Zapata, TX
Population 4,879 · Texas
About Zapata, TX
Zapata is a small town located in Texas with a population of 4,879 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,653 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Zapata features a median home value of $104,300, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Zapata one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $482, 59% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,486 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (1,285 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (668 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Zapata shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 30.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Zapata have an average one-way commute time of 17.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.7% of Zapata residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 82.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 7.3% Asian residents, with 23.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Zapata Ranks in Texas
Cost of Living in Zapata, TX
Compared to national averages, Zapata has a median household income of $37,653 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $104,300, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $482 is 59% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Zapata's income is 48% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 51% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Zapata, TX?
Zapata offers affordable housing with a median home value of $104,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $482/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,653) that falls below the national average. However, Zapata’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Zapata has a population of 4,879 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Zapata with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Zapata
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chula Vista CDP (Maverick County), Texas | 4,884 | $33,750 | $83,100 | Compare |
| North Alamo | 4,843 | $53,195 | $82,300 | Compare |
| Progreso | 4,918 | $35,938 | $59,300 | Compare |
| Pilot Point | 4,829 | $79,128 | $268,300 | Compare |
| Sparks | 4,936 | $31,932 | $101,800 | Compare |
| Gilmer | 4,955 | $41,279 | $160,700 | Compare |
| Mineola | 4,956 | $42,231 | $205,600 | Compare |
| Carrizo Springs | 4,800 | $36,077 | $67,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Zapata With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Zapata
What is the population of Zapata, TX?
The population of Zapata, TX is 4,879 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Texas.
What is the median household income in Zapata?
The median household income in Zapata, TX is $37,653 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Zapata?
The median home value in Zapata, TX is $104,300, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Zapata?
The median monthly rent in Zapata, TX is $482, which is 59% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Zapata?
The unemployment rate in Zapata, TX is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Zapata, TX a good place to live?
Zapata offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,879 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Zapata, TX?
17.7% of residents in Zapata aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Zapata?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Zapata, TX: median home value is $104,300 (57% below national), median rent is $482/month, and median household income is $37,653. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Zapata?
The poverty rate in Zapata, TX is 30.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Zapata, TX?
Zapata's population is 82.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 7.3% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 23.7% of residents are foreign-born.