Once a stop on the Chisholm Trail cattle route, Cuero has a long history of ranching and turkey farming, with the latter earning it the nickname "Turkey Capital of the World." The Texas city 90 miles from San Antonio was officially founded in 1873, and while it maintains a small-town vibe, its population of roughly 8,000 is on the rise. “Within the past ten years, we’ve seen a growth spurt from young families,” says Rebecca Dawson, Realtor with Found It Realty. “The parents grew up in Cuero, then went to the big cities to work, but when COVID hit, people wanted out of the cities. So young families have been coming back to Cuero in droves."
Cuero is known for its expansive farmland, where agriculture plays a key role.
The Turkey Trot in Cuero celebrates the city's turkey farming history.
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Cattle production and NestFresh Eggs
Although most turkey farms have disappeared, Cuero’s agricultural industries continue to thrive. The city is one of the state’s top cattle producers and shippers, and NestFresh Eggs recently opened a new processing facility on the outskirts of town. Health care is another major industry, with Cuero Regional Hospital employing nearly 500 workers. In 2024, the U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded the city a $1.2 million grant to support business growth.
Highways 87 and 183 form a T-shape in the city and link to a network of other major highways. The city is about 90 miles southeast of San Antonio and the closest major airport. More flight options are available from Austin, about 100 miles away. The city of Victoria is roughly a 30-minute drive and offers extensive healthcare facilities, including a cancer care center.
Open fields stretch across Cuero, showcasing classic Texas farmland.
Ranchers gather at Cuero's Livestock Market to trade cattle and other livetsock.
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Victorian-era homes in historic district
Cuero’s median home price is $200,000, well below the state and national medians. A stroll through the Terrell-Reuss Streets Historic District reveals glimpses of the city’s early days. “I would call them, in a looser sense, Victorian-style homes,” Dawson says. “Some were originally built along the coast of Texas, in Indianola. In the late 1800s, the coast was hammered by hurricanes, and the settlers got tired of their homes being destroyed, so the industrious ones dismantled these gorgeous homes board by board and moved them inland.” Most starter homes are priced at $150,000 to $200,000, while larger renovated or well-maintained older builds might cost $250,000 to $400,000.
Find homes on larger plots of land in Cuero, offering peaceful country living.
The median home price in Cuero is a round $200k.
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Prized poultry takes the spotlight at Turkey Fest
Poultry pride runs high during October’s Turkey Fest. The three-day celebration features a carnival, BBQ cookoff and turkey-related contests. Most “turkey trots” involve human runners, but the gobblers are the ones on the run in Cuero’s race. More agricultural history is highlighted at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, an exploration of the cattle-drive era. The Pharmacy and Medical Museum of Texas showcases a collection of pharmaceutical exhibits inside an old drugstore.
The rodeo arena is the star attraction at Cuero Municipal Park, which also includes sports courts, a baseball complex, a 9-hole golf course and a lake ideal for paddleboarding. Just outside town, Sandies Creek feeds into the Guadalupe River, a hot spot for canoeing and kayaking.
Cuero ISD is a top employer
Kids attend schools in the Cuero Independent School District, which earns a Niche grade of B. With over 400 staff and faculty members, the district is one of the area’s top employers. St. Michael’s Catholic School and Lifeway Baptist School instruct students from pre-kindergarten through grade 5.
Cuero schools provide quality education with strong community support.
French Elementary in Cuero fosters young minds in a nurturing environment.
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Southwest flair in downtown Cuero
Many buildings in downtown Cuero date to the turn of the 19th century, with boutiques and specialty shops that lasso the city’s Southwest flair. The dining scene is eclectic, with cafés and taverns alongside bakeries and sweet shops. Grocery and department stores are located along State Highway 87 near the municipal park and golf course.
Experience the charm of downtown Cuero with its unique shops and eateries.
La Bella Tavola brings authentic Italian flavors to Cuero's streets.
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Environmental hazards and crime risk
Short, mild winters give way to sweltering summers in Cuero. A recent spate of dry weather has led to drought conditions that adversely affect local farmers. On the flip side, the Guadalupe River is prone to flooding during rainy seasons.
While Cuero’s rates of violent and property crime have decreased significantly in the past decade, the counts for 2023 were slightly higher than in 2022.
An active Christian population
Cuero’s religious population is predominantly Lutheran and Catholic. “We’ve got a real active faith community,” Dawson says. “Most people attend church somewhere.”
Grace Episcopal Church in Cuero stands as a symbol of faith in the community.
Discover the historic charm of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, inspiring worshippers.
Rachel was born and raised in Lavaca County, graduated from Hallettsville High School, and obtained both her Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master of Education degree in Mid-Management from the University of Houston-Victoria. After teaching at Sweet Home Elementary, she taught at Victoria College and the University of Houston-Victoria. In addition, Rachel served in a leadership role with Victoria ISD and was the Program Director for the Head Start program. Her husband and her currently reside in the Stratton community and have three children, two grandsons and one granddaughter. As a lifetime resident of the area, Rachel has an in-depth knowledge of the crossroads community in which she serves and looks forward to helping you, your family, and your friends find their ideal property, dream home, or second home. She is also available to assist those wanting to sell their farm and ranch property, small acre tracts, and/or residences. Rachel looks forward to being your agent and providing you with professionalism, ethics, and hard work in your quest to buy and/or sell.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
