Reviewed by the Houston Zip Codes Data TeamUpdated March 30, 2026Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, USPS, FEMA, NOAA
ZIP code 77036 is located in Chinatown / Sharpstown, Harris County, Texas. It is a residential zip code in the Central Time Zone with an estimated population of 71,036. The area code for ZIP code 77036 is 713.
📍 ZIP code 77036 is in Chinatown / Sharpstown, Harris County, Texas.
What is zip code 77036?
77036 is a zip code covering Chinatown / Sharpstown in Houston, Texas (Harris County). It has a population of 71,036, a median household income of $43,853, and a median home value of $217,400.
71,036
Population
$44K
Median Income
$217K
Median Home
Harris County · Area Code 713 · 5.2 sq mi
77036 — Chinatown / Sharpstown
Chinatown · Sharpstown · Mahatma Gandhi District
Chinatown / Sharpstown is a large Houston neighborhood with 71,036 residents, a median household income of $43,853, and homes valued at a median of $217,400.
Key Statistics
Population
71,036
13,661 per sq mi
Above Houston avg (38,923)
Median Income
$44K
Per capita: $21,030
Below avg ($85K)
Median Home
$217K
5.0x income ratio
Below avg ($302K)
College Educated
14.4%
4.6% graduate degree
Below avg (35%)
Chinatown / Sharpstown (77036): Neighborhood Profile
ZIP code 77036 sits in the urban core of Houston, where 13,661 residents per square mile pack into just 5.2 square miles around Chinatown / Sharpstown. This is one of the denser corners of the metro — a place defined by mid-rise and multifamily living, short blocks, and walk-up access to the businesses lining its streets. Incomes here sit well below the metro average — a median of $43,853, roughly 48% under Houston's $84,833 median. Affordability of everyday goods and housing-cost pressure are central facts of life for many households in 77036.
The population skews young (median age 31.4) and family-oriented, with an average household of 2.68 people. With a diversity index of 45.7/100, 77036 is somewhat less diverse than the typical Houston ZIP. The largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (70.7%) and White (14.3%).
Put in context, 77036's median home value of $217,400 sits 28% below the Houston-area median home value of $301,548. Both figures remain below the U.S. median home value (near $340,000 nationally), underscoring the relative affordability that continues to draw movers to the Houston metro. Educational attainment — 14.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, versus the 35% metro average — tracks the area's more working-class economic base.
Demographics & Diversity
31.4
12% below Houston avg (36)2.68
26,367 total households45.7/100
7% below Houston avg (49)5.2 sq mi
13,661 people/sq mi713
55 ft
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Data Visualizations
Racial & Ethnic Breakdown
- White
- Hispanic
- Black
- Asian
vs Houston Average
Commute Mode (29 min avg)
- Drive Alone
- Carpool
- Transit
- WFH
Housing & Real Estate
Median Home Value
$217,400
Below avg ($301,548)
Median Rent
$995/mo
27% of median income
Below avg ($1,465)
Ownership Rate
17.6%
Vacancy Rate
13.6%
30,508 total units
The housing market in 77036 (Chinatown / Sharpstown) features a median home value of $217,400, which is -28% below the Houston metro average. With a home-price-to-income ratio of 5.0x, the area offers accessible homeownership. The homeownership rate of 17.6% is below the city-wide average of 58%.
Affordability & Cost of Living in 77036
Affordability is stretched: the median home of $217,400 is 5 times the local median income, well past the 3x affordability rule. Buying here typically requires a larger down payment, a higher income than the area median, or both. As a rough yardstick, a household would want income near $72,467 to buy at the local median under conventional guidelines.
Renting is reasonably balanced: at $995/month, median rent absorbs about 27% of median income, inside the 30% comfort threshold. This is a renter-majority ZIP — only 17.6% of homes are owner-occupied — so turnover is higher and the housing stock leans toward apartments and leased units. Annualized, the typical renter pays about $11,940 per year for housing.
Flood & Weather Risk
X500
0.2% annual chanceModerate
Based on FEMA mappingC
Inland zone3
FEMA-declared eventsFlood insurance is not required but recommended in this zone.
77036 sits at 55 ft elevation with 49" average annual rainfall. Houston averages 50+ inches of rain per year, and this area has experienced significant flooding from storms like Hurricane Harvey (2017) and Tropical Storm Imelda (2019).
Local Amenities
150
Restaurants37
Parks5
Grocery Stores2
Hospitals8
Pharmacies2
Gyms & Fitness77036 (Chinatown / Sharpstown) has an estimated 150 restaurants, 37 parks, and 5 grocery stores within its boundaries. The area is served by 2 hospitals, providing nearby emergency and specialty care.
What It's Like to Live in 77036
Commutes are about average for Houston at 29 minutes one-way. A meaningful 7.8% of workers use public transit — high for car-centric Houston — while 3% work from home.
Day to day, residents have roughly 150 restaurants, 5 grocery stores, 37 parks, and 2 gyms within or near the ZIP. Health care is close at hand with 2 hospitals and 8 pharmacies in the area. Notable nearby draws include Chinatown Houston, Sharpstown Mall, Mahatma Gandhi District, International Dining.
