Cost of Living in Zapata, TX
Population 4,879 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Zapata's median household income of $37,653 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (30% here). The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 50 miles south of Laredo, Zapata falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Laredo's $182,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Zapata
The median home value in Zapata is $104,300 — 66% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $482/month, 63% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $37,653/year is 50% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 85.9°F and lows of 63.3°F. Overall, Zapata has a cost of living index of 35 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 65% less expensive.
Zapata has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 68 | 74 | 81 | 88 | 93 | 99 | 100 | 101 | 94 | 87 | 77 | 69 |
| Low °F | 47 | 51 | 58 | 64 | 71 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 72 | 65 | 56 | 48 |
| Precip" | 0.90 | 0.83 | 1.60 | 1.47 | 2.76 | 2.50 | 2.11 | 1.68 | 3.64 | 1.75 | 1.04 | 1.07 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Zapata, TX?
Zapata has a cost index of 35 (100 = national average). It is 65% below the national average.
What is average rent in Zapata, TX?
The median gross rent in Zapata is $482 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Zapata?
The median home value in Zapata is $104,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Zapata?
The median household income in Zapata is $37,653 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Zapata, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Zapata is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Zapata, TX affordable?
Yes, Zapata is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 35 — about 65% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Zapata?
Zapata has average high temperatures of 85.9°F and average lows of 63.3°F. Annual precipitation is 21.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Zapata at a Glance
- Population
- 4,879
- Median Income
- $37,653
- Home Value
- $104,300
- Median Rent
- $482/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 85.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Texas Rankings
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