| City: | Grulla, Texas |
| City Alias: | La Grulla |
| County: | Starr County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:49:48 AM |
| Population: | 1,296 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 956 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 26.3803, -98.5490 |
| Land Area: | 7.476 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Grulla sits in Starr County along the Texas-Mexico border, where the Rio Grande forms the international boundary. This small community of 1,296 residents relies exclusively on PO Box delivery across its 11.7 square mile territory. The post office maintains 691 PO Boxes for just 452 local households, a 1.53 adoption rate that shows the facility serves residents beyond the immediate town limits.
This is designated a PO Box Only Zone. No street delivery exists anywhere in Grulla. Mail arrives via two rural carrier routes serving the area, but all delivery goes to post office boxes. Residents must visit the post office to collect their mail, packages, and deliveries.
Street names tell the story of this border community's heritage and values. The roads with the most delivery points honor local veterans: Pvt Leopoldo Longoria Street (12 addresses) and E Pvt Lazaro Solis Street (9 addresses). Spanish names dominate the landscape, with Las Palmas, El Alto, La Cuchilla, and Mission Street among the main roads. The town grid includes numbered streets (1st through 5th) typical of established communities.
Grulla's economy centers on transportation and warehousing. Of the local workforce, 362 people work in this sector, the largest employment category. Another 254 work in education and healthcare. Work patterns show strong cross-border ties: 96 workers carpool (suggesting shared commutes to nearby job centers), while 66 use public transportation. Only 23% work from home, and the median household income of $37,212 indicates a working-class community.
The town is 89% owner-occupied (403 of 452 households), showing stable residential patterns despite modest home values. The median home value is $52,300, and median rent is $803. Educational attainment is low, with just 1.1% of adults holding bachelor's degrees. Only 11.7% of residents were born in the United States, pointing to the immigrant character of this border community.
Mail addressed to Grulla can use either "Grulla" or "La Grulla" as the city name. Both are valid. The La Grulla alias was officially recognized in March 2011. All mail must include a PO Box number, as there's no carrier delivery to street addresses.
Street names honor local veterans and feature Spanish names reflecting border heritage.
ZIP Code 78548 has 1,296 residents and 452 households (average 2.87 persons per household). The median age is 42.0 years, older than the state (35.6) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.7% male and 51.3% female, which is about the same as the state male share (49.4%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (97.1%) and White (31.9%, much lower than the state average of 50.1% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 97.1%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,296Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,341Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 173.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $37,308Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 452Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $54,400Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.87Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.63Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 561 | 512 | 604 | 391 | 526 | 685 | 649 | 727 | 627 | 583 | 1,412 | 1,384 | 1,456 | 1,341 |
| Decennial Census | 675 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,296 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 42
Male Median Age: 39.6
Female Median Age: 42.9
| 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 | 49 | 56 | 51 | 35 | 28 | 33 | 46 | 19 | 37 | 34 | 35 | 49 | 36 | 42 | 23 | 19 | 16 |
| Female | 37 | 30 | 54 | 39 | 41 | 37 | 33 | 39 | 36 | 37 | 35 | 55 | 57 | 44 | 28 | 22 | 18 | 23 |
| Total | 60 | 79 | 110 | 90 | 76 | 65 | 66 | 85 | 55 | 74 | 69 | 90 | 106 | 80 | 70 | 45 | 37 | 39 |
| White: | 414 | 22.43% |
| Black: | 3 | 0.16% |
| Hispanic:* | 1,259 | 68.20% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 2 | 0.11% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 168 | 9.10% |
| Total: | 1,846 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 631 | 48.69% | 39.6 years |
| Females: | 665 | 51.31% | 42.9 years |
| Total: | 1,296 | 100% | 42.0 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,138 | 84.86% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 102 | 7.61% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 101 | 15.14% |
| Total Population: | 1,341 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,138 | 84.86% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 203 | 15.14% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $37,308, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $13,852 (59.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $37,308. Family households earn a median of $57,857 versus $11,898 for nonfamily households (a difference of $45,959). By gender, male median income is $33,846 and female is $41,750, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $7,904 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 48.6%, which is much lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 9.0%, which is considerably above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Production (29.6%).
