Every ghost town is a bet that didn't pay off. Indio just shows the receipt more honestly than most. El Indio (, Spanish pronunciation: [eˈlindjo]) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Maverick County, Texas, United States. As of the 2020 census, El Indio had a population of 182.
Starr County holds 2 documented ghost towns, including Viboras — Indio keeps them company on the map.
The story of Indio
Texas ghost towns run the full arc: cattle railheads, cotton towns the boll weevil broke, and oil booms that went bust.
El Indio (, Spanish pronunciation: [eˈlindjo]) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Maverick County, Texas, United States. As of the 2020 census, El Indio had a population of 182.
What you'll find today
The on-the-ground condition of Indio is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.
Getting there
Here's the honest truth: access to Indio is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Indio is roughly 28.5150, -100.3117 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.
Good to know
Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.
Survey Map
Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting
Indio FAQs
01Where is Indio located?
02What county is Indio in?
03What is the history of Indio?
04What remains at Indio today?
05Can you visit Indio?
Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“El Indio, Texas”), CC BY-SA.
More in Starr County
Viboras
Starr Co., Texas
Read the guideElm Creek
Guadalupe Co., Texas
Read the guideSanto Tomás
Webb Co., Texas
Read the guideFrio Town
Frio Co., Texas
Read the guideIslitas
Webb Co., Texas
Read the guideAlexander
Erath Co., Texas
Read the guide