| City: | Oilton, Texas |
| County: | Webb County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:48:55 AM |
| Population: | 281 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 361 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 27.4685, -98.9589 |
| Land Area: | 88.204 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Oilton sits in the remote reaches of Webb County, Texas, 128 square miles of South Texas brushland near the border. This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the entire territory. The 281 residents and surrounding ranches depend completely on the post office for mail access.
With 83 PO Boxes and 85 households, nearly every resident uses PO Box delivery. The 0.98 adoption rate shows near-universal reliance on the post office. Rural carrier routes serve just 23 delivery points across the vast territory, mostly ranches and scattered homes accessed by private roads. State Highway 359 connects the community to Laredo, about 40 miles southwest.
Oilton's history dates to the Texas oil boom, though no businesses are currently registered here. The population is 53% Hispanic, typical for this part of Webb County. Median household income is $39,250, and per capita income runs $23,156. About half the workforce (48%) works from home, likely in ranching, oil field work, or remote employment. Another 28% work in transportation and warehousing, probably serving the energy sector or border commerce.
The median age is 34.3 years, and households average 3.3 people. That's larger than typical American households, consistent with extended family patterns common in South Texas. Of the 106 housing units, 85 are occupied year-round. Only 9 are seasonal, indicating this is a permanent community, not a vacation area.
Street names like W Laredo Avenue, W Laurel Avenue, and S Jones Street mark the tiny town center, but most addresses use rural routes or private roads. The territory extends far beyond the small settlement that gives the ZIP its name, serving ranches across the brushland between Laredo and the oilfields to the north.
All mail must be addressed to a PO Box in Oilton, TX 78371. This isn't a choice but a requirement. Standard street delivery doesn't exist here.
State Highway 359 serves as the main connection to Laredo. A few streets in the tiny town center (Laredo Ave, Laurel Ave) plus scattered private roads across ranch country.
ZIP Code 78371 has 281 residents and 85 households (average 3.31 persons per household). The median age is 34.3 years, slightly younger than the state (35.6) and younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.0% male and 53.0% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.4%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (94.0%) and White (34.5%, much lower than the state average of 50.1% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 94.0%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 281Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 101Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 3.2 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 85Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.31Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.45Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 346 | 426 | 383 | 493 | 438 | 384 | 307 | 271 | 153 | 170 | 108 | 130 | 108 | 101 |
| Decennial Census | 404 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 281 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 34.3
Male Median Age: 32.2
Female Median Age: 35.1
| 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 | 13 | 9 | 15 | 10 | 8 | 3 | 13 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Female | 7 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 6 | 6 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 17 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Total | 20 | 21 | 27 | 25 | 14 | 9 | 29 | 18 | 18 | 9 | 16 | 24 | 18 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 2 |
| White: | 97 | 24.43% |
| Black: | 4 | 1.01% |
| Hispanic:* | 264 | 66.50% |
| Asian: | 1 | 0.25% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 31 | 7.81% |
| Total: | 397 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 132 | 46.98% | 32.2 years |
| Females: | 149 | 53.02% | 35.1 years |
| Total: | 281 | 100% | 34.3 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 77 | 76.24% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 19 | 18.81% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 5 | 23.76% |
| Total Population: | 101 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 77 | 76.24% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 24 | 23.76% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($78,538), is down $35,673 (100.0%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $64,375. Family households earn a median of $88,571 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $88,571). By gender, male median income is $48,750 and female is $40,714, which is far less than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $8,036 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 43.5%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 15.0%, which is markedly higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Production (41.2%).
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 | $35,673 | $40,000 | $50,179 | $52,981 | $54,659 | $54,375 | $57,500 | $63,487 | $64,375 | $0 | $34,464 | $39,063 | $39,250 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $36,827 | $45,536 | $52,321 | $55,104 | $54,432 | $53,625 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $88,750 | $85,179 | $88,571 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $18,846 | $17,596 | $12,857 | $12,708 | $0 | $0 | $61,731 | $64,286 | $64,732 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $26,250 | $31,369 | $31,354 | $34,315 | $0 | $60,500 | $62,019 | $64,821 | $63,839 | $0 | $38,571 | $39,531 | $45,250 | $48,750 |
| Median Female Income | $21,923 | $21,875 | $0 | $26,250 | $0 | $23,125 | $24,167 | $17,083 | $16,042 | $16,094 | $0 | $23,750 | $38,929 | $40,714 |
| Employed: | 34 | 36.96% |
| Unemployed: | 6 | 6.52% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 52 | 56.52% |
| Total: | 92 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 2 | 5.88% |
| Service: | 12 | 35.29% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 6 | 17.65% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 14 | 41.18% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 34 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($303,400), is down $61,900 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $85,000. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,348), is down $450 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 100.00% (3.64% with a mortgage, 96.36% free-and-clear) and renters 0.00% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. Insufficient data for vacancy rate.
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 | $61,900 | $68,000 | $63,500 | $63,600 | $49,800 | $63,900 | $63,200 | $75,000 | $85,000 | $67,600 | $0 | $75,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $450 | $504 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $648 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 2 | 3.64% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 53 | 96.36% |
| Renter Occupied: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 55 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 55 | 58.51% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 39 | 41.49% |
| Total Housing Units: | 94 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 87 | 92.55% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 7 | 7.45% |
| Total Housing Units: | 94 | 100% |
In 2024, 2.60% 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 63.20%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 6.90%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 36.60%, which is falls below the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 66.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 8.40 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 55.60 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 elementary (41.18%). College enrollment is 29.41%, 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: | 23 | 30.26% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 5 | 6.58% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 29 | 38.16% |
| Some college, no degree: | 9 | 11.84% |
| Associate's degree: | 8 | 10.53% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 2 | 2.63% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 76 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 48 | 63.16% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 2 | 2.63% |
| Private Insurance: | 37 | 33.33% |
| Public Insurance: | 67 | 60.36% |
| No Insurance: | 7 | 6.31% |
| Total: | 111 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 104 | 93.69% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 8.4% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 15.0% | 16.1% | 35.8% | 47.7% | 53.3% | 55.6% | 54.5% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
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): | 7 | 41.18% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 5 | 29.41% |
| College or graduate school: | 5 | 29.41% |
| Total: | 17 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 12 | 70.59% |
ZIP Code 78371 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 3 business establishments, employing about 4 people with an annual payroll of $107,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 103Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 3Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $27,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $107,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 4Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 78371 is located in Webb County, Texas, within the Laredo, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 29700) and Texas's 28th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 250,304 people, about 0.11% of whom live in ZIP Code 78371. It covers 88.204 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.191 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Laredo, TXSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 29700Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 250,304Source: Census |
| MSA: | Laredo, TX MSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 88.204 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.191 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 28Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 9378.53 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | --Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 4853556Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Oilton CDP; TexasSource: Census |
ZIP Code 78371 is in the Webb Consolidated 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.