| City: | Imperial, Texas |
| County: | Pecos County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:56:41 AM |
| Population: | 324 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 432 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 31.1276, -102.7113 |
| Land Area: | 93.191 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Imperial sits in the high desert of West Texas, covering 234 square miles of Pecos County ranchland. With just 324 residents scattered across this vast territory, it's one of the most remote communities in far West Texas. The nearest city of any size, Fort Stockton, lies about 30 miles to the north.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no carrier delivery infrastructure across the territory. The Imperial post office maintains 146 PO Boxes for 110 households, meaning the adoption rate runs at 133%. That extra capacity serves ranchers, oil field workers, and businesses operating in the surrounding area who use Imperial as their mailing address.
Two rural carrier routes serve scattered addresses along roads like E State Highway 11, E FM 11 Ave, and Border Road. But most residents and businesses rely on PO Boxes. General Delivery is also available for those without a box.
The economy runs on oil, gas, and ranching. Of the 263 workers, 99 are employed in transportation and warehousing (38%), likely connected to the Permian Basin oil industry. Another 46 work in agriculture, reflecting the ranching heritage. Per capita income stands at $48,227, well above what you'd expect in a town this small.
The housing stock tells the story of long-term settlement. Of the 120 total housing units, 114 were built before 1939. That's 95% of all structures. These are original homesteads and ranch headquarters from Imperial's early days. Median home values of $91,100 reflect rural Texas real estate: land-rich but structure-modest.
Imperial's population is surprisingly diverse for rural West Texas. Of 324 residents, 189 (58%) identify as White alone, but 83 (26%) identify as Two or More Races. Only 20 residents (6%) are Hispanic, much lower than the state average. The median age of 33.5 years indicates a working-age community, not retirees.
Street names reference highways and geographic features rather than a traditional town grid. You'll find E State Highway 11, W River St (likely referencing the Pecos River to the west), and presidential names like McKinley St and Harding Ave. There are only 7 distinct street names in the ZIP+4 database, underscoring the rural character.
The post office operates as facility code P (Post Office) without city carrier delivery. Mail arrives via rural routes or PO Box pickup. For the ranchers, oil workers, and families living out here, the Imperial post office isn't just a mail facility. It's the anchor of civic life in one of Texas's emptiest quarters.
Street names reference highways (State Highway 11, FM 11) and geographic features (River St, likely for Pecos River). Presidential names McKinley and Harding suggest early 20th century platting.
ZIP Code 79743 has 324 residents and 110 households (average 2.95 persons per household). The median age is 33.5 years, slightly younger than the state (35.6) and younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.4% male and 50.6% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (58.3%, much higher than the state average of 50.1%) and Hispanic or Latino (55.9%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 55.9%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 324Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 231Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 3.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $71,833Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 110Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $120,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.95Source: 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 | -- | 256 | 337 | 328 | 359 | 395 | 393 | 384 | 309 | 328 | 339 | 253 | 267 | 278 | 231 |
| Decennial Census | 339 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 324 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 33.5
Male Median Age: 31
Female Median Age: 34
| 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 | 10 | 14 | 24 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 24 | 8 | 3 | 12 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Female | 10 | 13 | 23 | 12 | 5 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 4 | 11 | 8 | 17 | 8 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 20 | 27 | 47 | 23 | 13 | 21 | 20 | 37 | 12 | 14 | 20 | 24 | 15 | 15 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| White: | 189 | 44.79% |
| Black: | 3 | 0.71% |
| Hispanic:* | 181 | 42.89% |
| Asian: | 3 | 0.71% |
| American Indian: | 6 | 1.42% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 40 | 9.48% |
| Total: | 422 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 160 | 49.38% | 31.0 years |
| Females: | 164 | 50.62% | 34.0 years |
| Total: | 324 | 100% | 33.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 228 | 98.70% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 3 | 1.30% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 1.30% |
| Total Population: | 231 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 228 | 98.70% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 3 | 1.30% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $71,833, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $41,677 (138.2%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,667. Family households earn a median of $92,321 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $92,321). By gender, male median income is $115,139 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $115,139 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 56.5%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 7.1%, which is markedly higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (43.8%).
