El Paso, United States

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City Description

El Paso, located in El Paso County, Texas, is a city rich in cultural heritage and strategically positioned on the Rio Grande. With a population of 678,815 as of the 2020 census, it ranks as the 22nd-most populous city in the United States, the largest city in West Texas, and the sixth-most populous in Texas. El Paso sits directly across the border from Ciudad Juárez in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, forming part of the dynamic international metropolitan area known as Paso del Norte or Borderplex, which includes Las Cruces, New Mexico. This region has a combined population of approximately 2.7 million people and boasts the largest bilingual and binational workforce in the Western Hemisphere.

The El Paso metropolitan area, which encompasses El Paso and Hudspeth counties, had a population of 868,859 in 2020. When including Las Cruces, the El Paso–Las Cruces combined statistical area reaches a population of 1,098,541. The city’s economy is diverse, with three publicly traded companies headquartered here, including the Marathon Petroleum, formerly known as Western Refining. El Paso is also home to the Medical Center of the Americas, the main medical research and care provider in West Texas and Southern New Mexico, and the University of Texas at El Paso, a significant educational institution.

El Paso’s cultural scene is vibrant, with the city being known for the annual Sun Bowl college football game, the second-oldest bowl game in the United States. The city has a significant federal and military presence, hosting facilities such as the William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Biggs Army Airfield, and Fort Bliss. Additionally, it houses several important federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration’s domestic field division 7, the El Paso Intelligence Center, Joint Task Force North, the United States Border Patrol El Paso Sector, and the U.S. Border Patrol Special Operations Group.

El Paso has been recognized with the All-America City Award five times, in 1969, 2010, 2018, 2020, and 2021. Between 1997 and 2014, it consistently ranked among the top three safest large cities in the United States, holding the title of the safest city from 2011 to 2014. The city’s population is predominantly Hispanic, with 81% of its residents identifying as such, making El Paso the second-largest majority-Hispanic city in the U.S. after San Antonio.

El Paso’s geographical location, rich history, and cultural diversity make it a unique and vibrant city. It sits on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert and is surrounded by the Franklin Mountains, offering stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city’s economy benefits from its strategic location as a major trade and transportation hub, with significant cross-border commerce with Mexico. The combination of its strong economic base, cultural richness, and strategic importance ensures that El Paso continues to be a vital and dynamic city in the region.