| ZIP Code | 78521 |
|---|---|
| City | Brownsville |
| State | Texas (TX) |
| County | Cameron County |
| Area Code | 956 |
| Elevation | 17 ft |
| Latitude | 25.943923 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -97.317944 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 48061 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 31.5 yrs ↑ 8% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 3.19 |
| Below Poverty | 30.5% ▲ 205% above avg |
| College Grads | 27.2% ▼ 30% below avg |
| Unemployment | 6.7% ▲ 36% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 3,645 (9.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 13,090 (35.1%) |
| Some College | 4,599 (12.3%) |
| Associates | 5,821 (15.6%) |
| Bachelors | 2,618 (7%) |
| Graduate Degree | 7,526 (20.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $41,276 ▼ 46% below avg ↑ 28% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $90,500 ▼ 68% below avg ↑ 23% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $864/mo ↑ 20% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 29,576 |
| Vacant Units | 2,101 |
| Avg HH Size | 3.19 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 29,576 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 2,101 |
| Owner Occupied | 59.4% |
| Renter Occupied | 40.6% |
| Avg HH Size | 3.19 |
ZIP code 78521 is located in Brownsville, Texas, within Cameron County. With a population of 87,860, this is a densely populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 31.5 years. Economically, 78521 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $41,276 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 78521 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $90,500 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $864 per month in median rent. The area has a relatively balanced mix of owners (59.4%) and renters (40.6%). Median home values have increased by 23% since 2019.
The population of 78521 is primarily Hispanic (96.56%). Residents are moderately educated — 27.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 30.5%. Household income has grown by 28% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 78521 stands at 6.7%, which is above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 77%.
Overall, ZIP code 78521 in Brownsville, TX is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, and a relatively young community. With 87,860 residents, a median household income of $41,276, and a median home value of $90,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Texas.