RentDataNowRentDataNow
ZIP Code · TX

ZIP 78550

Pop. 53,335·Cameron County·664th most expensive ZIP in Texas
Median rent (all units)
$1,072/mo
Year-over-Year
+1.7%
Month-over-Month
-2.1%
vs US Median
-$893
Falling (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss 78550 rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 78550 · $1,072
More affordable than 96% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$790
1 BR
$880
2 BR
$1,070
3 BR
$1,440
4 BR+
$1,510
Research median
$1,070/mo

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

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$12,864/yr
At $1,072/mo median
Location
StateTX
CountyCameron County
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (up only 1.7% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (+1.7% YoY, -2.1% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 78550 (Harlingen, TX) is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 22% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
53,335
Median income
$49,007
Median age
33.6
Renters
49.5%
Age distribution
27.4%
24.3%
22.1%
16.1%
Under 1827.4%
18–3424.3%
35–5422.1%
55–6410.2%
65+16.1%
Gender
49.3%
50.7%
Male49.3%
Female50.7%
Race & ethnicity
41.8%
82.3%
White41.8%
Black2.1%
Hispanic82.3%
Asian0.9%
Education (25+)
22.5%
27.1%
28.4%
22%
No HS diploma22.5%
HS diploma27.1%
Some college28.4%
Bachelor's+22%
Housing tenure
50.5%
49.5%
Owner50.5%
Renter49.5%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 78550 in Harlingen, TX has changed in 5 years

Income
$41,961 → $49,007
up 16.8%
Population
54,486 → 53,335
down 2.1%
Renter share
47.6% → 49.5%
+1.9 pts
Bachelor's+
19.7% → 22%
+2.3 pts
Median age
31.6 → 33.6
+2.0 yrs

Median household income rose from $41,961 to $49,007 between 2021 and 2024, a 16.8% shift. The population has contracted by 2.1% since 2021, moving from about 54,486 residents to roughly 53,335. Renters now make up 49.5% of households, compared with 47.6% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 22% of adults here, versus 19.7% in 2021.

Community

Discussions about ZIP 78550

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 78550

About renting in ZIP 78550

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 78550 covers Harlingen, TX. The median rent here is $1,072/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $880/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,070/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($49,007/yr), ZIP 78550 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 78550?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 78550 (Harlingen, TX) is $1,072. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 78550 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 78550's median rent of $1,072/mo is $893 (45%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 78550 compare to other ZIPs in Texas?

ZIP 78550 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in Texas, ranking #664 out of 689 ZIPs at $1,072/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 78550?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $43,000/year (~$21/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,072/mo in ZIP 78550. The local median household income is $49,007/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 78550?

Rent in ZIP 78550 has increased 1.7% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 78550 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 78550 is considered affordable for renters. At $1,072/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($49,007/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 78550 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 78550 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.5% of ZIP 78550 households are renters, while 50.5% are owner-occupied. ZIP 78550 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 78550 compare to the rest of Harlingen?

ZIP 78550 is more affordable than Harlingen overall. At $1,072/mo, it's $63 below the Harlingen citywide median of $1,135/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 78550 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 78550 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,072/mo, rent takes ~26% of ZIP 78550's median household income ($49,007/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 78550 26%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 78550 (Harlingen, TX)

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for this ZIP.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.