| City: | Tornillo, Texas |
| County: | El Paso County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:57:19 AM |
| Population: | 3,638 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 915 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 31.4467, -106.0692 |
| Land Area: | 34.75 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Tornillo sits in El Paso County, Texas, about 35 miles southeast of El Paso. This agricultural community of 3,638 people relies entirely on PO Boxes for mail delivery. It's a PO Box Only Zone, and there's no alternative across the 75 square mile territory.
The post office maintains 895 PO Boxes for 965 households. That's a 93% adoption rate. Nearly every family in Tornillo needs a box. Two rural carrier routes handle delivery, but the classification as PO Box ZIP means residents can't receive mail at street addresses.
Tornillo has a young, working population. Median age is 29.1 years. Households are larger than average, with 3.8 people per home. This family-oriented community is 83.6% homeowners, with median home values at $84,900.
The economy centers on transportation and logistics. Of the employed residents, 1,067 work in transportation, warehousing, and utilities. That's by far the largest employment sector, likely tied to Tornillo's position along trade routes near the U.S.-Mexico border. Another 199 workers use public transit for their commutes, and 30.4% work from home.
Street names tell the story of a bilingual community with agricultural roots. Alameda, Sobrino Drive, Flor del Rio Drive, and Valle Verde mix with historic names like Railroad Street and Telegraph Road. FM 1109 and Highway 20 connect this rural area to regional centers.
Street names blend Spanish heritage (Alameda, Sobrino, Flor del Rio) with agricultural history (Feed Pen) and transportation infrastructure (Highway 20, FM 1109, Railroad Street).
ZIP Code 79853 has 3,638 residents and 965 households (average 3.77 persons per household). The median age is 29.1 years, younger than the state (35.6) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.3% male and 51.7% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.4%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (97.7%) and Other / Two or More Races (38.6%, much higher than the state average of 13.6% and well above the national average of 8.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 97.7%, 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
| 2020 Population: | 3,638Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 2,686Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 104.7 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $42,234Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 965Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $83,200Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.77Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.26Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 3,167 | 3,163 | 3,159 | 3,320 | 3,182 | 3,048 | 2,912 | 2,624 | 2,621 | 2,282 | 2,858 | 3,007 | 2,964 | 2,686 |
| Decennial Census | 3,729 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 3,638 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 29.1
Male Median Age: 27
Female Median Age: 30.5
| 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 | 138 | 128 | 172 | 212 | 173 | 114 | 92 | 70 | 90 | 111 | 99 | 86 | 88 | 72 | 37 | 38 | 21 | 15 |
| Female | 147 | 134 | 153 | 189 | 178 | 127 | 87 | 98 | 124 | 110 | 129 | 105 | 93 | 76 | 68 | 31 | 14 | 19 |
| Total | 285 | 262 | 325 | 401 | 351 | 241 | 179 | 168 | 214 | 221 | 228 | 191 | 181 | 148 | 105 | 69 | 35 | 34 |
| White: | 1,245 | 19.98% |
| Black: | 1 | 0.02% |
| Hispanic:* | 3,554 | 57.04% |
| Asian: | 3 | 0.05% |
| American Indian: | 21 | 0.34% |
| Hawaiian: | 2 | 0.03% |
| Other: | 1,405 | 22.55% |
| Total: | 6,231 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 1,756 | 48.27% | 27.0 years |
| Females: | 1,882 | 51.73% | 30.5 years |
| Total: | 3,638 | 100% | 29.1 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,610 | 59.94% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 66 | 2.46% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 467 | 17.39% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 543 | 37.60% |
| Total Population: | 2,686 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,676 | 62.40% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 1,010 | 37.60% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $42,234, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $16,552 (64.4%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $2,599. Family households earn a median of $42,042 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $42,042). By gender, male median income is $40,129 and female is $47,458, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $7,329 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 55.4%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 6.1%, which is higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Service (31.4%).
