Source: Bandera County
Bandera County is twenty-five miles northwest of San Antonio in the Edwards Plateau region of southwest Texas.
It is bordered by Kerr and Kendall counties on the north, Bexar County on the east, Medina and Uvalde counties on the south, and Real County on the west.
- County seat and largest town: Bandera
- Geographic center: 29°45′ north latitude, 99°11′ west longitude
- Crossed by State highways 16, 46, and 173, plus Farm roads 187, 337, 470, and 1283
- Area: 793 square miles
- Elevations: 1,200 to 2,300 feet
- Rivers: Sabinal River (west), Medina River (east)
History of Bandera County
Source: History of Bandera County, Texas – All Countries of the World
Bandera County, located in the Hill Country of central Texas, has a rich history defined by:
- Native American cultures
- Early Spanish exploration
- European immigrant settlement
Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World”, Bandera has long been a center for cattle ranching, Western heritage, and rugged landscapes.
- Officially established in 1856
- Now a popular tourist destination
- Maintains rural charm and Western history
Climate & Natural Resources
- Rugged terrain with limestone hills and scenic rivers
- Medina and Sabinal Rivers provide essential water resources
- Surrounded by forests and open land, supporting agriculture and cattle ranching
- Climate: Semi-arid, hot summers in the 90s °F, mild winters rarely below freezing
Transportation Access
- 50 miles northwest of San Antonio International Airport (1 to 1.5 hours by car)
- 115 miles southwest of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (2 to 2.5 hours)
- 30 miles northwest of Kerrville-Kerr County Airport (40 to 45 minutes)
Highways & Interstates
- TX-16 North connects to Loop 1604 to I-10 east to San Antonio or west to Kerrville
- TX-16 North to Loop 1604 to I-35 for Austin or Laredo
- Loop 1604 expansion projects have improved connectivity
Ports
- 200 miles west of Houston Ship Channel (3.5 to 4 hours by car)
- 160 miles north of Port of Corpus Christi (2.5 to 3 hours)
Bandera County Economy
Primary drivers:
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Local services
Key Employers
- Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) – electricity and fiber services
- Bandera ISD – local school district
- Bandera County Government – law enforcement, administration, public services
- Healthcare Providers – clinics and medical facilities
- Hospitality & Tourism – dude ranches, resorts, restaurants