79848 - Sanderson, TX

ZIP Code 79848, Sanderson

Tribal

LocationTerrell County, TX

Area233.2 sq mi

Population696

Households326

PO Boxes404 Regional Hub (124%)

Median Age48.5 years

Seasonal Housing16%

ZIP CreatedBefore Oct 2004

Key Facts

This is a PO Box Only Zone and there's no alternative mail delivery across the 233 square mile territory
The post office maintains 404 PO Boxes for 326 households, serving surrounding ranches beyond the town itself
Only 8 streets are recorded for the entire 233-square-mile area, showing the extreme sparseness of the region
Transportation and government dominate employment, with 150 in transportation/warehousing and 91 in public administration
High housing vacancy (247 vacant of 573 total units) reflects the economic challenges of remote rural West Texas
With a median age of 48.5 years and owner-occupied homes dominating (249 vs 77 rentals), Sanderson is an aging community

A Remote West Texas Community

Sanderson is a remote town in far West Texas, where mail service defines daily life across 233 square miles of Terrell County. This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across this vast territory. The post office maintains 404 PO Boxes for a community of 696 residents living in 326 households.

Why PO Boxes Are Essential

With a PO Box adoption rate of 1.24, the Sanderson post office serves not just the town itself but surrounding ranches and rural areas. Limited rural delivery operates on just two routes, but most residents rely on PO Boxes for their mail, packages, and government correspondence. The sparse addressing system (only 8 streets recorded for the entire 233-square-mile area) reflects the challenges of establishing street delivery infrastructure in this isolated region.

Highway Corridor Character

Sanderson sits along US Highway 90, the historic southern route across Texas. The town's numbered grid (1st Street, 3rd Street, 4th Street) and streets like W Downie St and School St reveal a small established community. With a median age of 48.5 years and median household income of $52,500, Sanderson is home to working families and retirees.

Economic Context

The economy relies heavily on government and transportation. Of the workforce, 91 people work in public administration and 150 in transportation, warehousing, and utilities. The railroad and highway corridor provide employment, while ranching and agriculture account for 64 workers. Federal government employment includes 73 workers. Just 7 business establishments operate here, employing 37 people total.

Housing Patterns

Housing stock is predominantly older, with 581 of the area's units built before 1939. The median home value stands at $137,800. Owner-occupied homes (249) outnumber rentals (77) by more than 3 to 1. High vacancy (247 vacant units, with 91 seasonal) reflects the challenging economics of remote rural Texas.

Mailing to Sanderson

All mail to Sanderson requires a PO Box address:

[Recipient Name]
PO Box [Box Number]
Sanderson, TX 79848

Limited rural route delivery is available to some outlying areas, but PO Boxes remain the primary and most reliable mail access method.

Street Name Patterns

Numbered Grid Highway Corridor

Numbered streets (1st, 3rd, 4th) show a traditional small-town grid, while US Highway 90 defines the main corridor through this remote West Texas community.

Interactive charts load automatically as you scroll. Hover for data, click to explore trends, and use the menu to export.

Population & Demographics

ZIP Code 79848 has 696 residents and 326 households (average 2.13 persons per household). The median age is 48.5 years, significantly older than the state (35.6) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 51.3% male and 48.7% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (61.1%, much higher than the state average of 50.1%) and Hispanic or Latino (52.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 52.4%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%), and Other / Two or More Races share is much higher than the national average (8.4%).

Explore More:Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.

2020 Population:	696Source: Census DHC
2024 ACS Population Estimate:	804Source: Census ACS
2026 ZC Population Estimate:	0Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:	1.0 people per sq mile
Average Income:	$52,500Source: Census ACS

Households:	326Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:	$137,800Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:	2.13Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:	2.80Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Line chart of ZIP 79848 population estimates from 2011-2024, with markers for the 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census counts to show growth or decline over time. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2010	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Census ACS Population Estimate	--	891	957	795	786	866	725	662	802	823	835	934	801	804
Decennial Census	927	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	696	--	--	--

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Median Age: 48.5

Male Median Age: 45.9

Female Median Age: 52.1

Line chart for ZIP 79848 showing total, male, and female population by age group. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

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	25	10	27	13	23	6	30	15	23	23	14	32	29	31	27	10	12	7
Female	10	26	18	15	7	21	18	21	12	13	26	22	30	22	38	14	13	13
Total	35	36	45	28	30	27	48	36	35	36	40	54	59	53	65	24	25	20

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Population by Race

Pie chart of the racial and ethnic makeup of ZIP 79848. Table below includes counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

White:	425	44.46%
Black:	8	0.84%
Hispanic:*	365	38.18%
Asian:	5	0.52%
American Indian:	0	0%
Hawaiian:	0	0%
Other:	153	16.00%
Total:	956	100%

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.

