77038 — Greenspoint / North Houston

Greenspoint / North Houston (ZIP 77038) is a densely settled Houston neighborhood, home to about 31,271 people across 8.2 square miles — roughly 3,814 residents per square mile. It has the texture of an established inner-ring community: a mix of older single-family stock and newer infill, with daily errands rarely more than a few minutes away. Incomes here sit well below the metro average — a median of $50,655, roughly 40% under Houston's $84,833 median. Affordability of everyday goods and housing-cost pressure are central facts of life for many households in 77038.

The population skews young (median age 29.3) and family-oriented, with an average household of 3.55 people. With a diversity index of 40/100, 77038 is somewhat less diverse than the typical Houston ZIP. The largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (70.4%) and White (23.7%).

Put in context, 77038's median home value of $173,500 sits 42% 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 — 11.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, versus the 35% metro average — tracks the area's more working-class economic base.

With a price-to-income ratio of 3.4, buying here remains realistic for local earners. The $173,500 median home is about 3.4 times median income — modestly above the classic 3x rule but well within reach for households with steady dual incomes. As a rough yardstick, a household would want income near $57,833 to buy at the local median under conventional guidelines.

Renters here feel real pressure — median rent of $1,248/month works out to about 30% of median income, just over the 30% cost-burden line. Ownership and renting are roughly balanced here (57.3% owner-occupied), giving the area a mix of long-term owners and a steady renter population. Annualized, the typical renter pays about $14,976 per year for housing.

Be ready for the drive — the average commute of 32 minutes runs longer than the 28-minute Houston average, a reflection of this area's distance from the major job centers. Like most of the metro, this is a driving neighborhood: 77.7% of workers commute by car alone and transit use sits at just 0.8%.

Day to day, residents have roughly 83 restaurants, 6 grocery stores, 14 parks, and 3 gyms within or near the ZIP. Health care is close at hand with 1 hospital and 4 pharmacies in the area. Notable nearby draws include Greenspoint Mall, North Houston District, Sam Houston Race Park Nearby.

Who does 77038 suit best? On the data, it fits families looking to put down roots and first-time buyers watching their budget. Flood risk is moderate here, so reviewing the specific property's FEMA designation is still worthwhile.