Rio Frio ZIP Code List — Real County, TX

There is one unique ZIP code in Rio Frio, Texas and it is 78879. Area code: 830.

ZIP codes

21.90

sq mi land

0.12

sq mi water

830

area code

Rio Frio, TX ZIP code map

About Rio Frio, TX

Rio Frio, Texas, is a small yet captivating community located in Real County. Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, it offers a serene environment for both residents and visitors alike. This charming town is known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.

Location & geography

Rio Frio is situated approximately 10 miles from the vibrant town of Leakey and around 36 miles from the more substantial city of Kerrville. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and lush greenery, with the Frio River meandering nearby, enhancing the area’s natural beauty. Covering a total area of 21.90 square miles, the town contains 0.12 square miles of water, providing ample recreational opportunities.

Community & economy

The character of Rio Frio centers around a tight-knit community where residents value their tranquil lifestyle and connection to nature. The local economy primarily thrives on tourism, with visitors coming to enjoy outdoor activities such as tubing, fishing, and birdwatching. Daily life in this rural town is peaceful, fostered by a friendly atmosphere and community events that bring people together.

Transportation

The main highway serving Rio Frio is U.S. Route 83, which provides a critical connection to nearby towns and cities. The nearest major airport is located in Kerrville, approximately 36 miles away, while smaller regional airports serve the area as well. Public transportation options are minimal, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transit.

History

Rio Frio was founded in the late 19th century and has since grown as a hub for ranching and tourism due to its beautiful landscapes and recreational opportunities. Key industries have historically included agriculture and outdoor recreation, supporting the town's growth. Notable events in the town's history revolve around community festivals that celebrate its cultural heritage and foster local pride.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Rio Frio is that it is named after the Frio River, which translates to 'cold' in Spanish, reflecting the river's cool temperature. Despite its small size, the town attracts visitors year-round, eager to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the Texas Hill Country.

ZIP codes for Rio Frio, TX (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
78879	Rio Frio	Real	View map

Demographics & statistics

291

Population

45.8

Median age

$71,250

Median household income

$28,454

Per capita income

Median home value

Median monthly rent

85.1%

Home ownership

0.0%

Poverty rate

0.0%

Unemployment

210

Housing units

42.9%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

10–14

15–19

20–24

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	33	11.3%
18 and over	258	88.7%
65 and over	114	39.2%
Median age	45.8 years

Race & ethnicity

White 100%

Group	Count	%
White	291	100%

Household income

$50k–$75k 72.3%

$75k–$100k 19.1%

$100k–$150k 7.4%

$200k+ 1.1%

Range	% of households
$50k–$75k	72.3%
$75k–$100k	19.1%
$100k–$150k	7.4%
$200k+	1.1%
Median income	$71,250

Housing

Home values

$150k–$200k 52.5%

$500k–$1M 25.0%

$1M+ 22.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$0
Median rent / month	$0
Owner occupied	85.1%
Renter occupied	14.9%
Vacant	58.0%
Single-family detached	83.5%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	16.5%
Median rooms	5.7
Avg household size (owned)	2.73

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	16.1%
2000–2009	12.9%
1990–1999	12.9%
1980–1989	27.7%
1970–1979	16.1%
1960–1969	2.2%
1950–1959	7.1%
1940–1949	0.0%
1939 or earlier	4.9%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	9.4%
1 bedroom	4.9%
2 bedrooms	23.7%
3 bedrooms	54.0%
4 bedrooms	8.0%
5+ bedrooms	0.0%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	0.0%
1 vehicle	0.0%
2 vehicles	98.9%
3 or more	1.1%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Electricity	80.9%
No fuel used	19.1%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	38	40.4%
Cohabiting couple	0	0.0%
Male householder, no spouse	0	0.0%
Female householder, no spouse	56	59.6%
Households with children under 18	14	14.9%
Households with seniors (65+)	72	76.6%
Average household size	3.10

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	40.0%	45.3%
Married	60.0%	11.9%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	0.0%	0.0%
Divorced	0.0%	42.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.0%

Some HS, no diploma 0.0%

HS graduate 0.0%

Some college, no degree 57.1%

Associate's degree 0.0%

Bachelor's degree 39.3%

Graduate / professional 3.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	100.0%
Bachelor's or higher	42.9%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	25	25.0%
High school	8	8.0%
College / grad school	67	67.0%

Employment

Industry of employment

Arts, food & hospitality 80.6%

Retail trade 13.6%

Finance & real estate 4.9%

Professional & management 1.0%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	41.7%
Service	13.6%
Sales & office	44.7%
Natural resources & construction	0.0%
Production & transportation	0.0%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	100.0%
Government	0.0%
Self-employed	0.0%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	100.0%
Carpool	0.0%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	0.0

Poverty

All people 0.0%

Under 18 years 0.0%

18 and over 0.0%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	76.6%
Retirement income	39.4%
Supplemental Security	0.0%
Cash public assistance	0.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	14.9%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	49.3%
High cholesterol	46.3%
Heart disease	12.4%
Stroke	5.8%
Asthma	9.9%
Arthritis	37.3%
Kidney disease	5.2%
Pulmonary disease	13.5%
Cancer	9.7%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	13.0%
No physical activity	33.6%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	33.2%
Fair or poor health	27.1%
Poor mental health	15.0%
Poor physical health	17.7%
No health insurance	25.9%
Visited doctor (checkup)	76.6%
Visited dentist	48.1%
Cholesterol screening	92.1%
Teeth loss	20.5%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	30	11.6%

Disability	%
Any disability	18.6%
Under 18	75.8%
18–64 years	15.3%
65 and over	6.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	65.6%
Public insurance	39.2%
Uninsured under 19	30.3%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	291	100.0%
Spanish	0	0.0%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	291	100.0%
Born in same state	291	100.0%
Born in different state	266	91.4%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	0	0.0%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	21	7.2%
Polish	18	6.2%

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	7	2.4%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	32.3%
Internet access	100.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Rio Frio, TX?

Rio Frio, TX has one ZIP code: 78879.

What is the main ZIP code for Rio Frio, TX?

The primary ZIP code for Rio Frio, TX is 78879. The city uses area code 830 for phone service.

What county is Rio Frio, TX in?

Rio Frio is located in Real County, Texas.

How many ZIP codes are in Rio Frio, TX?

Rio Frio, TX has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for Rio Frio in Real County, Texas?

Rio Frio, Texas is located in ZIP code 78879, which covers this small community in Real County in the Texas Hill Country region.

If I'm sending mail to a business or residence in Rio Frio, TX, what ZIP code should I use?

All addresses in Rio Frio should use the ZIP code 78879, as this is the only ZIP code serving this community in Real County.