Austin, Texas, is quickly becoming one of the most important and popular cities in the United States. With a thriving economy, a unique culture, and a desirable geographical location, Austin attracts people from all over the world.
Like every other city in the United States, Austin is divided into geographical regions by zip codes. These codes are important for delivering mail, understanding demographic trends, and supporting business operations.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the zip codes of Austin, Texas. We’ll review demographic information and other important details, relying on data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey.
Overview of Austin, TX ZIP Codes
The city of Austin, Texas, uses 74 different ZIP codes to ensure mail gets where it needs to go. Of these, 47 are standard ZIP codes, 19 are for PO boxes, and 8 are unique to specific organizations.
Here’s a little more about what these different types of ZIP codes mean:
- Standard: These are the ZIP codes you’ll find attached to residential and business addresses.
- PO Box: These are used for post office boxes at the various USPS locations around the city.
- Unique: These ZIP codes are assigned to organizations or businesses that receive a high volume of mail. Assigning a unique ZIP code helps the post office sort and deliver mail more efficiently.
The Austin ZIP codes cover a significant area. The city itself spans approximately 563.44 square miles of land and 12.97 square miles of water. Austin is located in central Texas, sitting on the eastern edge of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. This puts it in a geographically diverse region known for its rolling hills, rivers, and unique natural beauty.
Population and Demographics Across Austin ZIP Codes
Let’s take a closer look at who lives in Austin and how the population is distributed across its many ZIP codes.
Total Population of Austin ZIP Codes
Across all the ZIP codes associated with Austin, there are approximately 1,206,868 people. However, within the city limits of Austin proper, the population is closer to 961,855.
Why the difference? It’s because ZIP codes aren’t perfectly aligned with city boundaries. Some ZIP codes extend beyond the official city limits, encompassing surrounding areas and contributing to a higher overall population count when considering all Austin ZIP codes.
Key Demographic Indicators
Here’s a snapshot of some key demographic indicators for the area:
- Median Household Income: $107,980
- Population Density: 2,143.64 persons per square mile
- Average Household Size: 2.35 persons
- Average Family Size: 3.19 persons
- Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 58.87%
Demographic Trends and Insights
Austin has been experiencing significant population growth in recent years, and it’s also becoming more diverse. ZIP code-level data allows us to analyze how these demographic shifts are playing out across different neighborhoods and areas within the city. For example, some ZIP codes might be experiencing faster growth rates than others, or certain areas might have a higher concentration of specific demographic groups.
Analyzing these variations can provide valuable insights into the changing dynamics of Austin and help inform planning and policy decisions.
Economic Data and Business Information by ZIP Code
Beyond just addresses, ZIP codes in Austin offer a glimpse into the city’s economic landscape. Examining business establishments, employment figures, and payroll data provides valuable insights. Let’s dive into some key figures and what they tell us.
Business Establishments and Employment
Austin is a thriving hub for commerce. Here are some overall numbers:
- Total Number of Businesses: 40,248
- Total Number of Employees: 696,207
- Annual Payroll: $60,446,016,000
Breakdown of Businesses by Sector
Austin’s economy is fueled by a diverse range of industries. You’ll find a strong presence in:
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Education
- Government
Looking at the data by ZIP code allows you to see where certain industries are concentrated. For example, you might find a cluster of tech companies in one area and a higher concentration of healthcare providers in another. This granular view helps in understanding the economic specialization of different parts of the city.
Analysis of Economic Indicators
The number of businesses, employment figures, and payroll data are all indicators of a ZIP code’s economic health. High business counts and employment figures generally suggest a strong local economy. Payroll data gives an idea of the financial activity and income levels within that area.
Analyzing these numbers across Austin’s ZIP codes can reveal economic disparities. Some areas might show stronger growth and higher income levels compared to others. Identifying these trends can help policymakers and community leaders address economic inequalities and promote balanced growth across the city.
