Zapata, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,897
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$45,488/yr
20.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,449
-1.5% year-over-year change

Zapata population

How many people live in Zapata

Zapata is home to 4,897 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Zapata locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
4,897
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
2,321
Female
52.6%
2,576
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,321 47.4% 0.6%
Female 2,576 52.6% 0.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Zapata is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.9% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.4% of the population, while another 22.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.9%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
20.4%
45 to 64
22.5%
Over 65
20.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,267 25.9% 6.8%
15 to 24 542 11.1% -9.7%
25 to 44 997 20.4% -4.9%
45 to 64 1,104 22.5% 9.0%
Over 65 987 20.2% -4.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Zapata, 77.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 26% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 1.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 66.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
77.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.8%
Non-citizens
13.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,789 77.4% 4.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 431 8.8% -13.8%
Non-citizens 677 13.8% -11.3%
Racial breakdown
White
26%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
66.7%
Other
5.4%
Value Percent
White 1,271 26%
Black or African American 9 0.2%
Asian 84 1.7%
Two or more races 3,267 66.7%
Other 266 5.4%

Households in Zapata

A peek inside Zapata households

Zapata has 1,853 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64% are families, while the remaining 36% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,853
-5.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
668
Family households
1,185
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 668 36% -22.1%
Family households 1,185 64% 8.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Zapata

The housing landscape of Zapata

Zapata's housing consists of 2,449 units, with 64% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 18.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,449
-1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,567 64%
2 units 137 5.6%
3 or 4 units 89 3.6%
5 to 9 units 44 1.8%
20 to 49 units 63 2.6%
50 or more units 44 1.8%
Mobile home 448 18.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 57 2.3%
Homes built since 2020
25
-24.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Zapata

In Zapata, the median construction year is 1993. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1950 and 1959 153 6.2% -9.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 187 7.6% -30.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 230 9.4% 5.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 432 17.6% -1.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 804 32.8% 2.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 339 13.8% -1.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 279 11.4% 26.2%
Built in 2020 or later 25 1% -24.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Zapata occupancy rates

Out of the 1,853 occupied housing units in Zapata, 68% are owner-occupied, while 32% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 24.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,853
-5.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
593
Owner occupied
1,260
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 593 32% -11.2%
Owner occupied 1,260 68% -1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
24.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Zapata housing costs

Housing costs in Zapata come to a median of $538 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $395.

Median housing costs per month
$538/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Zapata
$395/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Zapata

Zapata education at a glance

About 37.6% of the population in Zapata went to high school, while 14.7% pursued college studies. Another 11.3% earned an associate degree and 14.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 498 14.6% -19.6%
High school diploma 1,288 37.6% -9.8%
College diploma 503 14.7% 0.6%
Associate degree 387 11.3% 28.1%
Bachelor's degree 498 14.6% 7.6%
Graduate degree 248 7.2% 49.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Zapata

How much people earn in Zapata

The average annual household income in Zapata was $64,921 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +22.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $45,488, reflecting a +20.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Zapata
$64,921/year
22.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Zapata
$45,488/year
20.8% year-over-year change

Zapata income by age

In Zapata, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $118,708. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,597 overall. Overall, 67.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $118,708 196.8%
45 - 64 $74,597 59.0%
Over 65 $16,852 8.7%
Above poverty level
3,207
Below poverty level
1,554
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,207 67.4% -4.4%
Below poverty level 1,554 32.6% 12.6%

Average renter income in Zapata

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Zapata, their median household income was $15,920 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$15,920
Rent-to-income ratio
29.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Zapata

Workforce and job types in Zapata

The job market in Zapata is powered by 1,688 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.9% run their own businesses, 52% are employed by private companies, and 30.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,688
5.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,302
Blue collar
386
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,302 77.1% 7.8%
Blue collar 386 22.9% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
12.9%
Private companies
52%
Governmental workers
30.9%
Not for profit companies
4.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 218 12.9% 24.6%
Private companies 877 52% -6.1%
Governmental workers 522 30.9% 33.5%
Not for profit companies 71 4.2% -24.5%
Unemployment rate
2.1%
-7.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Zapata stands at 2.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Zapata

How people get around in Zapata

Commuting methods vary: 89.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,490 89.3% 2.6%
Walk 28 1.7% 0.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Zapata by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
78076 13,123 4,303 $39,239 $54,959

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FAQs about Zapata demographics 

What is the total population of Zapata?

Zapata has a total population of 4,897 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Zapata?

The gender ratio in Zapata is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (2,321 residents)
  • 52.6% females (2,576 residents)

What is the median age in Zapata?

The median age in Zapata is 38.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Zapata?

The age distribution in Zapata is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.9% (1,267 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (542 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.4% (997 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.5% (1,104 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.2% (987 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Zapata?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Zapata is as follows:
  • White: 26% (1,271 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (9 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.7% (84 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 66.7% (3,267 residents)
  • Other: 5.4% (266 residents)

What percentage of the population in Zapata are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 77.4% of the population in Zapata.

How many housing units are there in Zapata?

There are 2,449 housing units in Zapata, reflecting a -1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Zapata and what is the average household size?

Zapata has a total of 1,853 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Zapata?

Zapata has a median household income of $45,488, representing a +20.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Zapata?

The employment rate is 97.9% in Zapata, with a workforce of 1,688 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.1% (1,302 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.9% (386 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.9% (218 residents)
  • Private companies: 52% (877 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 30.9% (522 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.2% (71 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025