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ZIP Code · TX

ZIP 78520

Pop. 64,740·Cameron County·427th most expensive ZIP in Texas
Median rent (all units)
$1,498/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.8%
Month-over-Month
-8.3%
vs US Median
-$467
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 78520 · $1,498
More affordable than 74% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$780
1 BR
$870
2 BR
$1,050
3 BR
$1,420
4 BR+
$1,480
Research median
$1,050/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$17,976/yr
At $1,498/mo median
Location
StateTX
CountyCameron County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 7.8% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.8% YoY, -8.3% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 78520 (Brownsville, TX) is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 23.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
64,740
Median income
$50,116
Median age
31.9
Renters
39.8%
Age distribution
27.8%
25.7%
23.9%
13.9%
Under 1827.8%
18–3425.7%
35–5423.9%
55–648.7%
65+13.9%
Gender
48.6%
51.4%
Male48.6%
Female51.4%
Race & ethnicity
31.5%
92.9%
White31.5%
Black0.6%
Hispanic92.9%
Asian0.6%
Education (25+)
30.5%
23%
22.6%
23.9%
No HS diploma30.5%
HS diploma23%
Some college22.6%
Bachelor's+23.9%
Housing tenure
60.2%
39.8%
Owner60.2%
Renter39.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 78520 in Brownsville, TX has changed in 5 years

Income
$42,484 → $50,116
up 18.0%
Population
60,592 → 64,740
up 6.8%
Renter share
43.3% → 39.8%
-3.5 pts
Bachelor's+
20.1% → 23.9%
+3.8 pts
Median age
32.5 → 31.9
-0.6 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 78520 in Brownsville, TX now reports about $50,116, up from $42,484 in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 60,592 to 64,740 between 2021 and 2024, a 6.8% change. About 39.8% of households rent today, against 43.3% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 20.1% to 23.9%.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 78520

About renting in ZIP 78520

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 78520 covers Brownsville, TX. The median rent here is $1,498/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $870/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,050/mo.

At 36% of local median household income ($50,116/yr), ZIP 78520 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 78520?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 78520 (Brownsville, TX) is $1,498. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 78520 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 78520's median rent of $1,498/mo is $467 (24%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 78520 compare to other ZIPs in Texas?

ZIP 78520 falls in the middle range for Texas, ranking #427 out of 689 ZIPs at $1,498/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 78520?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $60,000/year (~$29/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,498/mo in ZIP 78520. The local median household income is $50,116/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 78520?

Rent in ZIP 78520 has increased 7.8% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 78520 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 78520 is considered moderate for renters. At $1,498/mo, rent takes approximately 36% of the local median household income ($50,116/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 78520 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 78520 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 39.8% of ZIP 78520 households are renters, while 60.2% are owner-occupied. ZIP 78520 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 78520 compare to the rest of Brownsville?

ZIP 78520 is more affordable than Brownsville overall. At $1,498/mo, it's $71 below the Brownsville citywide median of $1,569/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 78520 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 78520 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
36%
MODERATE

At $1,498/mo, rent takes ~36% of ZIP 78520's median household income ($50,116/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 78520 36%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 78520 (Brownsville, TX)

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