| ZIP Code | 78520 |
|---|---|
| City | Brownsville |
| State | Texas (TX) |
| County | Cameron County |
| Area Code | 956 |
| Elevation | 35 ft |
| Latitude | 25.960875 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -97.548607 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 48061 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 31.6 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 3.12 |
| Below Poverty | 25.5% ▲ 155% above avg |
| College Grads | 38.7% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 6.5% ▲ 33% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 1,794 (6.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 8,489 (29.5%) |
| Some College | 3,588 (12.5%) |
| Associates | 3,771 (13.1%) |
| Bachelors | 2,620 (9.1%) |
| Graduate Degree | 8,496 (29.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $47,331 ▼ 38% below avg ↑ 37% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $129,200 ▼ 54% below avg ↑ 45% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $842/mo ↑ 22% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 22,543 |
| Vacant Units | 2,509 |
| Avg HH Size | 3.12 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 22,543 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 2,509 |
| Owner Occupied | 58.5% |
| Renter Occupied | 41.5% |
| Avg HH Size | 3.12 |
ZIP code 78520 is located in Brownsville, Texas, within Cameron County. With a population of 63,337, this is a densely populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 31.6 years. Economically, 78520 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $47,331 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 78520 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $129,200 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $842 per month in median rent. The area has a relatively balanced mix of owners (58.5%) and renters (41.5%). Median home values have increased by 45% since 2019.
The population of 78520 is primarily Hispanic (92.58%). Residents are moderately educated — 38.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 25.5%. Household income has grown by 37% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 78520 stands at 6.5%, which is above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 74%.
Overall, ZIP code 78520 in Brownsville, TX is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, and a relatively young community. With 63,337 residents, a median household income of $47,331, and a median home value of $129,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Texas.