The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 77474 sells for about $345,000, or $185 per square foot.
Prices are down 2.4% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 62 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,850 a month.
ZIP 77474 — Sealy
The housing market in 77474 remains stable, supported by steady demand from families relocating from the Houston metro area. While year-over-year prices have seen a slight correction, the inventory levels and sales pace suggest a balanced market. Growth is primarily driven by new residential construction along the I-10 corridor.
This ZIP is well-suited for families and commuters seeking a small-town lifestyle with relative affordability compared to the Houston core. It appeals to those who prioritize space and community over urban density while maintaining highway access to major employment centers.
Median prices moved down 2.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 62 days on market with 6.5 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 14.4% — 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 8.5%/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 6.8%/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 77474, Austin County TX
Crime in Sealy is generally considered low compared to the broader Houston metropolitan area, with property crime being the primary concern. Local law enforcement maintains a visible presence, and the area is perceived as a quiet, small-town environment.
Schools in the area are primarily served by the Sealy Independent School District, which is generally regarded as providing a stable, community-focused educational environment for local families.
The area is subject to flood risks associated with the Brazos River basin and regional storm events. Property insurance premiums have trended upward in recent years due to regional weather-related claims and broader Texas market pressures.
Economic momentum is driven by its location along the I-10 corridor, facilitating logistics and manufacturing growth. Major employers include local industrial facilities and regional distribution centers, with ongoing residential development expanding the housing stock.
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 residents utilizing I-10 for access to the Katy and Houston employment hubs. Travel times to the Houston metro core typically range from 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
The area features local parks such as Levine Park and various community sports facilities. Shopping and dining are concentrated along the I-10 frontage road, providing essential services within a short drive.
The rental market is characterized by moderate demand, with a mix of single-family rentals and smaller apartment complexes. Vacancy pressure is generally low, though rent growth has stabilized following recent national trends.
The economy is anchored by manufacturing, logistics, and agricultural support services. Proximity to the Houston metro area allows for a diverse industry mix, with significant employment in regional distribution and local government.
Transportation is dominated by the I-10 highway corridor, which serves as the primary artery for both local transit and regional commuting. Public transit options are limited, necessitating personal vehicle ownership.
Development is focused on residential expansion to accommodate population growth from the Houston metro area. Infrastructure planning is currently prioritizing utility capacity and road improvements to support new subdivisions.
The Austin Central Appraisal District manages property assessments, with values typically updated annually to reflect market conditions. The district provides exemptions for homesteads and agricultural land use.
Parcels are subject to various special districts, including Sealy ISD, Austin County emergency services, and local utility districts that manage water and drainage infrastructure.
Property insurance in this region is influenced by flood risk mapping and regional storm exposure. Premiums are generally higher than inland areas due to the proximity to the Gulf Coast weather patterns.
Texas continues to experience strong net domestic migration, with the Houston metro area and its surrounding counties, including Austin County, serving as primary destinations for new residents.
Texas is a non-judicial foreclosure state, allowing for relatively efficient processing of defaults. Statutory notice periods are strictly enforced to protect borrower rights.
Texas law requires sellers to provide a written disclosure notice to buyers, detailing the condition of the property and any known defects. This must be delivered prior to the execution of a binding contract.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov and Census Reporter profiles for ZCTA 77474.
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.
- Dewberry Farm4.115.9 mi
- Summer Breeze USA RV Resort & Waterpark4.612 mi
- Dewberry Farm4.115.9 mi
- Blessington Farms4.514 mi
- The Brookwood Community4.813.6 mi
- The Springs Weddings & Events4.510.5 mi
- BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch4.810.7 mi
- Stephen F. Austin State Park4.65.5 mi
- B&PW PARK4.41.6 mi
- Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge4.69 mi
- Margaret Chesley Memorial Park4.612.3 mi
- Brookshire Brothers4.311.4 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A central community park featuring playgrounds and picnic areas.
A regional retail destination located along the I-10 corridor.
Provides regional recreational access for fishing and outdoor activities.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.