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 | $23,456 | $17,750 | $25,962 | $14,185 | $24,375 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $35,781 | $36,538 | $39,306 | $37,212 | $37,308 |
| Median Family Income | $25,455 | $26,477 | $47,604 | $24,375 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $42,250 | $42,750 | $44,612 | $45,192 | $57,857 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $8,672 | $8,839 | $8,828 | $8,988 | $11,250 | $13,750 | $15,972 | $16,389 | $18,750 | $13,750 | $11,326 | $11,863 | $13,008 | $11,898 |
| Median Male Income | $30,417 | $27,143 | $32,708 | $30,921 | $0 | $60,469 | $60,714 | $46,167 | $46,731 | $0 | $43,068 | $38,750 | $30,833 | $33,846 |
| Median Female Income | $19,750 | $31,000 | $11,761 | $20,625 | $0 | $22,167 | $25,167 | $26,202 | $27,396 | $34,500 | $30,000 | $30,694 | $36,250 | $41,750 |
| Employed: | 405 | 44.26% |
| Unemployed: | 40 | 4.37% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 470 | 51.37% |
| Total: | 915 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 118 | 29.14% |
| Service: | 88 | 21.73% |
| Sales and Office: | 31 | 7.65% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 48 | 11.85% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 120 | 29.63% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 405 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $54,400, which is considerably lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $15,600 (40.21%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $20,200. The median gross rent is $791, which is well under the national median ($1,348), is up $324 (69.38%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $791. Of occupied housing, owners make up 85.37% (0.00% with a mortgage, 100.00% free-and-clear) and renters 14.63% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 22.35%, which is considerably 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 | $38,800 | $46,400 | $35,500 | $50,800 | $51,900 | $51,200 | $47,500 | $51,000 | $34,200 | $44,600 | $47,500 | $43,100 | $52,300 | $54,400 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 41 | 68.33% |
| $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: | 19 | 31.67% |
| Total: | 60 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $467 | $470 | $478 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $670 | $783 | $803 | $791 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 350 | 85.37% |
| Renter Occupied: | 60 | 14.63% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 410 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 410 | 77.65% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 118 | 22.35% |
| Total Housing Units: | 528 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 516 | 97.73% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 12 | 2.27% |
| Total Housing Units: | 528 | 100% |
In 2024, 1.00% 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 72.60%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 12.20%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 37.50%, which is falls below the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 52.90%, which is well above the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 22.90%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), up 3.00 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.70 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (45.14%). College enrollment is 26.44%, 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: | 160 | 20.08% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 58 | 7.28% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 302 | 37.89% |
| Some college, no degree: | 220 | 27.60% |
| Associate's degree: | 49 | 6.15% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 8 | 1.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 797 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 579 | 72.65% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 8 | 1.00% |
| Private Insurance: | 503 | 36.58% |
| Public Insurance: | 709 | 51.56% |
| No Insurance: | 163 | 11.85% |
| Total: | 1,375 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,212 | 88.15% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 20.4% | 30.4% | 23.8% | 36.1% | 22.5% | 20.4% | 22.9% | 26.6% | 27.1% | 25.9% | 19.4% | 23.4% | 23.4% | 22.9% |
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: | 32 | 5.76% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 251 | 45.14% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 126 | 22.66% |
| College or graduate school: | 147 | 26.44% |
| Total: | 556 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 32 | 5.76% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 377 | 67.81% |
ZIP Code 78548 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 6 business establishments, employing about 151 people with an annual payroll of $4,347,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 694Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 6Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,185,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $4,347,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 151Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 78548 is located in Starr County, Texas, within the Rio Grande City-Roma, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 40100) and Texas's 28th Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 60,968 people, about 2.13% of whom live in ZIP Code 78548. It covers 7.476 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Rio Grande City-Roma, TXSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 40100Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 60,968Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 7.476 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: 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: | 4840288Source: Census |
| Place Name: | La Grulla city; TexasSource: Census |
ZIP Code 78548 is in the Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 2 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.