| City: | Prairie View, Texas |
| County: | Waller County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:42:55 AM |
| Population: | 6,236 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 936 / 979 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 30.0837, -95.9866 |
| Land Area: | 2.654 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Prairie View sits in Waller County, Texas, about 50 miles northwest of Houston. This isn't a typical town. It's a university campus. Of the 6,236 people counted here, 5,370 live in group quarters (86% of the population). These are college students in dormitories.
The median age is 19.9 years. That's college freshman age. The population/household ratio is 18.1 residents per household unit, which confirms this is primarily dormitory housing rather than family residences. There are only 344 occupied household units but 6,236 people, because most students live in campus housing.
Prairie View is home to Prairie View A&M University, one of Texas's historically black colleges and universities. Of the 6,236 residents, 5,528 identify as Black or African American (89% of the population). The university was established in 1876 and has been a cornerstone of higher education for African Americans in Texas for nearly 150 years.
Mail delivery works through a combination of campus buildings and PO Boxes. The post office maintains 517 PO Boxes for 344 local households, which means a 1.5x adoption rate. This serves both off-campus residents and students who maintain boxes. Campus mail is primarily delivered to FM 1098 Loop, which has 137 delivery points with unit designators. This is the main campus address.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative carrier delivery across the 0.073 square mile campus area. Mail either goes to a PO Box at the Prairie View post office or to a campus building address on FM 1098 Loop. Students living in dorms typically receive mail through their residence hall mailrooms, while faculty, staff, and off-campus students may use PO Boxes.
The educational attainment is 30.1% with bachelor's degrees or higher among the population over 25 years old. Median household income is $19,262, which is typical for a student-dominated ZIP where most residents are enrolled full-time rather than employed. Those who do work are concentrated in public administration (635 workers), transportation and warehousing (1,426 workers), and educational services (494 workers).
To mail to Prairie View A&M University, use the building address format: [Student/Department Name], [Building Name/Number], FM 1098 Loop #[Unit], Prairie View, TX 77446. For PO Box mail, use: [Name], PO Box [Number], Prairie View, TX 77446. General Delivery is also available for those without a specific box assignment.
FM 1098 Loop is the primary campus address with 137 delivery points designated by unit numbers.
ZIP Code 77446 has 6,236 residents and 344 households (average 2.52 persons per household). The median age is 19.9 years, significantly younger than the state (35.6) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 33.2% male and 66.8% female, which is much lower than the state male share (49.4%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Black or African American (88.6%, much higher than the state average of 12.2% and well above the national average of 12.4%) and Hispanic or Latino (7.8%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 7.8%, which is much lower than the state average (39.3%), and Black or African American share is much higher than both the state (12.2%) and national averages (12.4%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 6,236Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 5,780Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 2,349.7 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $20,766Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 344Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $250,900Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.52Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.95Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 4,842 | 5,156 | 5,403 | 5,609 | 5,819 | 6,004 | 6,095 | 6,116 | 6,520 | 6,781 | 5,121 | 6,276 | 6,060 | 5,780 |
| Decennial Census | 5,217 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 6,236 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 19.9
Male Median Age: 20.3
Female Median Age: 19.8
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 18 | 20 | 23 | 859 | 870 | 65 | 19 | 41 | 17 | 15 | 27 | 18 | 26 | 22 | 10 | 7 | 8 | 5 |
| Female | 24 | 25 | 13 | 2,247 | 1,541 | 55 | 28 | 19 | 28 | 15 | 19 | 33 | 25 | 11 | 36 | 12 | 13 | 22 |
| Total | 42 | 45 | 36 | 3,106 | 2,411 | 120 | 47 | 60 | 45 | 30 | 46 | 51 | 51 | 33 | 46 | 19 | 21 | 27 |
| White: | 99 | 1.49% |
| Black: | 5,528 | 83.40% |
| Hispanic:* | 484 | 7.30% |
| Asian: | 8 | 0.12% |
| American Indian: | 32 | 0.48% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 477 | 7.20% |
| Total: | 6,628 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 2,070 | 33.19% | 20.3 years |
| Females: | 4,166 | 66.81% | 19.8 years |
| Total: | 6,236 | 100% | 19.9 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 5,390 | 93.25% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 56 | 0.97% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 52 | 0.90% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 282 | 5.78% |
| Total Population: | 5,780 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 5,446 | 94.22% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 334 | 5.78% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $20,766, which is well under the national median ($78,538), is down $6,471 (23.8%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $3,352. Family households earn a median of $49,321 versus $20,170 for nonfamily households (a difference of $29,151). By gender, male median income is $22,574 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $22,574 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 52.9%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 24.0%, which is far worse than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Sales (36.8%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $27,237 | $35,659 | $33,897 | $28,690 | $28,542 | $24,188 | $20,083 | $25,688 | $24,118 | $16,664 | $23,833 | $33,466 | $19,262 | $20,766 |