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 | $25,682 | $27,301 | $27,870 | $26,799 | $29,107 | $31,111 | $31,750 | $33,600 | $39,635 | $50,781 | $56,892 | $62,167 | $46,767 | $42,234 |
| Median Family Income | $26,449 | $27,852 | $28,140 | $26,899 | $28,523 | $31,349 | $33,029 | $34,256 | $41,000 | $50,313 | $56,719 | $55,526 | $45,905 | $42,042 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $9,514 | $9,250 | $9,487 | $12,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $17,938 | $35,208 | $38,917 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $21,824 | $24,231 | $27,083 | $25,833 | $26,955 | $27,262 | $30,321 | $30,708 | $39,609 | $41,422 | $43,160 | $44,722 | $36,947 | $40,129 |
| Median Female Income | $15,938 | $17,273 | $19,625 | $20,488 | $18,629 | $18,511 | $18,095 | $18,721 | $18,427 | $21,313 | $28,879 | $45,852 | $46,477 | $47,458 |
| Employed: | 1,117 | 52.03% |
| Unemployed: | 73 | 3.40% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 957 | 44.57% |
| Total: | 2,147 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 174 | 15.58% |
| Service: | 351 | 31.42% |
| Sales and Office: | 173 | 15.49% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 174 | 15.58% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 245 | 21.93% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 1,117 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $83,200, which is well under the national median ($303,400), is up $26,000 (45.45%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $9,500. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,348), is down $438 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $531. Of occupied housing, owners make up 91.65% (9.25% with a mortgage, 90.75% free-and-clear) and renters 8.35% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 6.96%, which is much lower 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 | $57,200 | $52,200 | $54,900 | $49,400 | $43,900 | $41,900 | $52,400 | $61,400 | $73,700 | $72,600 | $78,400 | $83,600 | $84,900 | $83,200 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 19 | 28.36% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 11 | 16.42% |
| $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: | 37 | 55.22% |
| Total: | 67 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $438 | $439 | $438 | $472 | $440 | $449 | $472 | $490 | $531 | $769 | $854 | $964 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 68 | 8.48% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 667 | 83.17% |
| Renter Occupied: | 67 | 8.35% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 802 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 802 | 93.04% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 60 | 6.96% |
| Total Housing Units: | 862 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 556 | 64.50% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 306 | 35.50% |
| Total Housing Units: | 862 | 100% |
In 2024, 6.70% 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 45.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 38.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 19.70%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.30%). The share of people in poverty is 32.50%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), down 19.30 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 7.20 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 (39.62%). College enrollment is 33.22%, 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: | 682 | 40.84% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 228 | 13.65% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 366 | 21.92% |
| Some college, no degree: | 167 | 10.00% |
| Associate's degree: | 115 | 6.89% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 100 | 5.99% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 12 | 0.72% |
| Total: | 1,670 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 760 | 45.51% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 112 | 6.71% |
| Private Insurance: | 528 | 19.32% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,176 | 43.03% |
| No Insurance: | 1,029 | 37.65% |
| Total: | 2,733 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,704 | 62.35% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 45.1% | 37.8% | 38.6% | 38.0% | 35.2% | 32.0% | 32.0% | 27.9% | 18.6% | 16.8% | 12.4% | 13.8% | 25.8% | 32.5% |
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: | 76 | 8.53% |
| Kindergarten: | 10 | 1.12% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 353 | 39.62% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 156 | 17.51% |
| College or graduate school: | 296 | 33.22% |
| Total: | 891 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 86 | 9.65% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 519 | 58.25% |
ZIP Code 79853 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 20 business establishments, employing about 138 people with an annual payroll of $10,303,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,012Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 20Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $2,661,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $10,303,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 138Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 79853 is located in El Paso County, Texas, within the El Paso, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 21340) and Texas's 23rd Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 800,647 people, about 0.45% of whom live in ZIP Code 79853. It covers 34.75 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.123 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | El Paso, TXSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 21340Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 800,647Source: Census |
| MSA: | El Paso, TX MSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 34.75 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.123 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: | 4873376Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Tornillo CDP; TexasSource: Census |
ZIP Code 79853 is in the Tornillo Independent School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 5 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.