| City: | Combes, Texas |
| Names to Avoid: | Comby |
| County: | Cameron County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:49:40 AM |
| Population: | 679 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 956 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 26.2542, -97.7326 |
| Land Area: | 0.417 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Combes sits along Business Highway 77 in Cameron County, Texas, just north of the Rio Grande Valley border region. With 679 residents and 219 households in a compact 0.09 square mile area, this small community maintains 482 PO Boxes at its post office. That's a 2.20 adoption rate, more than double the local household count.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. No alternative mail delivery exists within the community. The post office serves both local residents and people from surrounding areas who rely on this location for mail access. The high adoption rate shows the post office functions as a regional mail hub beyond just serving Combes proper.
Delivery infrastructure includes both city carrier routes (90 records) and rural routes (22 records), giving it an Urban+Rural character. Most delivery points line S Business Highway 77, which accounts for 91 of the 113 street delivery records. General Delivery service is also available for those without fixed addresses.
| Delivery Type | Records | Routes |
|---|---|---|
| City Carrier | 90 | 1 route |
| Rural Carrier | 22 | 2 routes |
| PO Box | 33 | Box routes |
| General Delivery | 1 | Available |
Combes is a working-class community. Median household income sits at $30,144, and median home values are $67,900. Transportation and warehousing dominates employment here, with 198 workers in that sector. That concentration suggests proximity to shipping corridors or logistics operations common in border regions. Another 20.6% of workers (11 people) work from home.
The population is diverse. Census data shows 241 white residents, 343 identifying as two or more races, 86 as some other race alone, and 94 Hispanic or Latino (of any race). The median age is 39.9 years. Housing stock is older, with many units built before 1939, and 67% of homes are owner-occupied while 33% are rented.
Since this is a PO Box Only Zone, using a PO Box address is the most reliable option:
Recipient Name
PO Box [number]
Combes, TX 78535Street addressing is available for some locations along Business Highway 77 and other streets, but PO Box delivery is the standard for this community.
S Business Highway 77 dominates the delivery landscape with 91 of 113 street records, indicating the community developed as a highway corridor settlement.
ZIP Code 78535 has 679 residents and 219 households (average 3.10 persons per household). The median age is 39.9 years, older than the state (35.6) and slightly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 44.5% male and 55.5% female, which is lower than the state male share (49.4%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (87.9%) and White (35.5%, much lower than the state average of 50.1% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 87.9%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 679Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 425Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 1,628.3 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $39,000Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 219Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $107,300Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.10Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.15Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 722 | 700 | 630 | 739 | 702 | 553 | 678 | 747 | 601 | 732 | 713 | 633 | 435 | 425 |
| Decennial Census | 581 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 679 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 39.9
Male Median Age: 43.2
Female Median Age: 38.5
| 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 | 23 | 16 | 10 | 31 | 8 | 18 | 12 | 27 | 13 | 15 | 23 | 18 | 12 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 10 | 7 |
| Female | 24 | 24 | 32 | 22 | 20 | 35 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 23 | 29 | 19 | 26 | 11 | 11 | 4 |
| Total | 47 | 40 | 42 | 53 | 28 | 53 | 30 | 48 | 34 | 35 | 40 | 41 | 41 | 38 | 46 | 31 | 21 | 11 |
| White: | 241 | 25.83% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 597 | 63.99% |
| Asian: | 5 | 0.54% |
| American Indian: | 4 | 0.43% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 86 | 9.22% |
| Total: | 933 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 302 | 44.48% | 43.2 years |
| Females: | 377 | 55.52% | 38.5 years |
| Total: | 679 | 100% | 39.9 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 326 | 76.71% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 13 | 3.06% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 31 | 7.29% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 55 | 20.24% |
| Total Population: | 425 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 339 | 79.76% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 86 | 20.24% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $39,000, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $17,551 (81.8%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $10,911. Family households earn a median of $0 versus $21,786 for nonfamily households (a difference of $21,786). By gender, male median income is $41,719 and female is $91,111, which is markedly greater than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $49,392 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 67.5%, which is above the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is generally lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (33.5%).
