Males had a median income of $21,932 versus $14,583 for females. The per capita income for the city was $8,500. About 25.4% of families and 28.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.9% of those under age 18 and 28.0% of those age 65 or over. Peñitas is served by the La Joya Independent School District. Schools include JFK Elementary School, C. Chavez Middle School, and La Joya High School. In addition, South Texas Independent School District operates magnet schools that serve the community. The United States Postal Service operates the Peñitas Post Office.