Market Overview for Zip Code 78666
There are 367 active listings in Zip Code 78666 with a median list price of $328K and a median sold price of $329K.
Homes average 75 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 55 homes have sold, with 750 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $192.
About Zip Code 78666
Zip code 78666 covers San Marcos, the county seat of Hays County, located along Interstate 35 approximately 30 miles south of downtown Austin and 50 miles north of San Antonio. The city has a population of approximately 68,000, heavily influenced by the presence of Texas State University, which enrolls over 38,000 students. San Marcos straddles the Balcones Escarpment where the Texas Hill Country meets the Blackland Prairie, and the San Marcos River — fed by San Marcos Springs, one of the largest artesian spring systems in the western United States — flows through the center of town.
Real estate in 78666 spans a wide range, from student-oriented apartments and condos near the Texas State campus starting around $150K to single-family homes in established neighborhoods like Blanco Vista, Kissing Tree (an active-adult 55+ community), and Willow Creek Estates ranging from $250K to $550K. Rural properties west of town toward the Hill Country list from $400K to over $1 million for homes on 5 to 20 acres. New construction has expanded rapidly along Wonder World Drive and RM 12, with national builders offering homes from $275K. The median home price across the zip code is approximately $320K, well below the Austin metro average.
Students in 78666 attend San Marcos Consolidated ISD, which serves approximately 8,500 students across 13 campuses. Elementary schools include Travis, Bowie, Crockett, De Zavala, and Mendez. Miller Middle School and San Marcos High School handle secondary grades. San Marcos High School competes in UIL 6A athletics and offers career and technical education pathways. The district also operates the San Marcos Academy campus for alternative education. Texas State University, the fifth-largest university in the state, provides higher education and is a major economic driver for the area.
San Marcos sits at the crossroads of I-35 and SH-123, placing it equidistant between Austin and San Antonio. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is approximately 35 minutes north via SH-130. The San Marcos Municipal Airport handles general aviation. The city's outlet malls — Tanger Outlets San Marcos and San Marcos Premium Outlets — draw over 12 million visitors annually and are the largest outlet shopping destination in the state. Amazon operates a fulfillment center east of I-35, and the Texas State University campus generates significant economic activity with its 6,000-plus employees.
Living in Zip Code 78666
San Marcos has a split demographic profile: a large student population associated with Texas State University and a growing contingent of families and retirees attracted by lower housing costs relative to Austin. Median household income is approximately $42,000, depressed by the large student population; non-student household income is closer to $65,000. The city has a younger median age of about 24 years, again reflecting the university presence. The Kissing Tree community west of I-35 caters specifically to buyers 55 and older with over 1,000 planned homes, a clubhouse, pool, and on-site restaurant.
The San Marcos River is the recreational centerpiece of daily life, with tubing, kayaking, and swimming at Rio Vista Park and City Park drawing residents and visitors from March through October. Spring Lake at the headwaters is a glass-bottom boat destination managed by Texas State's Meadows Center. The historic downtown square along Hopkins Street has locally owned restaurants, breweries, and shops. Grocery options include H-E-B on Guadalupe Street and Walmart on I-35. Hays County Civic Center hosts the Texas Music Theater and seasonal events. Outdoor recreation extends to Purgatory Creek Natural Area, a 900-acre preserve with over 10 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails accessible from the western edge of town.
Things to Do in Zip Code 78666
- San Marcos River Tubing: Float the San Marcos River from City Park through Rio Vista Dam. Outfitters offer tube rentals from March through October. Water temperature stays near 72 degrees year-round.
- Purgatory Creek Natural Area: 900-acre preserve on the west side of town with over 10 miles of trails for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.
- Tanger and Premium Outlets: Two adjacent outlet malls on I-35 with over 300 combined stores. Largest outlet shopping destination in Texas by visitor count.
- Meadows Center at Spring Lake: Glass-bottom boat tours over San Marcos Springs, one of the largest artesian spring systems in the western U.S. Operated by Texas State University.
- Downtown San Marcos Square: Historic square on Hopkins Street with local restaurants, craft breweries, vintage shops, and seasonal farmers' markets.
Major Employers in Zip Code 78666
- Texas State University (Education): Fifth-largest university in Texas with over 38,000 students and approximately 6,000 employees across academic and support roles.
- Amazon Fulfillment Center (Logistics): Large fulfillment facility east of I-35 employing over 1,000 workers for package processing and distribution.
- San Marcos CISD (Education): Public school district with approximately 1,200 employees across 13 campuses serving 8,500 students.
- Tanger Outlets / Premium Outlets (Retail): Two large outlet malls on I-35 collectively employing over 3,000 people and attracting 12 million annual visitors.
- Central Texas Medical Center (Healthcare): Full-service hospital on Wonderworld Drive with approximately 800 employees providing emergency and surgical care.
Zip Code 78666 Schools
San Marcos CISD serves approximately 8,500 students across 13 campuses, with Texas State University providing higher education.
School District: San Marcos CISD
Public Schools
- Travis Elementary - Pre-K through 5th grade campus in central San Marcos.
- Bowie Elementary - Pre-K through 5th grade serving the northern portion of the city.
- Crockett Elementary - Pre-K through 5th grade campus near the university area.
- Miller Middle School - 6th through 8th grade campus serving the full district.
- San Marcos High School - 9th through 12th grade, UIL 6A athletics, with career and technical education pathways.
Pre-Schools
- San Marcos CISD Pre-K - Free public pre-K program for qualifying families at multiple campuses.
- Texas State University Child Development Center - Lab school on the Texas State campus serving children ages 2 through 5.
Private Schools
- San Marcos Academy - Co-ed boarding and day school for grades 6 through 12 on a 100-acre campus, founded in 1907.
- First Baptist Academy - Pre-K through 8th grade school affiliated with First Baptist Church San Marcos.
Higher Education
- Texas State University - Public university with over 38,000 students and 6,000 employees. Member of the Texas State University System.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is zip code 78666?
78666 covers San Marcos, Texas, the county seat of Hays County on I-35. It is approximately 30 miles south of Austin and 50 miles north of San Antonio.
What do homes cost in 78666?
The median home price in 78666 is approximately $320K. Student condos start near $150K, family homes range $250K to $550K, and Hill Country acreage runs $400K to over $1 million.
Is San Marcos just a college town?
While Texas State University with 38,000 students is a major presence, San Marcos also has a growing family population, the Kissing Tree 55+ community, and major employers like Amazon and the outlet malls.
What school district is 78666 in?
San Marcos CISD serves 78666 with approximately 8,500 students across 13 campuses. San Marcos High School competes in UIL 6A. Texas State University provides higher education.
How far is San Marcos from Austin?
San Marcos is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Austin via I-35, or 25 minutes to Austin-Bergstrom Airport via SH-130. San Antonio is about 50 minutes south on I-35.
