that South Padre Island is surrounded by water, precipitation is a little higher than cities farther inland in the [[Rio Grande Valley (Texas)|Rio Grande Valley]].

{{Weather box
| location = South Padre Island, Texas (1991-2020 Normals, Extremes 1992-2018)
| single line = Y
| Jan record high F = 83
| Feb record high F = 88
| Mar record high F = 94
| Apr record high F = 94
| May record high F = 94
| Jun record high F = 96
| Jul record high F = 96
| Aug record high F = 105
| Sep record high F = 99
| Oct record high F = 94
| Nov record high F = 90
| Dec record high F = 83
| year record high F = 
| Jan high F = 68.3
| Feb high F = 71.2
| Mar high F = 74.5
| Apr high F = 79.1
| May high F = 84.3
| Jun high F = 87.8
| Jul high F = 88.7
| Aug high F = 89.9
| Sep high F = 88.9
| Oct high F = 84.8
| Nov high F = 78.3
| Dec high F = 71.7
| year high F = 
| Jan mean F = 61.4
| Feb mean F = 64.3
| Mar mean F = 68.5
| Apr mean F = 73.9
| May mean F = 79.2
| Jun mean F = 82.9
| Jul mean F = 83.6
| Aug mean F = 84.6
| Sep mean F = 82.9
| Oct mean F = 78.9
| Nov mean F = 71.5
| Dec mean F = 64.4
| year mean F = 
| Jan low F = 54.5
| Feb low F = 57.4
| Mar low F = 62.6
| Apr low F = 68.7
| May low F = 74.1
| Jun low F = 77.9
| Jul low F = 78.5
| Aug low F = 79.2
| Sep low F = 76.9
| Oct low F = 72.9
| Nov low F = 64.6
| Dec low F = 57.1
| year low F = 
| Jan record low F = 31
| Feb record low F = 25
| Mar record low F = 39
| Apr record low F = 45
| May record low F = 57
| Jun record low F = 69
| Jul record low F = 63
| Aug record low F = 68
| Sep record low F = 57
| Oct record low F = 40
| Nov record low F = 40
| Dec record low F = 36
| year record low F = 
| Jan precipitation inch = 1.2
| Feb precipitation inch = 1.5
| Mar precipitation inch = 1.2
| Apr precipitation inch = 1.7
| May precipitation inch = 2.7
| Jun precipitation inch = 2.7
| Jul precipitation inch = 2.3
| Aug precipitation inch = 2.3
| Sep precipitation inch = 4.4
| Oct precipitation inch = 3.1
| Nov precipitation inch = 1.5
| Dec precipitation inch = 1.4
| year precipitation inch = 
| precipitation colour = green
| source 1 = <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=784814&cityname=South-Padre-Island-Texas-United-States-of-America&units=us |title=Monthly Averages for South Padre Island, TX |publisher=weatherbase.com |access-date=December 24, 2017 |archive-date=December 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225092744/http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=784814&cityname=South-Padre-Island-Texas-United-States-of-America&units=us |url-status=live }}</ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=bro |title=Monthly Averages for South Padre Island, TX |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=November 1, 2024 }}</ref>
| date = December 2017
| source = 
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
| 1980 = 791
| 1990 = 1677
| 2000 = 2422
| 2010 = 2816
| 2020 = 2066
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.html|title=Decennial Census by Decade|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=}}</ref><br> 1850–1900<ref name=1900CensusTX>{{Cite web|title= 1900 Census of Population - Population of Texas By Counties And Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1900/bulletins/demographic/49-population-tx.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1910<ref name=1910CensusTX>{{Cite web|title= 1910 Census of Population - Supplement for Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1910/abstract/supplement-tx-p1.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1920<ref name=1920CensusTX>{{Cite web|title= 1920 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1920/bulletins/demographics/population-tx-number-of-inhabitants.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1930<ref name=1930CensusTX>{{Cite web|title= 1930 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1930/population-volume-1/03815512v1ch10.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1940<ref name=1940CensusTX>{{Cite web|title= 1940 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1940/population-volume-1/33973538v1ch09.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br>
1950<ref name=1950CensusTX>{{Cite web|title= 1950 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1950/population-volume-1/vol-01-46.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1960<ref name=1960CensusTX>{{Cite web|title= 1960 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/33255142v1p45ch02.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1970<ref name=1970CensusTX>{{Cite web|title= 1970 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/00496492v1p45s1ch02.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1980<ref name=1980CensusTX>{{Cite web|title= 1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1980/volume-1/texas/1980a_txab-01.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1990<ref name=1990CensusTX>{{Cite web|title=1990 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1990/cph-2/cph-2-45.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 2000<ref name=2000CensusTX>{{Cite web|title=2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2003/dec/phc-3-45.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 2010<ref name=2010CensusTX>{{Cite web|title=2010 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2010/cph-2/cph-2-45.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
}}

===2020 census===

{| class="wikitable"
|+'''South Padre Island racial composition'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US4869140&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2 |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website=data.census.gov |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521142421/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US4869140&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2 |url-status=live }}</ref><br /> (NH = Non-Hispanic){{efn|Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.<ref>https://www.census.gov/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701194655/https://www.census.gov/ |date=July 1, 2021 }} {{nonspecific|date=August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About the Hispanic Population and its Origin |url=https://www.census.gov/topics/population/hispanic-origin/about.html |website=www.census.gov |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520112546/https://www.census.gov/topics/population/hispanic-origin/about.html |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
!Race
!Number
!Percentage
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] (NH)
|1,322
|63.99%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] (NH)
|15
|0.73%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] (NH)
|7
|0.34%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] (NH)
|64
|3.1%
|-
|Some Other Race (NH)
|5
|0.24%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed/Multi-Racial]] (NH)
|44
|2.13%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]]
|609
|29.48%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''2,066'''
|
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 2,066 people, 1,477 households, and 892 families residing in the town.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 2,422 people, 1,222 households, and 662 families residing in the town. The population density was {{convert|1,335.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 4,685 housing units at an average density of {{convert|2,584.1|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was 94.59% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.70% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.45% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.21% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.04% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 2.77% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.24% from two or more races. 22.83% of the population is [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.

