77082 — Westheimer / Mission Bend

Westheimer / Mission Bend (ZIP 77082) is a densely settled Houston neighborhood, home to about 57,269 people across 10.5 square miles — roughly 5,454 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. This is a working- and middle-income area. The median household income of $60,510 runs about 29% below the $84,833 Houston median, a profile common to neighborhoods anchored by service, trade, and hourly employment.

The population skews prime working age (median age 35.6) and mixed, averaging 2.46 people per household. With a diversity index of 68.9/100, 77082 is more racially and ethnically diverse than the typical Houston ZIP. The largest groups are Black (40.8%) and Hispanic or Latino (26.6%).

Put in context, 77082's median home value of $225,600 sits 25% 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 — 35.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, versus the 35% metro average — reinforces the area's higher-skill, higher-earning profile.

With a price-to-income ratio of 3.7, buying here remains realistic for local earners. The $225,600 median home is about 3.7 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 $75,200 to buy at the local median under conventional guidelines.

Renting is reasonably balanced: at $1,361/month, median rent absorbs about 27% of median income, inside the 30% comfort threshold. This is a renter-majority ZIP — only 36.8% 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 $16,332 per year for housing.

Be ready for the drive — the average commute of 30 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: 67.2% of workers commute by car alone and transit use sits at just 3.4%.

Day to day, residents have roughly 121 restaurants, 5 grocery stores, 40 parks, and 2 gyms within or near the ZIP. Health care is close at hand with 2 hospitals and 3 pharmacies in the area. Notable nearby draws include First Colony Mall Nearby, George Bush Park, Mission Bend Community.

Who does 77082 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.