77562 — Highlands

ZIP code 77562 (Highlands) is one of the more spacious parts of the Houston area, with 9,805 residents across a comparatively large 15 square miles — only about 654 people per square mile. Expect larger lots, more distance between destinations, and a quieter, lower-traffic feel than the inner loop. This is a working- and middle-income area. The median household income of $63,636 runs about 25% 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 38.4) and family-oriented, with an average household of 2.72 people. With a diversity index of 38.7/100, 77562 is somewhat less diverse than the typical Houston ZIP. The largest groups are White (68.3%) and Hispanic or Latino (37.6%).

Put in context, 77562's median home value of $195,300 sits 35% 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 — 11.5% 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 3.1, buying here remains realistic for local earners. The $195,300 median home is about 3.1 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 $65,100 to buy at the local median under conventional guidelines.

Renting is comparatively comfortable here. Median rent of $1,190/month is only about 22% of median household income — a healthy cushion below the 30% cost-burden line. The neighborhood is owner-dominated (76.8% of homes are owner-occupied), which tends to correlate with longer tenancies and a more settled residential feel. Annualized, the typical renter pays about $14,280 per year for housing.

Commutes are about average for Houston at 29 minutes one-way. Like most of the metro, this is a driving neighborhood: 81.6% of workers commute by car alone and transit use sits at just 2.7%.

Day to day, residents have roughly 13 restaurants, 1 grocery stores, 23 parks, and 1 gyms within or near the ZIP. There are 1 pharmacies locally, though major hospital care means a trip to an adjacent ZIP. Notable nearby draws include San Jacinto River, San Jacinto Battleground Nearby.

Who does 77562 suit best? On the data, it fits families looking to put down roots and first-time buyers watching their budget. The main caution is flood exposure — this is a FEMA AE zone with 6 declared flood events since 2000, so insurance and elevation deserve a hard look before committing.