There were 1,211 households, out of which 15.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 4.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.3% were non-families. 35.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.00 and the average family size was 2.54.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 12.9% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 34.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.9 males.

The [[median income]] for a household in the town was $45,417, and the median income for a family was $53,250. Males had a median income of $39,250 versus $30,028 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $31,708. About 10.2% of families and 12.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.

==Education==
Children living in South Padre Island are zoned to schools in [[Point Isabel Independent School District]]<!--The city is "Port Isabel" but the school district is "Point Isabel!-->. Children go to Garriga Elementary School (prek-5th), Port Isabel Junior High School (6–8), and [[Port Isabel High School]] (9–12). All of the schools are in [[Port Isabel, Texas|Port Isabel]].<ref>[http://www.pi-isd.net/ Port Isabel ISD] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070625170449/http://www.pi-isd.net/ |date=June 25, 2007 }} Accessed May 16, 2007.</ref>

In addition, South Padre Island residents may apply to schools in the [[South Texas Independent School District]].<ref>[http://www.stisd.net/about.html South Texas Independent School District] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20070829161941/http://www.stisd.net/about.html |date=August 29, 2007 }} Accessed May 16, 2007.</ref>

All of Cameron County is in the service area of [[Texas Southmost College]].<ref>[https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.130.htm Texas Education Code, Sec. 130.204.  TEXAS SOUTHMOST COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922180708/https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.130.htm |date=September 22, 2021 }}.</ref>

==Government==
The [[United States Postal Service]] operates the South Padre Island Post Office.<ref>"[https://tools.usps.com/go/POLocatorDetailsAction!input.action?locationTypeQ=all&address=south+padre+island%2C+tx&radius=20&locationType=po&locationID=1435867&locationName=SOUTH+PADRE+ISLAND&address2=&address1=4701+PADRE+BLVD&city=SOUTH+PADRE+ISLAND&state=TX&zip5=78597 Post Office Location – South Padre Island] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229032745/https://tools.usps.com/go/POLocatorDetailsAction!input.action?locationTypeQ=all&address=south+padre+island%2C+tx&radius=20&locationType=po&locationID=1435867&locationName=SOUTH+PADRE+ISLAND&address2=&address1=4701+PADRE+BLVD&city=SOUTH+PADRE+ISLAND&state=TX&zip5=78597 |date=December 29, 2016 }}." [[United States Postal Service]]. Retrieved on December 28, 2016.</ref>

[[Coast Guard Station South Padre Island]] is a [[United States Coast Guard]] search and rescue station on South Padre Island.<ref>[http://www.uscg.mil/d8/d8units.asp U.S. Coast Guard Eighth District Units] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229100035/http://www.uscg.mil/d8/d8units.asp |date=December 29, 2016 }}. Retrieved on December 28, 2016.</ref>

==Transportation==
[[Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport]] in [[Brownsville, Texas|Brownsville]] and [[Valley International Airport]] in [[Harlingen, Texas|Harlingen]] serve the island.<ref>"[http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/routemap.html Southwest Airlines Cities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919010027/http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/routemap.html |date=September 19, 2010 }}," ''[[Southwest Airlines]]''</ref>

A new, second causeway to South Padre Island has been designated as [[Texas State Highway 104]], it will be situated 3 to 4 miles north of the existing Queen Isabella Causeway, just north of the South Padre Island Convention Center and approximately 3 to 4 miles north of State Highway 100. <ref>{{cite web |last1=Pedraza |first1=Ray |title=Media Contact |url=https://www.txdot.gov/about/newsroom/local/pharr/txdot-designates-second-south-padre-island-causeway-project.html |website=Texas Department of Transportation |publisher=TxDOT}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:South_Padre_Island_Entrance_Sign.jpg|South Padre Island entrance sign with roundabout for photos.
Image:Street Scene South Padre Island Texas.JPG|A street in SPI with residences and condominiums
Image:SoPadre.JPG|A person taking an early morning walk on the Gulf side of the island
Image:Walkway to South Padre beach.jpg|This walkway provides access to the beach from a condo.
Image:South Padre Island beach.jpg|A beach in South Padre Island
Image:Small Music Venue On Beach.jpg|One of the smaller venues on the beach. 
</gallery>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Texas}}
* [[Laguna Madre (United States)]]
* [[Queen Isabella Causeway]]
* [[Boca Chica (Texas)]]
* [[Brazos Santiago Pass (Texas)]]
* [[SpaceX Starbase]]
* [[Lower Rio Grande Valley]]
* [[Gulf of Mexico]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{notelist}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|wikt=no|v=no|n=no|q=no|s=no|b=no|voy=South Padre Island}}
* [http://www.myspi.org/ City of South Padre Island official website]
* [https://www.sopadre.com/listing/south-padre-island-convention-center/1100/ Convention and Visitors Bureau]
* [http://www.spichamber.com/ Chamber of Commerce]


{{Cameron County, Texas}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Towns in Cameron County, Texas]]
[[Category:Towns in Texas]]
[[Category:Beaches of Texas]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Texas]]
[[Category:Landforms of Cameron County, Texas]]