2015 DALLAS FED TEXAS COLONIAS STUDY
To provide an update on successes and challenges that have occurred in Texas colonias since the 1996 report, the Community Development Department of the Dallas Fed conducted a comprehensive study of colonias in the six Texas counties with the highest concentration of colonias:
- El Paso County
- Maverick County
- Webb County
- Starr County
- Hidalgo County
- Cameron County
Methodology: Quantitative and Qualitative Research*
The study relied on traditional quantitative data but also incorporated qualitative research methods to reveal a more multidimensional picture of colonias and their residents.
Quantitative data was drawn from the 2010 Census, the 2011 American Community Survey, the Texas Attorney General, the Texas Secretary of State, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Qualitative data was gathered by conducting in-depth interviews and focus groups of residents, service providers and community leaders along the 1,250-mile Texas–Mexico border, in the six counties listed above.
*See the 2015 report pdf for an extensive description of the methodology.
Report
The Dallas Fed released its latest report, “Las Colonias in the 21st Century: Progress Along the Texas–Mexico Border” pdf in April 2015.
The report examines successes, challenges and opportunities in these communities in the focus areas of:
It highlights progress made by community organizers, residents, elected officials, nonprofits and government agencies to improve living conditions in Texas colonias, as well as needs that still remain.