San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, Mexico: Border City Profile

Key Facts

• Location: Northern Sonora, on US border (adjacent to San Luis, Arizona)
• Municipality: San Luis Río Colorado
• Population (2020 Census): City: 141,004 | Municipality: 212,462
• Elevation: ~20 m (65 ft) – Colorado River delta
• Climate: Hot desert (BWh); summer >45°C (113°F); mild winters

Economy

• Agriculture: Major vegetable producer (winter lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower for US/Canada)
• Manufacturing: Maquiladoras (auto parts, electronics, medical devices)
• Border Commerce: 2 ports of entry (San Luis I & II); ~$20B annual trade
• Solar Energy: Growing sector (high insolation)

Transportation

• Mexican Federal Highway 2 (border corridor)
• Nearest airports: Yuma (YUM, 20 mi), Mexicali (MXL, 75 mi), Hermosillo (HMO, 350 mi)
• Rail: Ferromex connection

Challenges

• Water scarcity (Colorado River overallocation)
• Air quality (dust, ag burning)
• Drug cartel violence (border region)
• Housing/ infrastructure strain from growth