The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 79720 sells for about $204,000, or $118 per square foot.
Prices are up +3.9% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 67 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,200 a month.
ZIP 79720 — Big Spring
The 79720 housing market is currently stable, with a median listing price of $204,000 and a moderate pace of sales. Market activity is driven by local employment in the energy and public sectors, with inventory levels remaining sufficient for current demand. Prices have seen modest year-over-year growth, reflecting a balanced market environment.
This ZIP is well-suited for families and local workers seeking affordable housing in a community-focused environment. It is less attractive to urban commuters but offers stability for those employed in the regional energy and service industries.
Median prices moved up 3.9% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 67 days on market with 6.7 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
24% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.82% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 5.2% · poverty 15.8% — 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 3.0%/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 3.2%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 79720, Howard County TX
Crime rates in Big Spring are generally consistent with regional averages for West Texas, though specific neighborhood trends vary. Local law enforcement maintains standard reporting, and the area is considered typical for a city of its size in the Permian Basin.
Schools in the 79720 area are primarily served by the Big Spring Independent School District, which provides a range of public education options. Performance ratings are generally moderate, reflecting the district's focus on community-based educational outcomes.
The area faces standard West Texas environmental risks, including potential for high winds and occasional severe weather events. Flood risk is generally low, though localized drainage issues can occur during heavy rainfall.
Economic momentum is tied to the energy sector and regional industrial activity in the Permian Basin. Major employers include local government, healthcare providers, and energy-related service companies.
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 is primarily car-dependent, with most residents traveling within the city of Big Spring for work. Major thoroughfares include US Highway 87 and Interstate 20, providing regional connectivity.
The area features local parks such as Comanche Trail Park, which offers trails and recreational facilities. Shopping and dining are concentrated along the main commercial corridors of Big Spring.
The rental market is characterized by steady demand driven by the local workforce and energy sector employees. Vacancy rates remain stable, with limited new multi-family construction reported.
The economy is heavily influenced by the oil and gas industry, alongside healthcare and public sector employment. Big Spring serves as a regional hub for Howard County.
Transportation is dominated by private vehicle use, with Interstate 20 serving as the primary artery for regional travel. Public transit options are limited.
Development is focused on maintaining existing infrastructure and supporting small-scale commercial growth. No major large-scale master-planned communities are currently reported.
The Howard County Appraisal District manages property assessments for all taxing jurisdictions within the county. It follows standard Texas property tax code procedures.
Parcels are subject to taxes from the Big Spring ISD, Howard County, and the City of Big Spring. Special utility districts may apply in unincorporated areas.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional weather risks, including wind and hail exposure common in West Texas. Market health is stable.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau ACS profiles for ZCTA 79720.
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.
- Big Spring State Park4.55.1 mi
- Comanche Trail Park4.55.7 mi
- Big Spring Bowl A Rama4.41.9 mi
- Cinemark Cinema Big Spring 44.23.1 mi
- Hangar 25 Air Museum4.76.4 mi
- The Historic Spring Site4.65.3 mi
- Hangar 25 Air Museum4.76.4 mi
- Big Spring State Park4.55.1 mi
- Comanche Trail Park4.55.7 mi
- Russ McEwen Family Aquatic Center4.35.7 mi
- The Historic Spring Site4.65.3 mi
- Southridge RV Park in Big Spring4.42.4 mi
- Comanche Trail Municipal Golf Course4.35.7 mi
- Spring Town Plaza3.93 mi
- College Park Shopping Center42.3 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A major local park featuring trails, picnic areas, and recreational space.
Provides higher education and vocational training for the region.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.