77072 — Alief

ZIP code 77072 sits in the urban core of Houston, where 8,630 residents per square mile pack into just 6.8 square miles around Alief. 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 $49,893, roughly 41% under Houston's $84,833 median. Affordability of everyday goods and housing-cost pressure are central facts of life for many households in 77072.

The population skews prime working age (median age 35.1) and family-oriented, with an average household of 3.13 people. With a diversity index of 65.1/100, 77072 is more racially and ethnically diverse than the typical Houston ZIP. The largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (45.3%) and Black (24.3%).

Put in context, 77072's median home value of $175,100 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 — 17.6% 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 3.5, buying here remains realistic for local earners. The $175,100 median home is about 3.5 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 $58,367 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 (45.1% 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.

Commutes are about average for Houston at 29 minutes one-way. A meaningful 6.4% of workers use public transit — high for car-centric Houston — while 5.8% work from home.

Day to day, residents have roughly 153 restaurants, 12 grocery stores, 35 parks, and 4 gyms within or near the ZIP. Health care is close at hand with 2 hospitals and 7 pharmacies in the area. Notable nearby draws include Alief Community Park, International District, Asia Society Texas.

Who does 77072 suit best? On the data, it fits first-time buyers watching their budget. Flood risk is moderate here, so reviewing the specific property's FEMA designation is still worthwhile.