| ZIP Code | 78597 |
|---|---|
| City | South Padre Island |
| State | Texas (TX) |
| County | Cameron County |
| Area Code | 956 |
| Latitude | 26.273207 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -97.27637 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 48061 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 59.2 yrs ↑ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 1.86 |
| Below Poverty | 13.6% ▲ 36% above avg |
| College Grads | 57.2% ▲ 48% above avg |
| Unemployment | 6.5% ▲ 33% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 86 (4.1%) |
| HS Graduate | 235 (11.2%) |
| Some College | 155 (7.4%) |
| Associates | 421 (20.1%) |
| Bachelors | 118 (5.6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,079 (51.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $61,357 ▼ 20% below avg ↑ 36% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $508,800 ▲ 83% above avg ↑ 66% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 8.3x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,421/mo ↑ 31% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 5,895 |
| Vacant Units | 4,355 |
| Avg HH Size | 1.86 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 5,895 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 4,355 |
| Owner Occupied | 66.8% |
| Renter Occupied | 33.2% |
| Avg HH Size | 1.86 |
ZIP code 78597 is located in South Padre Island, Texas, within Cameron County. With a population of 2,881, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with an older community — the median age is 59.2 years. Economically, 78597 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $61,357 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 78597 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $508,800 is significantly above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,421 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 66.8% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 66% since 2019.
The population of 78597 is primarily White (76.47%). Residents are well-educated — 57.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 13.6%. Household income has grown by 36% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 78597 stands at 6.5%, which is above the national average. About 18% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 61%.
Overall, ZIP code 78597 in South Padre Island, TX is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, an older community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 2,881 residents, a median household income of $61,357, and a median home value of $508,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Texas.