Riviera is a census-designated place and unincorporated community in Kleberg County, Texas, United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 689. It is located 15 mi south of Kingsville on U.S. Route 77 (Future Interstate 69E) and 22 mi northeast of Falfurrias on Texas State Highway 285.

History

Riviera was founded in 1906 by Theodore Fredrick Koch, a land promoter. He purchased land from the King Ranch to sell to landseekers. He built a townsite along the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway and named it after the French Riviera. Koch ran a train from Chicago to Riviera twice a month to bring more people to the area. Riviera witnessed growth in its first few years, but a drought hit the area in 1915 and then a terrible hurricane hit the area in 1916. When U.S. Highway 77 was constructed, it helped the economy get back on its feet. Now its economy depends on farming. It is also the last stop for about 60 mi to Raymondville, going south, so its gas stations and restaurants are used by many travelers heading in that direction.

Education

Riviera is served by Riviera Independent School District. Under Texas law, people in Riviera ISD are zoned to Del Mar College.

Demographics

Riviera first appeared as a census designated place in the 2010 U.S. Census.