Reviewed by the Houston Zip Codes Data TeamUpdated March 30, 2026Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, USPS, FEMA, NOAA
ZIP code 77039 is located in North Houston / Eastex, Harris County, Texas. It is a residential zip code in the Central Time Zone with an estimated population of 28,335. The area code for ZIP code 77039 is 281.
📍 ZIP code 77039 is in North Houston / Eastex, Harris County, Texas.
What is zip code 77039?
77039 is a zip code covering North Houston / Eastex in Houston, Texas (Harris County). It has a population of 28,335, a median household income of $44,567, and a median home value of $148,600.
28,335
Population
$45K
Median Income
$149K
Median Home
Harris County · Area Code 281 · 8 sq mi
77039 — North Houston / Eastex
North Houston · Eastex-Jensen
North Houston / Eastex is a mid-sized Houston neighborhood with 28,335 residents, a median household income of $44,567, and homes valued at a median of $148,600.
Key Statistics
Population
28,335
3,542 per sq mi
Below Houston avg (38,923)
Median Income
$45K
Per capita: $18,687
Below avg ($85K)
Median Home
$149K
3.3x income ratio
Below avg ($302K)
College Educated
5.3%
1.3% graduate degree
Below avg (35%)
North Houston / Eastex (77039): Neighborhood Profile
North Houston / Eastex (ZIP 77039) is a densely settled Houston neighborhood, home to about 28,335 people across 8 square miles — roughly 3,542 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 $44,567, roughly 47% under Houston's $84,833 median. Affordability of everyday goods and housing-cost pressure are central facts of life for many households in 77039.
The population skews prime working age (median age 32.1) and family-oriented, with an average household of 3.52 people. With a diversity index of 14.1/100, 77039 is somewhat less diverse than the typical Houston ZIP. The largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (83.8%) and White (38.5%).
Put in context, 77039's median home value of $148,600 sits 51% 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 — 5.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, versus the 35% metro average — tracks the area's more working-class economic base.
Demographics & Diversity
32.1
10% below Houston avg (36)3.52
8,047 total households14.1/100
71% below Houston avg (49)8 sq mi
3,542 people/sq mi281
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
$148,600
Below avg ($301,548)
Median Rent
$1,169/mo
31% of median income
Below avg ($1,465)
Ownership Rate
59.9%
Vacancy Rate
7.4%
8,692 total units
The housing market in 77039 (North Houston / Eastex) features a median home value of $148,600, which is -51% below the Houston metro average. With a home-price-to-income ratio of 3.3x, the area offers accessible homeownership. The homeownership rate of 59.9% is above the city-wide average of 58%.
Affordability & Cost of Living in 77039
With a price-to-income ratio of 3.3, buying here remains realistic for local earners. The $148,600 median home is about 3.3 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 $49,533 to buy at the local median under conventional guidelines.
Renters here feel real pressure — median rent of $1,169/month works out to about 31% of median income, just over the 30% cost-burden line. Ownership and renting are roughly balanced here (59.9% owner-occupied), giving the area a mix of long-term owners and a steady renter population. Annualized, the typical renter pays about $14,028 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.
77039 sits at 55 ft elevation with 50" 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
70
Restaurants17
Parks4
Grocery Stores2
Hospitals2
Pharmacies3
Gyms & Fitness77039 (North Houston / Eastex) has an estimated 70 restaurants, 17 parks, and 4 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 77039
Commutes are about average for Houston at 29 minutes one-way. Like most of the metro, this is a driving neighborhood: 75.2% of workers commute by car alone and transit use sits at just 1.4%.
Day to day, residents have roughly 70 restaurants, 4 grocery stores, 17 parks, and 3 gyms within or near the ZIP. Health care is close at hand with 2 hospitals and 2 pharmacies in the area. Notable nearby draws include Lake Houston, Jesse H. Jones Park.
Who does 77039 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.
Education & Schools
Educational attainment in 77039 shows 38.1% of adults have completed high school, 5.3% hold a bachelor's degree (below the Houston average of 35%), and 1.3% 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)
42°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 77039
Explore neighboring communities and compare demographics.
77037
Aldine
Pop: 17,806
Income: $46K
Home: $161K
77038
Greenspoint / North Houston
Pop: 31,271
Income: $51K
Home: $174K
77049
Atascocita South / Lake Houston
Pop: 40,373
Income: $71K
Home: $208K
77090
FM 1960 / Willowbrook North
Pop: 41,843
Income: $48K
Home: $236K
77396
Humble South / Aldine North
Pop: 58,893
Income: $77K
Home: $234K
Similar Neighborhoods
Houston zip codes with comparable income, home values, and demographics to 77039.
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People Also Ask
What zip code is North Houston / Eastex, Texas?
North Houston / Eastex is served by zip code 77039 in Houston, Texas, located in Harris County.
What county is zip code 77039 in?
Zip code 77039 is in Harris County, Texas, within the Houston metropolitan area.
What is the population of zip code 77039?
The estimated population of zip code 77039 (North Houston / Eastex) is 28,335, based on U.S. Census Bureau data.
Is 77039 in Houston, Texas?
Yes, zip code 77039 is located in the Houston, Texas metropolitan area, in Harris County.
FAQ — 77039 (North Houston / Eastex)
Frequently asked questions about zip code 77039 in Houston, TX.
What is the population of 77039?
The population of zip code 77039 in Houston, TX is approximately 28,335 people, with a median age of 32.1 and an average household size of 3.52. There are 8,047 total households across 8 square miles.
What is the median household income in 77039?
The median household income in 77039 (North Houston / Eastex) is $44,567, which is below the Houston average of $84,833. Per capita income is $18,687.
What schools are in 77039?
Top-rated schools in 77039 (North Houston / Eastex) include schools in the local ISD. The area has a 38.1% high school graduation rate and 5.3% bachelor's degree rate.
What is the average commute time in 77039?
The average commute in 77039 is 29 minutes. 75.2% drive alone, 5.8% carpool, 1.4% use transit, and 7.9% work from home.
What neighborhoods are in 77039?
77039 includes North Houston, Eastex-Jensen. These neighborhoods are in North Houston / Eastex, Houston, Texas, in Harris County. The area covers 8 square miles.
What is the flood risk in 77039?
Zip code 77039 (North Houston / Eastex) 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 50 inches of annual rainfall.
Is 77039 a good place to live?
It depends on priorities, but the data paints a clear picture. ZIP 77039 (North Houston / Eastex) is a lower-income area with accessible home prices, 29-minute average commutes, and moderate flood risk. It tends to suit families best. Median household income is $44,567 and the median home value is $148,600.
How expensive is it to live in 77039?
Housing is the main cost driver. The median home value is $148,600 (51% below the Houston average) and median rent is $1,169 per month, which is about 31% of the local median income. The home-price-to-income ratio is 3.3, making ownership accessible for typical local earners.
Is 77039 a safe area from flooding?
ZIP 77039 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 77039?
The median resident is 32.1 years old and the typical household has 3.52 people, giving 77039 a family-heavy character. 5.3% 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 (83.8%) and White (38.5%) 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.