College Station | USA Texas

College Station is a prominent city in East-Central Texas, primarily defined by its role as the home of Texas A&M University. It forms the core of the Bryan-College Station metropolitan area and is a major center for research, biotechnology, and collegiate athletics.

Historical Timeline

The city's development began with the inauguration of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas in 1876. Its name was formally established in 1877 by the Postal Service, derived from the train station located west of the campus. Growth remained slow and tied strictly to the college until the 1920s and 30s. College Station officially incorporated in 1938 and became the first city in Texas to adopt a council-manager form of government in 1943. Post-WWII, the city expanded rapidly alongside the university’s transition into a major national research institution.

Demographics & Population

The estimated 2026 population is 128,023. The city has grown by over 34% since 2010.

Median Age: 22.9 years, reflecting the massive student influence.

Race & Ethnicity: 67% White (60.5% non-Hispanic), 18.4% Hispanic/Latino, 9.6% Asian, and 8.8% Black or African American.

Education: 57.1% of residents aged 25+ hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Northgate District: Located across from campus; the primary hub for nightlife, live music, and student-oriented retail.

Wolf Pen Creek District: A central area featuring a large park, amphitheater, and the Post Oak Mall.

Century Square: A modern, upscale mixed-use destination featuring boutique hotels, dining, and green space.

The BioCorridor: A high-tech research and manufacturing district on the western edge, shared with the city of Bryan.

Top City Landmarks

Kyle Field: The 102,733-seat stadium for Texas A&M football; one of the largest and most intimidating venues in college sports.

George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum: The final resting place of the 41st President and a major repository of 20th-century history.

Bonfire Memorial: A solemn tribute to the 12 students lost in the 1999 Aggie Bonfire collapse.

The Century Tree: A massive live oak on campus where tradition states a couple walking under it will eventually marry.

Museum of the American GI: A premier military history museum featuring fully restored, functional tanks and vehicles.

Transportation Network

Easterwood Airport (CLL) provides regional service to Dallas and Houston. The city is served by State Highway 6 and FM 2818 (Harvey Mitchell Parkway). Public transit is dominated by the Texas A&M Bus Operations (one of the largest university systems in the U.S.) and the municipal Brazos Transit District.

Safety & "Red Zones"

College Station is statistically safer than the national average, ranking in the 51st percentile for safety.

Safe Zones: Castlegate, Pebble Creek, and Wellborn are highly rated residential areas.

"The Red Zone": A specific safety campaign term used on campus to describe the first 6–10 weeks of the fall semester, identified as a high-risk period for sexual assault and alcohol-related incidents.

General Caution: Property crimes like bike theft and vehicle break-ins are the most common issues, particularly in high-density rental areas near campus.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Broadband access is high, with 98.6% of households owning a computer. The city is undergoing significant fiber-optic expansion to support the growing biomanufacturing sector. The US Dollar (USD) is the currency. Major employers include Texas A&M University, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, and Baylor Scott & White Health.

Climate & Current Weather (Jan 23, 2026)

The climate is Humid Subtropical.

Current Conditions: Cloudy, 17°C, with 92% humidity and southeast winds at 10 mph.

Forecast: Rain is expected tonight (75% chance) with a low of 7°C.

Alert: A significant shift occurs tomorrow, Jan 24, with a heavy snow storm and a low of -3°C forecast for Saturday night.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: $4.00 – $5.50

1 Standard Lunch (Burgers/BBQ): $12.00 – $20.00

Median Gross Rent: ~$1,168

Facts & Legends

College Station is the site of the "12th Man" tradition, where students stand throughout entire football games to symbolize their readiness to play. A verified fact: The city’s namesake post office was actually moved several times before settling in its current general vicinity. A local legend involves the "Ghost of the MSC," where spirits of fallen soldiers are said to watch over the Memorial Student Center.