Who does 77036 suit best? On the data, it fits renters who prioritize walkability over square footage. Flood risk is moderate here, so reviewing the specific property's FEMA designation is still worthwhile.
Education & Schools
Educational attainment in 77036 shows 39.5% of adults have completed high school, 14.4% hold a bachelor's degree (below the Houston average of 35%), and 4.6% have earned an advanced degree.
Commute & Transportation
Average Commute
29 min
Above avg (28 min)
Climate & Geography
Summer High (July)
95°F
35°C
Winter Low (January)
43°F
6°C
Houston vs Other Texas Cities
Cost of living, home prices, and income compared.
| City | Population | Cost Index | Median Home | Median Income | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 2.3M | 100 | $301,548 | $84,833 | $1,465/mo |
| Austin | 1.0M | 117 | $475,000 | $85,000 | $1,650/mo |
| Dallas | 1.3M | 105 | $315,000 | $60,000 | $1,400/mo |
| San Antonio | 1.5M | 92 | $240,000 | $55,000 | $1,200/mo |
Houston's cost of living index of 100 is used as the baseline. Source: Census ACS 2020–2024 & BLS regional data.
Nearby Attractions
Zip Codes Near 77036
Explore neighboring communities and compare demographics.
77031
Sharpstown South
Pop: 15,740
Income: $47K
Home: $227K
77035
Meyerland / Fondren
Pop: 34,849
Income: $58K
Home: $260K
77042
Westchase
Pop: 40,725
Income: $58K
Home: $371K
77071
Fondren Southwest
Pop: 26,794
Income: $55K
Home: $228K
77072
Alief
Pop: 58,681
Income: $50K
Home: $175K
77074
Sharpstown
Pop: 37,467
Income: $47K
Home: $202K
Similar Neighborhoods
Houston zip codes with comparable income, home values, and demographics to 77036.
Explore More Houston Resources
People Also Ask
What zip code is Chinatown / Sharpstown, Texas?
Chinatown / Sharpstown is served by zip code 77036 in Houston, Texas, located in Harris County.
What county is zip code 77036 in?
Zip code 77036 is in Harris County, Texas, within the Houston metropolitan area.
What is the population of zip code 77036?
The estimated population of zip code 77036 (Chinatown / Sharpstown) is 71,036, based on U.S. Census Bureau data.
Is 77036 in Houston, Texas?
Yes, zip code 77036 is located in the Houston, Texas metropolitan area, in Harris County.
FAQ — 77036 (Chinatown / Sharpstown)
Frequently asked questions about zip code 77036 in Houston, TX.
What is the population of 77036?
The population of zip code 77036 in Houston, TX is approximately 71,036 people, with a median age of 31.4 and an average household size of 2.68. There are 26,367 total households across 5.2 square miles.
What is the median household income in 77036?
The median household income in 77036 (Chinatown / Sharpstown) is $43,853, which is below the Houston average of $84,833. Per capita income is $21,030.
What schools are in 77036?
Top-rated schools in 77036 (Chinatown / Sharpstown) include schools in the local ISD. The area has a 39.5% high school graduation rate and 14.4% bachelor's degree rate.
What is the average commute time in 77036?
The average commute in 77036 is 29 minutes. 52.1% drive alone, 19.7% carpool, 7.8% use transit, and 3% work from home.
What neighborhoods are in 77036?
77036 includes Chinatown, Sharpstown, Mahatma Gandhi District. These neighborhoods are in Chinatown / Sharpstown, Houston, Texas, in Harris County. The area covers 5.2 square miles.
What is the flood risk in 77036?
Zip code 77036 (Chinatown / Sharpstown) is in FEMA flood zone X500 with a moderate flood risk level. It falls within Hurricane Evacuation Zone C. Flood insurance is recommended but not required. The area has experienced 3 FEMA-declared flood events since 2000, sits at 55 ft elevation, and receives approximately 49 inches of annual rainfall.
Is 77036 a good place to live?
It depends on priorities, but the data paints a clear picture. ZIP 77036 (Chinatown / Sharpstown) is a lower-income area with stretched home prices, 29-minute average commutes, and moderate flood risk. It tends to suit families best. Median household income is $43,853 and the median home value is $217,400.
How expensive is it to live in 77036?
Housing is the main cost driver. The median home value is $217,400 (28% below the Houston average) and median rent is $995 per month, which is about 27% of the local median income. The home-price-to-income ratio is 5, making ownership stretched for typical local earners.
Is 77036 a safe area from flooding?
ZIP 77036 is mapped in FEMA flood zone X500 with a moderate overall flood-risk rating, and it falls in Hurricane Evacuation Zone C. The area has recorded 3 FEMA-declared flood events since 2000, sits at 55 feet of elevation, and flood insurance is recommended but not federally required.
What kind of people live in 77036?
The median resident is 31.4 years old and the typical household has 2.68 people, giving 77036 a family-heavy character. 14.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree (below the 35% metro average). The population is less diverse than the metro average, led by Hispanic or Latino (70.7%) and White (14.3%) residents.
All demographic data on this page is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates. ZIP code boundary and delivery data is sourced from the United States Postal Service (USPS). Data is updated periodically and may not reflect the most current figures. ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) used by the Census Bureau may differ slightly from USPS ZIP code boundaries.