Its name is a misspelling of the Spanish governor Juan de Ugalde (Cádiz, Andalusia, 1729–1816).

[12][13] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.6 square miles (19.8 km2), all land.

The closest airport with commercial airline service is Del Rio International Airport, on the west side of Del Rio, 72 miles (116 km) from Uvalde to the west, and the closest commercial airline service hub is San Antonio International Airport, on the north side of San Antonio 88 miles (142 km) to the east.

The climate in this region is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

As of the 2000 United States census, 14,929 people, 4,796 households and 3,716 families resided in the city.

Southwest Texas Junior College has a campus next to Uvalde on the site of Garner Field.

[23] The Garner Field facility also houses a campus of Sul Ross State University.

Garner served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1931 to 1933, and as Franklin D. Roosevelt's Vice President from 1933 to 1941.

[27] The Uvalde area of the Texas Hill Country is home to many native and exotic species of animals, which allow sportsmen almost year-round hunting opportunities.

[28] Outdoor Life magazine named Uvalde County one of the best white-tailed deer hunting areas in the world.