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Population & Demographics

ZIP Code 78521 has 88,708 residents and 26,821 households (average 3.30 persons per household). The median age is 31.9 years, younger than the state (35.6) and younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.4% male and 52.6% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.4%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (95.4%) and White (34.8%, much lower than the state average of 50.1% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 95.4%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%), and Other / Two or More Races share is much higher than the national average (8.4%).

Explore More:Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.

2020 Population:	88,708Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:	87,860Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:	103,497Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:	947.5 people per sq mile
Average Income:	$41,276Source: Census ACS

Households:	26,821Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:	$90,500Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:	3.30Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:	3.44Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Line chart of ZIP 78521 population estimates from 2011-2023, with markers for the 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census counts to show growth or decline over time. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2010	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Census ACS Population Estimate	--	90,429	90,752	90,446	91,050	92,394	93,008	92,975	92,108	90,687	89,629	88,791	87,040	87,860
Decennial Census	93,818	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	88,708	--	--	--

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Median Age: 31.9

Male Median Age: 29.6

Female Median Age: 34.4

Line chart for ZIP 78521 showing total, male, and female population by age group. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

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	3,158	3,611	3,939	4,240	3,397	2,910	2,410	2,197	2,260	2,399	2,271	2,036	1,937	1,784	1,490	971	525	508
Female	3,133	3,342	3,877	4,121	3,344	3,210	2,616	2,687	2,960	2,969	2,707	2,567	2,356	2,279	1,781	1,150	786	780
Total	6,291	6,953	7,816	8,361	6,741	6,120	5,026	4,884	5,220	5,368	4,978	4,603	4,293	4,063	3,271	2,121	1,311	1,288

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Population by Race

Pie chart of the racial and ethnic makeup of ZIP 78521. Table below includes counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

White:	30,829	22.65%
Black:	190	0.14%
Hispanic:*	84,655	62.19%
Asian:	284	0.21%
American Indian:	550	0.40%
Hawaiian:	17	0.01%
Other:	19,596	14.40%
Total:	136,121	100%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Gender Breakdown

Simple chart showing male vs female share of the population in ZIP Code 78521. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Gender	Count	%	Median Age
Males:	42,043	47.39%	29.6 years
Females:	46,665	52.61%	34.4 years
Total:	88,708	100%	31.9 years

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship

Pie chart showing nativity in ZIP 78521. Categories include native residents (born in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Island Areas, or abroad to American parents) and foreign-born residents. A table below lists counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Native, born in the United States:	59,586	67.82%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:	1,512	1.72%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:	9,151	10.42%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:	17,611	30.46%
Total Population:	87,860	100%
Total Native Population:	61,098	69.54%
Total Foreign-born Population:	26,762	30.46%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment

In 2023, the Median household income is $41,276, which is well under the national median ($78,538), is up $15,023 (57.2%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $9,107. Family households earn a median of $46,289 versus $21,115 for nonfamily households (a difference of $25,174). By gender, male median income is $36,575 and female is $30,328, which is much lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $6,247 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 56.9%, which is much lower than the state rate (65.3%). The unemployment rate is 6.7%, which is higher than the state rate (5.1%). The largest occupation group is Service (28.3%).

Explore More:Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Line chart showing median income in ZIP 78521 from 2011-2023 for five series: household, family, nonfamily, male, and female. The table below lists the yearly values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Income Type	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Household Income	$26,253	$26,366	$26,684	$26,613	$26,663	$27,352	$28,935	$30,099	$32,169	$33,616	$35,318	$38,633	$41,276
Median Family Income	$28,812	$29,179	$29,033	$28,995	$29,008	$29,789	$31,814	$32,955	$35,297	$37,110	$38,568	$42,855	$46,289
Median NonFamily Income	$13,988	$14,479	$14,225	$14,230	$14,236	$14,275	$14,623	$14,992	$16,140	$16,445	$18,472	$20,331	$21,115
Median Male Income	$26,398	$26,635	$27,298	$28,428	$28,943	$28,454	$28,601	$28,443	$29,724	$29,175	$30,939	$33,939	$36,575
Median Female Income	$21,026	$21,953	$21,975	$21,674	$22,049	$22,125	$22,923	$23,237	$24,201	$25,087	$26,015	$27,860	$30,328

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income

Bar chart showing average household income comparing ZIP 78521, city of Brownsville, Cameron County, state of Texas, and United States national values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Employment Status

Pie chart of employment status for ZIP 78521, showing the shares who are employed, unemployed, and not in the labor force. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Employed:	35,113	52.90%
Unemployed:	2,511	3.78%
Not In Labor Force:	28,753	43.32%
Total:	66,377	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Donut Chart showing the distribution of employed civilians aged 16 and over by occupation category: management, service, sales and office, natural resources and construction, and production and transportation. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Management, business, science, and arts:	8,455	24.08%
Service:	9,946	28.33%
Sales and Office:	7,401	21.08%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:	4,200	11.96%
Production, transportation, and material moving:	5,111	14.56%
Total Civilian Employed Population:	35,113	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability

In 2023, the median home value is $90,500, which is far less than the national median ($303,400), is up $22,000 (32.12%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $17,100. The median gross rent is $864, which is far less than the national median ($1,348), is up $277 (47.19%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $144. Of occupied housing, owners make up 59.37% (30.06% with a mortgage, 69.94% free-and-clear) and renters 40.63% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 7.10%, which is markedly below the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More:Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Bar chart showing the median home value for ZIP 78521, compared with Brownsville, Cameron County, state of Texas, and the U.S. National Average. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time

