On the Texas Gulf Coast, Refugio County is anchored by Refugio, its county seat, with deep Spanish mission roots visible in historic churches and landmarks. Established in 1836, it thrived with ranching and later oil. Today, it’s a rural-small town county, with Victoria (25 miles north) providing larger services. Housing includes small cottages, brick ranchers, and ranch estates. Existing homes typically run $140,000–$220,000, while ranchland averages $5,000–$9,000 per acre. Buyers include ranchers, retirees, and hunters drawn to coastal South Texas living.