What to know about ZIP 78042
ZIP code 78042 covers ZIP 78042 with a population of about 2,669.
At a glance, the area shows median age of 35.0 versus a U.S. median of about 38.9.
It sits in the LAREDO media market.
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ZIP Code 78042 — undefined, undefined Demographics & Data
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates. Page data updated 2026-08-02.
Low Income Area
At a glance
Population
2,669
Density
N/A
Median income
$21,837
-71% vs US avg
Home value
$74,800
-79% vs US avg
Median rent
$541
-53% vs US avg
Timezone
N/A
Overview of ZIP Code 78042
Income and economy in ZIP 78042
Median household income in ZIP 78042 is about $21,837 — about 71% below the U.S. median ($75,149).
On socioeconomic markers, US5 shows a poverty rate of 44.2%; unemployment rate near 14.1%; 7.5% of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher (about 26.2 points below the national share (33.7%)).
Labor and commute patterns include leading industry context around Healthcare, Administrative support, and Retail trade; about 10.2% of workers reporting work-from-home (about 5.0 points below the U.S. share (15.2%)); a mean commute of about 180.0 minutes (U.S. average near 26.8).
Housing and affordability in ZIP 78042
Median home value is about $74,800 — about 79% below the U.S. median home value ($348,079).
Housing tenure and rents show median gross rent around $541 (about 53% below the U.S. median rent ($1,163)), and owner-occupancy near 18.3% (about 47.1 points below the national owner-occupancy rate (65.4%)).
To comfortably buy a median-priced home in ZIP 78042, a household would need roughly $21,000 in annual income under a 20% down, 30-year loan at 6.8% (illustrative), keeping housing costs near 28% of income. Estimated monthly PITI is about $480. That is roughly in line with the local median household income ($21,837). Rates, taxes, insurance, and HOA fees vary — treat this as a planning estimate, not a lender quote.