As of 2005, the population estimate for Reynosa and its immediate surroundings stands at 750,000 people. Growth is rapid, averaging 12% annually, accelerated by migratory immigration into South Texas. In 1990, the US census counted 91,581 in the City of McAllen, Texas, sister city to Reynosa, and 8 miles north.

Tamaulipas, "high mountains," borders southernmost Texas and possesses long stretches of beaches and lagoons. In the west, arid mountains and tropical valleys of Sierra Madre Oriental, to its north are plains. Northern population still reflects migration from the interior, southern portion still consists mainly of Huastec Indians, descendants of a Mayan Tribe.

Tamaulipas is located on the Gulf Coast and its continental position reveals an economic base in fishing, trade and oil exploration. Largest city is port of Tampico, on the Gulf Coast.

Reynosa sits on flat, grassy terrain near the banks the Rio Grande River. The climate is hot and humid almost the entire year. The region experiences heavy rains at times, and is affected by the Gulf streams and the hurricane season in South Texas.

Reynosa is currently the hot new maquila location in South Texas, with companies avoiding Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo and finding the stabile labor pool of Reynosa well suited toward the smaller assembly operations. A new international crossing, the McAllen-Hidalgo Crossing has also fueled the area's recent growth. The twin cities are also aggressively pursuing a World Trade Center designation in hopes of capitalizing on the anticipated future growth of US - Mexican trade.

Tamaulipas is best known as a corridor for transport and trade into the interior of Mexico. State economy is one of the busiest in all of Mexico. PEMEX is the dominant business employer, with a legacy of corruption, political turbulence and renowned labor movement.

Once crossed over, one of the two International Bridges into Laredo, Texas, there are: 150 miles East to deep water port of Corpus Christi; 250 miles North to San Antonio, Texas on I-35; and 690 miles East to El Paso, Texas.