US ZIP Code
78550

Harlingen, TX

Cameron County  ·  Texas

● Active
👥 54,169 Population ↑ 3% since 2019
💰 $51,524 Median HH Income
▼ 32% below avg ↑ 35% since 2019
🎂 33.6 Median Age ↑ 11% since 2019
🏠 $120,500 Median Home Value
▼ 57% below avg ↑ 44% since 2019
🎓 34.8% College Grads
▼ 10% below avg
📊 5.0% Unemployment
≈ Avg ↓ 25% since 2019
ZIP Code Details
ZIP Code78550
CityHarlingen
StateTexas (TX)
CountyCameron County
Area Code956
Elevation22 ft
Latitude26.255724
Longitude-97.6635
TimezoneChicago (DST)
FIPS48061
ZIP TypeStandard
StatusActive
People & Population (ACS 2023)
♂ Male 49.3% (26,705) Female 50.7% (27,464) ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 13.9%Hispanic: 82.8%Black: 1.4%Asian: 0.9%Other: 0.7%Race
White13.9%
Hispanic82.8%
Black1.4%
Asian0.9%
Other0.7%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
7%
5–17
22%
18–24
8%
25–44
27%
45–64
20%
65+
7%

Key Indicators

Median Age33.6 yrs ↑ 11% since 2019
Avg Household Size2.70
Below Poverty24.1% ▲ 141% above avg
College Grads34.8% ▼ 10% below avg
Unemployment5.0% ≈ Avg
No HS Diploma1,396 (4.9%)
HS Graduate8,133 (28.5%)
Some College4,346 (15.3%)
Associates4,705 (16.5%)
Bachelors2,685 (9.4%)
Graduate Degree7,223 (25.4%)

Education

No HS: 4.9%HS Grad: 28.5%Some College: 15.3%Associates: 16.5%Bachelors: 9.4%Graduate: 25.4%Edu
No HS4.9%
HS Grad28.5%
Some College15.3%
Associates16.5%
Bachelors9.4%
Graduate25.4%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 52.7%Renter: 47.3%Tenure
Owner52.7%
Renter47.3%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
13%
$50k–100k
27%
$100k–150k
20%
$150k–200k
16%
$200k–300k
15%
$300k–500k
7%
Over $500k
2%

Financials

Median HH Income$51,524 ▼ 32% below avg ↑ 35% since 2019
Median Home Value$120,500 ▼ 57% below avg ↑ 44% since 2019
Home/Income Ratio2.3x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$863/mo ↑ 20% since 2019
Total Units22,347
Vacant Units2,708
Avg HH Size2.70

Income Distribution

Under $25k
27%
$25k–50k
19%
$50k–75k
19%
$75k–100k
13%
$100k–150k
14%
$150k–200k
4%
Over $200k
4%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
88%
Public Transit
0%
Walked
2%
Work From Home
10%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
48%
15–30 min
33%
30–45 min
13%
Over 45 min
7%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
2%
1940s–1950s
12%
1960s–1970s
15%
1980s–1990s
17%
2000+
54%

Summary

Total Units22,347
Vacant2,708
Owner Occupied52.7%
Renter Occupied47.3%
Avg HH Size2.70
Frequently Asked Questions
ZIP code 78550 is in Harlingen, TX, in Cameron County.
ZIP code 78550 is located in Texas (TX).
ZIP code 78550 is in Cameron County, TX.
ZIP 78550 observes the Chicago timezone. Daylight Saving Time is observed.
The estimated population of ZIP code 78550 is 54,169 people (ACS 2023).
The median household income in ZIP code 78550 is $51,524 (ACS 2023).
The median home value in ZIP 78550 is $120,500 (ACS 2023).
About ZIP Code 78550

ZIP code 78550 is located in Harlingen, Texas, within Cameron County. With a population of 54,169, this is a highly populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 33.6 years. Economically, 78550 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $51,524 is below the national average.

Real estate in ZIP code 78550 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $120,500 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $863 per month in median rent. The area has a relatively balanced mix of owners (52.7%) and renters (47.3%). Median home values have increased by 44% since 2019.

The population of 78550 is primarily Hispanic (82.80%). Residents are moderately educated — 34.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 24.1%. Household income has grown by 35% since 2019.

The unemployment rate in 78550 stands at 5.0%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 77%.

Overall, ZIP code 78550 in Harlingen, TX is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, and a relatively young community. With 54,169 residents, a median household income of $51,524, and a median home value of $120,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Texas.