ZIP Code 78542 in Edinburg, TX

Data Last Updated: November 1, 2025
City:Edinburg, Texas
County:Hidalgo County
Timezone:Central (GMT -06:00)
Local Time:8:08:47 PM
Population:84,678 [See All]
Area Code:956
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:26.3547, -98.1120
Land Area:175.956 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 78542 has 84,678 residents and 21,709 households (average 3.74 persons per household). The median age is 27.6 years, significantly younger than the state (35.6) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.9% male and 49.1% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (94.3%) and White (34.9%, much lower than the state average of 50.1% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 94.3%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%), and Other / Two or More Races share is much higher than both the state (13.6%) and national averages (8.4%).

Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & 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:84,678Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:86,111Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:100,318Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:481.2 people per sq mile
Average Income:$52,962Source: Census ACS
Households:21,709Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$123,500Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:3.74Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.33Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--61,91864,87665,70467,17169,68971,63475,82275,56977,33680,83784,60683,92586,111
Decennial Census63,293------------------84,678------
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: 27.6

Male Median Age: 27

Female Median Age: 28.2

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male3,4533,9514,4644,5553,6483,3202,8942,9412,8032,5802,2011,7911,4871,139812544282208
Female3,3633,7314,2084,1643,3053,0702,7462,8082,8062,5392,2091,8321,5301,157885608348296
Total6,8167,6828,6728,7196,9536,3905,6405,7495,6095,1194,4103,6233,0172,2961,6971,152630504
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:29,51522.16%
Black:8490.64%
Hispanic:*79,81559.92%
Asian:4830.36%
American Indian:6300.47%
Hawaiian:140.01%
Other:21,90016.44%
Total:133,206100%
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.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:43,07350.87%27.0 years
Females:41,60549.13%28.2 years
Total:84,678100%27.6 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:64,01674.34%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:7090.82%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:4,9985.80%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:16,38824.84%
Total Population:86,111100%
Total Native Population:64,72575.16%
Total Foreign-born Population:21,38624.84%
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 $52,962, which is considerably lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $22,748 (75.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $10,630. Family households earn a median of $53,025 versus $24,460 for nonfamily households (a difference of $28,565). By gender, male median income is $52,735 and female is $31,613, which is much lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $21,122 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 55.9%, which is markedly below the state rate (65.3%). The unemployment rate is 9.9%, which is considerably above the state rate (5.1%). The largest occupation group is Service (24.0%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy 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)


Income Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$30,214$29,478$29,878$30,545$31,302$32,417$36,538$38,609$42,332$46,200$49,985$51,979$52,962
Median Family Income$30,794$29,553$30,272$31,597$32,250$33,846$37,834$39,249$43,572$45,830$50,799$51,924$53,025
Median NonFamily Income$14,511$16,701$17,004$16,009$17,612$16,750$18,718$20,768$20,389$29,246$23,380$26,180$24,460
Median Male Income$29,514$30,633$30,962$31,587$32,090$31,429$32,663$32,488$35,588$41,770$44,002$47,767$52,735
Median Female Income$24,588$25,410$24,959$27,137$26,719$26,224$26,359$26,835$27,014$27,946$29,352$30,943$31,613
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


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

Employment Status


Employed:30,10150.25%
Unemployed:3,3105.53%
Not In Labor Force:26,49244.22%
Total:59,903100%
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)


Management, business, science, and arts:6,56221.80%
Service:7,21323.96%
Sales and Office:7,17123.82%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:4,88716.24%
Production, transportation, and material moving:4,26814.18%
Total Civilian Employed Population:30,101100%
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 $123,500, which is far less than the national median ($303,400), is up $48,600 (64.89%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $39,700. The median gross rent is $876, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $393 (81.37%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $224. Of occupied housing, owners make up 74.74% (43.25% with a mortgage, 56.75% free-and-clear) and renters 25.26% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 9.01%, which is far lower than the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing 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)


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

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$74,900$71,000$72,800$73,100$74,900$74,200$77,700$78,600$83,800$89,600$89,700$102,400$123,500
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:5699.82%
$500 to $999:2,73947.29%
$1,000 to $1,499:1,01617.54%
$1,500 to $1,999:881.52%
$2,000 to $2,499:781.35%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:340.59%
No Rent:1,26821.89%
Total:5,792100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$483$522$541$544$553$567$606$619$652$696$785$837$876
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):7,41232.33%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):9,72442.41%
Renter Occupied:5,79225.26%
Total Occupied Housing Units:22,928100%