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Gender Breakdown

Simple chart showing male vs female share of the population in ZIP Code 79848. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Gender	Count	%	Median Age
Males:	357	51.29%	45.9 years
Females:	339	48.71%	52.1 years
Total:	696	100%	48.5 years

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship

Pie chart showing nativity in ZIP 79848. Categories include native residents (born in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Island Areas, or abroad to American parents) and foreign-born residents. A table below lists counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Native, born in the United States:	780	97.01%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:	7	0.87%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:	11	1.37%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:	6	2.11%
Total Population:	804	100%
Total Native Population:	787	97.89%
Total Foreign-born Population:	17	2.11%

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 $52,500, which is far less than the national median ($78,538), is up $10,000 (23.5%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $9,811. Family households earn a median of $63,906 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $63,906). By gender, male median income is $58,150 and female is $26,336, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $31,814 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 47.0%, which is much 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 Management (39.0%).

Explore More:Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By 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)

Line chart showing median income in ZIP 79848 from 2011-2024 for five series: household, family, nonfamily, male, and female. The table below lists the yearly values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Income Type	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Household Income	$42,500	$37,619	$38,958	$39,844	$31,042	$24,107	$25,625	$30,313	$42,689	$43,815	$48,315	$55,469	$52,500
Median Family Income	$45,469	$70,375	$71,429	$49,464	$49,167	$38,750	$41,375	$50,341	$53,971	$65,417	$59,514	$64,141	$63,906
Median NonFamily Income	$25,703	$19,938	$23,611	$21,364	$19,306	$16,563	$18,438	$19,063	$20,385	$20,804	$45,441	$44,063	$0
Median Male Income	$43,750	$44,000	$76,250	$80,125	$0	$41,364	$70,208	$0	$71,964	$71,875	$74,107	$57,188	$58,150
Median Female Income	$21,250	$21,771	$22,386	$22,344	$0	$22,083	$30,848	$30,262	$30,372	$30,845	$33,447	$22,813	$26,336

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income

Bar chart showing average household income comparing ZIP 79848, city of Sanderson, Terrell County, state of Texas, and United States national values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

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

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Employment Status

Pie chart of employment status for ZIP 79848, showing the shares who are employed, unemployed, and not in the labor force. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Employed:	331	46.95%
Unemployed:	0	0.00%
Not In Labor Force:	374	53.05%
Total:	705	100%

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)

Donut Chart showing the distribution of employed civilians aged 16 and over by occupation category: management, service, sales and office, natural resources and construction, and production and transportation. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Management, business, science, and arts:	129	38.97%
Service:	25	7.55%
Sales and Office:	43	12.99%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:	73	22.05%
Production, transportation, and material moving:	61	18.43%
Total Civilian Employed Population:	331	100%

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 $137,800, which is well under the national median ($303,400), is up $80,700 (141.33%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $63,100. The median gross rent is $0, which is far less than the state median ($1,339), is down $575 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 87.44% (22.25% with a mortgage, 77.75% free-and-clear) and renters 12.56% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 30.12%, which is markedly above the state rate (9.62%).

Explore More:Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Bar chart showing the median home value for ZIP 79848, compared with Sanderson, Terrell County, state of Texas, and the U.S. National Average. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

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

Median Home Value Over Time

Line chart showing median home values for ZIP 79848 across years 2011-2024 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart displays the typical dollar value of owner-occupied housing units. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Home Value	$57,100	$51,100	$55,800	$53,700	$64,700	$64,400	$66,700	$70,000	$74,700	$72,300	$87,800	$107,500	$137,800

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid

Pie chart of gross rent for renter-occupied homes in ZIP 79848, showing monthly rent brackets and the share of units in each range. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than $500:	0	0.00%
$500 to $999:	11	21.57%
$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:	40	78.43%
Total:	51	100%

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

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Line chart displaying median gross rent for ZIP 79848 over the years 2011-2024 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart represents typical monthly housing costs for renter households. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Rent	$575	$650	$704	$743	$747	$743	$744	$697	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy

