What Is Starbase, Texas? Location, Population, and Size

Residents of a small south Texas town that's home to Elon Musk’s SpaceX have voted to incorporate into a new city

What Is Starbase, Texas?

Starbase is the newly incorporated city in Cameron County, Texas, that serves as the global headquarters of Elon Musk’s space company, SpaceX. Positioned at the Gulf Coast, near the Rio Grande and Mexico border, Starbase stands as both a symbol of private space innovation and a flashpoint in local politics, environmental debate, and urban planning.

Where Exactly Is Starbase Located?

Starbase is located on the site of the former Boca Chica Village, roughly 20 miles east of Brownsville, Texas. The area sits on the Gulf of Mexico coastline and is accessed primarily via Texas State Highway 4.

Its coordinates place it at the southeasternmost point of Texas, making it an ideal launch location due to its isolation, clear airspace, and proximity to the equator (which reduces fuel needs for launches).

Flyover view of Starbase Texas

How Big Is Starbase?

The newly recognized city spans approximately 1.5 square miles (4.2 square kilometers). While relatively small in size, the area contains critical SpaceX infrastructure:

• Starship launch pads

• Rocket assembly buildings

• Fueling depots

• Residential housing

• Offices, control centers, and ground-support equipment

The surrounding land is under continuous development, with expansion plans tied to both governmental approvals and technological milestones.

How Many People Live in Starbase?

As of early 2025, Starbase has a permanent residential population of about 500 people, most of whom are SpaceX employees and their families.

Beyond residents:

• Approx. 3,100 additional workers commute from Brownsville and nearby towns daily.

• Many homes are company-owned or leased, and residency often depends on employment status.

• Population growth is expected as infrastructure develops and more launches occur.

How Did Starbase Become a City?

Timeline of Incorporation

• 2012–2014: SpaceX begins scouting and acquiring land in Boca Chica.

• 2019–2021: Elon Musk publicly hints at creating a city called “Starbase.”

• Dec 2024: A formal petition to incorporate is filed, supported by Elon Musk and over 70 residents.

• April 2025: Early voting begins.

• May 3, 2025: Vote passes with 212 in favor and 6 against, out of 283 eligible voters.

The result made Starbase an official Texas municipality, granting it full authority under state law.

Who Runs Starbase?

City Leadership

• Mayor: Bobby Peden (SpaceX Vice President), elected unopposed

• City Commissioners: Jenna Petrzelka and Jordan Buss, both with backgrounds at SpaceX

• Governance is designed to align closely with SpaceX’s operational needs, focusing on zoning, infrastructure, and safety.

This unique public-private structure has drawn both praise and scrutiny.

Why Does Starbase Matter?

Strategic Importance

• Starbase is the main development and launch site for Starship, the massive rocket system designed to take humans to Mars.

• It’s also a test ground for rapid rocket reusability, high-frequency launch schedules, and orbital refueling.

• The success of this site could redefine global spaceflight.

Economic Impact

• SpaceX is the largest private employer in the region.

• Starbase generates hundreds of millions of dollars in local economic activity annually.

• Property values and tourism interest in the region are rising.

Controversies and Criticism

Despite the high-tech ambitions, not everyone is onboard.

Environmental Concerns

• The area includes coastal wetlands, endangered wildlife habitats, and protected shorelines.

• Environmentalists argue that rocket launches disturb ecosystems and violate conservation norms.

Indigenous Rights

• Local indigenous groups claim the land includes sacred sites and cemeteries.

• Lawsuits and public protests have occurred, demanding greater transparency.

Public Access

• During launches, SpaceX often restricts access to Boca Chica Beach and Highway 4.

• A new Texas bill may grant Starbase city the authority to close these areas more permanently, sparking debates over public land rights.

The Future of Starbase

Starbase represents more than a city—it's a blueprint for future off-Earth civilizations.

• Plans include building vertical integration towers, robotic launch prep systems, and eventually a “Mars Base Alpha” prototype on Earth.

• Elon Musk envisions Starbase as a model for governance and infrastructure on other planets.

Whether Starbase becomes a thriving tech hub or a cautionary tale about corporate control, its trajectory will have lasting influence on space policy and city planning alike.

FAQs About Starbase, Texas

Is Starbase open to the public?

Yes, certain areas are. Boca Chica Beach is a public beach, but it’s closed during launches or tests. The launch site itself is off-limits unless you’re an employee or have clearance.

Can you live in Starbase?

You can, but housing is limited and primarily reserved for SpaceX employees and contractors. Most non-affiliated people live in Brownsville or Port Isabel.

Is Starbase a company town?

Essentially, yes. While technically a legal municipality, its governance, economy, and infrastructure are dominated by SpaceX.

Is Starbase part of Brownsville?

No. It used to be under Brownsville’s broader economic zone, but it is now legally a separate incorporated city in Cameron County.

Will Starbase have schools, police, or hospitals?

For now, essential services are provided by the county. Long-term plans may include private or hybrid services built by or in coordination with SpaceX.

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