| ZIP Code | 78542 |
|---|---|
| City | Edinburg |
| State | Texas (TX) |
| County | Hidalgo County |
| Area Code | 956 |
| Elevation | 85 ft |
| Latitude | 26.432513 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -98.089884 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 48215 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 27.4 yrs ↑ 3% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 3.60 |
| Below Poverty | 29.6% ▲ 196% above avg |
| College Grads | 25.1% ▼ 35% below avg |
| Unemployment | 9.9% ▲ 102% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 1,387 (4.3%) |
| HS Graduate | 12,446 (38.8%) |
| Some College | 3,828 (11.9%) |
| Associates | 6,360 (19.8%) |
| Bachelors | 1,949 (6.1%) |
| Graduate Degree | 6,083 (19%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $52,962 ▼ 31% below avg ↑ 25% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $123,500 ▼ 56% below avg ↑ 47% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.3x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $876/mo ↑ 34% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 25,198 |
| Vacant Units | 2,270 |
| Avg HH Size | 3.60 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 25,198 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 2,270 |
| Owner Occupied | 74.7% |
| Renter Occupied | 25.3% |
| Avg HH Size | 3.60 |
ZIP code 78542 is located in Edinburg, Texas, within Hidalgo County. With a population of 86,111, this is a densely populated ZIP code with a young community — the median age is 27.4 years. Economically, 78542 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $52,962 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 78542 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $123,500 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $876 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 74.7% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 47% since 2019.
The population of 78542 is primarily Hispanic (94.69%). Residents are moderately educated — 25.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 29.6%. Household income has grown by 25% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 78542 stands at 9.9%, which is more than double the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 74%.
Overall, ZIP code 78542 in Edinburg, TX is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, a young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 86,111 residents, a median household income of $52,962, and a median home value of $123,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Texas.