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 | $21,449 | $22,143 | $23,795 | $19,048 | $21,000 | $24,375 | $0 | $48,029 | $49,911 | $55,469 | $39,821 | $37,838 | $30,144 | $39,000 |
| Median Family Income | $26,382 | $30,000 | $27,083 | $20,385 | $24,107 | $28,000 | $27,941 | $41,458 | $56,711 | $56,761 | $54,688 | $55,313 | $59,063 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $20,368 | $9,929 | $22,679 | $11,719 | $12,000 | $12,059 | $0 | $0 | $20,865 | $0 | $20,735 | $21,250 | $22,202 | $21,786 |
| Median Male Income | $29,205 | $28,977 | $29,167 | $21,354 | $22,308 | $26,771 | $38,594 | $29,421 | $0 | $55,250 | $40,556 | $33,750 | $41,111 | $41,719 |
| Median Female Income | $21,250 | $21,250 | $21,250 | $20,556 | $21,295 | $0 | $25,625 | $26,477 | $40,781 | $41,094 | $40,221 | $43,929 | $46,518 | $91,111 |
| Employed: | 236 | 65.01% |
| Unemployed: | 9 | 2.48% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 118 | 32.51% |
| Total: | 363 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 79 | 33.47% |
| Service: | 28 | 11.86% |
| Sales and Office: | 78 | 33.05% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 22 | 9.32% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 29 | 12.29% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 236 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $107,300, which is considerably lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $57,400 (115.03%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $49,400. The median gross rent is $778, which is well under the national median ($1,348), is up $131 (20.25%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $103. Of occupied housing, owners make up 73.53% (33.33% with a mortgage, 66.67% free-and-clear) and renters 26.47% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 8.11%, which is markedly below 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 | $49,900 | $48,500 | $46,400 | $49,600 | $51,800 | $57,800 | $63,500 | $60,000 | $57,900 | $63,100 | $67,600 | $65,400 | $67,900 | $107,300 |
| Less than $500: | 8 | 14.81% |
| $500 to $999: | 29 | 53.70% |
| $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: | 17 | 31.48% |
| Total: | 54 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $647 | $711 | $717 | $768 | $826 | $778 | $808 | $820 | $675 | $675 | $725 | $542 | $767 | $778 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 50 | 24.51% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 100 | 49.02% |
| Renter Occupied: | 54 | 26.47% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 204 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 204 | 91.89% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 18 | 8.11% |
| Total Housing Units: | 222 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 168 | 75.68% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 19 | 8.56% |
| Other Units: | 35 | 15.77% |
| Total Housing Units: | 222 | 100% |
In 2024, 14.00% 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 80.20%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 9.20%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 43.80%, which is falls below the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 60.50%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 25.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 10.50 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 15.70 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 (42.27%). College enrollment is 27.84%, 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: | 52 | 15.85% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 13 | 3.96% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 120 | 36.59% |
| Some college, no degree: | 50 | 15.24% |
| Associate's degree: | 47 | 14.33% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 28 | 8.54% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 18 | 5.49% |
| Total: | 328 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 263 | 80.18% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 46 | 14.02% |
| Private Insurance: | 186 | 38.59% |
| Public Insurance: | 257 | 53.32% |
| No Insurance: | 39 | 8.09% |
| Total: | 482 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 443 | 91.91% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 33.1% | 28.6% | 26.8% | 41.9% | 40.7% | 26.5% | 31.6% | 32.5% | 6.9% | 6.0% | 9.7% | 21.9% | 22.6% | 25.4% |
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: | 21 | 21.65% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 41 | 42.27% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 8 | 8.25% |
| College or graduate school: | 27 | 27.84% |
| Total: | 97 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 21 | 21.65% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 70 | 72.16% |
ZIP Code 78535 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 10 business establishments, employing about 93 people with an annual payroll of $3,011,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 8,692Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 10Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $614,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $3,011,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 93Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 78535 is located in Cameron County, Texas, within the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 15180) and Texas's 34th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 406,220 people, about 0.17% of whom live in ZIP Code 78535. It covers 0.417 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Brownsville-Harlingen, TXSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 15180Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 406,220Source: Census |
| MSA: | Brownsville-Harlingen-San Benito, TX MSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 0.417 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: 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: | 4816204Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Combes town; TexasSource: Census |
ZIP Code 78535 is in the Harlingen 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 March 1, 2026.