ZIP 78521 — Economy & Jobs

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates. Page data updated 2026-08-02.

Working ClassLarge CommunityLow Snow Area

Income, employment, industries, and economic trends

Income & Economy in Brownsville city, TX (78521)

Median Income

$41,276

*Adjusted for inflation (2023 dollars)

IRS Net Migration

+4,144

Wealth inflow

Population

87,860

Unemployment

6.7%

3.0pp above US avg

IRS migration statistics show a net inflow of about 4,144 for ZIP 78521 (Brownsville city, TX) on US5’s published series — a signal of people/tax filers moving in relative to those leaving. Inflows often track job growth, housing demand, or lifestyle migration; treat the figure as a directional indicator rather than a precise headcount.

Economic Indicators

Unemployment

6.7%+80% vs US avg

Self-Employed

4.1%-32% vs US avg

SNAP Benefits

33.9%+190% vs US avg

1,384

Establishments

28,048

Employees

~20 per establishment — mix of small and larger employers

Healthcare

Top Industry

Economic Distributions

Census ACS 5-Year (P0): occupation, industry, household income brackets.

Occupation

Industry

Agriculture, forestry, mining1.6%
Construction8.1%
Manufacturing7.4%
Wholesale trade2.0%
Retail trade12.1%
Transportation, utilities5.8%
Information1.4%
Finance, insurance, real estate4.4%
Professional, scientific, management8.4%
Education, health care, social29.2%
Arts, entertainment, food services8.6%
Other services6.3%
Public administration4.8%

Household Income

Historical Trends in 78521 (2020–Present)

Since 2020, population declined 2.0%, median income rose 4.3% (inflation-adjusted), home values increased 4.7%.

Median Income

$41,276

-45% vs US avg

Unemployment Rate