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ZIP Code · TX

ZIP 78526

Pop. 60,012·Cameron County·113th most expensive ZIP in Texas
Median rent (all units)
$1,938/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.0%
Month-over-Month
-0.6%
vs US Median
-$27
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 78526 · $1,938
More expensive than 57% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$920
1 BR
$1,030
2 BR
$1,240
3 BR
$1,670
4 BR+
$1,750
Research median
$1,240/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
$23,256/yr
At $1,938/mo median
Location
StateTX
CountyCameron County
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 2.0% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.0% YoY, -0.6% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 78526 (Brownsville, TX) is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, 33.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
60,012
Median income
$70,565
Median age
29.7
Renters
30.8%
Age distribution
31.9%
25.2%
25.2%
Under 1831.9%
18–3425.2%
35–5425.2%
55–648%
65+9.6%
Gender
49.8%
50.2%
Male49.8%
Female50.2%
Race & ethnicity
29%
92.3%
White29%
Hispanic92.3%
Asian1.7%
Education (25+)
19.3%
21.4%
25.4%
33.9%
No HS diploma19.3%
HS diploma21.4%
Some college25.4%
Bachelor's+33.9%
Housing tenure
69.2%
30.8%
Owner69.2%
Renter30.8%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 78526 in Brownsville, TX has changed in 5 years

Income
$62,912 → $70,565
up 12.2%
Population
58,713 → 60,012
up 2.2%
Renter share
30.1% → 30.8%
+0.7 pts
Bachelor's+
28.8% → 33.9%
+5.1 pts
Median age
29.1 → 29.7
+0.6 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 78526 in Brownsville, TX now reports about $70,565, up from $62,912 in 2021. The population has grown by 2.2% since 2021, moving from about 58,713 residents to roughly 60,012. College-educated residents now make up 33.9% of adults here, versus 28.8% in 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 78526

About renting in ZIP 78526

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 78526 covers Brownsville, TX. The median rent here is $1,938/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,030/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,240/mo.

At 33% of local median household income ($70,565/yr), ZIP 78526 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 78526?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 78526 (Brownsville, TX) is $1,938. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 78526 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 78526's median rent of $1,938/mo is $27 (1%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 78526 compare to other ZIPs in Texas?

ZIP 78526 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Texas, ranking #113 out of 689 ZIPs tracked at $1,938/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 78526?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $78,000/year (~$38/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,938/mo in ZIP 78526. The local median household income is $70,565/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 78526?

Rent in ZIP 78526 has decreased 2.0% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Is ZIP 78526 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 78526 is considered moderate for renters. At $1,938/mo, rent takes approximately 33% of the local median household income ($70,565/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 78526 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 78526 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 30.8% of ZIP 78526 households are renters, while 69.2% are owner-occupied. ZIP 78526 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 78526 compare to the rest of Brownsville?

ZIP 78526 is pricier than Brownsville as a whole. At $1,938/mo, it's $369 above the Brownsville citywide median of $1,569/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 78526 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 78526 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
33%
MODERATE

At $1,938/mo, rent takes ~33% of ZIP 78526's median household income ($70,565/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 78526 33%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 78526 (Brownsville, TX)

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