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ZIP Code · TX

ZIP 78597

Pop. 2,935·Cameron County·2nd most expensive ZIP in Texas
Median rent (all units)
$4,212/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
+97.8%
vs US Median
+$2,247
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 78597 · $4,212
More expensive than 98% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Last updated: May 18, 2026

Annual cost
$50,544/yr
At $4,212/mo median
Location
StateTX
CountyCameron County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 0.0% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, +97.8% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 78597 (South padre isla, TX) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 53.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
2,935
Median income
$68,421
Median age
61
Renters
29.4%
Age distribution
14.9%
29.3%
40.9%
Under 189.4%
18–3414.9%
35–545.5%
55–6429.3%
65+40.9%
Gender
54.3%
45.7%
Male54.3%
Female45.7%
Race & ethnicity
74.7%
13.4%
White74.7%
Black7.3%
Hispanic13.4%
Asian3.6%
Other1.1%
Education (25+)
13%
27.2%
53.6%
No HS diploma6.2%
HS diploma13%
Some college27.2%
Bachelor's+53.6%
Housing tenure
70.6%
29.4%
Owner70.6%
Renter29.4%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 78597 in South padre isla, TX has changed in 5 years

Income
$60,688 → $68,421
up 12.7%
Population
2,138 → 2,935
up 37.3%
Renter share
33.9% → 29.4%
-4.5 pts
Bachelor's+
55% → 53.6%
-1.4 pts
Median age
58.5 → 61
+2.5 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 78597 in South padre isla, TX now reports about $68,421, up from $60,688 in 2021. The population has grown by 37.3% since 2021, moving from about 2,138 residents to roughly 2,935. Renters now make up 29.4% of households, compared with 33.9% five years ago.

Community

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 78597

Last updated: May 18, 2026

ZIP code 78597 covers South padre isla, TX. The median rent here is $4,212/mo as of May 2026.

At 74% of local median household income ($68,421/yr), ZIP 78597 ranks as expensive compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 78597?

As of May 18, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 78597 (South padre isla, TX) is $4,212. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 78597 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 78597's median rent of $4,212/mo is $2,247 (114%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 78597 compare to other ZIPs in Texas?

ZIP 78597 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Texas, ranking #2 out of 687 ZIPs tracked at $4,212/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 78597?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $168,000/year (~$81/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $4,212/mo in ZIP 78597. The local median household income is $68,421/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 78597?

Rent in ZIP 78597 has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of May 18, 2026.

Is ZIP 78597 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 78597 is considered expensive for renters. At $4,212/mo, rent takes approximately 74% of the local median household income ($68,421/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 78597 significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

What percentage of ZIP 78597 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 29.4% of ZIP 78597 households are renters, while 70.6% are owner-occupied. ZIP 78597 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

When was rent data for ZIP 78597 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 78597 reflects May 18, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
74%
EXPENSIVE

At $4,212/mo, rent takes ~74% of ZIP 78597's median household income ($68,421/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 78597 74%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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