Zapata County, Texas

Income Data

-44% vs. Texas average
$36,527
Median Household Income
$19,131
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$36,527
-44% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$19,131
-52% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
41.1%
income as % of home value
Rank in Texas
#249 / 253
by median household income

How Zapata County Compares

Zapata County$36,527
Texas Average$64,737
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$36,527
Median Household Income
$19,131
Per Capita Income
$88,800
Median Home Value
41.1%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Zapata County, Texas

Zapata County Faces Income Challenge

Zapata County's median household income of $36,527 falls roughly 51% below the national median of $74,755, ranking among the lowest-income counties in the nation. This significant gap reflects serious economic challenges affecting household earning power.

Significantly Below Texas Average

At $36,527, Zapata County's median income runs just 56% of the Texas state average of $64,737, indicating an economy struggling relative to statewide standards. This substantial shortfall signals limited job opportunities and wage growth in the county.

Zapata Among Region's Lowest

Zapata County's $36,527 income ranks among the lowest in its region, well behind Yoakum County ($82,261) and even trailing neighboring Zavala County ($41,887) by $5,360. The wide disparities reflect uneven economic development across South Texas.

Housing Costs Strain Budgets

Zapata County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this group, meaning households allocate nearly one-fifth of earnings to rent. While the median home value of $88,800 is low, the ratio indicates housing consumes a larger share of limited incomes here.

Start Small, Build Gradually

With median incomes around $36,500, Zapata County residents should focus on reducing debt and building small emergency savings first before investing. Community development organizations and microfinance programs can offer tailored support for wealth building in lower-income communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Zapata County, Texas?
The median household income in Zapata County, Texas is $36,527, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Zapata County?
The per capita income in Zapata County is $19,131, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $36,527.
How does Zapata County compare to the Texas average?
Zapata County's median household income of $36,527 is lower than the Texas state average of $64,737. The per capita income is $19,131, compared to the state average of $33,197.
What is the per capita income in Zapata County, Texas?
The per capita income in Zapata County, Texas is $19,131, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Zapata County a low-income area in Texas?
Zapata County's median household income of $36,527 is below the Texas average of $64,737. The per capita income of $19,131 is also lower than the state average of $33,197. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Zapata County rank for income in Texas?
Zapata County ranks #249 out of 253 counties in Texas by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $36,527 and per capita income of $19,131, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Zapata County

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Your income is above the Zapata County median

County median: $36,527 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-44%

vs. National Median

-51%

vs. Zapata County MedianAbout equal
vs. Texas Average44% below
vs. National Median51% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($3,044) vs. median rent ($569/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.