| City: | Marathon, Texas |
| County: | Brewster County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:43:51 PM |
| Population: | 445 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 432 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 30.0175, -102.9277 |
| Land Area: | 828.742 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Marathon sits at the crossroads of US Highway 90 and US Highway 385 in Brewster County, Texas, serving as a gateway to Big Bend National Park and the vast Chihuahuan Desert. This small community of 445 residents serves a postal territory spanning 732 square miles of West Texas rangeland, one of the largest PO Box ZIP codes in the state.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the entire 732 square mile territory. The Marathon post office maintains 233 PO Boxes for 206 occupied households, with an adoption rate of 1.13. The boxes serve not just local residents but also ranchers, seasonal visitors, and businesses scattered across the surrounding desert.
Rural carrier routes deliver to the limited street addresses in town. Two distinct rural routes serve locations along US Highway 90, Alta Vista, and the small numbered grid (3rd Street, 5th Street, 6th Street, Avenue A, Avenue D, Avenue I). Most addresses use the General Delivery option or PO Boxes due to the remote character of properties outside town.
Of the 358 housing units, 206 are occupied year-round and 85 (23.7%) are used seasonally. Median age is 48.8 years. The community has 17 business establishments employing 155 workers. Transportation and warehousing employ 105 people, likely related to the highway corridor location. Another 52 workers are in public administration, suggesting government land management roles given proximity to Big Bend National Park.
Median household income is $45,067, with a median home value of $143,500. Of adults 25 and over, 23.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The town serves as a resupply point for travelers, ranchers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts heading to Big Bend, 40 miles south. Marathon's post office functions as a critical service hub for one of the most sparsely populated regions in Texas.
Street names center on the US Highway 90 and US Highway 385 intersection, with a small numbered grid in town.
ZIP Code 79842 has 445 residents and 206 households (average 2.16 persons per household). The median age is 48.8 years, significantly older than the state (35.6) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 52.1% male and 47.9% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (67.2%, much higher than the state average of 50.1%) and Hispanic or Latino (43.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 43.6%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 445Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 273Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 0.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $45,067Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 206Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $143,500Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.16Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.77Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 638 | 547 | 613 | 662 | 558 | 454 | 533 | 434 | 425 | 397 | 453 | 340 | 273 |
| Decennial Census | 498 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 445 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 48.8
Male Median Age: 52.7
Female Median Age: 42.7
| 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 | 15 | 8 | 11 | 6 | 11 | 8 | 12 | 18 | 13 | 6 | 11 | 9 | 27 | 24 | 16 | 24 | 7 | 6 |
| Female | 10 | 5 | 11 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 21 | 27 | 15 | 8 | 9 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 20 | 15 | 1 | 8 |
| Total | 25 | 13 | 22 | 14 | 20 | 13 | 33 | 45 | 28 | 14 | 20 | 24 | 41 | 36 | 36 | 39 | 8 | 14 |
| White: | 299 | 53.78% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 194 | 34.89% |
| Asian: | 3 | 0.54% |
| American Indian: | 3 | 0.54% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 57 | 10.25% |
| Total: | 556 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 232 | 52.13% | 52.7 years |
| Females: | 213 | 47.87% | 42.7 years |
| Total: | 445 | 100% | 48.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 250 | 91.58% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 23 | 8.42% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 8.42% |
| Total Population: | 273 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 250 | 91.58% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 23 | 8.42% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $45,067, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $6,004 (15.4%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $702. Family households earn a median of $46,017 versus $23,750 for nonfamily households (a difference of $22,267). By gender, male median income is $41,958 and female is $51,250, which is generally lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $9,292 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 60.4%, which is lower than the state rate (65.3%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is markedly below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Service (77.7%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $39,063 | $35,000 | $40,500 | $45,481 | $44,091 | $39,861 | $48,438 | $47,353 | $45,769 | $40,250 | $47,989 | $43,064 | $45,067 |
| Median Family Income | $53,750 | $56,250 | $53,375 | $56,250 | $53,333 | $48,281 | $52,083 | $55,250 | $46,827 | $39,877 | $44,091 | $44,142 | $46,017 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $24,792 | $25,417 | $25,625 | $24,408 | $23,750 | $24,091 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $53,906 | $56,635 | $0 | $23,750 |
| Median Male Income | $29,732 | $28,854 | $31,250 | $35,313 | $30,417 | $30,156 | $35,750 | $39,750 | $38,438 | $53,646 | $60,521 | $61,161 | $41,958 |
| Median Female Income | $28,906 | $36,875 | $37,813 | $40,917 | $35,000 | $27,981 | $29,722 | $37,250 | $29,821 | $35,000 | $46,771 | $57,500 | $51,250 |
| Employed: | 157 | 60.38% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 103 | 39.62% |
| Total: | 260 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 13 | 8.28% |
| Service: | 122 | 77.71% |
| Sales and Office: | 22 | 14.01% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 157 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $143,500, which is well under the national median ($303,400), is up $60,700 (73.31%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $43,200. The median gross rent is $0, which is far less than the state median ($1,339), is down $288 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 52.53% (6.73% with a mortgage, 93.27% free-and-clear) and renters 47.47% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 43.27%, which is considerably higher than the state rate (9.62%).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $82,800 | $80,800 | $69,100 | $78,200 | $78,500 | $92,500 | $94,200 | $97,000 | $100,300 | $100,800 | $96,100 | $115,300 | $143,500 |
| Less than $500: | 92 | 97.87% |
| $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: | 2 | 2.13% |
| Total: | 94 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $288 | $335 | $469 | $482 | $470 | $530 | $542 | $758 | $0 | $0 | $427 | $421 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 7 | 3.54% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 97 | 48.99% |
| Renter Occupied: | 94 | 47.47% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 198 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 198 | 56.73% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 151 | 43.27% |
| Total Housing Units: | 349 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 325 | 93.12% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 24 | 6.88% |
| Total Housing Units: | 349 | 100% |
In 2023, 23.50% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 79.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 15.80%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is on par with the state rate (10.50%), down 12.80 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 7.30 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Insufficient data for school enrollment.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 18 | 7.41% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 32 | 13.17% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 54 | 22.22% |
| Some college, no degree: | 7 | 2.88% |
| Associate's degree: | 75 | 30.86% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 34 | 13.99% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 23 | 9.47% |
| Total: | 243 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 193 | 79.42% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 57 | 23.46% |
| Private Insurance: | 169 | 53.65% |
| Public Insurance: | 103 | 32.70% |
| No Insurance: | 43 | 13.65% |
| Total: | 315 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 272 | 86.35% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 12.8% | 9.2% | 4.5% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 3.5% | 2.8% | 6.1% | 7.3% | 6.0% | 6.4% | 6.8% | 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: | 0 | 0% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 0 | 0% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 0 | 0% |
ZIP Code 79842 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 17 business establishments, employing about 178 people with an annual payroll of $6,021,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 371Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 17Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,576,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $6,021,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 178Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 79842 is located in Brewster 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 79842. It covers 828.742 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.962 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: | 828.742 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.962 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: | 4846572Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Marathon CDP; TexasSource: Census |
ZIP Code 79842 is in the Marathon 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.