Occupied Housing Units:22,92890.99%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):2,2709.01%
Total Housing Units:25,198100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

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


Single-Family Units:17,13968.02%
Multi-Family Units:2,78811.06%
Other Units:5,27120.92%
Total Housing Units:25,198100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 13.30% 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 64.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 32.90%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 31.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 38.40%, which is notably higher than the state rate (28.90%). The share of people in poverty is 26.70%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), down 9.20 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.50 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 (51.22%). College enrollment is 14.16%, 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 AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool 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)


Less than 9th grade:9,65620.82%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:6,82714.72%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):13,44729.00%
Some college, no degree:8,33117.97%
Associate's degree:1,9494.20%
Bachelor's degree:4,4989.70%
Graduate or professional degree:1,6643.59%
Total:46,372100%
High school or higher:29,88964.45%
Bachelor's degree or higher:6,16213.29%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

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


Private Insurance:26,03730.65%
Public Insurance:31,73737.36%
No Insurance:27,17931.99%
Total:84,953100%
Has Health Insurance:57,77468.01%
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)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty35.9%37.8%37.1%35.2%33.9%33.5%31.0%30.1%26.2%27.1%25.0%25.6%26.7%
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)


Nursery School, Preschool:1,8046.48%
Kindergarten:1,7806.40%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):14,25151.22%
High school (grades 9-12):6,04921.74%
College or graduate school:3,93914.16%
Total:27,823100%
Early Childhood:3,58412.88%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):22,08079.36%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 78542 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 388 business establishments, employing about 4,069 people with an annual payroll of $169,414,000. USPS data shows 26,823 residential mailboxes and 741 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:26,823Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:741Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:32,844Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:18,515Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:723Source: USPS
# of Businesses:388Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$40,355,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$169,414,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:4,069Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 78542 is located in Hidalgo County, Texas, within the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 32580) and Texas's 15th and 34th Congressional Districts. This Metro area has a population of 880,921 people, about 9.61% of whom live in ZIP Code 78542. It covers 175.956 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.12 sq mi.

CBSA Name:McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TXSource: Census
CBSA Number:32580Source: Census
CBSA Type:MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:880,921Source: Census
MSA:McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSASource: Census
Land Area:175.956 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.12 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:15,34Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:7804.07, 8190.32 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:--Source: Census
Intro Date:2008-06Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:4822660Source: Census
Place Name:Edinburg city; TexasSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


78543 | | 78541

Schools in ZIP Code 78542


ZIP Code 78542 is in the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 4 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.

Juvenile Detention Ctr 1001 N Doolittle Rd
Edinburg, TX 78542
District: Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District
Macaria Dela Garza Gorena El 1801 E Freddy Gonzalez Dr
Edinburg, TX 78542
District: Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District
Betty Harwell Middle 9207 N Avila Rd
Edinburg, TX 78542
District: Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District
Idea Toros College Preparatory 3300 Texas Rd
Edinburg, TX 78542
St Joseph Catholic School 119 W Fay St
Edinburg, TX 78539
District: Private SchoolNearby
St Matthew's Episcopal School 2620 Crestview Dr
Edinburg, TX 78539
District: Private SchoolNearby
Kids Learning Center 1104 S Mccoll Rd
Edinburg, TX 78539
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 78542


The University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley 1201 W University Dr
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
Type: Post Secondary
Ucas University Of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences-Mcallen 8401 N 10th St
Mcallen, TX 78504
Type: Post Secondary
Rio Grande Valley College 5419 North Cage Boulevard
Pharr, TX 78577-2106
Type: Post Secondary
Southern Texas Careers Academy 601 East Nolana Suite C
Mcallen, TX 78504-2569
Type: Post Secondary
Vogue College Of Cosmetology-Mcallen 800 Fern Avenue
Mcallen, TX 78501-1945
Type: Post Secondary
The College Of Health Care Professions-Mcallen Campus 1917 W. Nolana Ave Suite 100
Mcallen, TX 78504-4398
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


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 November 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 11/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 11/1/2025], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 11/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov