| ZIP Code | 79720 |
|---|---|
| City | Big Spring |
| State | Texas (TX) |
| County | Howard County |
| Area Code | 432 |
| Elevation | 2,529 ft |
| Latitude | 32.199985 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -101.504819 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 48227 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 37.9 yrs ↑ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.41 |
| Below Poverty | 13.7% ▲ 37% above avg |
| College Grads | 26.9% ▼ 31% below avg |
| Unemployment | 5.2% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 524 (2.9%) |
| HS Graduate | 6,006 (33%) |
| Some College | 3,650 (20.1%) |
| Associates | 3,133 (17.2%) |
| Bachelors | 1,740 (9.6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 3,148 (17.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $71,194 ≈ Avg ↑ 31% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $146,500 ▼ 47% below avg ↑ 47% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $994/mo ↑ 14% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 13,309 |
| Vacant Units | 1,981 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.41 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 13,309 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,981 |
| Owner Occupied | 68.3% |
| Renter Occupied | 31.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.41 |
ZIP code 79720 is located in Big Spring, Texas, within Howard County. With a population of 30,432, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 37.9 years. Economically, 79720 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $71,194 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 79720 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $146,500 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $994 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 68.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 47% since 2019.
The population of 79720 is racially diverse, with Hispanic as the largest group at 45.3%. Residents are moderately educated — 26.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 13.7%. Household income has grown by 31% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 79720 stands at 5.2%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 79%.
Overall, ZIP code 79720 in Big Spring, TX is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 30,432 residents, a median household income of $71,194, and a median home value of $146,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Texas.