Line chart showing median home values for ZIP 78521 across years 2011-2023 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart displays the typical dollar value of owner-occupied housing units. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Home Value	$68,500	$67,700	$67,500	$66,300	$65,700	$66,000	$69,000	$71,400	$73,400	$73,400	$74,100	$84,300	$90,500

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid

Pie chart of gross rent for renter-occupied homes in ZIP 78521, showing monthly rent brackets and the share of units in each range. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than $500:	1,586	14.21%
$500 to $999:	5,703	51.09%
$1,000 to $1,499:	2,693	24.12%
$1,500 to $1,999:	268	2.40%
$2,000 to $2,499:	44	0.39%
$2,500 to $2,999:	50	0.45%
$3,000 or more:	37	0.33%
No Rent:	782	7.01%
Total:	11,163	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Line chart displaying median gross rent for ZIP 78521 over the years 2011-2023 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart represents typical monthly housing costs for renter households. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Rent	$587	$599	$617	$637	$642	$656	$683	$708	$720	$725	$763	$831	$864

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy

Pie chart showing housing occupancy for ZIP 78521. Categories include owner-occupied units with a mortgage, owner-occupied units free and clear, and renter-occupied units. A table below lists counts and percentages. Vacant housing units are shown separately in the Vacancy chart. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Owner Occupied (with mortgage):	4,904	17.85%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):	11,408	41.52%
Renter Occupied:	11,163	40.63%
Total Occupied Housing Units:	27,475	100%

Occupied Housing Units:	27,475	92.90%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):	2,101	7.10%
Total Housing Units:	29,576	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Pie chart showing housing type distribution for ZIP 78521. Categories include single-family units (detached or attached), multi-family units (from 2 units up to 50 or more units), and other structures such as mobile homes or boats/RVs. A table below lists counts and percentages for each group.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Single-Family Units:	19,836	67.07%
Multi-Family Units:	7,124	24.09%
Other Units:	2,616	8.85%
Total Housing Units:	29,576	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community

In 2023, 14.80% 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 61.60%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 32.70%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 29.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 41.50%, which is notably higher than the state rate (28.90%). The share of people in poverty is 28.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), down 9.40 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.40 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 elementary (44.09%). College enrollment is 19.69%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.

Explore More:Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Pie chart of educational attainment for adults (25+) in ZIP 78521, including each level from less than 9th grade to graduate/professional. Summary rows show high school or higher and bachelor's or higher. A table lists counts and percentages.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than 9th grade:	11,748	22.74%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:	8,078	15.64%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):	13,485	26.10%
Some college, no degree:	8,064	15.61%
Associate's degree:	2,618	5.07%
Bachelor's degree:	5,724	11.08%
Graduate or professional degree:	1,941	3.76%
Total:	51,658	100%
High school or higher:	31,832	61.62%
Bachelor's degree or higher:	7,665	14.84%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Pie chart illustrating health insurance coverage by type for ZIP Code 78521. Categories include private insurance, public coverage such as Medicare and Medicaid, and individuals with no health insurance. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Private Insurance:	25,882	28.49%
Public Insurance:	36,347	40.01%
No Insurance:	28,622	31.50%
Total:	90,851	100%
Has Health Insurance:	62,229	68.50%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)

Line chart displaying the share of families and people in ZIP 78521 whose income falls below the federal poverty threshold, using ACS 5-year estimates from 2011 through 2023. The chart shows year-to-year changes in the percentage of people in poverty. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
% of People in Poverty	37.5%	36.3%	37.0%	37.0%	37.1%	36.6%	34.8%	33.7%	31.5%	30.8%	30.4%	29.3%	28.1%

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

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.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Pie Chart showing enrollment of residents ages 3 and older in Nursery School or Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary (grades 1-8), High School (grades 9-12), and College or Graduate School. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Nursery School, Preschool:	1,667	6.30%
Kindergarten:	1,423	5.38%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):	11,666	44.09%
High school (grades 9-12):	6,493	24.54%
College or graduate school:	5,211	19.69%
Total:	26,460	100%
Early Childhood:	3,090	11.68%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):	19,582	74.01%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

City:	Brownsville, Texas
County:	Cameron County
Timezone:	Central (GMT -06:00)
Local Time:	8:08:18 PM
Population:	88,708 [See All]
Area Code:	956
Classification:	Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:	25.9042, -97.4229
Land Area:	93.624 sq mi
Quick Link:	https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/78521/zip-code-78521.asp

# Residential Mailboxes:	31,363Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:	2,885Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:	39,574Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:	20,428Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:	4,786Source: USPS

# of Businesses:	1,384Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:	$278,019,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:	$1,209,154,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:	28,048Source: CBP

CBSA Name:	Brownsville-Harlingen, TXSource: Census
CBSA Number:	15180Source: Census
CBSA Type:	MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:	--Source: Census
CBSA Population:	423,192Source: Census
MSA:	Brownsville-Harlingen-San Benito, TX MSASource: Census
Land Area:	93.624 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:	27.927 sq miSource: Census

Congressional District:	34Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:	8190.32 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:	--Source: Census
Intro Date:	< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:	4810768Source: Census
Place Name:	Brownsville city; TexasSource: Census

ZIP Code 78521 in Brownsville, TX

Population & Demographics

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Population by Race

Gender Breakdown

Nativity & Citizenship

Income & Employment

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Average Household Income

Employment Status

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Housing & Affordability

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Median Home Value Over Time

Gross Rent Paid

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Housing Occupancy

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Education, Health & Community

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Business & Employment Statistics

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes

Schools in ZIP Code 78521

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 78521

Sources & References