Brain Power

This Dallas ZIP code clocks in among the smartest spots in Texas

One ZIP boasts big shares of residents with postgrad and professional degrees.

The Dallas area is bursting with brain power, particularly in one part of town. One ZIP code in the region ranks among the top 10 in Texas with the highest share of residents Texans who've earned a master's, professional, or doctoral degree, according to a new list from UnitedStatesZipCodes.org.

"When deciding where to live, neighborhoods full of residents with postgraduate degrees are … increasingly attractive," reads UnitedStatesZipCodes.org, which based its ranking on U.S. Census Bureau data. "Well-educated communities — full of leaders in technology, medicine, business, and more — can bring new industries and revenue."

The postgraduate category includes PhDs and MBAs, while the professional category includes JDs (law degrees) and MDs (medical degrees).

Coming in as the smartest ZIP code in Dallas — and No. 7 in Texas — is 75205. This Park Cities ZIP code is home to the Southern Methodist University campus. Here, 37.7 percent of adults hold a postgraduate or professional degree.

Just outside the top 10, at No. 11, is adjacent 75225, where 35.1 percent of adults have a postgraduate or professional degree. Other Dallas-area ZIPs that make the top 50 are 75063 in Irving (No. 19), 75039 in Irving (No. 21), 75201 in Dallas (No. 26), Plano's, 75025 and 75024 (No. 33 and 34, respectively), Colleyville's 76034 (No. 35), Richardson's 75082 (No. 36), 75018 in Coppell (No. 38), 75093 in Plano (No. 39), 75013 in Allen (No. 40), Southlake's 76092 (No. 41), and Dallas' 75204, 75230, and 75214 (No. 42, 46, and 48, respectively).

The three smartest ZIPs in Texas are all in Houston, according to the study. Houston's 77030, which houses the Texas Medical Center, ranks No. 1, with more than half (51.7 percent) of adults 25 and over holding a postgraduate or professional degree.

No. 2 is Houston's 77005, where 48.5 percent of adults hold a postgraduate or professional degree, and No. 3 is 77401 — Bellaire — with 47.6 percent of adults landing in the category.

The other Texas ZIP codes in the top 10 for postgraduate or professional degrees are:

No. 4 — 78703, Austin, 41.5 percent.
No. 5 — 77098, Houston, 39.2 percent.
No. 6 — 77025, Houston, 39.15 percent.
No. 8 — 78746, Austin, 37.2 percent.
No. 9 — 78731, Austin, 37.1 percent.
No. 10 — 77024, Houston, 35.4 percent.

Federal data shows the unemployment rates for people with master's, professional, and doctoral degrees are lower than for other groups, such as people whose bachelor's or associate's degrees are their most advanced degrees. In addition, people with a postgraduate or professional degree typically earn more money.

"Graduates with the right knowledge and skills have the ability to demand higher salaries, as they are equipped to make significant contributions to the revenue and growth of the companies they work for," the Digital Marketing Institute says.

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A version of this story originally appeared on our sister site, InnovationMap.com.

rankings texas colleges education

Nick and Nora news

Dallas takes steps to protect White Rock Lake eaglets as they learn to fly

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Visitors to White Rock Lake may notice new restrictions and barricades near a bald eagle nesting area, as three eaglets begin learning to fly.

According to a release from the City of Dallas, Dallas Park and Recreation is monitoring the eagle couple, affectionately nicknamed "Nick and Nora" by local residents, closely because they now have three young eaglets ready to take flight. (While their exact location is widely known, down to the very tree, this CultureMap story is not going to disclose it out of an abundance of caution for the fragile family.)

The city is asking area visitors to keep noise levels low and dogs on leashes near the nest.

The release says water-filled barricades are in place along East Lawther Drive between the playground and the Dreyfuss split, temporarily affecting vehicle access in the area. Drivers should expect short delays, and cyclists are being asked to slow down nearby. The playground near the nesting zone is also temporarily closed.

Officials say the Dreyfuss area, White Rock Trail, and Lake Highlands Drive will remain open for walking and biking.

The three eaglets are in a developmental phase known as “branching,” when young bald eagles begin leaving the nest and learning to fly. During this period, the eaglets may be seen on the ground or perched in lower tree branches.

Texas Parks and Wildlife officials say this is a particularly sensitive stage because the young birds can appear injured or distressed as they develop their flying skills. Adult eagles may also become more protective during this time.

"Keeping a safe distance helps prevent problems for both the eagle family and park visitors," park officials say.

Dallas Park and Recreation is coordinating with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the eagle family, the release says.

Bald eagles have been spotted near the lake since at least 2019, and have returned in subsequent years to make a nest in the area.

After nearly disappearing decades ago from most of the United States, the bald eagle population is now flourishing across the nation.

Bald eagles are protected under federal law. Disruption of their natural activities is prohibited and a violation of the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. A violation can result in a fine of $100,000, imprisonment for one year, or both.

parks conservation white rock lake animals

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Nick and Nora news

Dallas takes steps to protect White Rock Lake eaglets as they learn to fly