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 | $30,156 | $31,250 | $66,875 | $85,313 | $87,083 | $85,833 | $75,000 | $89,063 | $73,500 | $76,667 | $0 | $105,385 | $0 | $71,833 |
| Median Family Income | $58,750 | $48,750 | $69,444 | $89,375 | $99,375 | $83,750 | $86,667 | $90,000 | $81,250 | $94,821 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $92,321 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $21,875 | $21,339 | $20,781 | $21,250 | $0 | $0 | $41,250 | $0 | $0 | $59,821 | $60,125 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $31,094 | $40,313 | $41,719 | $43,000 | $42,083 | $50,313 | $61,250 | $60,250 | $58,125 | $63,173 | $62,250 | $0 | $113,466 | $115,139 |
| Median Female Income | $55,893 | $41,250 | $22,386 | $20,577 | $21,750 | $21,985 | $24,375 | $0 | $56,250 | $60,938 | $64,773 | $69,375 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 105 | 52.50% |
| Unemployed: | 8 | 4.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 87 | 43.50% |
| Total: | 200 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 46 | 43.81% |
| Service: | 10 | 9.52% |
| Sales and Office: | 18 | 17.14% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 7 | 6.67% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 24 | 22.86% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 105 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $120,000, which is far less than the national median ($303,400), is up $81,200 (209.28%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $120,000. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,348), is down $500 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $438. Of occupied housing, owners make up 79.59% (0.00% with a mortgage, 100.00% free-and-clear) and renters 20.41% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 17.65%, which is markedly above 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 | $44,400 | $62,300 | $66,800 | $61,400 | $60,900 | $63,100 | $60,000 | $0 | $62,000 | $75,000 | $85,500 | $91,100 | $120,000 |
| Less than $500: | 5 | 25.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $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: | 15 | 75.00% |
| Total: | 20 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $500 | $514 | $514 | $500 | $375 | $430 | $431 | $406 | $438 | $407 | $365 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 78 | 79.59% |
| Renter Occupied: | 20 | 20.41% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 98 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 98 | 82.35% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 21 | 17.65% |
| Total Housing Units: | 119 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 109 | 91.60% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 4 | 3.36% |
| Other Units: | 6 | 5.04% |
| Total Housing Units: | 119 | 100% |
In 2024, 10.60% 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 100.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 20.80%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 6.20 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 6.80 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 high school (53.70%). College enrollment is 12.96%, 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 59 | 36.65% |
| Some college, no degree: | 53 | 32.92% |
| Associate's degree: | 32 | 19.88% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 12 | 7.45% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 5 | 3.11% |
| Total: | 161 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 161 | 100.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 17 | 10.56% |
| Private Insurance: | 163 | 62.21% |
| Public Insurance: | 51 | 19.47% |
| No Insurance: | 48 | 18.32% |
| Total: | 262 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 214 | 81.68% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 6.2% | 11.9% | 10.0% | 13.7% | 7.9% | 10.2% | 7.0% | 6.8% | 6.8% | 2.7% | 3.1% | 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: | 3 | 5.56% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 15 | 27.78% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 29 | 53.70% |
| College or graduate school: | 7 | 12.96% |
| Total: | 54 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 3 | 5.56% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 44 | 81.48% |
ZIP Code 79743 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 3 business establishments, employing about 29 people with an annual payroll of $2,230,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 170Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 3Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $547,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $2,230,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 29Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 79743 is located in Pecos County, Texas, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Texas's 23rd Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 79743. It covers 93.191 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.892 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Number: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 93.191 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.892 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 23Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 58059.18 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 4835828Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Imperial CDP; TexasSource: Census |
ZIP Code 79743 is in the Buena Vista 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.