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ZIP Code · TX

ZIP 78666

Pop. 88,583·Hays County·497th most expensive ZIP in Texas
Median rent (all units)
$1,395/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.6%
Month-over-Month
-0.3%
vs US Median
-$570
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 78666 · $1,395
More affordable than 81% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,170
1 BR
$1,250
2 BR
$1,480
3 BR
$1,880
4 BR+
$2,200
Research median
$1,480/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
$16,740/yr
At $1,395/mo median
Location
StateTX
CountyHays County
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (4.6% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+4.6% YoY, -0.3% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 78666 (San Marcos, TX) is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 35.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
88,583
Median income
$54,737
Median age
26.9
Renters
61.9%
Age distribution
14.2%
47.4%
18.4%
Under 1814.2%
18–3447.4%
35–5418.4%
55–648%
65+12%
Gender
47.8%
52.2%
Male47.8%
Female52.2%
Race & ethnicity
57.5%
44.3%
White57.5%
Black5.2%
Hispanic44.3%
Asian1.8%
Education (25+)
23.5%
30.4%
35.7%
No HS diploma10.5%
HS diploma23.5%
Some college30.4%
Bachelor's+35.7%
Housing tenure
38.1%
61.9%
Owner38.1%
Renter61.9%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 78666 in San Marcos, TX has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,190 → $1,395
up 17.2%
Income
$44,914 → $54,737
up 21.9%
Population
83,858 → 88,583
up 5.6%
Renter share
64.6% → 61.9%
-2.7 pts
Bachelor's+
32% → 35.7%
+3.7 pts
Median age
26.3 → 26.9
+0.6 yrs

Compared with 2021, rent in ZIP 78666 in San Marcos, TX has climbed by $205 per month, settling near $1,395 after starting the period at $1,190. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 78666 in San Marcos, TX now reports about $54,737, up from $44,914 in 2021. Income growth outran rent by about 4.7 percentage points, easing the affordability math somewhat compared with 2021. Headcount in the area went from 83,858 to 88,583 between 2021 and 2024, a 5.6% change. About 61.9% of households rent today, against 64.6% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 32% to 35.7%. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 78666 in San Marcos, TX reflects that arc in its own way.

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 78666

About renting in ZIP 78666

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 78666 covers San Marcos, TX. The median rent here is $1,395/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,250/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,480/mo.

At 31% of local median household income ($54,737/yr), ZIP 78666 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 78666?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 78666 (San Marcos, TX) is $1,395. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 78666 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 78666's median rent of $1,395/mo is $570 (29%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 78666 compare to other ZIPs in Texas?

ZIP 78666 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in Texas, ranking #497 out of 689 ZIPs at $1,395/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 78666?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $56,000/year (~$27/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,395/mo in ZIP 78666. The local median household income is $54,737/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 78666?

Rent in ZIP 78666 has increased 4.6% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 78666 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 78666 is considered moderate for renters. At $1,395/mo, rent takes approximately 31% of the local median household income ($54,737/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 78666 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 78666 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 61.9% of ZIP 78666 households are renters, while 38.1% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 78666 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 78666 compare to the rest of San Marcos?

ZIP 78666 is more affordable than San Marcos overall. At $1,395/mo, it's $13 below the San Marcos citywide median of $1,408/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 78666 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 78666 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
31%
MODERATE

At $1,395/mo, rent takes ~31% of ZIP 78666's median household income ($54,737/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 78666 31%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 78666 (San Marcos, TX)

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