What to know about ZIP 78553
ZIP code 78553 covers ZIP 78553 with a population of about 4,676.
At a glance, the area shows median age of 30.0 versus a U.S. median of about 38.9.
It sits in the HARLINGEN - WSLCO - BRNSVL - MCA media market.
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ZIP Code 78553 — 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
4,676
Density
N/A
Median income
$33,696
-55% vs US avg
Home value
$73,400
-79% vs US avg
Median rent
$476
-59% vs US avg
Timezone
N/A
Overview of ZIP Code 78553
Income and economy in ZIP 78553
Median household income in ZIP 78553 is about $33,696 — about 55% below the U.S. median ($75,149).
On socioeconomic markers, US5 shows a poverty rate of 30.0%; unemployment rate near 2.1%; 12.3% of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher (about 21.4 points below the national share (33.7%)).
Labor and commute patterns include leading industry context around Healthcare, Retail trade, and Education; about 4.1% of workers reporting work-from-home (about 11.1 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 78553
Median home value is about $73,400 — about 79% below the U.S. median home value ($348,079).
Housing tenure and rents show median gross rent around $476 (about 59% below the U.S. median rent ($1,163)), and owner-occupancy near 49.8% (about 15.6 points below the national owner-occupancy rate (65.4%)).
To comfortably buy a median-priced home in ZIP 78553, a household would need roughly $20,000 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 $472. That sits below the local median household income ($33,696), suggesting the typical household income is closer to a workable buy-in level under these assumptions. Rates, taxes, insurance, and HOA fees vary — treat this as a planning estimate, not a lender quote.