Pie chart showing housing occupancy for ZIP 79848. Categories include owner-occupied units with a mortgage, owner-occupied units free and clear, and renter-occupied units. A table below lists counts and percentages. Vacant housing units are shown separately in the Vacancy chart. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Owner Occupied (with mortgage):	79	19.46%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):	276	67.98%
Renter Occupied:	51	12.56%
Total Occupied Housing Units:	406	100%

Occupied Housing Units:	406	69.88%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):	175	30.12%
Total Housing Units:	581	100%

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

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

Pie chart showing housing type distribution for ZIP 79848. Categories include single-family units (detached or attached), multi-family units (from 2 units up to 50 or more units), and other structures such as mobile homes or boats/RVs. A table below lists counts and percentages for each group.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Single-Family Units:	553	95.18%
Multi-Family Units:	5	0.86%
Other Units:	23	3.96%
Total Housing Units:	581	100%

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

Education, Health & Community

In 2023, 27.50% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 93.60%, which is markedly above the state rate (85.70%). The uninsured rate is 11.10%, which is on par with the state rate (17.40%). Public coverage is 44.80%, which is markedly above the state rate (28.90%). The share of people in poverty is 2.50%, which is markedly below the state rate (10.50%), down 4.70 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.40 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 (78.95%). College enrollment is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More:Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Pie chart of educational attainment for adults (25+) in ZIP 79848, including each level from less than 9th grade to graduate/professional. Summary rows show high school or higher and bachelor's or higher. A table lists counts and percentages.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than 9th grade:	12	1.82%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:	30	4.56%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):	224	34.04%
Some college, no degree:	194	29.48%
Associate's degree:	17	2.58%
Bachelor's degree:	117	17.78%
Graduate or professional degree:	64	9.73%
Total:	658	100%
High school or higher:	616	93.62%
Bachelor's degree or higher:	181	27.51%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

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

Pie chart illustrating health insurance coverage by type for ZIP Code 79848. Categories include private insurance, public coverage such as Medicare and Medicaid, and individuals with no health insurance. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Private Insurance:	583	56.49%
Public Insurance:	360	34.88%
No Insurance:	89	8.62%
Total:	1,032	100%
Has Health Insurance:	943	91.38%

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

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)

Line chart displaying the share of families and people in ZIP 79848 whose income falls below the federal poverty threshold, using ACS 5-year estimates from 2011 through 2024. The chart shows year-to-year changes in the percentage of people in poverty. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
% of People in Poverty	7.2%	10.4%	8.7%	12.2%	16.7%	20.2%	13.0%	11.2%	5.9%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	2.5%

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 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)

Pie Chart showing enrollment of residents ages 3 and older in Nursery School or Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary (grades 1-8), High School (grades 9-12), and College or Graduate School. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Nursery School, Preschool:	0	0.00%
Kindergarten:	3	2.63%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):	90	78.95%
High school (grades 9-12):	21	18.42%
College or graduate school:	0	0.00%
Total:	114	100%
Early Childhood:	3	2.63%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):	114	100.00%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

City:	Sanderson, Texas
County:	Terrell County
Timezone:	Central (GMT -06:00)
Local Time:	9:44:10 PM
Population:	696 [See All]
Area Code:	432
Classification:	PO Box
Coordinates:	30.1221, -102.3984
Land Area:	717.898 sq mi
Quick Link:	https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/79848/zip-code-79848.asp

# Residential Mailboxes:	0Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:	0Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:	522Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:	0Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:	0Source: USPS

# of Businesses:	7Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:	$586,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:	$2,395,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:	59Source: CBP

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:	717.898 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:	--Source: 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:	4865084Source: Census
Place Name:	Sanderson CDP; TexasSource: Census

ZIP Code 79848 in Sanderson, TX

79848 - Sanderson, TX

ZIP Code 79848, Sanderson

Key Facts

A Remote West Texas Community

Why PO Boxes Are Essential

Highway Corridor Character

Economic Context

Housing Patterns

Mailing to Sanderson

Street Name Patterns

Population & Demographics

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Population by Race

Gender Breakdown

Nativity & Citizenship

Income & Employment

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Average Household Income

Employment Status

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Housing & Affordability

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Median Home Value Over Time

Gross Rent Paid

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Housing Occupancy

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

Education, Health & Community

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

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

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Business & Employment Statistics

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes

Schools in ZIP Code 79848

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 79848

Sources & References