| Median Family Income | $39,635 | $48,438 | $64,113 | $66,211 | $43,125 | $39,500 | $31,012 | $33,462 | $37,829 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $49,135 | $49,321 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $19,567 | $19,964 | $18,551 | $18,484 | $0 | $0 | $10,313 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $15,131 | $0 | $18,133 | $20,170 |
| Median Male Income | $22,198 | $25,793 | $25,810 | $26,161 | $25,086 | $0 | $14,737 | $17,109 | $24,856 | $23,145 | $30,774 | $35,831 | $39,475 | $22,574 |
| Median Female Income | $28,542 | $23,939 | $26,607 | $25,500 | $21,989 | $21,575 | $21,042 | $20,120 | $20,147 | $20,136 | $22,404 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 2,142 | 39.42% |
| Unemployed: | 689 | 12.68% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 2,603 | 47.90% |
| Total: | 5,434 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 556 | 25.96% |
| Service: | 586 | 27.36% |
| Sales and Office: | 788 | 36.79% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 117 | 5.46% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 95 | 4.44% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 2,142 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $250,900, which is well under the national median ($303,400), is up $132,400 (111.73%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $79,500. The median gross rent is $997, which is well under the national median ($1,348), is up $283 (39.64%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $45. Of occupied housing, owners make up 17.01% (23.90% with a mortgage, 76.10% free-and-clear) and renters 82.99% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 14.53%, which is far higher than the national rate (10.43%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $118,500 | $122,700 | $111,500 | $112,800 | $129,200 | $150,900 | $140,600 | $168,300 | $171,400 | $193,200 | $226,600 | $241,900 | $284,000 | $250,900 |
| Less than $500: | 51 | 6.57% |
| $500 to $999: | 341 | 43.94% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 374 | 48.20% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 10 | 1.29% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 776 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $714 | $732 | $887 | $856 | $927 | $989 | $1,107 | $1,034 | $1,042 | $1,011 | $967 | $1,182 | $883 | $997 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 38 | 4.06% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 121 | 12.94% |
| Renter Occupied: | 776 | 82.99% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 935 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 935 | 85.47% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 159 | 14.53% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,094 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 381 | 34.83% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 703 | 64.26% |
| Other Units: | 10 | 0.91% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,094 | 100% |
In 2024, 45.90% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 82.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 22.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 14.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 25.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 0.90 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 10.40 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (94.45%). College enrollment is 94.45%, which is far higher than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community is likely a college hub with student-driven housing and services.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 67 | 7.61% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 88 | 10.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 83 | 9.43% |
| Some college, no degree: | 189 | 21.48% |
| Associate's degree: | 49 | 5.57% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 163 | 18.52% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 241 | 27.39% |
| Total: | 880 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 725 | 82.39% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 404 | 45.91% |
| Private Insurance: | 3,956 | 65.64% |
| Public Insurance: | 801 | 13.29% |
| No Insurance: | 1,270 | 21.07% |
| Total: | 6,027 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 4,757 | 78.93% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 16.8% | 10.9% | 8.9% | 5.5% | 15.0% | 22.4% | 32.6% | 29.6% | 26.3% | 22.4% | 8.5% | 6.4% | 15.9% | 25.5% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 33 | 0.66% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 214 | 4.28% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 30 | 0.60% |
| College or graduate school: | 4,718 | 94.45% |
| Total: | 4,995 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 33 | 0.66% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 244 | 4.88% |
ZIP Code 77446 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 24 business establishments, employing about 367 people with an annual payroll of $11,314,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,652Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 24Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $3,130,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $11,314,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 367Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 77446 is located in Waller County, Texas, within the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 26420) and Texas's 10th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 5,946,800 people, about 0.10% of whom live in ZIP Code 77446. It covers 2.654 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TXSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 26420Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 5,946,800Source: Census |
| MSA: | Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX CMSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 2.654 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 10Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 5070.95 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Houston, TX PMSASource: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 4859336Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Prairie View city; TexasSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 77446 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.