McAllen, city, Hidalgo County, southern Texas, near the Río Grande; incorporated as a city 1911. It is a winter resort, the commercial and governmental hub for the surrounding region, and the processing and shipping center of an irrigated farm area producing citrus fruit, vegetables, and cotton. Besides processed food, manufactures include medical equipment, clothing, refined petroleum, and marble products. Due to its proximity to the Mexican border, the city also benefits from joint manufacturing ventures with Mexico. A junior college is here. The community is named for John McAllen, a ranch owner who sold land for the town site after the railroad came through in 1905. It grew rapidly after the arrival of some 12,000 U.S. troops during border disputes in 1916. Population 66,281 (1980); 84,021 (1990); 106,414 (2000).
