77074 — Sharpstown

ZIP code 77074 sits in the urban core of Houston, where 7,205 residents per square mile pack into just 5.2 square miles around 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 $47,408, roughly 44% under Houston's $84,833 median. Affordability of everyday goods and housing-cost pressure are central facts of life for many households in 77074.

The population skews prime working age (median age 32.6) and family-oriented, with an average household of 2.84 people. With a diversity index of 52/100, 77074 is more racially and ethnically diverse than the typical Houston ZIP. The largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (62.3%) and White (25.6%).

Put in context, 77074's median home value of $201,600 sits 33% 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 — 20.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, versus the 35% metro average — tracks the area's more working-class economic base.

The home-price-to-income ratio of 4.3 puts 77074 in moderate-cost territory. At $201,600, the median home runs 4.3 times local income — buyers will generally need a meaningful down payment and disciplined budgeting to make the math work. As a rough yardstick, a household would want income near $67,200 to buy at the local median under conventional guidelines.

Renting is reasonably balanced: at $1,066/month, median rent absorbs about 27% of median income, inside the 30% comfort threshold. This is a renter-majority ZIP — only 32.6% 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 $12,792 per year for housing.

Commutes are about average for Houston at 28 minutes one-way. A meaningful 7.7% of workers use public transit — high for car-centric Houston — while 3.3% work from home.

Day to day, residents have roughly 150 restaurants, 7 grocery stores, 10 parks, and 6 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 Sharpstown Park, Sharpstown Mall, International District.

Who does 77074 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.