| ZIP Code | 79536 |
|---|---|
| City | Merkel |
| State | Texas (TX) |
| County | Taylor County |
| Area Code | 325 |
| Elevation | 1,803 ft |
| Latitude | 32.474124 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -100.024523 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 48441 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 31.8 yrs ↓ 27% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 3.04 |
| Below Poverty | 15.3% ▲ 53% above avg |
| College Grads | 23.9% ▼ 38% below avg |
| Unemployment | 2.1% ▼ 58% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 59 (1.7%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,672 (46.8%) |
| Some College | 448 (12.5%) |
| Associates | 541 (15.1%) |
| Bachelors | 328 (9.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 526 (14.7%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $71,346 ≈ Avg ↑ 34% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $133,300 ▼ 52% below avg ↑ 71% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.9x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,187/mo ↑ 61% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 2,313 |
| Vacant Units | 333 |
| Avg HH Size | 3.04 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 2,313 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 333 |
| Owner Occupied | 80.1% |
| Renter Occupied | 19.9% |
| Avg HH Size | 3.04 |
ZIP code 79536 is located in Merkel, Texas, within Taylor County. With a population of 6,080, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 31.8 years. Economically, 79536 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $71,346 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 79536 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $133,300 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,187 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 80.1% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 71% since 2019.
The population of 79536 is primarily White (80.28%). Residents are less-educated — 23.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 15.3%. Household income has grown by 34% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 79536 stands at 2.1%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 77%.
Overall, ZIP code 79536 in Merkel, TX is characterized as solidly middle-class, less-educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 6,080 residents, a median household income of $71,346, and a median home value of $133,300, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Texas.