The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 77553 sells for about $426,000, or $235 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.4% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 68 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,150 a month.
ZIP 77553 — Galveston
The 77553 housing market remains stable with a median price of $426,000, supported by steady demand for coastal properties. While inventory is sufficient, high insurance costs and flood risks remain primary factors influencing buyer sentiment. The market is currently characterized by a balanced pace of sales and moderate year-over-year price appreciation.
This ZIP is ideal for vacation-home buyers, investors seeking short-term rental income, and retirees attracted to the coastal lifestyle, though it also serves local families working in the tourism and maritime sectors.
Median prices moved up 2.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 68 days on market with 5.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
18% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.2% · poverty 11.0% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.3%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 7.2%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 77553, Galveston County TX
Crime rates in the Galveston area are generally higher than the national average, with property crime being the most frequently reported incident type.
Schools serving the area are primarily part of the Galveston Independent School District, which maintains a mix of ratings across its elementary and secondary campuses.
The area is highly susceptible to coastal flooding, storm surges, and hurricane-force winds, necessitating mandatory flood insurance for many properties.
Economic momentum is driven by tourism, the Port of Galveston, and healthcare services, with ongoing redevelopment efforts focused on the historic district and coastal infrastructure.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Texas) — Senior (65+) and Disabled Homestead Exemption and School Tax Ceiling: Grants an additional mandatory $10,000 exemption from ISD appraised value (Taxable Value_ISD = Appraised Value - $100,000 - $10,000) and establishes an absolute statutory tax freeze (school tax ceiling): total ISD property taxes cannot exceed the dollar ceiling established in the… State (Texas) — General Residence Homestead Exemption and 10% Valuation Growth Cap: Imposes mandatory state-level valuation deductions and growth limitations on the qualifying homestead: (1) Mandates a $100,000 deduction from appraised value for independent school district (ISD) maintenance and operations/debt taxation: Taxable Value_ISD = Appraised Value - $100… State (Texas) — Ad Valorem Real Property Taxation and Assessment Ratio: Mandates ad valorem appraisal of all real property at 100% of fair market value as of January 1 each tax year (Assessment Ratio = 1.00).
Commuting primarily involves driving via I-45 toward the Texas City and Houston employment hubs, with limited public transit options available for long-distance travel.
The area features extensive beach access, the historic Galveston Pleasure Pier, numerous public parks, and proximity to the Moody Gardens complex.
The rental market is heavily influenced by seasonal demand and short-term vacation rentals, leading to higher vacancy fluctuations during the off-season.
The economy is anchored by the Port of Galveston, the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), and a robust tourism and hospitality sector.
Transportation is dominated by private vehicle use on I-45, with the Galveston Island Transit providing limited local bus service.
Development is focused on coastal resilience projects and the expansion of cruise-related infrastructure near the harbor.
The Galveston Central Appraisal District performs annual market value assessments for all taxable real property within the county.
Parcels are subject to Galveston ISD, Galveston County, and various municipal utility district levies.
Property insurance premiums are high due to significant wind and flood risk, with many owners relying on the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).
Texas continues to see strong net domestic migration, driven by job growth and relative affordability compared to coastal states.
Texas is a non-judicial foreclosure state, allowing for expedited processes under the deed of trust.
Sellers are required to provide a standard Seller's Disclosure Notice detailing the condition of the property.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Iconic amusement park and dining destination on the Gulf.
Educational destination featuring aquariums and rainforest pyramids.
Popular family-friendly beach park with amenities.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.