The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 78550 sells for about $279,000, or $142 per square foot.
Prices are up +59.4% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 61 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,100 a month.
ZIP 78550 — Harlingen
The 78550 housing market shows signs of resilience with steady buyer demand and moderate inventory levels. While price growth has been significant year-over-year, the market remains relatively affordable compared to national averages, supported by a stable local economy.
This ZIP is well-suited for families and first-time homebuyers seeking affordability, as well as investors looking for steady rental demand in a growing regional hub.
Median prices moved up 59.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 61 days on market with 1.4 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
10% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 99% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 6.5% · poverty 18.0% — a mixed stability profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 8.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.6%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 78550, Cameron County TX
Crime rates in Harlingen are generally consistent with regional averages for the Rio Grande Valley, though specific neighborhood variations exist.
Schools in the Harlingen area are primarily served by the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, which maintains a range of ratings across its campuses.
The area is subject to wind and flood risks associated with its proximity to the Gulf Coast, necessitating standard flood insurance coverage for many properties.
Economic momentum is driven by the healthcare, education, and logistics sectors, with ongoing infrastructure improvements supporting regional connectivity.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Texas) — Senior (65+) and Disabled Homestead Exemption and School Tax Ceiling: Grants an additional mandatory $10,000 exemption from ISD appraised value (Taxable Value_ISD = Appraised Value - $100,000 - $10,000) and establishes an absolute statutory tax freeze (school tax ceiling): total ISD property taxes cannot exceed the dollar ceiling established in the… State (Texas) — General Residence Homestead Exemption and 10% Valuation Growth Cap: Imposes mandatory state-level valuation deductions and growth limitations on the qualifying homestead: (1) Mandates a $100,000 deduction from appraised value for independent school district (ISD) maintenance and operations/debt taxation: Taxable Value_ISD = Appraised Value - $100… State (Texas) — Ad Valorem Real Property Taxation and Assessment Ratio: Mandates ad valorem appraisal of all real property at 100% of fair market value as of January 1 each tax year (Assessment Ratio = 1.00).
Residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for commuting, with major access provided by I-69E and I-2; public transit options are limited.
The area features several local parks, community centers, and proximity to the Arroyo Colorado, with shopping and dining concentrated along the Expressway 83 corridor.
The rental market is characterized by steady demand and moderate vacancy rates, with a mix of long-term residential rentals and limited short-term vacation activity.
The economy is anchored by the healthcare sector, including major regional hospitals, alongside education and retail trade.
The area is served by a network of highways including I-69E and I-2, facilitating regional travel across the Rio Grande Valley.
Ongoing residential and commercial development is focused on the northern and western fringes of the city.
The Cameron County Appraisal District manages property assessments for all taxing jurisdictions within the county.
Parcels are subject to various special districts including school, hospital, and drainage districts.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional windstorm and flood risk profiles common to the Texas Gulf Coast.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park4.36.8 mi
- Bobz World4.319 mi
- Xtreme Jump San Benito4.38.3 mi
- Chuck E. Cheese4.36.9 mi
- Stefano's Brooklyn Pizza4.47.7 mi
- Harlingen Convention Center4.76.1 mi
- Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Grounds4.417.4 mi
- Golden Corral Buffet & Grill4.56.2 mi
- Bobby Morrow Stadium4.68.3 mi
- Cinemark Harlingen 16 and XD4.56.4 mi
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park4.36.8 mi
- Peter Piper Pizza4.44.9 mi
- Victor Park4.46.8 mi
- Hugh Ramsey Nature Park4.65.3 mi
- Bobz World4.319 mi
- Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum4.73.3 mi
- Harlingen Cultural Arts Center4.54.9 mi
- Iwo Jima Museum Gift Shop4.72.8 mi
- Fun-N-Sun Resort4.58.5 mi
- Victor Park4.46.8 mi
- Hugh Ramsey Nature Park4.65.3 mi
- Encore Sunshine4.34.4 mi
- Pendleton Park4.64 mi
- Treasure Hills Golf Club4.25.5 mi
- Tony Butler Golf Course4.17 mi
- Harlingen Country Club4.47.5 mi
- Ross Dress for Less4.37 mi
- Valle Vista Mall3.86.8 mi
- Burlington4.17 mi
- T.J. Maxx4.46.9 mi
- Marshalls4.37 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A major local nature preserve featuring trails and birding opportunities.
A primary retail hub serving the Harlingen area.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.