| City: | Ben Bolt, Texas |
| City Alias: | Alice |
| County: | Jim Wells County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:48:40 AM |
| Population: | 318 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 361 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 27.6476, -98.0863 |
| Land Area: | 1.759 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
The numbers tell the story. With 98 occupied households and a population just over 300, this isn't a border crossing point or commercial center. But 52% of residents are Hispanic, reflecting the binational character of South Texas. The community sits far enough inland that its postal function serves local needs rather than cross-border traffic. Median household income runs $42,014, slightly below the state average.
Salazar Avenue is the only street with ZIP+4 delivery records, suggesting a compact residential core. Most addresses connect to the post office through rural routes serving the surrounding countryside. The mix of street and rural delivery is common in small Texas towns where the post office anchors a tiny commercial district while residents spread across ranch land and farms.
There's nothing institutional here. No prison population, no college dorms, no military base. The population-to-household ratio of 3.2 reflects typical family structures for the region. At 41 years old, the median age shows a stable community with working families rather than a retirement haven or college town. The few dozen homes here form a quiet agricultural community where the post office provides essential connection to the broader world.
With only Salazar Avenue appearing in delivery records, Ben Bolt's street infrastructure is minimal. The Spanish surname reflects the area's Hispanic heritage and South Texas cultural identity. Rural route delivery handles most addresses outside this small core.
ZIP Code 78342 has 318 residents and 98 households (average 3.24 persons per household). The median age is 41.0 years, older than the state (35.6) and slightly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.8% male and 52.2% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.4%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (94.7%) and White (35.2%, much lower than the state average of 50.1% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 94.7%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 318Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 399Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 180.8 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $40,739Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 98Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.24Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.08Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 434 | 469 | 446 | 437 | 358 | 387 | 361 | 427 | 330 | 342 | 226 | 363 | 338 | 399 |
| Decennial Census | 386 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 318 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 41
Male Median Age: 49
Female Median Age: 36.2
| 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 | 1 | 6 | 14 | 6 | 4 | 9 | 16 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 8 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Female | 9 | 13 | 14 | 10 | 11 | 5 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 6 | 18 | 2 | 5 | 14 | 15 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Total | 10 | 19 | 28 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 33 | 23 | 7 | 19 | 26 | 19 | 19 | 26 | 25 | 5 | 9 | 5 |
| White: | 112 | 24.62% |
| Black: | 1 | 0.22% |
| Hispanic:* | 301 | 66.15% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 4 | 0.88% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 37 | 8.13% |
| Total: | 455 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 152 | 47.80% | 49.0 years |
| Females: | 166 | 52.20% | 36.2 years |
| Total: | 318 | 100% | 41.0 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 364 | 91.23% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 35 | 8.77% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 8.77% |
| Total Population: | 399 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 364 | 91.23% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 35 | 8.77% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $40,739, which is considerably lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $12,614 (44.8%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $2,826. Family households earn a median of $40,739 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $40,739). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $0 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 38.5%, which is far less 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 Service (27.3%).
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 | $28,125 | $34,063 | $41,210 | $42,054 | $41,429 | $41,406 | $40,521 | $40,446 | $43,565 | $42,824 | $0 | $50,125 | $42,014 | $40,739 |
| Median Family Income | $48,068 | $40,625 | $50,375 | $41,875 | $41,205 | $41,362 | $40,417 | $40,402 | $43,843 | $43,102 | $0 | $50,125 | $42,014 | $40,739 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $11,151 | $11,161 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $24,688 | $24,732 | $29,605 | $47,574 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $51,688 | $74,375 | $74,722 | $0 | $32,201 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $41,042 | $37,411 | $36,938 | $40,000 | $0 | $35,859 | $36,339 | $37,734 | $37,667 | $26,346 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 132 | 38.48% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 211 | 61.52% |
| Total: | 343 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 26 | 19.70% |
| Service: | 36 | 27.27% |
| Sales and Office: | 14 | 10.61% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 22 | 16.67% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 34 | 25.76% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 132 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($303,400), is down $54,400 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $30,600. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,348), and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $825. Of occupied housing, owners make up 62.07% (18.89% with a mortgage, 81.11% free-and-clear) and renters 37.93% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 16.18%, which is much 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 | $54,400 | $48,700 | $47,500 | $33,900 | $32,300 | $0 | $0 | $29,700 | $30,600 | $0 | $0 | $21,600 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 20 | 36.36% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 22 | 40.00% |
| $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: | 13 | 23.64% |
| Total: | 55 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $773 | $820 | $839 | $825 | $842 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 17 | 11.72% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 73 | 50.34% |
| Renter Occupied: | 55 | 37.93% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 145 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 145 | 83.82% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 28 | 16.18% |
| Total Housing Units: | 173 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 139 | 80.35% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 34 | 19.65% |
| Total Housing Units: | 173 | 100% |
In 2024, 9.20% 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 49.60%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 15.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 19.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 69.90%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 13.80%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), up 9.40 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 15.20 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is high school (100.00%). College enrollment is 0.00%, 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: | 98 | 34.51% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 45 | 15.85% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 85 | 29.93% |
| Some college, no degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Associate's degree: | 30 | 10.56% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 26 | 9.15% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 284 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 141 | 49.65% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 26 | 9.15% |
| Private Insurance: | 76 | 18.31% |
| Public Insurance: | 279 | 67.23% |
| No Insurance: | 60 | 14.46% |
| Total: | 415 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 355 | 85.54% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 5.8% | 5.2% | 6.3% | 17.2% | 19.0% | 11.9% | 14.6% | 15.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 24.3% | 17.3% | 15.2% | 13.8% |
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): | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 34 | 100.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 34 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 34 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 78342 is designated for PO Box delivery only; business establishment and employment data are not available.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 0Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 0Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 0Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 78342 is located in Jim Wells County, Texas, within the Alice, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 10860) and Texas's 15th Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 40,838 people, about 0.78% of whom live in ZIP Code 78342. It covers 1.759 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Alice, TXSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 10860Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 40,838Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 1.759 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 15Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 7804.07 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 4807540Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Ben Bolt CDP; TexasSource: Census |
ZIP Code 78342 is in the Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco 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.