About Zip Code 78617
Zip code 78617 covers the Del Valle area in southeastern Travis County, approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown Austin. Del Valle is an unincorporated community that encompasses a large swath of territory stretching from the Colorado River on the north to the Bastrop County line on the southeast, including Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the Tesla Gigafactory, and the Circuit of the Americas Formula 1 racetrack. The area has historically been agricultural and lower-density residential, but it is undergoing rapid transformation as industrial, logistics, and entertainment developments fill in along the SH-130 and SH-71 corridors. The terrain is flat to gently rolling Blackland Prairie, with Onion Creek and the Colorado River providing the primary drainage.
Real estate in 78617 is varied, ranging from older rural homesteads on acreage to new master-planned subdivisions targeting first-time buyers and workforce housing. Homes in established subdivisions such as Loma Vista and Del Valle proper typically list from $225,000 to $375,000 for three- to four-bedroom single-family houses. New construction in communities developed since 2020, responding to Tesla and airport-area demand, ranges from $275,000 to $425,000. Rural acreage tracts of 5 to 20 acres on the eastern and southern fringes of the zip code list from $350,000 to $750,000. Manufactured homes on private lots are common throughout the area and typically list from $100,000 to $250,000. The zip code has seen significant price appreciation since Tesla's 2020 announcement, with median values increasing 30 to 40 percent in the span of three years.
Students in 78617 attend Del Valle ISD, which serves approximately 11,811 students (2025-26) across 15 campuses. The district operates eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and Del Valle High School, plus the Del Valle Opportunity Center for alternative education. Del Valle High School competes in UIL Class 6A athletics with programs in football, basketball, baseball, track, and soccer. The district has expanded career and technology education offerings in recent years, including pathways in automotive technology, health sciences, and information technology. Dual-credit courses are available through Austin Community College.
Del Valle is approximately 15 minutes from downtown Austin via SH-71 and I-35, with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport located within the zip code. The SH-130 toll road provides a north-south bypass connecting to I-35 at both ends. Tesla's Gigafactory, the company's largest manufacturing facility globally, sits within the 78617 zip code and employed about 16,500 workers at the end of 2025 across vehicle assembly, battery production, and corporate functions. The Circuit of the Americas, a 1,500-acre motorsports and entertainment complex, hosts the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, MotoGP, NASCAR, and year-round concerts and events. Commercial services along SH-71 and FM-973 include convenience stores, fast-food restaurants, and auto service shops, but full grocery shopping requires a trip to the H-E-B at Riverside and Pleasant Valley in east Austin or the stores near SH-130 and SH-71. Medical care is available at St. David's South Austin Medical Center, approximately 10 minutes northwest.
Living in Zip Code 78617
Del Valle's population is predominantly working-class and lower-middle-income households. Median household income is approximately $52,000, below the Austin metro average but rising as new employment opportunities from Tesla and other industrial operations attract higher-wage workers to the area. Homeownership rates are approximately 55 percent, lower than surrounding communities due to the prevalence of manufactured homes and rental properties. Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Del Valle ISD total approximately $7,200 to $7,800 annually. The area faces infrastructure challenges including limited public transit, aging road networks that are being upgraded to handle increased traffic, and inconsistent internet service in the more rural eastern portions of the zip code. Despite these challenges, the proximity to major employers and the airport makes Del Valle one of the more strategically located residential areas in the Austin metro for workers in logistics, manufacturing, and aviation.
Daily life in Del Valle reflects its position as a transitioning community between rural roots and rapidly expanding industrial and entertainment development. The SH-71 and FM-973 corridors serve as the primary commercial arteries, with a growing number of taco trucks, independent restaurants, and convenience stores serving the local and commuter population. The Del Valle Community Center on FM-973 hosts youth programs, senior activities, and community meetings. Richard Moya Park, a 58-acre Travis County park on Burleson Road, offers sports fields, a walking trail, a playground, and a community garden. The Colorado River runs along the northern edge of the zip code and is accessible for fishing and kayaking at designated put-in points. The Circuit of the Americas hosts major events throughout the year, including the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in October, MotoGP in April, and concerts at the 14,000-capacity amphitheater featuring national touring acts. For grocery shopping, the nearest H-E-B is in east Austin off Riverside Drive, about 10 minutes northwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is zip code 78617?
Zip code 78617 covers the Del Valle area in southeastern Travis County, approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown Austin. The zip code includes Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the Tesla Gigafactory, and the Circuit of the Americas.
What do homes cost in 78617?
Homes in established Del Valle subdivisions range from $225,000 to $375,000. New construction lists from $275,000 to $425,000, and rural acreage tracts run $350,000 to $750,000. Manufactured homes start from $100,000 to $250,000.
What school district is 78617 in?
Zip code 78617 is served by Del Valle ISD, a district of approximately 11,811 students (2025-26) with nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and Del Valle High School.
How close is Del Valle to the Tesla Gigafactory?
The Tesla Gigafactory is located within the 78617 zip code itself, making Del Valle one of the closest residential areas to the facility. Many Del Valle homes are within a 5- to 15-minute drive of the factory.
What events does Circuit of the Americas host?
The Circuit of the Americas hosts the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in October, MotoGP in April, NASCAR, and year-round concerts at its 14,000-seat amphitheater. The complex also hosts festivals, motorcycle rallies, and karting events.
