| ZIP Code | 78661 |
|---|---|
| City | Prairie Lea |
| State | Texas (TX) |
| County | Caldwell County |
| Area Code | 512/737 |
| Elevation | 409 ft |
| Latitude | 29.721948 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -97.758944 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 48055 |
| ZIP Type | PO Box |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 27.7 yrs ↓ 34% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 3.15 |
| Below Poverty | 33.1% ▲ 231% above avg |
| College Grads | 11.5% ▼ 70% below avg |
| Unemployment | 3.8% ▼ 23% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 29 (8.1%) |
| HS Graduate | 232 (64.8%) |
| Some College | 47 (13.1%) |
| Associates | 9 (2.5%) |
| Bachelors | 15 (4.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 26 (7.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $47,917 ▼ 37% below avg ↑ 21% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $190,200 ▼ 32% below avg ↑ 149% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.0x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Total Units | 217 |
| Vacant Units | 8 |
| Avg HH Size | 3.15 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 217 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 8 |
| Owner Occupied | 83.7% |
| Renter Occupied | 16.3% |
| Avg HH Size | 3.15 |
ZIP code 78661 is located in Prairie Lea, Texas, within Caldwell County. With a population of 658, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a young community — the median age is 27.7 years. Economically, 78661 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $47,917 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 78661 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $190,200 is below the national average. Homeownership is strong here — 83.7% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 149% since 2019.
The population of 78661 is majority Hispanic (52.13%). Residents are less-educated — 11.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is well below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 33.1%. Household income has grown by 21% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 78661 stands at 3.8%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 89%.
Overall, ZIP code 78661 in Prairie Lea, TX is characterized as working-class, less-educated, a young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 658 residents, a median household income of $47,917, and a median home value of $190,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Texas.