TEXAS 20 : Downtown San Antonio

A city rich in history, San Antonio witnessed the death of Davy Crockett and the famed fall of the Alamo. Since those rugged days in the early 1800s, San Antonio has grown into the nation's eighth-largest city. The 20th takes in the city and some surrounding communities.

A huge military presence in San Antonio makes up the biggest chunk of the economy, but mid-1990s downsizing caused the city some economic pains. Kelly Air Force Base, one of the city's largest employers, has plans to continue downsizing and will completely shut down by 2001. Leaders are working to recruit private industry to the closing base. Although tourism does not make up for the defense industry's losses, it continues to be a reliable moneymaker.

The 20th's House seat has generally remained safely in the hands of Democrats. Hispanic voters bolster Democratic strength throughout most of the district. However, in higher-income areas northwest and northeast of San Antonio, Republican strength continues to grow.

Major Industry
Military, tourism, government

Military Bases
Kelly Air Force Base, 5,183 military, 13,139 civilian; Fort Sam Houston (Army), 12,669 military, 5,661 civilian; Lackland Air Force Base, 15,624 military, 4,061 civilian (1997)

Population
564,865 (1990)

Cities
San Antonio (pt.), 489,600 (1990)

People
97% urban; 10% age 65+ (ranks 16 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally); 51% married couples, 28% married couples with children; 16% college educated (ranks 14 of 30 in state; middle third nationally); 57% white collar (ranks 12 of 30 in state; middle third nationally), 24% blue collar (ranks 20 of 30 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)

Race
72% white, 6% black, 1% Asian; 60% Hispanic origin (1990)

Median Household Income
$22,372 (ranks 20 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally) (1990)

Unusual Features
Sculptor Gutzon Borglum designed Mt. Rushmore in a studio in San Antonio.

© 2002 The Washington Post Company