Brownsville, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
189,177
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,130/yr
7.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
64,878
1.8% year-over-year change

Brownsville population

How many people live in Brownsville

Brownsville is home to 189,177 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Brownsville locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
189,177
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
91,962
Female
51.4%
97,215
Value Percent YoY change
Male 91,962 48.6% 1.5%
Female 97,215 51.4% -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 Brownsville is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.2% are children under 15, then 17.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.8% of the population, while another 20.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.2%
15 to 24
17.5%
25 to 44
25.8%
45 to 64
20.5%
Over 65
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 43,955 23.2% -2.0%
15 to 24 33,129 17.5% 1.2%
25 to 44 48,824 25.8% 0.7%
45 to 64 38,750 20.5% 1.2%
Over 65 24,519 13% 3.7%
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 Brownsville, 71.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 16.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 31.7% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 10.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 55.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
71.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.5%
Non-citizens
16.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 134,680 71.2% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 23,704 12.5% 4.2%
Non-citizens 30,793 16.3% -1.0%
Racial breakdown
White
31.7%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
55.6%
Other
10.9%
Value Percent
White 59,901 31.7%
Black or African American 666 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,076 0.6%
Asian 1,559 0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 109 0.1%
Two or more races 105,222 55.6%
Other 20,644 10.9%

Households in Brownsville

A peek inside Brownsville households

Brownsville has 59,839 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 77% are families, while the remaining 23% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
59,839
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
13,731
Family households
46,108
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,731 23% 7.5%
Family households 46,108 77% 0.8%
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 Brownsville

The housing landscape of Brownsville

Brownsville's housing consists of 64,878 units, with 68% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.9% 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 4.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
64,878
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 44,147 68%
1 unit, attached 1,898 2.9%
2 units 2,221 3.4%
3 or 4 units 3,408 5.2%
5 to 9 units 1,896 2.9%
10 to 19 units 1,464 2.3%
20 to 49 units 1,849 2.8%
50 or more units 4,730 7.3%
Mobile home 3,118 4.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 147 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
1,953
117.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brownsville

In Brownsville, the median construction year is 1995. About 2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 22.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 16% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,277 2% -0.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,493 2.3% -10.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,816 4.3% -6.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,196 6.5% 3.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 9,336 14.4% -1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,672 13.4% -4.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 10,071 15.5% 0.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 14,716 22.7% 3.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 10,348 16% 3.2%
Built in 2020 or later 1,953 3% 117.5%
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.

Brownsville occupancy rates

Out of the 59,839 occupied housing units in Brownsville, 61.7% are owner-occupied, while 38.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
59,839
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
22,930
Owner occupied
36,909
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 22,930 38.3% -2.2%
Owner occupied 36,909 61.7% 5.2%
Unoccupied housing units
7.8%
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.

Brownsville housing costs

Housing costs in Brownsville come to a median of $859 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $923.

Median housing costs per month
$859/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 Brownsville
$923/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 Brownsville

Brownsville education at a glance

About 37.8% of the population in Brownsville went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 15.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 19,035 14% -1.2%
High school diploma 51,166 37.8% -1.9%
College diploma 26,134 19.3% -0.2%
Associate degree 10,108 7.5% 2.5%
Bachelor's degree 20,682 15.3% 11.3%
Graduate degree 8,334 6.2% 15.7%
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 Brownsville

How much people earn in Brownsville

The average annual household income in Brownsville was $69,094 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,130, reflecting a +7.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brownsville
$69,094/year
3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brownsville
$52,130/year
7.1% year-over-year change

Brownsville income by age

In Brownsville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $59,473. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $61,534 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $31,397, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $30,385 in earnings. Overall, 76.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $31,397 9.0%
25 - 44 $59,473 4.3%
45 - 64 $61,534 5.0%
Over 65 $30,385 -0.8%
Above poverty level
141,782
Below poverty level
43,563
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 141,782 76.5% 2.2%
Below poverty level 43,563 23.5% -4.2%

Average renter income in Brownsville

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Brownsville, their median household income was $31,460 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,460
Rent-to-income ratio
35.2%
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 Brownsville

Workforce and job types in Brownsville

The job market in Brownsville is powered by 79,222 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.8% run their own businesses, 62.7% are employed by private companies, and 20.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
79,222
2.0% year-over-year change
White collar
61,486
Blue collar
17,736
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 61,486 77.6% 1.9%
Blue collar 17,736 22.4% 2.3%
Employer type
Self employees
10.8%
Private companies
62.7%
Governmental workers
20.1%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 8,588 10.8% 1.9%
Private companies 49,661 62.7% 1.6%
Governmental workers 15,952 20.1% 1.8%
Not for profit companies 5,021 6.3% 6.8%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
3.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Brownsville stands at 6.2%, 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 Brownsville

How people get around in Brownsville

Commuting methods vary: 88.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 69,375 88.3% 1.5%
Taxicab 68 0.1% -2.9%
Bus or trolleybus 561 0.7% -6.7%
Railroad 6 0% -25.0%
Motorcycle 16 0% 33.3%
Bicycle 123 0.2% 16.0%
Walk 1,002 1.3% -12.6%
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 Brownsville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
78566 25,110 7,241 $60,187 $83,707
78575 4,575 1,620 $71,765 $108,850
78578 10,016 4,379 $51,880 $83,018
78586 50,964 15,699 $45,575 $59,574
78520 64,740 20,847 $50,116 $64,337
78521 87,380 27,731 $44,509 $59,611
78526 60,012 17,516 $70,565 $88,541

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FAQs about Brownsville demographics 

What is the total population of Brownsville?

Brownsville has a total population of 189,177 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Brownsville?

The gender ratio in Brownsville is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (91,962 residents)
  • 51.4% females (97,215 residents)

What is the median age in Brownsville?

The median age in Brownsville is 31.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brownsville?

The age distribution in Brownsville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.2% (43,955 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.5% (33,129 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.8% (48,824 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.5% (38,750 residents)
  • Over 65: 13% (24,519 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brownsville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brownsville is as follows:
  • White: 31.7% (59,901 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (666 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (1,076 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (1,559 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (109 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 55.6% (105,222 residents)
  • Other: 10.9% (20,644 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 71.2% of the population in Brownsville.

How many housing units are there in Brownsville?

There are 64,878 housing units in Brownsville, reflecting a +1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Brownsville has a total of 59,839 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brownsville?

Brownsville has a median household income of $52,130, representing a +7.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.8% in Brownsville, with a workforce of 79,222 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.6% (61,486 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.4% (17,736 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.8% (8,588 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.7% (49,661 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.1% (15,952 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (5,021 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