Abilene, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
128,053
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,648/yr
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
53,156
0.8% year-over-year change

Abilene population

How many people live in Abilene

Abilene is home to 128,053 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.4% of Abilene locals are male, and 48.6% are female.

Total population
128,053
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.4%
65,781
Female
48.6%
62,272
Value Percent YoY change
Male 65,781 51.4% 1.3%
Female 62,272 48.6% 0.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Abilene is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.2% are children under 15, then 19% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.9% of the population, while another 19% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.2%
15 to 24
19%
25 to 44
28.9%
45 to 64
19%
Over 65
13.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 24,568 19.2% 1.2%
15 to 24 24,298 19% 0.3%
25 to 44 36,987 28.9% 0.8%
45 to 64 24,393 19% -0.3%
Over 65 17,807 13.9% 2.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Abilene, 91.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 63.4% of locals are Caucasian, 10.3% are African American and 2.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 17.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.5%
Non-citizens
4.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 116,884 91.3% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,731 4.5% 0.7%
Non-citizens 5,438 4.2% -1.8%
Racial breakdown
White
63.4%
Black or African American
10.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
17.5%
Other
5.9%
Value Percent
White 81,196 63.4%
Black or African American 13,160 10.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 565 0.4%
Asian 3,045 2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 99 0.1%
Two or more races 22,446 17.5%
Other 7,542 5.9%

Households in Abilene

A peek inside Abilene households

Abilene has 46,917 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.8% are families, while the remaining 37.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
46,917
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
17,475
Family households
29,442
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 17,475 37.2% 3.9%
Family households 29,442 62.8% -1.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Abilene

The housing landscape of Abilene

Abilene's housing consists of 53,156 units, with 69.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
53,156
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 36,787 69.2%
1 unit, attached 1,587 3%
2 units 1,756 3.3%
3 or 4 units 2,312 4.4%
5 to 9 units 3,392 6.4%
10 to 19 units 2,623 4.9%
20 to 49 units 1,240 2.3%
50 or more units 1,737 3.3%
Mobile home 1,474 2.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 248 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
1,171
85.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Abilene

In Abilene, the median construction year is 1975. About 7.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,834 7.2% 5.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,827 7.2% 9.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 11,010 20.7% -5.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,589 8.6% -1.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6,582 12.4% -1.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,003 15.1% -0.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,251 9.9% 5.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,609 6.8% -9.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,280 9.9% 4.5%
Built in 2020 or later 1,171 2.2% 85.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Abilene occupancy rates

Out of the 46,917 occupied housing units in Abilene, 56.1% are owner-occupied, while 43.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
46,917
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
20,597
Owner occupied
26,320
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 20,597 43.9% -0.5%
Owner occupied 26,320 56.1% 1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
11.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Abilene housing costs

Housing costs in Abilene come to a median of $1,159 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,157.

Median housing costs per month
$1,159/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Abilene
$1,157/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Abilene

Abilene education at a glance

About 39.3% of the population in Abilene went to high school, while 24.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 16.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,814 3.9% 7.9%
High school diploma 38,697 39.3% 3.3%
College diploma 24,173 24.5% -2.2%
Associate degree 8,013 8.1% -7.9%
Bachelor's degree 15,979 16.2% 1.3%
Graduate degree 7,889 8% 3.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Abilene

How much people earn in Abilene

The average annual household income in Abilene was $83,541 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,648, reflecting a -0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Abilene
$83,541/year
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Abilene
$62,648/year
-0.1% year-over-year change

Abilene income by age

In Abilene, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,905. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,866 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $40,151, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $54,977 in earnings. Overall, 83.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $40,151 4.7%
25 - 44 $70,905 2.0%
45 - 64 $74,866 2.1%
Over 65 $54,977 -2.1%
Above poverty level
96,764
Below poverty level
18,582
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 96,764 83.9% -0.6%
Below poverty level 18,582 16.1% 9.9%

Average renter income in Abilene

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Abilene, their median household income was $42,497 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$42,497
Rent-to-income ratio
32.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Abilene

Workforce and job types in Abilene

The job market in Abilene is powered by 56,499 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 64.5% are employed by private companies, and 15.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
56,499
0.4% year-over-year change
White collar
44,523
Blue collar
11,976
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 44,523 78.8% 0.6%
Blue collar 11,976 21.2% -0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
64.5%
Governmental workers
15.2%
Not for profit companies
12.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,652 8.2% 9.6%
Private companies 36,433 64.5% -1.1%
Governmental workers 8,589 15.2% 2.3%
Not for profit companies 6,825 12.1% 0.3%
Unemployment rate
3.0%
12.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Abilene stands at 3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Abilene

How people get around in Abilene

In Abilene, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 87.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
2.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 52,563 87.7% -0.5%
Bus or trolleybus 239 0.4% -17.3%
Motorcycle 136 0.2% 0.7%
Bicycle 100 0.2% -74.7%
Walk 1,391 2.3% 3.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Abilene by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
79601 28,050 8,277 $53,631 $71,628
79602 27,425 10,001 $89,551 $100,742
79603 23,548 8,705 $53,513 $67,557
79605 28,467 11,152 $62,929 $87,059
79606 29,182 12,267 $79,196 $101,926
79699 113 0 $0 $0

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FAQs about Abilene demographics 

What is the total population of Abilene?

Abilene has a total population of 128,053 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Abilene?

The gender ratio in Abilene is as follows:
  • 51.4% males (65,781 residents)
  • 48.6% females (62,272 residents)

What is the median age in Abilene?

The median age in Abilene is 32.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Abilene?

The age distribution in Abilene is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.2% (24,568 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 19% (24,298 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.9% (36,987 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19% (24,393 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.9% (17,807 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Abilene?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Abilene is as follows:
  • White: 63.4% (81,196 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.3% (13,160 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (565 residents)
  • Asian: 2.4% (3,045 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (99 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17.5% (22,446 residents)
  • Other: 5.9% (7,542 residents)

What percentage of the population in Abilene are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.3% of the population in Abilene.

How many housing units are there in Abilene?

There are 53,156 housing units in Abilene, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Abilene and what is the average household size?

Abilene has a total of 46,917 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Abilene?

Abilene has a median household income of $62,648, representing a -0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Abilene?

The employment rate is 97% in Abilene, with a workforce of 56,499 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.8% (44,523 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.2% (11,976 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (4,652 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.5% (36,433 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.2% (8,589 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.1% (6,825 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025