Housing and Real Estate Information by ZIP Code
Austin’s a hot place to live, and that’s reflected in its real estate market. Let’s take a look at some of the trends, with a focus on how housing differs from ZIP code to ZIP code.
Housing Units and Occupancy
Across the city, there are about 538,390 housing units, occupied by 480,203 households.
This data only tells part of the story, though. Some areas of Austin have a higher occupancy rate than others, meaning there are fewer homes sitting empty. Neighborhoods closer to the city center, with easy access to jobs and amenities, tend to have the highest occupancy rates.
Housing Value and Rental Rates
House values in Austin vary quite a bit depending on the ZIP code. In general, expect to pay more for homes in the 78703 (Tarrytown) and 78704 (South Lamar) ZIP codes, which are known for their central location, established neighborhoods, and trendy restaurants and shops. You’ll likely find more affordable options further out, like in the 78758 (North Austin) or 78724 (East Austin) ZIP codes.
Rental rates follow a similar pattern. Expect to pay a premium to rent an apartment or house in a central location. The availability of housing also differs by ZIP code. Some areas have a higher concentration of apartments, while others are dominated by single-family homes.
Real Estate Trends and Insights
The Austin real estate market has been on a wild ride in recent years, with rising home prices and increased demand. While things have cooled off a bit recently, it’s still a competitive market.
ZIP code-level data can be a valuable tool for identifying investment opportunities. For example, if you see an area with rising home values and a growing population, it might be a good place to buy a rental property. Understanding neighborhood dynamics is also crucial. Factors like school ratings, crime rates, and access to amenities can all impact property values.
Area codes, time zone, and geographic context
If you’re planning a visit or a move to Austin, it’s good to know a little about the city’s area codes, time zone, and overall location.
Area codes serving Austin
Austin is served by two area codes: 512 and 737. The area codes are part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), and they’re used to direct phone calls to specific geographic regions. When you dial a phone number, the area code tells the phone network where to route the call.
Time zone
Austin is in the Central Time Zone (GMT -06:00). If you’re coordinating meetings or calls with people in other parts of the world, keep in mind that Austin is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. For businesses, this means that Austin operates during Central Time business hours, which can affect communication and coordination with companies in other time zones.
Geographic context
Austin is the anchor of the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan statistical area. The city is in central Texas, and it’s surrounded by other cities and regions that contribute to the overall vibrancy of the Austin metro area. The metro area includes cities like Round Rock, San Marcos, and Pflugerville, as well as the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the zip codes for South Austin Texas?
South Austin encompasses a range of zip codes, including 78704, which is one of the most well-known. You’ll also find portions of South Austin within zip codes like 78745, 78748, and 78749. The boundaries of South Austin aren’t strictly defined, so the exact zip codes considered “South Austin” can sometimes depend on who you ask.
How many area codes are in Austin, Texas?
Austin currently has two main area codes: 512 and 737. The 737 area code was introduced as an overlay to the 512 area code to accommodate the growing population and increasing demand for phone numbers in the region. You can have either area code and still be located within Austin.
What are the wealthy zip codes in Austin TX?
While “wealthy” is subjective, some Austin zip codes are known for having higher property values and affluent residents. These often include parts of West Austin, such as areas within the 78746 zip code, and some areas in the central part of the city, such as parts of 78703. The market changes, so that can vary.
What area of Austin is 78759?
The 78759 zip code covers a large area in North Austin. It includes neighborhoods like Wooten, North Shoal Creek, and parts of Allandale. You’ll find a mix of residential areas, commercial developments, and parks within this zip code, making it a diverse and active part of Austin.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve seen, Austin’s ZIP codes are more than just delivery routes for the post office. They’re a valuable tool for understanding the city’s demographics, economy, and even the housing market.
Whether you’re conducting market research, planning for the future of the city, or working to improve our communities, ZIP code-level data can provide vital insights.
With Austin’s continued growth and evolution, monitoring these ZIP codes will be essential to understanding the changes shaping our dynamic city.