Market Overview for Zip Code 78648
There are 39 active listings in Zip Code 78648 with a median list price of $249K and a median sold price of $210K.
Homes average 81 days on market.
Most homes that closed in the last 90 days sold in the Under $300K range (73% of 11 closings), taking a median 47 days to go under contract; 18% of closings were $500K or more.
Over the past 30 days, 2 homes have sold, with 37 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $424.
About Zip Code 78648
Zip code 78648 covers Luling, a city of approximately 5,600 people in Caldwell County, located about 50 miles south of downtown Austin at the intersection of US-183 and Interstate 10. Luling was established in the 1870s as a railroad town and became a significant oil-producing center after the discovery of the Luling oil field in 1922. Pumpjacks decorated as various characters and objects line the main streets as a reference to the city's petroleum heritage. The San Marcos River runs along the western edge of the city, and Plum Creek cuts through the eastern portion. The terrain is flat Blackland Prairie, with pecan groves along the river bottomland.
Real estate in 78648 is among the most affordable within an hour of Austin. Existing homes in Luling's established neighborhoods typically range from $150K for two-bedroom houses to $350K for updated four-bedroom properties. New construction is limited but includes some homes in the $250K to $400K range on the edges of town. Rural acreage in the surrounding area lists from $300K to $600K for 5 to 20-acre tracts with homes. Manufactured homes on private lots are common, often priced from $80K to $200K. Commercial and investment properties along US-183 and near the I-10 interchange are also available. Luling's housing market has seen increased buyer interest as Austin-area commuters seek affordable options along the SH-130 corridor.
Students in 78648 attend Luling ISD, which serves approximately 1,600 students across three campuses. Luling Primary School covers pre-K through 2nd grade, Luling Elementary serves 3rd through 5th grade, and Luling High School covers 6th through 12th. The district operates a combined junior high and high school campus. Luling High School competes in UIL 3A athletics and has a long tradition in football and FFA. The district maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio compared to larger surrounding districts. Private school options are limited in the immediate area, with the nearest being in Lockhart or San Marcos, each about 15 to 20 minutes away.
Luling is approximately 50 minutes from downtown Austin via US-183 and SH-130, and about 55 minutes from San Antonio via I-10. Lockhart is roughly 15 miles north on US-183, and Seguin is about 15 miles south on US-90. The I-10 interchange provides direct highway access to San Antonio and Houston. Most residents work locally in oil-field services, agriculture, or retail, or commute to San Marcos, Lockhart, or Austin. Palmetto State Park, a 270-acre state park along the San Marcos River, is located about 6 miles south of town and draws visitors for camping, hiking, and swimming. Luling's downtown along Davis Street has maintained several original commercial buildings.
Living in Zip Code 78648
Luling's population is a blend of longtime residents connected to the oil and agricultural industries and newer residents seeking affordable housing. Median household income is approximately $45,000, reflecting the local economy's mix of blue-collar and service-sector employment. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the cost of living is substantially below the Austin metro average. Property tax rates in Caldwell County are moderate, and utility costs are lower than in larger cities. Many residents value the small-town pace and the proximity to both Austin and San Antonio via major highways.
Daily life in Luling revolves around the downtown, outdoor recreation, and community events. The Watermelon Thump, held annually since 1954 on the last full weekend in June, is Luling's signature event, featuring a watermelon seed-spitting contest, parade, carnival rides, live music, and a street dance. Zedler Mill, a historic gristmill on the San Marcos River at the southern edge of town, has a swimming area and picnic grounds. Palmetto State Park offers camping, hiking through dwarf palmetto groves, and fishing in the San Marcos River oxbow lake. The Luling Oil Museum on Davis Street documents the 1922 oil boom and its impact on the city. Grocery shopping is available at a local H-E-B on US-183. The Luling Foundation Farm, a working agricultural demonstration site, hosts educational programs. Fishing and kayaking on the San Marcos River are accessible from multiple points near the city.
Things to Do in Zip Code 78648
- Watermelon Thump: Annual late-June festival since 1954 featuring a seed-spitting championship, parade, carnival rides, live music, and a coronation ceremony.
- Palmetto State Park: 270-acre state park 6 miles south of Luling with camping, hiking, San Marcos River fishing, and a spring-fed pond among dwarf palmettos.
- Zedler Mill: Historic gristmill site on the San Marcos River with a swimming area, picnic grounds, and scenic river views at the southern edge of Luling.
- Luling Oil Museum: Small museum on Davis Street documenting the 1922 oil boom, the Luling oil field, and the decorated pumpjack tradition.
- San Marcos River Access: Multiple points near Luling for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the spring-fed San Marcos River.
Major Employers in Zip Code 78648
- Luling ISD (Education): Public school district employing approximately 250 staff across three campuses and administrative offices.
- City of Luling (Government): Municipal government providing police, fire, utilities, and parks services to Luling's 5,700 residents with approximately 60 employees.
- Luling Foundation (Nonprofit): Community foundation operating the Luling Foundation Farm and supporting local healthcare and education programs.
- H-E-B (Retail): Grocery store on US-183 providing essential retail and employing approximately 70 local workers.
Zip Code 78648 Schools
Luling ISD serves approximately 1,600 students across three campuses with a combined junior high and high school facility.
School District: Luling ISD
Public Schools
Luling Independent School District
Gonzales Independent School District
Lockhart Independent School District
Pre-Schools
- Luling ISD Pre-K - Public pre-kindergarten program within Luling Primary School.
- Head Start Luling - Federally funded early childhood program serving income-eligible households in the Luling area.
Private Schools
- Providence Classical Academy - Private classical school in Lockhart, approximately 15 miles north.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is zip code 78648?
78648 covers Luling, Texas, in Caldwell County at the intersection of US-183 and I-10, approximately 50 miles south of Austin.
What do homes cost in 78648?
Homes in Luling range from $150K for smaller existing houses to $350K for updated properties. Rural acreage lists from $300K to $600K. Manufactured homes start around $80K.
What is the Watermelon Thump?
The Watermelon Thump is Luling's annual late-June festival running since 1954. It features a seed-spitting championship, parade, carnival, and live music drawing thousands of visitors.
What school district is 78648 in?
78648 is served by Luling ISD, a district of approximately 1,600 students with primary, elementary, and a combined junior high/high school campus.
How far is Luling from Austin?
Luling is approximately 50 minutes from downtown Austin via US-183 and SH-130. San Antonio is about 55 minutes via I-10, and Lockhart is 15 miles north.
