| City: | High Island, Texas |
| County: | Galveston County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:44:33 AM |
| Population: | 340 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 409 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 29.5603, -94.4222 |
| Land Area: | 14.684 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
High Island isn't exactly an island anymore, but this small Galveston County community on the Bolivar Peninsula still functions like one. The 340 residents share just 111 occupied homes, yet the post office maintains 109 PO Boxes. That's a 98% adoption rate, one of the highest in Texas coastal communities.
The numbers tell the seasonal story clearly. Of the 175 total housing units, only 111 are occupied year-round. That leaves 64 vacant, with 23 classified as seasonal or recreational properties. The median home value sits at $550,000, reflecting the premium coastal real estate market along this stretch of the Gulf Coast.
Mail delivery here doesn't follow typical patterns. There's no city carrier service. Instead, two rural routes serve the handful of physical addresses on 7th Street and S 5th Street. But nearly everyone relies on PO Boxes at the High Island post office, which serves as the community's central connection point.
The demographics skew older and quiet. Median age is 54, and the median household income of $75,938 reflects a mix of retirees and working families. Only 15 people work from home in this tiny community. Most residents either commute or have already retired to this quiet stretch of the Texas coast.
With only two streets receiving mail delivery—7th Street and S 5th Street—High Island has one of the smallest street networks of any Texas coastal community. The simple numbered grid reflects an older, compact settlement pattern. Most delivery happens through PO Boxes rather than street routes, which is typical for small peninsula communities with seasonal populations.
ZIP Code 77623 has 340 residents and 111 households (average 3.05 persons per household). The median age is 54.0 years, significantly older than the state (35.6) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.6% male and 49.4% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (85.9%, much higher than the state average of 50.1% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (6.2%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 6.2%, which is much lower than the state average (39.3%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 340Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 585Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 23.2 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $88,375Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 111Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.05Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.08Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 516 | 809 | 816 | 659 | 636 | 588 | 515 | 439 | 648 | 634 | 689 | 515 | 595 | 585 |
| Decennial Census | 448 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 340 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 54
Male Median Age: 51.8
Female Median Age: 57.2
| 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 | 2 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 7 | 16 | 11 | 19 | 26 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 2 |
| Female | 5 | 6 | 1 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 9 | 16 | 11 | 23 | 16 | 17 | 12 | 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Total | 7 | 18 | 13 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 8 | 9 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 34 | 35 | 43 | 21 | 18 | 5 | 8 |
| White: | 292 | 86.90% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 21 | 6.25% |
| Asian: | 15 | 4.46% |
| American Indian: | 3 | 0.89% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 5 | 1.49% |
| Total: | 336 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 172 | 50.59% | 51.8 years |
| Females: | 168 | 49.41% | 57.2 years |
| Total: | 340 | 100% | 54.0 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 545 | 93.16% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 14 | 2.39% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 12 | 2.05% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 14 | 4.44% |
| Total Population: | 585 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 559 | 95.56% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 26 | 4.44% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $88,375, which is markedly greater than the national median ($78,538), is up $51,292 (138.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $30,542. Family households earn a median of $95,469 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $95,469). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $49,032, which is far less than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $49,032 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 64.7%, which is a bit higher than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is markedly below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (38.4%).
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 | $37,083 | $59,464 | $61,364 | $60,417 | $61,364 | $63,750 | $49,868 | $63,611 | $57,833 | $59,265 | $64,333 | $64,318 | $75,938 | $88,375 |
| Median Family Income | $42,000 | $65,197 | $68,008 | $63,125 | $62,045 | $73,750 | $61,417 | $0 | $63,148 | $64,896 | $70,313 | $81,250 | $93,214 | $95,469 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $25,104 | $26,563 | $23,636 | $16,625 | $15,455 | $16,875 | $18,472 | $0 | $31,429 | $54,922 | $58,625 | $0 | $62,578 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $60,893 | $45,938 | $34,634 | $37,083 | $0 | $50,096 | $27,379 | $41,500 | $30,000 | $34,219 | $0 | $54,091 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $20,208 | $30,481 | $20,769 | $43,750 | $0 | $46,369 | $52,935 | $46,979 | $44,375 | $39,464 | $42,500 | $44,052 | $46,474 | $49,032 |
| Employed: | 352 | 64.71% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 192 | 35.29% |
| Total: | 544 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 135 | 38.35% |
| Service: | 47 | 13.35% |
| Sales and Office: | 67 | 19.03% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 58 | 16.48% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 45 | 12.78% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 352 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($303,400), is down $72,800 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $84,500. The median gross rent is $566, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $176 (45.13%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $566. Of occupied housing, owners make up 91.30% (47.19% with a mortgage, 52.81% free-and-clear) and renters 8.70% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 17.59%, which is considerably 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 | $72,800 | $80,000 | $57,400 | $81,900 | $87,700 | $91,000 | $79,400 | $102,800 | $84,500 | $77,800 | $80,500 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 6 | 27.27% |
| $500 to $999: | 16 | 72.73% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 22 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $390 | $652 | $625 | $558 | $547 | $548 | $1,045 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $550 | $566 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 109 | 43.08% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 122 | 48.22% |
| Renter Occupied: | 22 | 8.70% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 253 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 253 | 82.41% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 54 | 17.59% |
| Total Housing Units: | 307 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 278 | 90.55% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 29 | 9.45% |
| Total Housing Units: | 307 | 100% |
In 2024, 19.60% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 94.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 6.30%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 7.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 4.10 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 7.40 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is high school (44.66%). College enrollment is 34.95%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 27 | 5.63% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 196 | 40.83% |
| Some college, no degree: | 149 | 31.04% |
| Associate's degree: | 14 | 2.92% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 39 | 8.13% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 55 | 11.46% |
| Total: | 480 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 453 | 94.38% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 94 | 19.58% |
| Private Insurance: | 434 | 60.53% |
| Public Insurance: | 246 | 34.31% |
| No Insurance: | 37 | 5.16% |
| Total: | 717 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 680 | 94.84% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 12.7% | 8.7% | 11.9% | 21.4% | 23.6% | 15.6% | 19.2% | 6.4% | 1.2% | 1.9% | 1.6% | 2.1% | 8.6% | 7.5% |
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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 21 | 20.39% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 46 | 44.66% |
| College or graduate school: | 36 | 34.95% |
| Total: | 103 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 67 | 65.05% |
ZIP Code 77623 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 5 business establishments, employing about 17 people with an annual payroll of $484,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 114Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 5Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $125,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $484,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 17Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 77623 is located in Galveston County, Texas, within the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 26420) and Texas's 14th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 5,946,800 people, about 0.01% of whom live in ZIP Code 77623. It covers 14.684 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.507 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: | 14.684 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.507 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 14Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 2441.39 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Galveston-Texas City, TX PMSASource: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
ZIP Code 77623 is in the High Island Independent School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). 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.